The Great Mother's Day Race recap and Father's Day Race is Next! Family Fitness Fun!

The Great Mother's Day Race Recap and the Fun of Family Fitness!

This past weekend, I celebrated Mother's Day in the most awesomest way imaginable. I ran a 5K with my best buddy and the boy who gave me the best title I have ever had. I was so lucky to have been asked to be a blogger for The Great Mother's Day Race. Bryce was very excited to be running his second race of the year.


He told me that he really wanted to stay with me this time, but as soon as the gun went off, he was gone! He is so much faster than I am. I really wanted to get myself back to my speed when I was in the heart of training for my half marathon, but I am still about 5 minutes slower. Grrr! I am planning on seeing a big difference as I continue my crossfit journey.

Bryce and Ronin with
Matthew after the race.

The course was really pretty. Al Lopez Park has some pretty scenery. There was one leg of the race where we were near the street, but I like that too... It's nice when people honk their horns at you... I assume they are cheering for me and only me!

As I got to the last mile, I saw the cutest little blonde head bopping up and down in front of me. I knew it was Ronin, my friend Jenny's (who is also a blogger) son. Ronin took off fast with Bryce. I caught up with him, and we walked a bit and talked. He was quick to start running again though once he saw his mom and his guide dog, Matthew coming toward him. Jenny and I finished the race together, and it was pretty cool since we are both Polar Ambassadors.  I am sure you couldn't tell by our clothing :)

Bryce actually ended up finishing over 10 minutes ahead of me. Yep... he's a rock star! He was 8th in the 18 and under category and 80th overall. Not too shabby! He had a blast too!

It was an awesome way to spend Mother's Day. They also have The Great Father's Day Race coming up in July. I am hoping Bryce and I will have the opportunity to run that as well. It was a really special moment to see my son cheering for me at the finish line. Everyone needs to run a race with their children. It is something special when you share a love of fitness... and it's great to get them outside!!!

Here is Bryce and I with Jenny and her family!
We are all wearing our Polar!!

Beginning CrossFit! Feeling tough!

Time to Cross something off the Bucket list! 

There is something that you need to know about me, if you don't already... I am a competitor. I will compete in everything I do whether you like it or not. Running has been tough for me because I am lacking in the "fast"department. So at a race, I lose!  It's okay, I am starting to understand that I can still compete against myself, but this past Saturday, I got "that" feeling back when I worked out.

I decided to contact a CrossFit box near me and find out more about it. I contacted CrossFit Blackbeard because I have 2 good friends who have been there and love it. I went in the very next day to begin my CrossFit journey. This has been on my bucket list for over a year, and I will tell you that I was so nervous walking into that box Saturday morning. I saw strong men working out, but I was amazed by the strong women who were competing with them and I think they were actually winning! Love that!

This is Rob and he's pretty much awesome!

Day 1

I met Rob, one of the owners and Jenn. They were awesome! I have about 50 or so pounds to lose (yikes, I just admitted that out loud didn't I) and I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to hang. Rob showed me some important skills, like the proper form of the different squats and push-up and pull-ups. I did 5 assisted pull-ups, but I am proud of that! I like the view from above that bar and plan to kick butt with those in the future! Another item on my bucket list is to do an unassisted pull-up. I am pretty sure that CrossFit Blackbeard is going to be helping with that. I did my first "WOD" workout of the day or as we call it at Blackbeard, "Met Con" short for metabolic conditioning. It was tough, and I am pretty sure they went easy on me. I may or may not have lost my breakfast during this workout, but I came back and continued. I felt like a beast!!! It was awesome.

Day 2

Yesterday, I returned for session 2 of the fundamentals class.  I got to meet the other partner Trey. Trey was a little tougher than Rob. (I think Rob let me get away with a bit, but they were both awesome!) Trey showed me the rope, the rings and the bar! Oh my... Not the bar with the drinks unfortunately! He talked me up and made me feel like I was capable of anything, because I AM!  I had a great second workout, and I look forward to walking in again today! I wonder what the next workout will be. I will share it with you tomorrow!

Please check out their website and you can find pricing here as well. Their website offers you a workout of the day as well. facebook! Tell them that Mindy sent you and follow them on Twitter too!

Runner Problem solved! HB Tune Giveaway!

Runner Problem... Solved!

I struggle with my music, phone and headphones constantly when I run. I figured it was just they way it would be. I have tried many different belts to secure my phone so that I can hear my music when I run. This is really the best way for me to tell you about HB Tune handband. It's a must have!!! It has changed my running life. I love it! You will too!

Who wants to win one????  Oh and don't forget to join my Dietbet... CLICK HERE! http://www.dietbet.com/games/14585

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Do you need some Healthy Energy?

I Need Some Healthy Energy!

