VLOG: Audacious Goals

I’ve been thinking a lot about goals lately. I have many of them – become marketing director at my company (which I finally told my boss about yesterday – talk about putting yourself out there!), run a sub 1 hour 10k (which I told my running coach about the other day), do a real pushup, run marathon #5 and bike 100 miles…among many others.

The thing is, without sharing your goals, as I learned back in my lululemon days, no one can support you in achieving them. So share them with your support network – family, friends. Find an accountability-buddy to push you to accomplish them.

So after I did my core & lower body workout the other day, I was inspired to put my goals out there in my first ever video blog as part of my blogging goals which is really to evolve – adopt either podcasting or vlogging regularly and get more video marketing skills. I think that’s where the engagement is at and I want to put myself out there more to attract more opportunities as a blogger.

 

It’s a work in progress and a bit rambly. But I’d love your feedback on it!

What are your big audacious goals?

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Weekly Workouts

Friends, we’re up to Body Back week 4. This past week, I fit in 2 of my 3 at home workouts (missing my core workout….FAIL), getting in 2 runs for a total of 8.5 miles for the week, and 3 solid HIIT/total body workouts – 2 of those being my weekly body back classes. I’m feeling stronger, faster, and definitely better. Shit’s certainly fitting me better which is a nice change of pace even though I’m down only ~ 3 lbs (remember, muscle weighs more than fat).

The heat and little man’s bed time challenges affected me the most this week, but my workouts looked like: monday – run; Tuesday/Thursday Body Back; Saturday – run; Sunday – total body.

Wednesday and Friday were off days – unintentionally but Friday I got to catch up with a gal pal and her new baby so that was entirely worth it because sometimes you just need some girl time.

workouts

This is week is a little more challenging workout wise, especially with my running,  since Hubs has drill this weekend and it’s hotter than eff outside all week. We all know I’m not a morning runner, so challenges abound on that front. We’ve also been working on an earlier bedtime for little man – which certainly helped Monday’s run happen – but when it’s still 85 degrees at 8pm, my runs are often effed before I even get out the door.

Monday – Run 3.5 (Done)
Tuesday – Body Back (Done)
Wednesday – Run 3 OR Total Body (depending on when Hubs gets back from our community organization meeting)
Thursday – Body Back
Friday – Run 3-4
Saturday – TB OR Run 7
Sunday – Core & Legs

I am SUPER jazzed btw! I signed up for the  Fit4Mom Severn Run Club that starts up in August! My coach & Body Back instructor asked what my goals were and I went big, hairy, audacious goal (BHAG – bringing it back from my lululemon days!): I WILL hit a sub 1 hour 10k by the end of the year. Maybe it’s the group race, maybe it’s my relay leg for the Baltimore marathon relay or maybe I sign up for the Across the Bay 10k as a last ditch effort but that’s my goal.

I think it can be done. Especially if I’m not running in swamp like conditions for 2/3 of my training.

What’s your big hairy audacious goal? Any fun workouts this week friends? 

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Weekly Workouts

So we’re into Body Back week 3 – I’ve done okay with my workouts, though last week I only got in one day of running, One Body Back class (Tuesday night was canceled because of the 4th), 1 core workout, and two total body workouts. Not the mileage I should be at (I really need to get to three running days and 1 biking day) but in general, I feel stronger.

workouts

Here are my workouts for the week: 

Monday – Run 3
Tuesday – Body Back class
Wednesday – Run & Core video
Thursday – Body Back  class
Friday – Total Body Workout
Saturday – Run 5
Sunday – Either Bike 12 OR pop down to Annapolis for an Annapolis Fit 4 Mom Body Back workout on the beach. I can never say no to a beach workout.

As for eating last week? Ugh, I totally torpedo’ed my weekend food and drink-wise. I mean, I guess I could have eaten worse in Boston when my sister and I were there for a concert, but I certainly didn’t make GREAT choices – especially at the show (I didn’t really need that glass of wine – but after getting down poured on…I made a bad decision). Upon getting home Sunday, I was so exhausted (early flights and a bad’s night sleep) that I just kind of forgot to eat really? We didn’t have a solid lunch and dinner was late and no snacks.

