Head Shoulders Knees & Toes: Fitness

On Tuesday I shared my Half Marathon Training plan with you, so I thought it would be fun to follow up with some of my favorite training gear. Over the years I have found brands that I love and have created somewhat of a uniform for when I run/exercise.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a loyal Asics customer, but I haven't be happy with my most recent pair. I've been thinking of trying something new, but will have to find a running store to get recommendations. I have a fairly high arch and I pronate, so I need a stable and supportive running shoe. I love the look of Nike shoes like I've linked here, but I'm not sure if they're supportive enough. What are your favorite running shoes? 

My favorite running capris are Sugoi, they have a higher waist which I love. I must be getting old because I can't stand low rise pants. These have great stretch, aren't too thin, and have a nice little zipper pocket for your keys. I also love Lucy capris, but I find it's better to size down otherwise they start to sag a bit when running. My friend had these that I thought were so cute and I love how there is a pocket for your phone, but I haven't been able to justify the price tag. 

As for tops, these The North Face/Mountain Athletics tank tops are the best. I love that they're loose but not too baggy. They are the softest material and so comfortable. I can't say enough good things about them. I think I have about 7 now because I stopped wearing anything else, call me obsessed.

I'm usually cold when I run, especially on foggy mornings here in the city, so I love half zip jackets like this. I couldn't find my favorite one that is made by Lole, but this Under Armor one looks similar. I also have this R1 Patagonia that I love and wear often. 

I'm also in the market for a new pair of headphones and something to carry my phone. I've considered wireless headphones because I often find the cord annoying, but those are pretty pricey. Do you have any you recommend? And to carry my phone, I've looked at a belt like this but maybe I should just bite the bullet on those running capris with a pocket? 

What are your favorite athletic brands? 

You can see more outfit inspiration & sets like this on my Polyvore account here

Half Marathon Training Plan for Beginners

I've talked a little about my struggle with health and fitness on the blog, here and here. In the past few months I've been working on making my health a priority (lets face it, I'm not getting any younger) and focusing on getting in more exercise. 

When my sister mentioned she was going to sign up for the Disney Avengers Half Marathon in November, I jumped at the chance to join her. We ran our first 1/2 Marathon together back in 2010 and it was so helpful having someone to train with and especially to keep each other motivated during the race whenever one of us was struggling. 

I knew this was exactly what I needed to stay motivated with exercise. Plus, I hope it will be something fun that my sister and I can do together and bring us closer. And as it turns out, our cousin and friend will be joining us as well! So in addition to helping me stay motivated to exercise regularly, it's going to be a family weekend in Disneyland! 

Since I hadn't been running regularly prior to signing up for this race, I wanted to plan a beginners training guide. I looked around and found a few 12 week training programs that seemed doable and used those as a guide to make my own training plan. Since it's only a 12 week guide, I technically don't need to start until August. My plan until then is to get in at least 3 runs each week. So that by the time I start my 12 week training guide, I am able to easily run 4 miles at a 9 minute mile pace. I can always adjust my training plan come August if I feel I need to get in more mileage. But for now, this feels like a comfortable starting point. I will also be incorporating cross training (XT) because I've read that is very important for race training. 

So far, I've been running 3 miles a few times a week. I'm pretty slow, between 10 and 11 minute miles, but have already seen improvement in my time. My last 1/2 marathon I completed in 2 hours and 12 minutes, so I really want to beat that time. I know that if I focus on the training and fueling my body during the next few months, I can do it! 

Of course, another aspect I'm excited about is dressing up for the race! Since my nephew loves superheros, I am excited to run in costume on race day. Any ideas for what to wear? I think Superman or Batman would be classic and fun. But I also love the idea of Captain America so I could wear my best red, white & blue gear! Any fun costume ideas for me?

If you have any tips for training for a half marathon I'd love to hear them. It's been 6 years since my last race, so I am definitely rusty. I will keep you up to date on how my training is going and be sure to share a recap afterwards! 

You can see my training guide below, I made a fun graphic too in case you want to pin it for future reference! 

Fitness Motivation: Post-It Method

As I've mentioned, for the past few months I've been in a fitness/exercise rut. Last summer, before our wedding I discovered a little trick that was a game changer for me. It really got me motivated to consistently work out. I wanted to share it with you in the hopes that it will help anyone else having similar struggles.

