It's A Crazy Life.....: fitness

Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Just Dance

Labels: family life, fitness, kids at 2:37 PM

We are a family of dancers....at least us girls are. Poor Mr. CrazyLife and the boys are often left behind while we go off chasing our dancing dreams. I guess they are used to it by now. Mr. CrazyLife knew what he was getting into when he married me and encouraged me to get my dance teacher certificate. I just wish we could find something for those boys . . . I guess they're having enough fun playing in the dirt and trees with Daddy, though.

Thing #1 has been taking dance lessons since she was three . . . we're going on year 6 now of ballet, tap and jazz lessons. She also takes German, Hawaiian, and Scottish. And this summer she got to learn some Polish dance as well. Call her well-rounded.

Thing #4 just started dance lessons this summer. She was so excited to go to her first class with "Miss Wimba (Miss Linda)" She did acro this summer as well as creative movement and is enrolled in a creative movement/tap class this fall.

And of course for me there is a full schedule as well. I get to play dance mom two nights a week, dance student one night and dance teacher on Saturday mornings. I'm taking another Zumba dance class this year - lovin' it! Saturday mornings I'm teaching Scottish/Celtic dance lessons again and loving every moment!

Thing #1 on the 4th of July, dancing at the Volkslauffe Races.

Thing #4's first dance show - doing acro at the Country Fair Days....isn't she just the cutest, tiniest little thing?

Thing #1 showing off her awesome cartwheel.

A little bit of Polish Dance.

Some Hawaiian Dance.....

And a bit of German (here at the Bavarian Festival) to round us out.

Here I am with my wee little Scottish Dancers at the Midland Highland Festival. It was their first dance-out and they did super! (Thing #1 is hidden behind me - don't I look like a giant compared to the babes?)

With dance recitals and shows, I think we had over 12 dance-outs this summer.

Crazy. Busy. Fun.

We're hoping to go on the studio trip next summer....Thing #1 has been moved up into the pre-teen class and even though she's the smallest and youngest, she can certainly hold her own. And being part of the dance company means more dance shows and more dance-y fun for the whole family!

(Poor Mr. CrazyLife......he's destined to be a dance dad instead of a sports dad!)

Monday, January 17, 2011

Fit for a Princess

Labels: fitness, running at 7:43 PM

And the most important question regarding the Disney Princess Half Marathon, which I am "running" in a little over a month's time:

What does one wear to such an event???

Here are the final decisions on that part. Tshirt still to be determined, but will probably be a light pink one bought locally from Target or Meijer or somesuch. I'm not terribly picky about my shirts.

My shoes will be either my trusty LA Gear tennies or my new New Balance ones . . . we'll see which feel better at the time.

Debating about tights/capri's to wear under the running skirt. What will the weather in Florida be at the end of February? From what I remember from college choir tour, it was much warmer than up here, but still a wee bit chilly. So that is left up to how I feel the morning of.

Debating also about a jacket or long sleeved top to begin the race with. Not sure what I would do with it once I warmed up. It would be too bulky to tie around my waist, but I don't want to just throw it either . . . a dilemma to be sure.

As for a belt, my trusty black fanny pack will be in use. I really wanted to invest in a SpiBelt, but think I'll pass for this round. I totally fell in love with their pink plaid one though; it's been a tough decision. And I'm not sure about a water belt or not . . . I don't currently have one and don't know if it's worth it to invest in one. My fanny pack can hold one small bottle of water, but that's it. Will the water stations still have water by the time I get to them? That's the big question!

The running skirt: New Balance Jodi Tennis Skirt in Asphalt

And the most important part of all : The TIARA!!! What good would a jogging princess be without one?

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Running-Walking in the Snow . . . .

Labels: fitness, running at 11:59 AM

(source)

I have to admit that the past few months my passion for fitness walking/jogging has diminished. It's hard to get your walk/jog on when there are eight inches of snow and ice on the ground, the temp is below 30 and the wind is blowing at 25 mph out of the north.

And I hate treadmill walking. I get bored. I stop. It doesn't work.

I've been trying to fill up my walking time with other fitness pursuits. Things like Zumba, yoga, Highland Dance, Jillian's 30 Day Shred. With mild success. I'm keeping active at the very least.

But I've been worried. It's like a month away to the Disney Princess Half Marathon that I've signed up for. And my training is WAY out of line! Now, I'm not planning on actually running much of the Half, but perhaps a few stretches here and there. Mostly just fast walking. There is a 16-minute mile cut-off. It's a bit scary. In the summer, I was hitting about a 13-14 minute mile. Pretty good.

So with that in mind, I set out on Friday with high hopes of getting a good walk in. The sun was shining, the snow stopped blowing and the temp was 34. 55 minutes later I was back home, cold, but feeling great. I put in 3.34 miles. It was a bit slower than the cut-off time, but considering the terrain, not too shabby, I feel.

