Snow Day!

I can't believe we have a snow day today! I really thought it would be another year of no snow days. I'm pretty excited to have an extra, unexpected day off!

I'm going to get a run in, work on report cards, and get some things done around the house (laundry!!).

So far, 2013 has been off to a good start. I didn't set any resolutions, per se, but I have started off the year being pretty active. I've run 26.83 miles in Jan., according to Endomondo. I was going to say that I have been running a lot more than usual for January, but I just looked back to last year's stats and I ran 61 miles in Jan 2012. So I guess not!

But I have done 4 hours of yoga this month and run for over 10 hours. I like stats, they motivate me. Haha!

I decided to train for the Riverbank Run 10k. I have to say, I really like being active, but when I am out of the habit of exercise, I do a lot of mental (and verbal) complaining about it. But lately, I don't feel as reluctant to workout. Instead, I have felt more like, "Hmm, what workout will I do today that will make me stronger?".

I think this is due to a few reasons. Number one, I'm not just running all the time, like I have done in the past. On days when I don't feel like running, I pick something else. I have been mixing running up with the 30 Day Shred, Shred It with Weights (Kettle Bell workout), and yoga too. I like the Jillian Michaels' workouts because you can select the level of workout intensity. So on particularly sore days, I can opt for an easier workout. This makes me feel like I have options, instead of just having to get on the treadmill if I don't want to.

My newfound love for yoga is also making me want to be more active. I have gone to yoga class twice with girls from my teaching team. It was super intense and hot, although it wasn't technically "hot" yoga. 95 degrees is hot in my book though! I have also been using an app called Pocket Yoga on my iPad. You can pick from three different types, three different time lengths, and three different intensity levels. I have been doing it once or twice a day since I downloaded the app. Love!

For all my workouts, besides running of course, I use my iPad. I have the 30 Day Shred, Shred It with Weights, Pocket Yoga, and some of the free daily workout apps on my iPad.

So that's how my workout life has been lately and I'm pretty happy with it! And last, I'll leave you with a quote I recently read & liked. Thank you, Pinterest!

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Have a great week, everyone! 

(Laila was a forced participant in this picture)

Hello 2013!

I love the start of a new year and I'm feeling ready for 2013! I usually like to write some New Years resolutions and the blog is a nice way to check in with myself throughout the year. But this year I'm having trouble thinking of any particular goals.

In general, I want my 2013 to be about healthy choices with food and exercise. I am thinking about maybe doing the Riverbank Run 10k on May 11. I've been running over break on the treadmill and it feels good to get back into it. But I don't really feel like setting a mileage goal like I've done in the past. I just want to stay focused on how I feel much better in mind and body when I workout, rather than trying to reach a certain running goal.

I also want 2013 to be about less stress. I feel like Gil and I are always busy and along with being busy  often comes stress. When I think of reducing stress, I think of a few things. Staying active is one of the best ways to get rid of the tension we carry during the work day. I really want Gil and I to stay active this year...it's so hard for us to slide out of the habit!

Organization is also a key for me to feel less stressed. I'm going to work hard to keep our house organized so it is a nice respite from the world, rather than an added stress looking at clutter in our house. I also am going to try to keep up with the house throughout the week, rather than waiting for weekends to do the whole shebang. Doing just a little throughout the week is so much easier than having to do it all at once...but again, it's super easy for me to let things go during the week when I'm busy!

So there you have it, my *general* resolutions for the year...staying healthy, active, and unstressed! Hope it's a great 2013!

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