I'm a very visual person, so for me this method is exactly the type of system I needed to help me create an exercise schedule and meet my fitness goals.

Post-It Note Fitness Motivation

First, you'll need Post-It notes in 2 colors, cut them into 1/2" strips.

One color will be for the weeks, like a countdown. The other will be for the amount of days you want to workout during each week. I used blue for my week Post-Its and purple for my days of exercise Post-Its.

On one color, write Week #1, Week #2....and continue for as far as you wish.

Find a wall in your home where you would like to display them. For me, I need it to be something I see when I get home from work, or wake up in the morning. A constant reminder if you will. So I chose the wall that divides our entry way and living room. It's literally the first thing you see when you walk through our front door. For me it's a great reminder to immediately change into my workout clothes when I get home from the office and head to the gym before I get lazy. But place them wherever will work best for you.

After you place the Post-It for the Week #1, use the alternating color and stick a strip for each time you plan to exercise. For me, I plan to go to the gym 5 days a week, so I used 5 purple strips. After you post your workout strips (purple) start a new week with another blue strip. Continue this pattern for as many weeks as you prefer.

Before the wedding I did a countdown starting 12 weeks before the wedding. Beginning with "12 Weeks" at the top, then went in descending order so it was like a countdown leading up to the Big Day. So, you could also set it up this way if you're counting down to a vacation or something exciting.

You'll also want to keep a jar near the area these are posted. The plan is for each time you work out, you take a Post-It off the wall and put it in the jar. If you miss a day, that's okay! You can make it up another day during that same week. Then, once the week is over, you can take down the blue "week" Post-It and place it in the jar as well.

I like to make it like a game and reward myself for my success. At the end of the four weeks, if I have put ALL the purple strips in the jar, I get to buy myself some new workout gear. You can determine an amount to spend or whatever type of reward you want. And, if you do extra workouts, think of some added bonus to treat yourself with!

It's amazing how well this worked for me. It's surprisingly powerful to see all those little Post-Its staring back at you from the couch, it definitely motivates you to get moving!

Unfortunately, after the wedding and through the holidays I lost my motivation for working out. So I decided to implement this trick again.  And it's been working wonders!


So what do you guys think? Am I crazy or does this sound like something that would help you, too? Let me know if you try this!

My Struggle with Health & Fitness

It makes me a little nervous sharing this with you and being so vulnerable. But at the same time writing is therapeutic, and maybe one of you has had similar struggles and can relate to my experiences. Usually people write these types of posts when they have an after photo, but I'm just starting my journey. I thought since I've found similar posts by other bloggers helpful, someone out there may find this interesting as well. It's a long post, and if this isn't a subject that interests you, I won't be offended if you stop here.

For as long as I can remember I have struggled with my weight, body image, and confidence. Even in high school when I was so thin, I always compared myself to others and felt like I needed to lose weight. I have always had a hard time being consistent with diet & exercise, trying every fad diet in the book. I've even had great success, but inevitably end up gaining the weight back. I've always been active: playing outside as a kid, hiking, and playing sports, etc. But, I have trouble being both active and maintaining a healthy diet. Usually I'm successful at one or the other, which hasn't gotten me very far.

In college, like most people, I gained some weight my first semester. But, during my second semester I started dieting and running to lose weight. After I few months I got pretty thin, almost too thin. I felt great, but in order to achieve that success I completely cut myself off socially. I didn't go to the cafeteria with friends for meals. I didn't drink at all, which isn't a bad thing by any means, but as a freshman in college that really limits your social life. It wasn't a lifestyle I could maintain. I missed spending time with my friends, and felt like I was missing part of the college experience. I kept exercising, but eventually during my sophomore year, I started gaining all the weight back.

after my first semester of college

end of freshman year

After college, I started working full time in an office. Which really lowered my activity level and caused me to gain weight once again. Luckily, after a few months of feeling badly about myself, I met a friend at work and we became gym buddies. Together we worked out everyday, and were able to help keep each other motivated to maintain a healthy diet with Weight Watchers. I was able to lose a significant amount of weight (25+ pounds) and was feeling confident and happy. That was seven years ago, and the last time I remember really feeling truly confident with body.

