Category Archives: Healthy Habits

Get Beach-Body Ready: Summer Sizzler Ab Workout

SummerSizzlerAbs

A strong core is always in season, so I created this quick and versatile body-weight ab routine that can be completed anywhere, anytime.

Customize it to suit your needs, whether it’s one set on your lunch break or a multiple-set, full-body workout with the addition of short bursts of cardio (warm-up, cool-down and in between sets).

Hint: As always, if you’re not familiar with some of the moves listed, simply Google the term, and you’ll be able to find a description or video of it in action.

And please remember to focus on quality of movement over speed for the best results!

What’s your favorite workout for getting beach-ready? 

Not a ‘Real’ Runner? Here’s Why I Don’t Believe You

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This is a re-post of my latest Huffington Post article, which went live yesterday. It’s written with love for anyone who has dabbled (or wants to dabble) with running, and I thought it was worth sharing here, as well! 

Running can be a bit of an enigma. And I get it; it’s so simple — lace up, head out the door — yet so… complicated. From finding properly-fitting shoes and figuring out nutrition on long runs to way too much information about bodily functions and finding motivation for mile after mile, I can see how there may be a few barriers to entry when comes to joining the ranks of the fleet of feet.

But when did the world’s most accessible sport become something with which people are apprehensive about owning their affiliation?

Case in point: Each Monday night I coach a group of fantastic ladies through Team LUNA Chix. Our local teams in the program include women of all levels, from beginners to casual competitors. The goal is to bring women together to learn a new sport, stay active and encourage other women in their communities to participate in the fun. We train, compete and support each other, while fundraising for our non-profit partner, the Breast Cancer Fund.

Since we’re in our first year in a new city (Portland!), we’ve been actively recruiting. There’s always a lot of interest as we chat about the need for women to get out, get active and set an example for others. We talk about how they’ll meet new people, break a sweat, share some laughs and, heck, even end each of our workouts with snacks.

I get enthusiastic nods and smiles. Yet, when the rubber running shoe hits the road, those grins fade and are replaced by words I’ve heard countless times now:

But I’m not a runner.

Every time I hear that phrase, it feels like a punch in the gut. I love running, and I so badly want others to experience how empowering it can be. Granted, not everyone wants to run… but if you do want to learn, you should never feel the need to downplay your status until (you think) you’re fast/thin/athletic/whatever enough to be able to engage in it with others.

Do you want to know the secret to being able to call yourself a ‘real’ runner?

Get your butt out there and RUN.

There’s no pill to pop, credential to earn or magic formula to decipher in order to become a “real” runner. You don’t have to hit certain milestones in pace, mileage, events completed or years under your belt to qualify. Also, each runner’s body is unique and will react so differently to running that only YOU can be your own expert — finding the shoes that feel good on your feet, the fuel that won’t upset your gut, which distances are your sweet spots, etc.

The process itself is a simple one: Start at Point A and run to Point B. Even if the distance between the two is a few blocks and you take three walk breaks (true story; that’s how I began). Congratulations; you are now — officially, I might add — a runner.

Why? Because running — and being a runner — is as much a state of mind and an attitude as it is putting one foot in front of the other and moving quickly. It transcends time and space and distance and pace.

Yes, it will downright suck sometimes when you miss your goals, get random injuries or just have an “off” day. You’ll have bad workouts that come out of nowhere, you’ll deal with odd aches and pains and and you’ll be disappointed in yourself every so often.

But you know what sucks even more? Robbing yourself of the opportunity to try it on for size because you’re worried about being judged by others (we’re all up in our own heads anyway).

And as you learn to connect with your body in new ways and become more self-aware and appreciative of the feedback you get from this beautiful machine you’re operating, you’ll also realize that running becomes less about the act and more about your approach towards it. Fast or slow, gracefully or awkwardly, long or short, alone or together — it all counts, as long as you’ve got a good attitude and are willing to give it a go.

Yes, there’s a certain level of comfort that comes only with time, patience and practice. But in the meantime, you should never feel as though you aren’t seasoned enough to be able to embrace the sport and call it your own. That’s the absolute best part about it — the community.

