Spagetti arms

Well, today is the first time in a few weeks that I've woken up at 6 to get my workout in for 3 consecutive days. 

Arms were in the schedule for today. Because I haven't worked them out in so long (2 weeks), they are like very cooked spaghetti! It feels good, but hurts. They will kill when Shane wakes up and I have to pick him up. Someone else woke up early & he kept me company while I worked out. I love having company. It takes away from the pain and makes the time go by that much faster!

I didn't do a video today. I feel like my arm routine is strong and I'm motivated to get ripped arms for summer!

As I'm typing this and playing with Lars and his tiny toys, my arms are quivering. It's going to be difficult to pick up a 15.3 lbs (& 27" long...we just went to the Drs) little boy. 

Do you prefer to workout with company or solo?

What did I do at 6am?

Waking up at 6am has become a routine. Don't get me wrong, I'm tired, but use to it. Today was my leg day. I still can't believe I did 200 squats, 180 walking lunges, 140 sumo squats & SO much more!

It felt good to be drenched with sweat that early in the morning. It's something I've missed since my training days. I use to wake up at 4am, run to the gym, workout for an hour, run home & then workout for 2 hours after a full day at work. I got fit really fast back then!

Look who woke up early this morning & kept me coming while I worked out. Lars loves playing with the watering nozzle. 

I've already drank 5 bottles of water and I've only been awake for 2.5 hours! I guess I'm thirsty. I have to keep myself hydrated for breastfeeding. 

What were you doing at 6am?

Fastest 2 years of my life!

How has it been 2 years since this little boy came into my life?

He's one of the best things that has ever happen to me and is a great running partner! Today, we are celebrating with birthday waffles, going out for a milkshake & one of his favorite dinners (BBQ chicken). 

How old are your kids? If you don't have any, who do you run with? 

Finally Getting Back to It

It was such a nice day the other afternoon, I set Lars up in the stroller & we went for a 3 mile walk. We ended up at the park (his favorite park). 

He found a stick a helped finish dig a hole. He also found an Easter egg (he's on a constant egg hunt). He loves putting the open egg to his ear and listening to the "ocean").

This was my view the those fun miles! Lars also loves to point out every, single trash can (even if they're not in the street). If you don't acknowledge him, he groans until you do. 

How's the weather in your neck

If the woods?

Too Many Squats?

I think I do a lot of squats when my son does them with me. Usually he doesn't hang on to anything. I think it's so cute. Lately I've been doing jumping jacks and all types of crunches with him too. I can't wait until he has the coordination to do these with me.

He also loves to take a running start and land head first into the pillows I have blocking the brick around out fire place. He's such a silly boy.

Soon, I will be doing mountain climbers and weights in front of him. Right now, it's a little difficult with how much he wants my attention.

Do you guys workout with your little ones awake? How do they handle it? Do they try to copy you?

Baby Giggles

No parent wants an unhappy baby. I'm not unlike any other parent. Since Lars loves to eat (anything), I want him to be happy while he's eating. We always make eating a fun time. He has always hated wearing bibs. He always pulled the bib (those cloth ones) right off. They never lasted the entire meal. So, I ended up just having him eat sans bib. Which meant a very messy feeding time. 

The great people, Steve and Elaine, at Baby Giggles sent me some of their Crud Catchers. These are the only ones that have lasted! Don't get me wrong, Lars has tried to take off the bib, but hasn't been successful.

It always works, though. Lunch time was always our messiest feeding time (pb&j sandwiches). Now, clean up is a breeze! He doesn't even notice he's wearing it :) Feeding time is still is a fun time!

It really works too. Lars likes to dig in the pocket area and pick up what he's dropped. He now eats everything. I rarely find anything is his lap or on his high chair seat. 

I tell the truth when I review products and this is a great product! Easy clean up, flexible (and doesn't hurt when he does try to take it off), 

Baby Giggles makes a great product! If you have a messy eater, these will help you tremendously!!