The bride was my workout buddy :)

But when I changed jobs the following year, I no longer was able to workout with my friend on our lunch break. I began losing motivation to exercise and eat well. With the combination of my social life and lack of exercise, the pounds slowly began to creep up. And suddenly, I was back where I started. For a few years, I maintained that weight for the most part. Fluctuating here and there, but I never felt good about myself.

Since then I've gone in waves of working out consistently. I've been able to lose a bit of weight, but I have never reached my goal before falling off the wagon. Honestly, it feels as though I am unconsciously sabotaging my own success. I haven't figured out what the trigger is that makes me give up. Emotional eating is definitely a factor, and lack of motivation to get to the gym without a work out partner has also been hard. I find myself asking, why can't I make this happen? Andrew is committed to diet and exercise, so you would think it would be easy. He is so supportive and always encourages me. But it has still been a constant struggle.

Before our wedding last summer, I found success with the 21 Day Fix. I did my own workouts and followed the diet plan closely. I loved it, and felt like it taught me healthy habits about portion size and the types of foods I should be eating. Because I waited so long to get started, I didn't have nearly the weight loss I had hoped before the wedding, but once I started the 21 Day Fix I was able to lose 9 pounds and felt great on our wedding day.

Unfortunately, after our wedding came the honeymoon, followed by the holidays...I'm sure you can see where this is going. I've now gained back all the weight I lost and reached my highest weight ever. Seeing that number on the scale was a big wake up call. On top of feeling down about my size, and being uncomfortable in my own skin, now I had the number to confirm those feelings. The final straw was after our recent trip to Big Sur. When we got home and I was looking at pictures I couldn't believe how heavy I looked. I knew I had to snap out of it and break the cycle. I am thirty years old, I can't keep making excuses. I know I need to do this for my health. Beyond the number on the scale, and size of my jeans, I want to be healthy. I want to live a long, healthy life with Andrew and our future family. It's time to fall back in love with exercise and teach myself healthy eating habits.

From our recent trip to Big Sur - the "Before" pictures, if you will

Because I found success with the 21 Day Fix in the past, I decided to start there again. I have a close friend doing it with me, as well as a Facebook group to help stay motivated.  I am on my first round, and feeling motivated to keep going. Hopefully this post will help keep me accountable.

When I start my next round of the 21 Day Fix, I plan to share a weekly update with my progress. I've been keeping track of my success including pictures and measurements. I will also share the recipes that have worked for me in hopes that it will help someone else as well.

I feel like I am finally on my way to figuring out the balance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, while still living life to the fullest and enjoying a glass of wine or dinner out with friends. I think for me it's going to be something I have to work on indefinitely, it does not come easily. But, I am learning what tools help make me successful and regaining this feeling of confidence is motivation in itself.

Any tips you have for me are greatly appreciated :)



Running Shoe Image courtesy of nenetus at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

My Fitness Essentials

Fitness Essentials by fromfoothillstofog featuring asics shoes

Lately, I've been making a huge effort to really get in shape and live a healthy lifestyle. The Holiday's threw me for a loop, and it took a while to recover. But now, I'm back into my healthy routine and it feels great! These are a few of my favorite things, that make getting to the gym everyday a little bit easier. 

// I wish I was the type that could hit the gym or run without music, but I rely on my iPhone to get me motivated and push myself to train harder. I use skull candy headphones and they work great for me. I always find them at TJ Maxx and Marshall's for like $5. Although, I got these awesome wireless headphones for Andrew for Christmas, and I kind of want a pair for myself. //

// My absolute favorite workout tank is Under Armour, the discontinued the model I like, but have similar styles like I've shown above. I also love Old Navy for running tanks and capris! //

// It's always cold here in the city, so running outdoors and early trips to the gym requires an extra layer. My all time favorite is my Lole half zip. It's just like this, but a pullover. I got it Sports Basement here in the city, and I'm always on the lookout for another one. It's one of my most used articles of clothing! //

// Water is key, when I'm at the gym I always have my Kleen Kanteen or another water bottle with me. For spin class, I love using sport bottles like this. //

// Capri's are my go to for all fitness. I get too hot in pants, and find shorts to be really uncomfortable when running or spinning. I love the Sugoi pair I have, they are high waisted which is a must for me, and have mesh fabric behind the knee to keep you cool. //