So before you start going down the path of reasons why you shouldn’t do it (starting from scratch never feels great) or can’t do it (there’s so much to learn), just stop. Caving in to the voice in your head only feeds into a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure.

But if you’re genuinely curious about running and open to a world of new — and rewarding — experiences, there are two things to do immediately: First, recognize that any pain is manageable, fear is irrational and pledge to yourself that neither will stand in your way. Second, lace up those shoes, head out the door and repeat after me:

I’m not a runner… yet.

5 Steps to Becoming a Morning Workout Person

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It’s time to say “sayonara” to the snooze button.

Even though experts claim that the best time to exercise depends on your schedule and your body, the odds are still in favor of morning workouts. I mean, really, who wants to say no to happy hour?!

Here are five ways I finally motivated myself to kick off the covers and make the shift from night owl to early bird when it comes to working out:

1. Adjust your attitude.

For years the excuse that I “just wasn’t a morning person” kept me from fully committing to morning workouts. But then I realized that even the earliest of birds aren’t necessarily always keen to wake up and hit the gym first thing.

It may sound corny, but it works: fake it ’til ya make it! Don’t expect it to be easy, but do expect more consistency, progress and success with your training when you prioritize it — and, ultimately, yourself — as the first accomplishment of the day.

2. Shift your schedule.

Previously, my MO was to sleep in as late as possible. Workouts would (or wouldn’t) get slotted in on the way home from work, then by the time dinner was made, eaten and digested, it was late and I’d push the alarm back to catch a few extra z’s.

What finally made a difference for us was deciding, as a family, to eat earlier (usually around 6 or 7 p.m., as opposed to 8 or 9 p.m.). This had a reverse domino effect on our day; evenings were longer, we got to bed at a decent time, and getting up an hour earlier became doable.

Monday-morning-workouts

3. Remove any roadblocks. 

Getting up from the warm cocoon of my bed when it’s dark and cold out is nearly impossible. Solution? I throw open the shade and adjust our thermostat to come on about a half hour before we wake up so it’s a more inviting atmosphere.

I also make sure to work through any other potential sticking points — whether it’s picking an outfit, getting my gear together or deciding which route I’ll take, etc. — ahead of time. Tee up the essentials, and the question isn’t whether or not you’ll work out, but when.

4. Use positive reinforcement. 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I am not above bribery when it comes to getting myself to morning workouts. And my currency of choice? Coffee (along with the occasional pastry or biscuit — just #keepingitreal; you’ve gotta find what works for you).

If it’s a long run, sure, I’ll have a cup beforehand to get things moving. But if it’s a shorter jog or I’m cross training or strength training, never underestimate the power of that caffeine-fueled carrot: a lovely cup o’ joe.

5. Reap the benefits. 

Lest you think making the switch to morning workouts is a chore (case in point: all those “change this” or “don’t do that” ideas above), it’s important to recognize that there’s a pretty awesome payoff: Being able to reclaim my evenings was nothing short of life-changing.

Because, let’s face it, when you’ve got to choose between a workout vs. a last-minute girls’ night, networking event, work dinner or even date night, we all know the odds aren’t in favor of going to the gym. Get it out of the way first thing and feel empowered that you ran your day (literally) instead of it running you.

Are you down with morning workouts? Got any more tips to share? 

Get Explosive: 4th of July Firecracker Workout

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Light up your 4th of July with a plyometric workout designed to build explosive power. Performing these moves regularly can help you increase your vertical jump, speed and strength, which directly translates to better athletic performance.

A few words of warning, though: Plyo work can be pretty intense, so don’t do this workout in the heat of the afternoon or with a full belly. Your heart rate will soar, you’ll work several muscles at once and you’ll torch calories…but the last thing you want to do is pass out or lose your lunch in the process.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a towel, some water and feel the burn before that big family BBQ!

4thofJulyFirecrackerWorkout

Hint: If you’re not familiar with some of the moves listed, simply Google the term, and you’ll be able to find a description or video of it in action.

