Mid-week Musings

If you follow me on Facebook then you’ve seen a few posts of things that have caught my interest. In the rare instances I have a few spare minutes, I like to scour the internet for current events, interesting stories, random ramblings.

And here are few things I’ve come across–

Oprah Bashing

My buddy Sara@Running On Healthy wrote a very interesting post (all her posts are interesting) about an article she read on how Oprah ruined the marathon. This guy wrote how Oprah caused a surge in interest in people to run a marathon.

So what, you ask?

Well, the author basically says that because of Oprah, the marathon is no longer competitive and American marathon times have plummeted because regular Joes think they can run it and are running it but according to him, in absurdly slow times.

Wait, what??? People are interested in running? People want to challenge themselves and do something different? People want to do something…..good for them??

And this is bad???

I never understand people who get upset at those wanting to better themselves. I get being concerned they do things the right way, the healthy way, but to blame people for the “demise of the marathon” just because they’re not fast? That is what’s absurd.

This ties in to something else I came across.

Excuses??

I’m a pop culture kinda gal and like to be in the know all things celebs, so every now and again I check out People.com. There was an article about a woman the other day who posted this photo on her Instagram account.

The mom got so. much. backlash.

And if I’m going to be completely honest with you, I don’t feel a whole lot sorry for her. While I do not think women should be criticized for their commitment to staying fit, there’s something about the “no excuse” mantra trend that’s been going around that kind of bugs me.

Kids are not an excuse. I know that many women want to work out but because of life, they’re just not able to. It’s. not. an. excuse.

People always tell me how much they admire my commitment to running considering I have a full-time job, two kids, and a husband who enjoys my company. It’s definitely tough balancing everything and yeah, I find time to make it all work, but I’m not going to sit here and say that it’s easy and that anyone can do it. That everyone else who is not working out is making an excuse. I would never want to make other moms feel guilty–I have no idea what they’re going through. What I do know is how difficult it is finding time and a way to prioritize yourself (no matter how important you know it is).

I think had this mom used a different slogan, catch phrase, caption, words of advice, something a little more encouraging, inspirational—beside the “no excuse” thing, I’d be more apt to defend her. I admire any woman who commits themselves to fitness, mom or not. It’s what motivates me to keep at it.

The photo is motivating. The words are not.

Ultra Crazy?

Finally, I found this article on msn.com about this guy from San Francisco who ran 7 marathons, in 7 continents, in 7 days.

Yes, you read that correctly.

At first, I was like, “Coooool!” Then, I was like, “Oooooouch!”

It’s called the World Marathon Challenge and 11 other people made the attempt.

At one point, Durbin, the American runner, ran 3 marathons on less than 9 hours of sleep! Could you imagine??? He said that he started feeling the effects of the running and travel before his 5th race in Morocco. Lactic Acid anyone? The first race in Antarctica did a number on his body — because of the extreme temperatures — and the last one in Australia. Talk about extremes.

Isn’t that insane?

I’m exhausted just reading about it.

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So, those were a few things that caught my eye this past week. What are your thoughts them?

–Did Oprah ruin the marathon? (She’s motivated the hell outta me; I’m still gunning for her time!)

–Was it poor word choice on @SuperAbs mom?

–Would you consider a World Marathon Challenge? (And we thought Dopey was tough!) (Wait, I still do!)

Wanna do some weekend holiday shopping? Add Runtastic Orbit to your list!

If you’re in the states, then it’s likely you’re enjoying a three day weekend 🙂 Monday is Labor Day and I wish everyone had the day off; I know some don’t 😦

But I do!! And my husband does too!

We usually do our weekly grocery shopping on weekends and also go fun shopping. I love fun shopping.

In case you like fun shopping too, I have something new that’s fresh off the market for you to try.

It’s the Orbit from Runtastic.

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This bad boy is waterproof!

Being a part of the Fit Approach community has allowed me to review some pretty cool stuff. This definitely tops the list.

I’ve always wanted to try a portable fitness tracker and this is only part of what the Orbit does. Among its main features of tracking steps, activity minutes, calories burned, distance, and what I’m most excited about–sleep!! The Orbit tells you how much “quality” sleep you’re getting. This interests me considering I’ve got two toddlers at home and I feel like I’m getting 0 quality sleep. At least now I can show proof.

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Once I received the Orbit, I downloaded the Runtastic Me app on my phone and created an account. Doing this allows the Orbit to sync to my phone and keep track of everything. I’m the least tech savvy person of anyone I know but these first few steps were legit easy.