// Like I said, music is my motivator when I'm at the gym. I use an armband like this to hold my phone when I lift weights or run outside. //

// I am a huge SmartWool fan. They make the best socks, and while they're a bit expensive, it's totally worth it. Once you invest in nice running/fitness socks, you'll never go back. //

// When I was training for my first half marathon years ago, I was fitted for running shoes at the local shoe store where I'm from. After watching me run, they determined that I pronate and recommended Asics since they have great support. Since then, I've always worn them and never had a problem. I recommend finding a running store near you, and have them help determine which is the right shoe for you. //

// This is Lo & Son's O.G. Bag is my dream gym bag! I try to go to the gym before work, so I get it out of the way in the morning, and have my evenings to relax at home or see friends. I also find it keeps me motivated to eat well throughout the day. Since I get ready for work at the gym those mornings, I bring a lot of stuff with me. This bag would fit everything perfectly! And it's so cute, I could use it for an overnight bag as well! //

// Spinning is one of my favorite forms of exercise. A few years ago for my birthday, I was given a pair of Sidi cycle shoes. I probably wouldn't have invested in them myself, but I love having them! It makes spinning so much more comfortable and effective. When I switched over from running shoes, I could feel a huge difference. If you spin regularly, I definitely recommend looking into cycling shoes. //

What are your fitness essentials? Is there anything in particular that makes you excited to hit the gym and get a good sweat? 

If you're looking for fitness motivation, you should visit my good friend Kristin's blog. She is amazing! Her blog and Instagram always keep me inspired when I feel like skipping a workout! 

Happy sweating! 

Fitbit Flex

For a while now, I've been thinking it would be nice to have a Fitbit, but I never really looked into it. Then last week, I was having dinner with my girlfriends, and a couple of them recently got the Fitbit Flex and were raving about them. I mentioned that I had wanted one, and lucky for me, one of my friends had just won a Fitbit Flex at work. Since she already had one, she sold it to me for half off! She gave it to me last weekend when we watched the 49er game, and I was so excited to get home and set it up!

I didn't know too much about the Fitbit, besides that it tracked steps and activity level. I was really excited when I learned you could track your sleep. I haven't been sleeping well at all the past few months, which is frustrating since I used to sleep straight through the night, every night. So waking up multiple times, tossing and turning was getting old.

I'm attributing this to my workouts, but I've actually been sleeping really well the past few nights!

Another thing that excited me about the Fitbit was the motivational aspect. Along with the rest of the world, I'd like to lose a few pounds, and be a healthier, more confident version of myself in the new year. In just a couple days, I can already tell the Fitbit will be a great motivator for me. It's a little reminder to get moving! Seeing my activity levels from the past two days at work made me realize just how little I had been moving around during the day. Working in an office environment, I'm at my desk 90% of the day, so I need to make a conscious effort to get up and walk around a lot more. It also encourages me to keep up with tracking my meals and exercise, so I can get a more accurate picture of my overall activity level and diet.

One of my very best friends, who also has a Fitbit, is getting married in September!!! So we can "cheer" each other on with our Fitbit app to help stay motivated! Also, you should read her super cute proposal story here! Nothing like an upcoming wedding and bachelorette party to keep you motivated! And now I can track my progress with the Fitbit. As my friend said, we're going to be "Itty-bitty, Fitbit mini's" by the wedding! haha

So far, one of my favorite features of the Fitbit Flex is that it syncs with My Fitness Pal, the app/website I use to track meals. I can continue tracking food like I have been in My Fitness Pal, and it automatically syncs with my Fitbit app. I use the Fitbit app to track my workouts, and those sync with My Fitness Pal.

There is only one complaint I have, but the good news is I can fix it! I've been using my retro iPhone 4 for over 4 years now, and unfortunately, the Fitbit only syncs with the iPhone 4s generation and higher. This means my profile is only updated when I am at home and within range of my laptop. I could just bring my laptop to work with me, but I'd rather use it as an excuse to finally upgrade my phone! I think once I am able to view my steps on the app, it will be more motivating to get up and move around the office a bit more throughout the day.

Oh, in other exciting Fitbit news, they're collaborating with Tory Burch to design a collection that works with the Fitbit tracker! It comes out this Spring, needless to say I'm pretty excited about it!