And, as always, remember to go at your own pace and use proper form. Think quality over quantity!

Are you planning a special workout for the 4th or taking the holiday as a rest day?

June Goal Check-In

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Giving Mary, leader of NoPo Run Club, a Team LUNA Chix Portland Run sandwich!

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. ~Russel Baker

Portland’s summer has not only arrived early (I’d been warned to expect rain off and on until the 4th of July), it’s also already kicked into high gear and promises to be one for the record books. In fact, rumor has it that this heat wave is likely to last well into early July and may end up breaking records for longevity, as well.

For example, last Saturday morning’s low at Portland International Airport was 71 degrees. This is the first time PDX has ever recorded a low in the 70s in the month of June.

Not that I’m complaining; I actually like the heat, and I’m thanking my lucky stars that my first year in Oregon has been a mild one when it comes to lack of rain. But it does make outdoor workouts a bit more tricky, so early mornings and advance planning have been key when it comes to sticking to my 2015 goals.

Wondering what this is all about? Read more on the five goals toward which I’m working this year.

Here’s the latest on my progress:

1. Seeking Balance

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, summer in Oregon means one thing: BERRIES! And taking into consideration the amount I’ve consumed thus far, I’m quite shocked I haven’t pulled a Violet Beauregard and morphed into a giant blueberry.

If there’s a second thing I’ve learned, it’s that summer in Oregon also means another thing: ALLERGIES. Spending an afternoon in the strawberry patch on Sauvie Island was totally worth it, even if I had to take Zyrtec for the next two weeks to keep from being a puffy, wheezy mess.

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And although I’ve started to hear the all-too-familiar siren song of fall marathon training, I’m trying to ignore it and stay focused on the present: Bouncing back from injury and enjoying that process before I sign up for my next major undertaking.

Luckily, Ben’s on board with this plan and has made it his mission to keep challenging us with weekend hikes that are as breathtaking in scenery as they are in elevation.

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2. Training Smarter

The biggest revelation — and relief — this month came from finally solving the mystery of my SI joint pain!!! I happened to overhear one of my trainer’s other clients complaining of similar symptoms and that his PT said kettlebell swings were the likely culprit. A-ha!

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Since he’s not a runner and the only common denominator in our workouts is kettlebell work, I decided to back off from swings to keep from jarring my pelvis. It’s been almost a month, and I’m happy to report that the pain has all but subsided during runs, so consider this my PSA if you’re having a similar issue!

3. Facing Fears

Swimming. My 2015 nemesis.

As I sit down to reflect and write my recap each month, I always cringe when it comes to this part. Yes, I’ve been in the pool a few times since my last update; no, I haven’t taken any of the steps needed to actually improve my technique and comfort level.

But that may have changed this past weekend. I was so inspired by watching Ben and friends in the Pacific Crest long course triathlon that I decided to re-commit to getting my ass to the pool.

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And Mary Anne, the swimmer from the women’s relay team (who kicked butt, by the way, and is training for a 5K swim later this season), graciously offered to get in the water with us and give Ben and me some pointers, so we’re going to set some dates and get moving on this.

Baby steps, right?!

4. Pushing Myself

My proudest moment this month came in the form of work: namely, launching my new company, Pulse Creative. After spending the past few years part-time for a start-up with freelance gigs on the side, I finally decided to make it official and fully align my passion (health, fitness and wellness) with my livelihood (helping people tell stories through PR, marketing and social media).

Just as coaches recognize potential and guide athletes to greatness, my goal is to work directly with small business owners to define challenges, recognize opportunities and help them develop the critical skills to be competitive and relevant in their respective market.

So if you happen to hear of anyone looking for help, I’d really appreciate it if you’d send them my way 🙂

5. Giving Back

Last but certainly not least comes Team LUNA Chix Portland Run. An extremely close second in terms of proud moments this month came in the form of being nominated for the Foot Traffic Women’s Hall of Fame for encouraging women to get active and providing a non-competitive environment in which to do so.