You see....I was walking on snow covered country roads. The roads that don't get plowed until we reach about 12 inches of snow and even then are only plowed after everything else has been cleared five times over. Welcome to living in the Michigan countryside in winter!

But I discovered something. Walking in snow is kind of like walking on the beach. My shins and ankles say so. They got quite the workout for sure. My bottom sure feels it too!

I didn't attempt to jog. I was worried about slipping and falling.

But I got out and did it. Yay me!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Fitness for Momma CrazyLife

Labels: fitness at 12:41 PM

I've really been trying to take hold of my health and fitness this year. So far, I think I'm making a dent in things. I've lost about 5 lbs this year - not a huge accomplishment, but one I feel good about. My weight seems to be stuck in a rut since having kids. However, I have lost quite a few inches off my waist and hips and thighs, so I think that makes up for the lack of weight loss.

Since April 1st, I've managed to walk or run or jog over 175 miles! I started by going on 3 mile walks/runs during my lunch hour at work. Then when school ended, I started going on 6 mile walk/runs during the times the kids were still in daycare. I'm still keeping up on that routine and will be renewing my gym membership next week so that when it rains, I can still keep up the walk/run routine.

Another thing I've started is a Zumba class. If you haven't seen or heard of these, you have to check it out! It combines dance and fitness into one. Mostly it consists of latin style dancing, but also includes some hip hop and belly dance, among others. It's a fantastic workout! I've never sweated so much in my life! I'm now taking two classes a week and loving it!! It totally appeals to the dancer in me, as well as my need to get fit.

And finally, I've started working yoga workouts into my life. Yoga totally appeals to me for its simplistic nature and calming effects. I can do it anywhere, anytime. I started doing some yoga workouts posted on youtube by Yoga Polly and then started doing my own routine. Lately I've been doing this lunar yoga routine from this month's Natural Health magazine. I love having the time to relax and meditate and tone and stretch all at once.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The end of an Affair

Labels: fitness, running at 11:53 AM

I started an affair about two months ago. An affair with running. And I think that affair is drawing to a close.

Now, don't get me wrong. I still like running. I still plan on running. But I'm going to do it on my terms. On my time. At my own speed. To my own music.

You see, I've been using some downloaded podcasts from This Spot. I was following the Couch to 5K running program. Things were going great. Then I got injured and took two weeks off of running and even on week off walking. I started back in. Things were going great. But I got bored. I'd be listening to the podcasts and when they said run, I wanted to walk. When they said to stop running, I wanted to keep going. It was getting frustrating. Because of the way the music was set up, you just couldn't do your own thing - the cadences were wrong. You had to follow. Ergh.

So I stopped running. It's been a week now and I've just been walking. I added some weights to my walking routine. Just little 3 pounders, but enough to give some resistance. But I'm still feeling the urge to run.

So I've decided to drop the podcasts. To drop the C25K program. To do my own thing. Run when I want to. Walk when I want to. It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Shake it, Shake it, Shake it

Labels: fitness, rec, recipes at 8:58 AM

This week I started the shake/smoothie diet. Well, it's not really a diet. Just a way to get a little more protien and fresh fruits into my diet. I love veggies, but am not a big fruit or fruit juice person. However, I have always loved the fruit smoothies you can get in the summer at various events. So I decided to start making my own.

I bought myself a brand spanking new blender. Then I picked up a bunch of fresh fruit and some fruit juice. And finally some protien powder. Two days and two yummy concoctions.

Banana Berry Fruit Smoothie

-1 overripe banana

-3 strawberries

-handful of frozen blueberries

-1 scoop vanilla protien powder

-1 large spoonful vanilla yogurt

-6-8 ice cubes

-approx. 1/3 C raspberry goji V8 Fusion fruit juice

Chocolate Cherry Bomb Smoothie

-1 scoop vanilla protien powder

-handful plus a little frozen sweet cherries

- 1 and a half overripe bananas

- 1 large spoonful cocoa powder

- 1 large spoonful vanilla yogurt

- approx 1/3 C raspberry goji V8 Fusion juice

- 6-8 ice cubes

Yumminess!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Monday, Monday....

Labels: birthday, fitness, life in general at 1:07 PM

It's just another manic Monday here.....wish it were Sunday....cause' that's my fun day.....my I don't have to run day.....It's just another manic Monday......

Where does time go? I honestly thought I had posted in here since last Wednesday, but I guess not! Life just keeps getting in the way!

Anyhow....

We had a nice weekend. It was birthday party time and it was crazy. The girls had a great time at their Hula Girl party. We hula-hooped, limbo-ed, played pass the coconut and more. And even if Momma didn't get the hula girl cakes made in time and we had to have store bought cakes (thank goodness Easter is so close and there were premade cakes with "tropical" looking flowers on them at 10 pm the night before the party!), it was still a good time. All the kids had fun and my girls picked up some really nice presents.