Ok, time to get up and walk around. I'm only at 20% for the day!

Do you have a Fitbit? What do you think?

November Goals

picture courtesy of my Dad

I was a little ashamed to write this post, but I said I would check back in with you, so I'm staying true to my word. Remember last month when I listed out some goals I had for the month of October? Well I am embarrassed to say that I only accomplished one of them. I'm pretty disappointed in myself. I could sit here and make up excuses and tell you that we had a busy month, etc. etc. But the truth is, excuses are what got me here in the first place. I'm good at making them when I want to.

So, instead of making new goals for this coming month. I want to revisit my October goals, and really make an effort to achieve them. Especially making fitness (and diet) a priority. I'm the only one who suffers when I don't accomplish the goals I set for myself. I know if I do this for myself, I will be much happier and more confident.

I'm making a promise to myself, and to you that I am going to work my hardest to accomplish everything on this list during the month of November. I know that I'll feel so much better looking back and seeing these items checked off at the end of the month!

1. Make fitness a priority
2. Read more
3. Drink more water
4. Go to bed earlier
5. Manage my time more efficiently
6. Pay it forward
7. Finally sell a few items on Ebay
8. Fun new collaboration with my friend Kasey! We have another post for you coming up in a few weeks!
9. Keep the house tidy
10. Take Louis on more frequent, and longer walks
11. Complete a DIY/Craft Project from my ever growing list.

I'm already off to a good start with #1. This is where I've made the most excuses lately, and I'm suffering the consequences. I've enlisted the help of my wonderful friend Kristin, who helped create a meal plan for me, as well as exercise goals. She's a bad ass and I know she'll keep me on my toes and hold me accountable. Just what I needed. She is coming over tonight to meet with me so that we can make sure the plan is realistic for my lifestyle. I am OK with the process taking some time, so long as I can still enjoy a glass of wine, eat cheese, and continue to enjoy cooking dinner with Andrew every night. I know there are small changes I can make that will make a big difference over time. Mostly, I just want to be healthy and confident. And I'm excited to get started! The first few days are going great. I've also been drinking a lot more water than I usually do. I'm trying to get at least 64oz in while I'm at work. In addition to what I drink at the gym and at home. 

As for the other items on the list, I've come up with a plan to make sure these things are doable, and to help hold myself accountable! So, come December 1st I'll have a positive update for you!! 

I figure, there is no better time to make these changes for myself than going into my 28th year. I have a feeling it's going to be the best year yet, and I want to make sure I start it off on the right foot! 

I hope you all are having a great day!! Thanks for letting me ramble on about my goals today!

Get Your Sweat On - Playlist

Happy Friday my friends!

I met with a personal trainer at the gym on Monday. It was the extra motivation I needed to start to push myself during workouts and switch up my routine. 

Lucky for me, personal training sessions are included as a part of my gym membership. I met with my trainer for the first time a week ago to go over my goals. Then he created a workout designed to help me reach my goals. He created a total body routine that I will do 3 times a week, and I can mix in additional cardio days as well. My goal is to build muscle and tone, losing a few pounds will be a nice side effect, but mostly I want to be stronger and more fit overall. 

This week has gone really well so far. I was surprised how sore I was after the first day, but I love that feeling because you know you're getting results! The plan is to do this routine for two weeks, then I will meet with the trainer again to incorporate new exercises that will continue to push me. 

Even though there isn't as much one on one time with the trainer as I might get paying for sessions, it works for me because I know I have to check in with him every few weeks, and I want to show that I'm making progress and getting stronger. It's an affordable way to get personalized workout routine and I'm happy that I finally took advantage of it after a year of going to this gym! 

I created this playlist to help get me through the workouts and make it more fun. I love the mix of 80's rock and current top 100 hits with a little country thrown in at the end for a cool down! If any of you are in need of a few new songs to help motivate you at the gym, hopefully this will help!

I hope you all have an amazing weekend! We have some fun things planned so I'm looking forward to it! 


xoxo,


Theresa

Go Climb A Rock: Tuolumne Meadows

I've been lucky enough to have parents who love the outdoors. I spent much of my childhood camping and hiking through many National Parks, most frequently, Yosemite National Park.