I’m doubling down for the remaining 6 weeks of this to really hit my goal to be OUT of the 150’s by the end of this and to run a sub 2-hour race at the Annapolis ten miler. My long runs are going to be dicey since 4 out of the next 7 weekends (the race is on the 7th weekend) we have either drill weekend (solo parenting ftw!), a trip (we have a trip to CT planned in August) and the weekend right before the race is Iron Girl so no, I probably won’t run 9 miles the day before doing a hilly 16 mile bike ride. #justsaying.

I’ll hit 6 this weekend, probably 5 next (likely treadmilling it), 7.5 the week after, 5 the following (treadmill), 8.5 in CT and then 6 before Iron Girl. It’s not the ideal training plan but summer training is hard man.

Anyhow, all told, I definitely feel stronger, especially during my runs. Last night I ran after dinner while hubs put E to bed and though I’m still relying on my 4 and 1 intervals (partly because I’m still breaking in my sneaks) I feel stronger when I run so there’s that and really, stronger is the goal 🙂

How are you getting your sweat on this week? 

 

 

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Sidewalk Skirt Casual

Monday was a pseudo-casual Monday since it was a half-day before the Tuesday holiday. Needless to say, it was a perfect opportunity to bust out one of my favorite skirts. This is a little more casual than I usually go for a non-friday, but like I said, half day and half the office was off for the day so why not?

[skirt (on sale!)  | Tee | Necklace | Sandals (old, similar)]

I love the sidewalk skirt for its casual dress up and dress down look. One thing I should note about my style is that when I find something I love, I tend to buy it in multiples. For instance, I have about six of these skirts – three for summer, and three for fall/winter. Same with the sidewalk dress from JCrew – I have it in five colors.

….

Whoops?

I digress, dress up with a pair of heels or dress down with sandals and a tee like I did- it’s a super versatile skirt for any weekend or business casual environment during any season 🙂

Do you have an item that you love and buy in multiples???

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Body Back Review: Week 1

So I signed up for Fit4Mom’s 8 week Body Back course. I’d been interested in this program for a while, but I finally bit the bullet since my schedule opened up for the summer. I had done stroller strides in Annapolis back before I went back to work but their evening class options were next to none (until recently) and I didn’t want to drive 25 minutes to a 5:30a workout. So I found Fit4Mom Severn, which is like 15 minutes from us and they have not one, but TWO evening body back options.

It started last week with a goal setting call, and two (separate) HIIT workouts (the classes). In addition, we were to complete 1 HIIT workout at home – I did two and fit in 2 separate runs.

The program comes with special workout videos provided by Fit4Mom, as well as a made-for-moms meal plan, and templates to track our food and workouts. Pretty comprehensive,

Workout review

The workouts are hard. I mean, shit, I know I’m weak and my upper body strength is complete garbage. I’m a runner and a wannabe biker. Strength workouts are not my m.o. Nor are HIIT workouts. I do know, however, that they are a necessary evil to getting stronger. All the research says so.

Thankfully these workouts aren’t like that – well, they are tough, but they’re also fun and I feel incredibly strong after.  The group is fun, super encouraging and the workouts are quite challenging – even our supplemental 20-30 min videos. I finished the Total Body workout last night after E went to bed and Hubs even joined me for a couple of butt kicking rounds.

This week’s workout plan:
Tuesday: Run 3.5 (Check)
Wednesday: HIIT (Check)
Thursday: Body Back Class
Friday: Run 3
Saturday: HIIT Core (before flying to Boston)
Sunday: TBD (either run or bike ride when I get home)

I should note that I’m in Boston this weekend with my sister for a concert, so I’ll do my HIIT workout first thing in the morning before I leave, and hit the run when I get back since my flights are mid-morning to Boston and early coming back on Sunday.