Do you have a messy eater?  How do they handle wearing a bib?

Winter Running

My little man is turning into a cute little boy. He can walk on his own and can stand up, while hanging on to something. He's about 30"tall and about 21 pounds. he's such a good eater (as seen in yesterday's post)

He has such a personality. He loves telling jokes (he talks baby talk and then laughs). It's the cutest thing! He loves music so much. When there's a good beat, he bounces up and down. I don't know if that's normal for little kids to do. I haven't been around kids this age too much.

My winter running has started. I know it's not technically winter, yet. But, it's cold in the mornings (for CA). Our routine is: get Lars up (about 8), we eat breakfast (he eats what we eat), we get out of our pjs and I get him bundled up for the run. He wears his thermal, sweater and beanie (with his hood up).

We always end up at the park and he plays for a while. So, I bring lots of water for both of us. For the run and play time, we're usually out for about 1 1/2 hours. Lars has a ton of fun!!

How's your winter running going? How cold is it where you live?

More Birthdays, the Perfect Cookies & Pre-Race!

Last weekend was Jason's birthday! He wanted to celebrate by painting little figures. He does this as a hobby and very often! It was the perfect gift. It took all weekend (lots of steps) and we loved it. We got to spend some quiet time together and enjoyed it!

I've been pretty busy lately (working out and family in town). I guess it's tired out a certain little boy. He always sleeps with his butt in the air. It's so cute! My little jelly bean.

I had some strawberries in the fridge that were about to go bad. I only had one more day before I had to throw them out. I searched online and found some awesome strawberry sugar cookies. I haven't found the best sugar cookies, yet. Until this day! These are great. So chewy and just a hint of strawberries. Just the perfect sugar cookie.

My Spartan workout has been going great! I feel stronger and better than when I first started training. My arms have changed (in a great way) and my thighs are getting skinnier. My running is getting faster and easier. I'm not where I use to be (before Lars), but I'm still getting there. 

Saturday is race day! I'm running the Disco donut on Saturday. I can't wait! Disco music while running a 5k, and donuts!!!! Yay!! I've hear there's a YMCA dance at mile 1 and a donut hole eating station and mile 2. And, of course, a party at the finish line! Saturday is going to be so much fun!!

Working out with the rain

Last week, it rained in the morning. Lars and I were stuck indoors. Well, mostly. He was too young when it rained last to do anything. So, I got him all dressed and warm (it was chilly out there) and we played in the rain. He splashed in puddles, stared at the rain falling on us, kicked the soccer ball around and sat in the grass and played with the wet leaves. He loved it!

When we came back inside, I took off all those warm clothes and placed him in the empty bath tub. I had dyed spaghettii in 4 different colors (red, blue, green and yellow) and let him go to town. I knew he would eat it, so that's why I chose spaghetti. While eating it, he would look up at me and say "mmmmmm" with a big smile on his face. 

I guess I tired him out so much, he asked to be fed a little early and fell asleep while eating. His nap time came about 15 minutes early and he slept the entire time too. 

While Lars was crashed out, I worked out. Since it was raining, I couldn't do my pull ups (the bar is outside), so I stayed inside for my sweat session. I worked my arms and legs. I had 3 days off of working out afterwards, so I needed to get things done! Nothing like getting things accomplished when you need to!

Do you ever make these kind of things for your kids? Do you enjoy them making a mess or do you prefer a clean play? What does your rainy day workout look like?

Training Progress & Winner

My date for all my meals. He loves making me laugh and smile. He's such a crack up!

How has my Spartan training been going? Well, pretty good. I've been stuck running a 5k (just not motivated to run further). Well, I finally ran 4.25 miles. It felt great and I loved every minute of it! Lars loved it too. He took a 10 minute nap and when he woke up, we were at the park. What a great surprise for him!

I'm still doing the training for the pull ups. I'm up to 7 seconds holding myself up. 

