Workout buddy & lunges

Here's my motivator while I workout. He sequels and laughs at me while I do my crunches. It's a great time!

Lunges have made it back in to my routine. They are a killer butt workout. My main areas I need to consintrate on are thoughts & butt.

The other day, I did 100 squats (which I do every week day) & 100 lunges. Man! I could barely walk the next day! I love feeling the burn!!

Any suggestions on thigh/butt workouts? The more the merrier!

What's in my home gym?

My home gym is my life saver! Since Shane removed his morning nap, I've been working out when he goes down for his afternoon nap. It's about 3 hours later than normal. I prefer to workout first thing in the morning, but haven't been motivated enough to wake up before the boys.

This is my view when I'm on my weight bench. I workout my abs and arms here.

In that empty space, in the middle, is where is do my floor work (leg lifts and other things like that). This is also Lars' extra play area. We go out there when it's raining or too cold to go outside, when he needs to run around some.

I have free weights in the corner, medicine balls and other workout balls in some of the tubs, bands and mats are there too. This is how it looks when I'm finished. Jason uses the garage for stuff too & I don't want Lars to trip over my stuff. 

If you workout at home, what does your space look like (email pictures)?

Intense cardio workout!

This is the workout I did the other day! I had sweat dripping off of me. I haven't I had that since I did spin classes back in the day.

I did that 2x followed by jumping my weight bench. To show you, I took a picture mid jump (kind of). I jumped side to side with my hands holding up my upper body. It was a killer!!

Man, was I dead!!!! Like the photo bomb of Lars in the background? 😍 he's my motivation!

What was your most sweaty workout? Details please!

Running with the clouds

On Monday, (which was part my hubby's 4 days off) I ran. I didn't want to go. The boys were at home (keeping warm & dry) with Jason.

This was another day I forced myself to go. I'm so glad I went. They always say "you never regret a workout" & it's so true!

The clouds were in full force!

They were moving so fast, it made me feel like I was running so fast! I was running with the clouds & it felt fantastic! It was a great run & one of my fastest (Sunday's was the fastest). 

Do you prefer working out outside or inside?

A head wind run

The hubby had 4 days off this weekend! That meant: we got to go to the snow & I got to run the other 3 days!!

Those 3 days were so tough to get out and run. I wanted to stay at home, where it was warm (it was cold, cloudy & ugly outside) & cuddle with my 3 guys. But, I made myself get out there and run. The faster I ran, the sooner I got home...more motivation. These days were my fasts runs this year (that's good for me). 

Because it was gross outside, it seemed like every time I went up a hill, there was a huge head wind. This made for a tough run (bigger workout). It was great! I haven't mushed myself like that in a while.

What's your running weather like where you live?

Snack prep

We go food shopping every 2 weeks (we stop off to get minor things throughout the week). When the food comes home, I start getting everything ready. 

I hard boiled some eggs (great for post workout protein; especially a great snack when I'm in a hurry). I cut up some cheese (I don't eat that much cheese, but Lars loves it), 2 cucumbers, an apple (this slices for Lars too) and grapes. If I have everything prepped and ready to eat, I'm more likely to grab that vs chips. My weakness is chocolate chips, though. 

I also love cookies, but I hate buying them at the store. I love knowing what's in my food, so I make it myself!

I usually make a double batch of cookies, and bake only 12 at a time (one cookie sheet worth). I freeze the rest of the dough. It's kind of like buying cookie dough, but it's home made. 

All of this makes me feel so organized!

Do you prep your dinners or snacks? How do you keep organized & eating "healthy"?

The sticky runner

I love my mornings! They're even better when I'm able to play with my boys, then go for a run through my local parks.

It had just rained the day before, so everything was still wet and muddy. Yay!

I ran my old route (when Lars was a baby). There are more hills than I'm use to. I also did some sprints. Hills + sprints = a very sweaty & sticky Shelly!! I even got stuck in my jacket when I got home.

After my half hour run, a recovery drink & lots of stretching were in order! I hate having sore muscles. The next day, I didn't hurt too much!

Because things have calmed down here & Jason was home this weekend, I was able to run Saturday & Sunday! I haven't run 2 days in a row in way too long!! It was great! Jason has a 4 day weekend coming up, so I should be able to run all 4 days! Can't wait...

How many days in a row do you run?

Runners feet & baseball

My feet are already showing my runs. They are already getting beat up. Jason hates this part of my running. At least I have all my toe nails again!

On my workout day off (I take 2 a week), Lars and I headed out back to play with his birthday toy we got him.

He likes it! He has pretty good hand eye coordination. Lars starts soccer in a couple months. Baseball won't start until next year (he needs to be 3). All the really fun stuff is about to start now!

What sports are you into?

1st run of 2016

Over the weekend, after Christmas & Lars' birthday party were all over, I was able to get in a run! It was the first run of the new year. It felt great!

It was freezing out (35 or so)! That's really cold to my California self! The sun was trying to peek through and barely anyone was out. I had the entire park to myself!

I got in about 2.5 miles and it took about a 1/2 hour. I'm going to have more time to run now that all the holiday & birthday festivities are over. I haven't been running very much because it's been a bit crazy around here. Now, I can focus on myself.

How do you make time to run?

My home gym & routine

Here's a little look into my at home (garage) gym. I often do the stair(s) in my garage. I do them normal, side ways, and backwards. These different ways all work different muscles. I really need a lot of work in my upper leg/butt area...badly!

One of my favorite leg workouts is the fire hydrant. You get on all fours and hike up your legs, like you're peeing on a fire hydrant (I didn't name  it).

I also do backward leg lifts (not sure the right name for it). Again, you're on all fours and lift your leg behind you, straight up (with a bent leg).

Santa brought me a great gift...a new weight bench! I'm getting so much use out of it already! I do my ab workout on it and it really pushes me. It's because I need to balance on it (and try not to fall off). It's a great way to push myself a little harder (which I'm already needing). I feel like my normal routine isn't doing what I need it to do, so I need to do it another way or add more weight. 

Are you an at home workouter or an at he gym? I use to be only at the gym person, but kids have changed me (of course).