Meal plan

Since we know 80% of weight loss comes from diet, I was really looking forward to the meal plan part of Body Back – the recipes were compiled with a busy in mind (that’s me!!) The meals are super easy and absolutely delicious. I kind of went off plan a little bit this weekend with the family. I don’t want to be a 97%-er but man, weekends in the summer are going to be tough. I indulged (mostly in kiddie-sized ice cream), but I fit in my workouts and kept to my meal plan MOST of the time and meal planned the shiz out of this week. I even packed us super healthy lunches to bring to the pool on Sunday so that was something right?

body back week 1

 

Results so far

So it’s super early but I’m down about 2.4 lbs and on twice now I’ve run a sub 12 min mile (mostly) consistently for 3.5 miles – granted it was 80 degrees and I did 4/1 intervals to account for the terrible heat/humidity *even at 8a – will I never learn?!* I know what matters most is going to be the inches lost at the end of this all but I feel really good. Because I know someone is checking out my food journal 1-2x per week, I know I need to stay #accountable.

All things told, I’m pretty pleased so far. Stay tuned for an update halfway mark and at the end of the program to see how it turns out!

Have you done any of the Fit4Mom programs? 

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Currently | July

Happy Wednesday friends!

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday weekend, it’s the first Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for the currently link up with Anne and Stephanie from Wife, Mommy, Me. Join the linkup on the first Wednesday of each month to share what you’re currently up to!

documenting | my eating habits. Thanks to my Body Back class, we write down our food, and it’s really held me accountable to what I’m putting in my mouth – and making sure that I’m properly fueling myself. Because my food journal gets checked out twice per week, it’s that extra accountability that I think I’ve needed.

accomplishing | Lots of workouts. I started training for the Annapolis Ten Miler at the end of August, plus with the HIIT classes from Body Back, I’ve been feeling super accomplished. The only thing left to do is get my bike out and get to some more spin classes to be ready for Iron Girl (a week before the Annapolis 10 Miler) as I’m the bike portion of a relay team!

enjoying | Quality family time. We really enjoyed the weekend – had some quality family time on Saturday at Port Discovery in Baltimore and then the pool Saturday evening, and then Sunday with friends at a local splash pad. I’m a huge fan of summer and though we didn’t make it to the beach this weekend, the family time with my boys was on. point.

reading | Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan. His first two books (Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend) are hilarious and this continues the story. I have about a week to finish it off before I lose my digital download but so far it’s pretty good.

spending | I’m actually trying to limit my spending on clothing until after Body Back is done in August but I do need a new pair of white jeans so I’m looking to replace those (sooner than later! They’re a summer staple for me!).

What are YOU currently up to? 

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Race Recap: Zooma Annapolis 10k

So this recap has taken me…just about a month to get up here. It’s been nearly finished for almost 3 weeks…so here we go!

Happy 10 years in Annapolis, Zooma! I was so jazzed to be chosen again as a Zooma Ambassador – the Zooma community, at its core is such an amazing one and the Annapolis race is, of all the Annapolis races, one that I love the most. 

You can read previous race recaps here, here, here and here. 

Packet Pickup

I headed down to Annapolis after work to grab my packet, and meet up with other ambassadors. The expo was at the Loew’s on West Street – a beautiful hotel if you’re ever looking for a place to stay in Annapolis. The ballroom has been host to many Junior League events and previous Zooma expos have been held here as well. 

Because it was the 10 year anniversary, the expo featured the runners who had run 5+ years, it had stickers to put on there for each year you had run Zooma and special pins. I completely forgot to do this but this year, I’m fairly certain was my 5th year since we moved to the Annapolis area in 2011 and I’ve done it most years since then (i might have skipped a year in 2015???).

The ambassadors met up at 6:30 for a meet and greet with Brae – Zooma Race Director. We got our shirts and Bondi bands as ambassador swag, sipped some Barefoot bubbly (a fantastic race sponsor. If you haven’t run this, or hit up the post-race party, you are MISSING. OUT.)

I didn’t join the other ambassadors for dinner – I like my quiet nights before races with sushi and some bad tv and an early bedtime. All of which i enjoyed with my two favorite boys.

zooma annapolis 10k

Race morning

I met up again with the ambassadors and other Maryland MRTT members for a couple of pre-race pictures. This group of ambassadors is pretty flipping incredible and I’m lucky to know them and follow their running journey’s online.

{Photo credit MCM Runs}

The weather on race day was really perfect. It was sunny. Not too hot (I’ve run Zooma in 80+ degree weather before). A nice breeze. Could not have asked for better weather in June in Annapolis. Fairly certain it won’t be that fantastic in August when I run the Annapolis ten miler. 