I'm feeling stronger. Every time I feel stronger, I feel better about myself and it makes me happier and happier with my progress. I'm still so nervous about the Spartan race! The race is next month!!

The winner of the Spartan giveaway is: Alberto!! Congrats! Email me (runnersfuelathotmaildotcom)Thanks to everyone that participated!

Only 24 Hours in a Day??

My days have been cut short. When did the days start having only 24 hours in them? My days have been getting lost. I get almost everything I need done, done. But, I haven't be able to get in a real workout. This is how I fill my days:

I hang with my little man all day. While he naps, I dig more in the backyard (and front). I still have 3 more 18" deep holes to dig. I know the hole seems small and not that bad, but it takes forever and my arms kill afterwards. I guess this is still a great workout! #SpartanUp

Have you been getting all of your workouts in? What are you training for?

Only Kind of Spiders I Like

This little man loves to feed himself. He also loves to mean mug us. He acts tough, but is such a cuddle muffin!

Sarah, over at Green Toys sent Lars some awesome toys to try out. He always has to inspect a toy before he gets too involved in playing with it. 

These were Lars approved! He loves chewing on them. They are perfect when he's teething (even when he's not).

His favorite thing to do with them is to shake them around and hit his feet, making as much noise as he possibly can. Once he gets our attention, he stops, and laughs. With the toy below, he loves putting his foot inside of it (not pictured because he's too fast) and wave it around.

For a few weeks (I'm on week 3), I've been doing the Jillian Michaels 6 weeks abs. This thing a a killer! No joke!! I'm drenched in sweat by the time the half hour is over. I'm already seeing such a difference. I'm only half way through. Just what I needed after not seeing too much change from having a baby 6 months ago. I just need to tighten and I'll be happy.

One of the move she has us do is spider planks. I can't believe how much I love these! They are so much fun to do, I see results, I can feel results right then and I feel like a bad ass afterwards (I dont do the push up part).

This workout takes place in my kitchen. I really need ac when I;m working out now, and it's too humid to workout outside. Until fall.

Do you know a little one teething? Where do you workout? Do you like any type of spiders?

WOD & Training for Spartan

How I'm training for the Spartan Race (in October): I work on my tan and get a good sweat on at the same time. Don't worry, I'm in my backyard, so I don't get stared at. 

Here's a sample of one workout from this week. Some are a little easier (at least for me) and some are more difficult:

reverse lung to overhead press (10 per side) side plank with reverse fly (10 each side) dumbell swing (x20) plank with row (10 per side) deep squat with overhead reach (x15) warrior 3 with triceps kickback (10 per side) deadlift with front row (x15) v-sit with single-arm chest fly (10 per side) split squat with bicep curl (10 per side) repeat all this 3 times.

I had a little (literally) company while I was working out. A baby squirrel decided to observe. It was so cute!

After this workout I was starving! I am obsessed with PB&J sandwiches lately, some home made granola, tortilla chips and a little bit of watermelon. All this hit the spot!

I always workout while Lars is taking his 2 hour nap (my workouts usually take from 30-60 minutes), so I have some time to relax and cool down before I have to feed him. My little man has been busy doing his own workouts: sitting up. What a core workout! Happy 5 months little guy!!

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

What's your workout this weekend?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!!

Lemon Sugar Cookies & a Giveaway Preview

We have a lot of plants around our house. All types too. Right now, everything is in full bloom. They love this hot weather! Here is a picture of one of our cactus with their flowers. It only blooms once a year and only for a day or two.

I love baking. I mean, I really love baking. If I could be in the kitchen all day long baking (and eat everything without gaining weight), I would. This weekend, I spent some time in the kitchen. I made the best sugar cookies I have ever made! They were so light (perfect for the hot weather). 

I like sugar cookies that are light and refreshing. So, the lemon sugar cookies were on the top of my list. They were so easy to make. They took no time at all!