On the fitness front, I kind of slacked off with all the party business going on. We had family in and I just didn't get any free time to walk/run/exercise. So I've got to pick back up today. I started day 1 of running. I downloaded a podcast for the Couch to 5K program and used that to keep track of time. 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking. I managed to get in 3 miles today in under 27 minutes. Not too shabby - although I had to wonder what people driving down the road thought of my running - I must be quite a sight!

So anyhow...another week of craziness here....just the way we like it!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Running in Heels....Aiming for a Tiara

Labels: fitness, running at 2:58 PM

So I mentioned that I've been walking during the day and was feeling the urge to run. I've been reading some running blogs and some fitness blogs and some foodie blogs (my faves!) along wtih teh usual craft and family ones I read. I saw some posts about the Disney Princess Half Marathon with pictures and I was totally entranced! It was as if my fairy godmother sprinkled some magic dust and my eyes were filled with the awesome-ness of running or even walking in this race!

So now I'm inspired. I've been taking about 2.5 mile walks during my lunch breaks and averaging somewhere between a 13 and 14 minute mile. To walk/run the half marathon you need to be able to keep to a 16 minute mile pace. At the rate I'm going, that shouldn't be too hard. But 13 miles is a long way!

So I'm going to start training. I have a couple friends that are up for the challenge as well, so I'm hoping we can keep each other motivated and going.....hopefully all the way to the finish line in FLORIDA next March!! After all, how can you see this and not want one with all your heart?

And so my training begins.......

I've been walking already, as I mentioned above. And starting today, I'm beginning the Couch to 5K program. Since I'm not a runner it looks like a great program to get started....slow and steady. The Disney Princess Half Marathon is a year away, so that gives me plenty of time to get there. And honestly, I'd be happy doing a walk/run of it. Just as long as I finish!

So off I go....dreaming of running in heels and earning that tiara!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Fitness Frenzy

Labels: fitness, running at 8:41 AM

So I've decided to really push up my fitness/weight loss/inches loss goals and plans and push forward with them and force myself into meeting these goals. I'm not overweight or unhealthy or whatever, but I'm not liking how my clothes fit or how I feel. Plus, with the weird health symptoms I've been having the last 6+ months, I'd rather take the bull by the horns now so if something pops up, I can better deal with it.

So I joined a fitness challenge on the newsgroup I belong to. I'm part of a team and we work together on mini-challenges to earn points. Hopefully, it will give me some motivation.

I've also started walking during my lunch/prep times. Yesterday I did 3.5 miles. I was walking about a 12-14 minute mile, so my heartrate went up as well. It felt good to be out moving and in the sunshine. And I've seriously considered running. Now, understand - I hate running. I've never been a runner - I'm a dancer, not a runner. But being outside and walking hard, makes me want to run. Weird? Maybe I'll look into a 5K or something for later in the year. I've walked them before, but never actually run one. Today my goal is to walk 2 miles during lunch - if the rain holds out, that is.

I take a fitness class at the gym, called a fitness buffet. It's hard! But I feel sore and fantastic afterward. And we always do neat circut activities. Last week it was Bosu balls, the week before it was hula hoops and stability balls. It's a fun class and a great workout. I can tell a difference in my strength after just a few weeks in.

Then I try to get to the gym at least 2 other nights a week, but usually it's just one night. I walk the treadmill for about 30 minutes and then do the eliptical for 15 and then do a circut of the weight machines.

And I haven't dropped any weight. The weight honestly doesn't bother me, it the inches. I've picked up the signature "Mommy tummy" or "muffin top" and I hate it. Since Thing #4 stopped nursing last fall, I've gained weight and my tummy hangs out. My clothes don't fit right. I know I need to look at what I'm eating and that will help, but I love food! *laugh*

I started keeping track of my fitness calorie burnage and my calorie intake this week on LiveStrong.com. It's helping me see what I'm taking in too much of and what I need to increase. I'm also making a concentrated effort to not eat after 8 pm and to take in more fiber and drink more water.

My husband asked me why I was doing all this. He said I look great and shouldn't worry about it. I'm getting older, blah blah blah. But I told him that I don't feel good. I want my clothes to fit better. I want to sleep better. I want to have some muscle defininition again. So he's supportive of it because he understands why, but I don't think he likes all the time I'm spending on it! *laugh* I'm glad he likes me the way I am, but I don't.

Anyway...long story short....I'll hopefully be updating my fitness/weight loss/inches loss profiles here. I'm going to try to keep up with what I'm eating and any weight or inches loss. If you're on the same track...I'd love to follow along and support each other!

It's A Crazy Life.....