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Not only am I humbled at being included in the group they assembled — seriously, there were some pretty amazing competitors, coaches and local legends in there — but it also makes my heart happy to be able to contribute to the women’s running community here in Oregon.

And great timing, too, as we’ve been seeing some terrific attendance and momentum at our weekly workouts, so please come out and join us if you’re in the Portland area. We meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Duniway Park track — and all levels are welcome, both walkers and runners.

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Check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for more info!

How are your 2015 goals coming along? 

Spirit + Strength: Use Yoga To Take Your Training to the Next Level

Think you’ve got to reserve yoga just for rest and recovery days?

Think again. 

Despite common misconceptions — i.e. that yoga’s purpose is simply to ease tension and melt away stress (although there’s most definitely a time and place for that variety) — a brisk, flowing session can actually do more than help you find your zen; it also improves digestion and circulation, builds lean muscle mass and helps increase your overall metabolic rate.

That’s fantastic news for weekend warriors. But it’s even better news for athletes who not only want to hone strength and flexibility, but also develop proper diaphragm use and breathing biomechanics, get back into alignment and discourage compensation patterns, as well as concentrate on activating specific muscles that have become inhibited.

“Yoga can be an incredibly beneficial practice for any athlete,” says Anabel Capalbo, a yoga teacher, spin instructor and Ironman triathlete. “A consistent yoga practice builds strength and stability, while also working to increase our body awareness and alert us to any weaknesses that could lead to injury.”

And instead of viewing yoga solely as a static practice, Capalbo says it’s helpful think of it as a moving mediation, a time for you to be present and become more aware of your body, your mind and forging a deeper connection between them.

“Not just physical, yoga turns our focus inward and towards our breath, teaching us to find a strong sense of peace and calm when on the mat. For athletes, that ability to turn towards breath and to find strength can be somewhat of a secret weapon,” says Capalbo.

Here’s a sample sequence that can help increase balance, flexibility and strength — not to mention up your athletic game, as well.


Source: Fix.com

Do you use yoga as part of your training routine? 

Give Your Body a Natural Tune-Up with Turmeric

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Growing up, I remember my mom always experimenting with one superfood or another. Whether it was flaxseed, papaya pills, pomegranate seeds, blueberries, wheat germ, spinach, dark chocolate or garlic — you name it, we tried it in the name of achieving optimal health.

So it should probably come as no surprise that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. As much as I like to “eat the rainbow” and get an array of nutrients and vitamins through my diet, I’m not opposed to giving Mother Nature a little leg up every now and then with whatever natural remedy is all the rage.

This is why turmeric is the latest supplement to pique my interest. Well, more specifically, curcumin — the antioxidant found in turmeric.

Turmeric Root

Used for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb in China and India, turmeric is a distant relative of ginger. Not only does it give curry and mustard their bold yellow colors, but it’s been long used to support healthy digestion, promote cardiovascular health and support the immune system.*

Usually, I take daily turmeric supplements in pill form to ensure consistent consumption, and I was in the process of mulling over a post on the topic when Gaia Herbs reached out and asked if I’d like to try their new TurmericBoost products as an alternative. Um, yes!

I say “alternative” because instead of a pill it’s a powdered mix that’s flavored with vanilla and chai spices with no added sugar or flavorings. It comes in two varieties, Restore and Uplift, both of which contain concentrated turmeric extract to support a healthy inflammatory response with black pepper to aid in absorption, along with a prebiotic blend to support intestinal flora.*

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I’m not gonna lie, I was a little worried about mixing the turmeric directly into food; especially because it has a powerful smell. But I knew there was one way to test it for sure — in one of my now-infamous shower smoothies post-ride this past weekend.

So here’s what I whipped up, using my immersion blender:

  • 1 frozen banana, quartered
  • 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder
  • 10 ounces unsweetened almond milk
  • 1.5 tsp Gaia Herbs TurmericBoost: Restore

Simply blend all ingredients until smoothie reaches your desired consistency. Prepare with a handful of ice cubes if you like it thicker and colder. Pour into a glass, and enjoy!