Since I began this fitness journey, I haven't really added any supplements to my diet. I do take a multi-vitamin, but that is about it. I have seen so many people drink 5 hour energy and Red Bull and things like that, but honestly, it has always scared me to put that much caffeine into my body. I like soda, so when I drink that, that is enough caffeine.  I have tried to limit that anyways.

I am trying to get myself healthy and fit, so I don't want to add new bad habits... just good habits!

For the last year or so, I have heard many friends of mine talking about FRS Healthy Energy. Friends have talked about their full line of Healthy Energy products that include chews, ready to drink beverages, shots, and concentrates. What I liked about it was that FRS Healthy Energy provides natural sustained energy without the crash. That alone sounds healthy. I have listened and I have read about it,  but I wondered if that was really for me. Then I heard that professional quarter Tim Tebow uses it... well... I think everything about him is awesome. He's my son's favorite too. So I did a little more research and found out that FRS products contain the powerful antioxidant quercetin. Quercetin has been demonstrated in multiple clinical trials to provide sustained energy, increased endurance, and immune system support. FRS Healthy Energy was actually developed to give chemotherapy patients energy.

When FitFluential offered me this chance to try it, I couldn't resist. I was sent the Healthy Energy ready-to-drink beverages, chews and powdered drink mixes.

I decided to try the chews. Lately when I get home from work, I am so tired. I am a teacher and the school year is winding down, so this is the busiest time of the year. I have been struggling with getting out and doing some sort of activity. Last week I decided to take 2 chews, and I couldn't believe how great I felt.  I got busy with my workout and cleaned the house! Needless to say, the next day I took those chews again. It was the same effect! I was disappointed that my chews were gone, but I decided that I had better give the other products a try too.

On Friday, I brought the powder in a water bottle with me to drink on the way to my run. It was good too. I didn't shake it up enough, but other than that,  I will definitely use it again.

Yesterday, I went paddle boarding with my son. We went early in the morning and stayed out for about 4 hours. It was awesome, but when we were finished, I was exhausted. The problem was that I had a whole bunch of things to do to get ready for the week.  So I grabbed a ready-to-drink FRS Healthy Energy. The taste was alright but the energy from it was great. I was able to get almost everything done. Good stuff!

My favorite was the chews. I have already bought a bag of them. They are delicious! I love that they are nice and easy. Drinking a whole drink is tougher for me than just popping two chews in my mouth. Super easy! I am a low-maintainence girl... so these chews are perfect!

You can find FRS Healthy Energy at: GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Kroger, Whole Foods, Rite Aid, Meijer, Walgreens, Harris Teeter, and FRS.com among other places.



FRS has two very cool things going on right now! Check it out below:

GNC coupon for FRS:
Right now FRS is offer a sale for $1 off a 4-pack of FRS Healthy Energy at GNC with promo code 21460. This blog post must be printed and presented as a coupon or must be shown on a smartphone.  It expires on May 31, 2013.

Ultimate Fitness Giveaway from FRS:
Click the following link to enter to win FRS gear each week and the grand prize winner will win a personal trainer, sessions with a nutritionist and a one-year supply of FRS. Entries must be submitted by May 31, 2013. http://www.frs.com/ultimatefitgnc



*disclosure: All product was received for review purposes as part of a FitFluential Campaign.

Time to Jump on the Weight Loss Train!!!

It's Time to Jump on the Weight loss Train...

This train is leaving the station, friends... again! As we wrap this first DietBet for Mindy's Fitness Journey, that totaled $15,765, another one is beginning! The Dietbet that is almost over right now has a Total weight lost of 2,908 pounds and we still have a little under a week! It's time to jump on this train folks! How nice is it to lose weight and make money. What this video to see how easy it is! This is legit.  I have already done 3 Dietbets. I am making money and having fun.  I also have a facebook group you can join for extra support.  Join Mindy's Diet Bet Support Group HERE!

Let me first tell you that I love to gamble, but I am THE WORST gambler in the history of the world. I would be better off skipping casinos and just flushing my money down the toilet. It's that bad!

But with the DietBet, I am in charge, and I WILL win! This can't even be considered gambling. I consider it an investment in myself.

Here is how it works:
1. Join my game: http://www.dietbet.com/games/14585
2. Two days before your games begins, you will be prompted to submit your official weigh in.  You will need a scale (preferably digital,) a camera or smart phone, and a full length mirror or someone who can take your picture. You will submit 2 photos.  One of you on a scale in "airport security attire" (I think that means they want you comfortable and appropriate... lol) and another of the scale's readout with your "secret" weigh in word. (you will do this same process when the bet ends. The secret word will be different.)  Your weight can be private, and NO ONE (not even me) sees your pictures. They WILL NOT be published.
3. Now all you need to do is lose 4% of your body weight.  So if you weigh 200 lbs, you only need to lose 8 lbs in 28 days... totally doable!!!