The 10k course in Annapolis is my favorite. I love all you hardcore half marathon runners, but the Annapolis Half Marathon route (for Zooma and the Annapolis Half Marathon) is just…no bueno. But the 10k course? You get the beautiful views of downtown (Miles 1 – 4), the challenge of the naval academy bridge (4-5.5) and then the fantastic downhill finish (well. Except for the Academy parking lot..which is a bitch of an uphill .2 miles).

zooma annapolis 10k

I felt pretty good through most of the race but by mile 4.5 my feet were a little achy, I was hungry and felt myself doing more walking breaks. I made the mistake of buying new sneakers (they were the updated version of my previous sneakers – Pure Cadence 5 by Brooks) which I picked up Thursday night and ran in Friday AM before the race. They felt pretty good but the tongue is a bit different on them so that’s still taking some breaking in.

zooma annapolis

All things told, I felt good as I finished up. I have to remind myself that I’m 15 – 20 lbs heavier than I was when I was racing sub 30 5ks and running regular 9:30 – 10:00/miles and that weight slows a runner down. I’ll get back to my happy weight, and my speedier times –  I’m working hard but I had a goal time for this race and I just didn’t hit it which was, not going to lie, a little disappointing. 

Time: 1:15:19
Place: 365/513
A/G: 60/81

 

**Zooma has other races – you can use code HEIDI17 to get 10% the Zooma Florida, Zooma Cape Cod races that are happening this fall!**

**Disclosure: Because I am  a Zooma Ambassador, I was given a free entry into Zooma Annapolis/other Zooma events. All thoughts here are my own.**

 

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June Obsessions

How is it already the end of June?! Last weekend I was in New Orleans for work so I pushed this off a week. New Orleans itself was pretty fantastic – my boss and I had the chance to speak as a keynote at a conference that was just…a mind blowing experience. Plus, unlike last time, I kept my drinking in check (while still having a great time) and did not in fact, get sick on Bourbon Street. I consider that a major win.

 

Here are the five things I’m loving this month

  1. Lululemon Hotty Hot Short (Long) – I needed some new running shorts and picked up these shorts before Zooma – they are absolutely fantastic.
  2. Lularoe Carly dresses – I wrote about this dress last year – but I sized down TWO more sizes and found the perfect fit. Seriously, this dress is flattering, comfortable and can be dressed up or down. I’m obsessed. I scored my favorite one (it’s a burgundy red) off Poshmark at about $15-20 off retail.
  3. Benefit Blush/Bronzer –  It’s the perfect blush/bronzer for the summer. I spent some time at Ulta recently after I ran out of my Bare Minerals blush, this was the winner for me, especially since I use their powdered foundation.
  4. JCrew Factory Sidewalk Skirt – I love, love, love this skirt. It’s so versatile, and I have 3 skirts for summer (striped, olive and orange) and 3 for winter in wool (camel, black and teal). They are my favorite for sure.
  5. Loft Cold Shoulder top – Blush colored, perfect ruffles, super flattering, this was an easy and feminine option to try out the cold shoulder trend. I was reluctant at first BUT I’m super obsessed.

BONUS: I just got three super cute dresses from Amazon for less than $20 each. This striped maxi dress, this off the shoulder dress and this swing style tank dress– all of which are super cute and comfy.  Stay tuned for a full review!

What are YOU loving this month? 

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May Obsessions

Happy Friday my friends!!

How is it already Memorial Day weekend? How are we here at the start of summer?? I’m struggling with how fast time is flying by, this time next year little man will be graduating pre-school and heading off to Kindergarten (assuming, we don’t redshirt him which may be an option pending how the next year goes with some of his developmental challenges we’ve been working through).