One of the features I’ve been playing with and have really liked are the videos that Runtastic has available FREE on youtube. You can access these videos straight from the app from your phone. Perfect for traveling and working out on the go!

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I’m still playing around with it. There’s SO much fun stuff–like the personal challenges you can create–that I know I’ll like. I’ll be keeping you updated as I learn more 🙂

Have a great Sunday!!!

–Do you own a fitness tracker?

–Do you ever wonder how much “real” sleep you’re getting?

I received the Orbit free as part of my affiliation with Fit Approach. All opinions are my own and so far, all opinions on the Orbit are positive. When and if I come across something that bugs me, I will def let you know!

Friday Five–What’s New?!

I’m hooking up this week with the DC Trifecta girls Mar on the Run, Eat Run Pray DC, and You Signed Up For What!? (<—who’s doing the NYC Triathlon this weekend!!! Good luck Cynthia!!) for today’s topic of: What’s New?!

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Well there’s a lot of new happening in Hellyland.

ONE: I go back to work on Monday!!! Last school year, I finished off May seven months pregnant and ready to get out. I packed up my room with doubts that I’d come back. I knew I wanted to take at least a a year off to spend it with my daughter and my newborn son. After that, I’d assess and see where life would take me.

I think it was around when my daughter turned 2 that I started to seriously think about returning to work. Luckily, I have the option and it’s not something I need to do. I feel the need though, as even though I’ve enjoyed all the time I’ve spent with my kids, a part of me isn’t ready to let go of my career. My husband and I looked at the logistics of it all, the biggest hurdle being that my work was pretty far away, and we figured we’d give it a shot for one school year and go from there.

So back to school work I go!

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TWO: Sticking with the work topic, I’ve mentioned before that I’m planner. I’m old school and like writing things down. With a pencil. In a notebook. No tech notebook computer thing or fancy phone pencil to jot down notes on an e-calendar for this girl!

For the longest time, I used Jim Burke’s The Teacher’s Daybook to write my lesson plans in and keep things organized. Well, a lot of things changed in the one year I didn’t teach, one of them being the Daybook no longer in production 😦

For a couple of days I was stressed out. Then a friend in my running club suggested an Erin Condren planner. I went to her website and found quite a few options and eventually chose this one:

I was able to personalize it with my name and school (that’s ^ not my name or school fyi) and create a list of my favorite things to run across the cover like in the photo! I’m so excited to get it! It was a little on the pricey side for my liking, but I’ve heard good things about EC planners so I’m looking forward to seeing how it works for me.

THREE: Me going back to work means that my kids start daycare/school. (I like to call it school 🙂 ) Besides the whole getting sick part, they’ve been having a blast. My daughter has been really opening up and participating in music class, art time, and especially reading (that’s my girl!). The other day her teacher told me that she pointed to and said aloud several alphabet letters. It really makes me feel better about returning to work knowing my kids like where they’re at.

I’ve also been having fun with all the dress up days they’ve been having!

Vintage Nash on Sports Day :)

Vintage Nash jersey on Sports Day 🙂

FOUR: I’m super pumped I was asked by Fit Approach to try out a new portable tracking device called the Orbit by Runtastic! I’m not a tech savvy person at all, so I feel like I’m a good person to test these types of things out. If I can figure out how to use it, any one can lol! I’m still waiting to receive it so I’ll have a lot more details later this month. In the meantime, here’s a visual of the awesomeness:

I’ve always been curious about tracking devices, especially ones that monitor how you sleep. As a mom of a two and one year-old, there’s not a whole of it happening. I often wonder, how much real sleep am I getting? I’m excited to find out!

FIVE: The new running group I’ve joined up with, Run Eat Tweet AZ, has been super awesome. I love meeting local runners/bloggers and being able to talk about things around our city. So far, the group is two meet-ups in with the next one in a couple of weeks. One of the girls in the group talked to us about a virtual run she’s hosting for her friend battling a rare type of liver cancer:

We all decided that our next meet up would be to do this 5k together. It’s amazing how once strangers, we’re now friends coming together to help another with an important cause. Traci, the one hosting the virtual run, is super sweet and has been working so hard to raise money for her friend Courtney.

If you’re interested in doing an inexpensive virtual run the month of August, go here to sign up. There are medals for completing the 5k too 🙂

That’s it from my end! What’s new in your world??

Are you a planner like I am? Have you used a fitness tracker before? Ever done a virtual race?

Have a great weekend amigos!