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With a warm, bitter flavor and a mild fragrance slightly reminiscent of ginger, the turmeric blended seamlessly into my smoothie. In fact, with the addition of the vanilla and chai spices, it reminded both Ben and I of one of our favorite holiday drinks: eggnog.

This one went over so well in the husband taste test that I’m excited to try Gaia’s other turmeric recipes here. The Pumpkin Chia Pudding and Overnight Oats look especially interesting because I’m always looking for healthy, grab-and-go breakfasts after my morning workouts.

Now, the disclaimer: Always be sure to check with your doctor before you start mixing herbs and medicines so you don’t experience any adverse side effects.

Turmeric is known for being potent and playing well with others, so it might be something worth looking into if you’re searching for a more natural way to support your health and facilitate recovery.* Here’s a handy guide (below) with some additional information on turmeric’s health benefits, side effects and cautions if you’re interested in learning more.

Totally Turmeric: Your Complete Guide to Turmeric
“Totally Turmeric” on Health Perch

Why Gaia Herbs, in particular? Well, just as I like to shop at local farmer’s markets so I know where my produce comes from, I like the same level of detail when it comes to herbal supplements.

Every product manufactured by Gaia has a “Meet Your Herbs” number printed on the label, which allows you to trace every aspect of the product ingredients. This includes where the plants were grown, production methods, laboratory test results of safety and purity, along with information about scientific research and traditional use of herbs.

If you’re like me and are conscious about what you put into your body, that kind of transparency is much appreciated.

**Enter to WIN** Gaia wants to know how you ‪#‎livelifebrighter‬: Show how TurmericBoost helps you live a brighter life for a chance to win the ultimate smoothie pack + tons of healthy weekly prizes. Click here for details and to enter!

Do you ‘spice’ up your recovery process with supplements? 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Disclosure: I received samples of Turmeric Boost and received additional compensation from Gaia Herbs for testing their product, but all opinions are my own.

Bright Idea: Summer Solstice Body-Weight Workout

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It’s almost the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere (2015’s sumer solstice falls on June 21) where 15+ hours will pass between sunrise and sunset in parts of the U.S. and Canada.

That sounds, to me, like a great excuse to soak up the abundance of daylight and celebrate the start of summer than with an outdoor workout.

Round up your friends and family, and hit the local lake or beach for an hour of body-weight work while the kiddos can play!

Photo via BrendelSignature at English Wikipedia

Photo via BrendelSignature at English Wikipedia

Hint: If you’re not familiar with some of the moves listed, simply Google the term along with the word “exercise,” and you’ll be able to find a description or video of it in action.

And, as always, remember to perform the moves at a steady pace and use proper form!

How are you taking advantage of sunny days this summer?

My 7 Favorite Strategies for Slowing Down

Source: Huffington Post

Source: Huffington Post

Beware the barrenness of a busy life. ~Socrates

Now that I’m taking a short breather from training and racing, you’d think I’d have all this extra downtime with which to play, right?

Wrong. Somehow I quickly filled up all those extra hours — and then some. 

Granted, launching your own business isn’t exactly conducive to oodles of work/life balance, but being “busy” is something I’ve been pondering a lot lately.

Whether it’s with respect to work, relationships or just life, in general, I grow increasingly anxious as my calendar books out weeks in advance. Days fly by, to-do’s add up, appointments are made…and somewhere lost in that shuffle I find myself hoping that time will stop flying.

So I’ve decided that it’s time to take a stand.

Let’s rebel against our hectic schedules, reassess our priorities and take some time to actually enjoy the life we’re living instead of constantly looking ahead for the one we think we should have.

That’s not to say we should delete our social media accounts, pack up, head for the hills and live entirely off the grid; it’s more about eliminating the automatic ‘yes’ from our vocabulary and being mindful about how, where — and with whom — we choose to spend our time. It’s a precious resource, after all.