Anyhow, I digress. Last month I had a blast sharing what I was loving, so I figured I’d make it a monthly thing on the last Friday of the month! Here are my five current loves/obsessions:

  1. These Old Navy sandals. At first I wasn’t so sure. But then I started wearing them, and now I’m obsessed. They’re the perfect dress up, dress down summer sandal and are pretty comfortable to boot. Bless you Old Navy, you’ve been ON POINT for shoes lately.
  2. This pretty peplum back Pleione top. I bought it in red and black (florals) and kept the black floral. Red’s not prominent in my wardrobe but I just didn’t see myself wearing it as much. It does a run big (but narrow in the shoulders and sleeves) I could have gone either way with the Medium or small but chose the small because the medium kind of drowned me in the bodice. Solid colors are on sale so check those out (I love the magenta!).
  3. This Athleta tank. Which is my new favorite workout top, and currently on sale! It’s perfect for my strength days, my running days and my yoga workouts. I have it in white, but clearly, need it in more colors.
  4. All of the Polar Water summer flavors. Like…all of them. If you can get your hands on some of these bad boys, please do. They are FANTASTIC.
  5. This dress. Times a million. I have it in black as a short sleeve but recently got navy in the tank style. It’s super flattering, comfortable and just the perfect summer basic.

Three things I’m lusting over…

This eyelet top. Perfect flirty summer top. Would be cute with some pink or olive pants for a date night or with colored or patterned shorts for a summer day trip to the beach or a winery.

Collared sweatshirt t-shirt? Uhhh yes, please. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wanted the white one, BUT since I’ve stained in some way, shape or form almost every pretty white top I have, I’d probably get the black/olive one or the grey/navy one.

I love me some lace yolk tops. This one at Nordstrom is on sale and super pretty. I think the pink though white is super versatile too! Old Navy also has a dress and tank option that are both really pretty and perfect for summer.

 

What are you currently loving and lusting over? 

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May Stitch Fix Reveal

Happy Tuesday y’all!

It’s been a busy week/weekend – we just got back from a whirlwind 24 hours in Boston and nearly 20 hours in the car over 48 hours. Do not recommend driving to Boston for such a short visit but was significantly cheaper than flying so…you do what you gotta do.

A couple weeks ago, I got my May Stitch Fix. Since I’ve been reading up a lot on how to make fixes better and giving more productive feedback about fit and style, my fixes have improved. My issue with Stitch Fix is still prices largely, but it’s always a fun package to receive so I’m going to keep on keeping on with them.

Top: Skies are Blue Leann Lace Blouse | Bottom: Liverpool Anita Skinny pant (petite)

I have these pants in burgundy and a pair in navy (that I only recently realized are not petite length thus…way too long) and they are so comfortable and flattering. I noticed that my favorite Ann Taylor skinny ponte pants are getting worn in the legs, so I mentioned I was looking for a replacement pair of black pants for work – they delivered. Huge win, these pants are most flattering and comfortable. Keep!

The top, I wanted to love. It was a touch too big for me, but I loved the color and style generally but when it came to deciding factor, it was a $58 shirt which is a lot for me to spend on one top (especially since I was getting the pants for definite). I passed on the shirt, but style wise it was on point. Returned. 

Top: Blu Pepper Kenward V-Neck Top

I was very ehhhh on this one. I wasn’t in love with the color, and the crochet like detail on the collar was not-exactly work friendly for me. Though the style/shape of the top was okay, I didn’t really love it at all. Returned. 

stitch fix scuba dress

Dress: Wisp Mere Lasercut Scuba Dress

Generally, I like A-line dresses. I love ponte style fabrics – I find them flattering and comfortable. I requested to see what they had and they came back with a cute black and white dress in scuba like fabric. It was….okay. The dress itself was comfortable, but a little bit dressier than I was looking for. I wavered back and forth but ultimately, I just wasn’t in love with the dress as much as I wanted to be for the price tag. Returned. 

Skirt: Le Lis Maura Zip Pocket Detail Skirt

Skirts are SO hit or miss for me. They’re either too high waisted or they sit wrong and flaunt my mom-gut that I’m still working on getting rid of. This skirt, unfortunately, was no different really. The print was cute, but the way it fell was just…nope, it was too high and the pockets were too awkward. I disliked it so much, I forgot to take a picture. I promise…you’re not missing much.  Returned. 

I’d give this month’s fix a 3.5 of 5. Reading up on how to get the most out of your fix has really helped as has joining a couple of styling groups on facebook to see what others are getting to give yourself ideas as well.

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet?  What was your experience like? 

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