I had a couple left over chocolate chip cookies from a couple weeks ago, so they went to the top of the cookie jar. In case you were curious, yes, my cookie jar sets on my counter at all times. 

Lars has recently started eating solids (that I make all myself, which I'll talk about more in another post). By this picture, I think he likes it. It may look like he doesn't have any hair, but he has very fine baby blondish-red hair. 

This was my long weekend. Sitting at home (when I wasn't running boring errands), hanging out with the family. Lars and I did manage to get out for a small run, before it got too hot on Monday. But, out of everything we do together, dinner time is my favorite. We all sit at the table and eat together. Lars plays with his zebra, until we finish, then Jason usually feeds him afterwards. He loves being involved in the conversation too. 

How was your weekend? Anyone  camp or go to the beach?

Do you eat dinner at the table, outside or in front of the tv (which I use to)?

Who would like a free entry to a Spartan race in a city near you?

Running Stroller Runs

Before I had Lars, I knew I was going to go back to running (I walked a lot while pregnant). I knew I needed a good stroller (but not pay a million dollars). We ended up buying the Graco click connect stroller. It's super easy to strap Lars into and he seems very comfy in it. He loves going on his runs (and walks)!

I haven't been running for very long with him (hubby works, so I had to wait until his neck was strong enough). I'm starting from scratch (which is so difficult). I've lost all my fitness. But, I love a good sweat. The very first run was tough (only one mile for the test). I went to a local park and started running.

Pushing the x amount of weight of the stroller (+ almost 16 lbs of Lars), that's a lot of extra weight I'm not use to running with. It's so worth it, because when the time comes to toeing the line again (I won't be racing with Lars), it'll be that much easier.

I always give Lars his favorite toy (right now it's this dangly zebra thing), hooked on to the stroller, so he can't throw it out while I'm running. He usually "talks"while I'm trekking along and plays with his toy. He's pretty happy while we're on the move. He hates it if I have to completely stop. 

After the first run, I couldn't stop sweating. My lungs hurt, my abs hurt and my legs were on fire. Funny to think I wouldn't even feel like this after 13 miles, in the past. I will get back to my old fitness level. I know it takes time and I'm willing to put in the time. 

I'm so glad that Lars loves being outside all the time. It makes running so much easier, especially since I cancelled my gym membership long time ago. I have 3 months to train for the color run 5k and 5 months to train for the spartan 8 miler (more on that next week).

What race are you training for? How many miles do you run a week? Do I have any other running strollers mommies out there?

*****I paid for the stroller on my own. This was not in any way sponsored by Graco. These are my own thoughts. 

I'm BACK!!!

I'm back!!! So much has been going on since I last blogged (I can't believe it's been almost a year!). This is how I spent most of 2013. I loved every minute of it. 

December 30, I gave birth to Lars. He's the joy of my life. I love being a stay at home mommy. Every laugh, cry, dirty diaper and squeal gives me such enjoyment (and not in a weird way). 

Lars is now 4 1/2 months old and does so much. He's getting ready to crawl and loves touching everything and tries to put everything in his mouth. 

Since I do so much more than just work, run and come home, I've decided to change the focus of my blog. It's going to be more of a healthy running mommy's life kind of blog. I still make good food (chocolate cheesecake):

Since Lars' head is now strong enough to be in the running stroller, I've been running again. I try to go every day, but sometimes our schedule doesn't allow it (same with the weird weather we've been having). I will try to post something at least twice a week, if not more. Just depends on how the days go. I've changed some design aspects on the blog (check out the new header). Let me know what you think!

I already have a couple races lined up for myself. And, I even have a pretty awesome giveaway (for next week). My next post will talk about my running with the stroller and how that's been going. Man, that's a full body workout!!

How many mommy runners do I have out there (even if you don't run with your little one)?

What races do you guys have on your schedule?

What do you think of the new stuff on the blog (I've also added to the about me page)?