Wanna join me? I wrote previously about why I’m slowing down, but I wanted to talk a bit about how with some of my favorite strategies. Here are seven of ’em:

1. Do less. 

What sets successful people apart is not that they do a lot, but that they don’t do a lot. I’m making a conscious effort to try to filter out extraneous “stuff,” and deliberately choosing to focus instead on just a few important tasks to make meaningful strides instead of feeling like I’m running in circles.

2. Just breathe. 

Life coach, lifestyle guru and friend Ashley Paquin gifted me with an invaluable tool for bringing myself back into the moment. Her “5-2-5” breathing technique — breathe in for five seconds, hold for two, breathe out for five, hold for two, and repeat — works wonders by quieting the nervous system and taking the body out of fight-or-flight mode.

3. Be mindful. 

I know, I know. It’s become a bit of a buzzword. But paying attention to my thoughts and sensations — and accepting them, without judgment — has helped me tap into a whole new level of awareness that’s been incredibly helpful and empowering.

4. Limit multitasking. 

Sometimes this feels more like an addiction — especially when I’m toggling back and forth between 17 open tabs while on a conference call and absolutely getting nothing accomplished. Going cold-turkey is tough, though, so I’m easing into the art of “single-tasking.”

5. Be present. 

Slowing down doesn’t help much if you’re not mindful of what you’re doing at the moment. Again, I put Ashley’s sage advice into play: When I find myself thinking about something I need to do, or something that’s already happened, or something that might happen…I gently tug my mind back to the present moment, like a playful puppy on a leash.

6. Disconnect. 

Being constantly tethered to computers and phones where you’re either distracted by or at the mercy of others is hardly conducive to being able to focus. Whether it’s weeknight phone-free dinners or weekend traipsing out of cell service range, Ben and I try to unplug every so often.

7. Enjoy nature. 

Warm sun, serene water, salty sea breezes and the damp musk of the forest are all good for the soul. I try to exercise outdoors as much as I can, whether it’s running the trails, hiking the mountains, wading in the river or simply rolling around in the grass with our four-legged family members.

What are your favorite ways to live life in the slow lane? 

On Giving Yourself Permission to Slow Down

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Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. – Ferris Bueller

After a blur of races in 2014, better judgement prevailed for 2015 and as you’ve heard me say a few times now, my mantra has been “train smarter, not harder” with five forward-looking goals for the year.

But, as they say, the best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray…

Because somewhere along the way I talked myself into thinking that a century ride and an ultramarathon within a two-week span this summer was also part of this program.

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For the record, I give full credit to my body for finally knocking some sense into me; my SI joint, which previously only felt sore after long marathon-training runs last fall, decided enough was enough and put the kibosh on pretty much all speed and distance work this spring.

Try as I stubbornly might to power through, I’ve gotten to a point where all the strength training, chiropractor appointments, cross-training, and core work in the world aren’t helping.

So I’ve decided to do something different for a change: Nothing.

Novel concept, huh?

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Well, long story short — and two cancelled races later — I’ve realized that taking a break isn’t just about giving your body time to recover. It’s also about keeping the passion for your sport alive…and sustainable for the long run.

I run because I want to, not because I have to. And that desire is something I want to protect; not just for now, but for a long time to come.

That’s not to say I’m completely clearing my race calendar; it’s just that I’m wiping the slate clean and being more mindful about which events I choose and why. Put simply, I’m making a conscious decision to get off the further/faster/harder bandwagon that’s so easy to jump on when you’re working in the fitness industry and constantly meeting people who are all doing incredible things.

So instead of literally and figuratively racing my way through my first Oregon summer, I’m slowing down. Training will continue, but at a more leisurely pace.

And you know what? Those 2016 goals will be right there where I left them if/when the time comes to pick ’em back up.

Or — who knows?! Maybe taking a step back will inspire me or give me the perspective to define entirely new ones, such as tackling my old high school PR in the (highly-underrated; I completely agree with Lauren Fleshman) 5K distance.

But, either way, having a choice in the matter and being mindful about my running is what makes — and has always made — the endeavor such a delight. And I’d like to keep it that way.

To slow down or not to slow down: Is that a question you’ve asked yourself?