HOW WE PREVENT CHEATING: 
From the official DietBet site.
We have a photo review process in which players submit proof of their initial and final weights to our team of Referees. We also have algorithms that detect unusual activity within a game or across games and use an auditing system where some players may be required to submit extra proof of their weight loss using: a Skype weigh-in with one of our Referees, a video weigh-in, or an in-person weigh-in at a location pre-approved by DietBet, such as a Walgreens or CVS clinic. If requested, you will have to submit further proof of your weight within 24 hours. Since weights fluctuate naturally, we allow up to 1% of your final weight as variance for your audited weigh-in only. This variance does not apply to the standard final weigh-in. Failure to comply will result in disqualification and forfeiture of your winnings and initial bet. You may also be banned from playing again and subject to other penalties. To see the legal fine print, click here.

There is no excuse!!! Get signed up now! Ok, we have a ton of excuses, right? I am too busy, I am a single mom with no time, my son has practice, I am tired, it's raining... It goes on and on.... Give me your best excuse for not working out... Leave it in the comments here :) 

*disclosure: DietBet paid for my entry into this DietBet.

What is your Fitness Victory?

My Fitness Victory!

For a long time, I focused strictly on losing weight and getting healthy. I worried about getting my workouts in and making sure I worked out no matter what.  At the end of 2012, I realized that because I was working out so crazy with strange hours, other parts of my life were lacking the attention that they needed.  I was waking up early in the morning and dropping my son off at my parents' house or just letting my son spend the night there. I was missing out on our life together. 

Well this caused me to slow down. Unfortunately, I slowed down more than I should. So I have been trying to find the balance between working out and still being a great mom. I am a single mom of a very active 9 year old boy. My son sees his father maybe 2 times a month, on a good month, so I don't have a lot of down time. I can't complain though because I have been blessed to be his buddy. We are close and do so many things together. 

I am sure I would be a lot faster if I didn't have to pull someone on the skateboard!

Throughout everything that has happened in this crazy world in the last two weeks, I have finally come to the realization that I can get my workouts and spend QUALITY time with my son.  Are they the hardest workouts, no, but they are better than nothing. We have been running/walking for the last two weeks, and it's truly the most perfect times I have had. We are closer than ever and we are active. 

Our great walk on Runtastic!

These are the C9 Yoga Pants
from Target I own.

"Today's Victory" came with a walk downtown to the St. Anthony's Triathlon to cheer on the racers. When we woke up, I decided to put on my C9 yoga pants from Target and get us moving! We walked around and yelled to the runners to "stay strong" and "dig deep" and had a blast. We bought smoothies and walked back to the car still cheering on the athletes. Bryce couldn't believe all of the people watching the race. He wants to do it next year... I told him maybe we will train for the Meek and Mighty next year. 

I realized just how blessed I am when he gets into bed and asks if we can take a walk tomorrow too! How can this not be "Today's Victory!"

I have to tell you that it wouldn't be a weekend without my Target yoga pants!!! I wish I could live in yoga pants! When it comes to being active and feeling good, C9 gear always has you covered! 

What is your "fitness" victory? It doesn't have to be huge... Is there something you have changed or accomplished that has made a difference in your health?

*disclosure: Target is giving me a giftcard to post about this topic, but the opinions are my own. 

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

Moving on and moving forward!

Time to Get Back to Normal...and Refocus!

This picture was from Crazy Motivational $h*t

The tragedy in Boston really did a number on me. I did not run the race nor was I anywhere near Boston when it happened, but I do think I over-did it on the news coverage (this is something I tend to do.) I also found out that same day that someone who used to be a good friend ended her life. Truthfully, even writing that makes me feel guilty because I don't really know the details, but that is what I heard. Then the Texas explosion happened, and all of that put together really made me stop!

I have not felt like blogging in the last week. I have used my time to take care of my son, my house and myself. I think seeing that they caught suspect #2 (I will never use his name btw) was good closure for the news for me. I stopped watching and letting it consume my world. That helped. I went for walks and talked with my son instead of just going about our normal routine of homework, him playing outside, dinner and bed. That was huge in making life better.

This weekend, I lived a normal life. I went to a baseball game Sat. and I hung out with someone I really enjoy on Sunday, and then I got to spend a great day at Busch Gardens with my son on Monday. I guess what I am saying is I lived my life. I think sometimes I forget to do that. I hate that it takes tragedies to open my eyes sometimes, but I am glad that I got the chance to refocus.

My refocus also consisted of getting back to running often. I have struggled with committing to a distance because since I run alone, I end up stopping. I have thought a lot about it. I am going to run where I used to run and not in the neighborhood. Then I know that I will get at least 3 miles in since that is my route. I feel good about that. I want to run at least 12-15 miles a week. I am not trying to be a marathon runner, I just want to be healthy and fit. So, there you have it... my refocus plan!

What are you doing to keep your mind off all of the bad in the world? I would love your ideas! Please feel free to comment and share! Thanks.