Every year that I can remember, we've gone to Yosemite Valley, or Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. I think when I was much younger, we spent more time in the valley. Maybe that is because there are more "kid friendly" activity's. 

My Dad would go off rock climbing with one of his many climbing buddies, and my mom would take my sister and I on walks through the meadow, to the Indian caves, and my favorite, the school playground. I think there was some type of agreement that we'd have to get a hike in first, before she'd agree to take us there. 

Sometimes, though, my Dad would bring us along for the rock climbing adventures. I am not sure how old I was the first time I went, young enough that I don't remember exactly. There's a picture of my sister climbing at maybe 5 or 6 years old, so I'd imagine I was about that age as well.

My first memory rock climbing was not in Yosemite, and it's not a particularly good memory either. Let's just say it involved a massively-sized dragonfly and being dragged up the face of a rock mid-tantrum. But we'll save that story for another day...

Luckily, since then, there have been many, many amazing memories rock climbing in both Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley. I'd say some of my favorite childhood memories are from these trips. 

As you can see, being outdoors, climbing and hiking, is in my blood. And I am especially fond of the geology and landscape that makes up Yosemite National Park. I feel very blessed that as a Californian, it's in my backyard, and that I've been able to spend so much time taking in the beautiful scenery.

Last summer, Andrew was able to join me in Tuolumne Meadows for a long weekend with my parents and cousins. I hadn't been climbing in a couple years, and I knew it was something Andrew would love, so I was eager to have my Dad take us for a day. My cousins have also become quite fond of the sport after a few trips with my Dad in previous years. 

We found a spot on The Bunny Slope that would be easy for everyone to get a few pitches in. While my cousins, Jason and Brendan were climbing, Andrew and I sat with my Mom and watched and relaxed in the sun. When it was our turn, I think we were both a little nervous. Andrew, since this was his first outdoor climbing experience. And me, since I hadn't been in a few years.

We both ended up having such a great day. We were able to get in about 3 or 4 pitches. I was surprised how comfortable I was on the rock. I was worried I may be fearful of heights, or get nervous midway, but I was totally at ease and had so much fun. Andrew really enjoyed it as well. He's very athletic, and once he got over the initial nerves of never having been before, he was quite speedy and graceful as he climbed.

     

     

The best part was spending that time with my Dad. It was really fun, and important for me that he had the opportunity to spend some time with Andrew and get to know him a little better.

I am already looking forward to our annual camping trip later this summer in Tuolumne Meadows. I'm hoping we'll be able to get on The Great White Book, it's a climb that I've been wanting to do as long as I remember. 

Have you ever been rock climbing? Either outdoors or at a climbing gym?

Maybe my Dad will do a guest post about his experiences rock climbing sometime...

xoxo,

Theresa

Adventures on Mt. Tamalpais

I've always loved being outdoors. When I was little I would always play outside: climbing trees, riding my bike, and exploring our property. My dad is an avid mountaineer and I spent my childhood going from one campground to the next. We'd go on backpacking trips, day hikes, and rock climbing. So it's no surprise, that I still love the outdoors.

View from West Point Inn on Mt. Tamalpais

Hiking is one of my favorite forms of exercise. What's not to love? It's so rewarding, with beautiful scenery along the trail, and breathtaking views at the summit. 

View of Lake Lagunitas from Mt. Tamalpais

Old Fire House on the summit of Mt. Tam

There are so many gorgeous areas in California to explore. And the bay area is home to many beautiful hiking trails, including one of my very favorites. 

Mt. Tamalpais is one of the most beautiful hikes I have done. It's not only a great workout, but the trail takes you through a beautiful wooded area, then above the tree line to the summit with an breathtaking panoramic view of the California coast. 

I first did this hike with my parents, and a family friend, I think it was back in 2003. I loved it so much, I ended up taking my college roommates and various friends up the trail three different times while I was at Sonoma State University. 

So of course, on one of Andrew's visits from San Diego, I introduced him to Mt. Tam.  We've always enjoyed hiking together, and I knew he would like this one. Especially because dogs are allowed on the trail, so we could bring Louis along as well. 

Check out that view of San Francisco! 

Try to ignore the power line obstructing the view

I'm sure there will be many more trips to the summit of Mt. Tamalpais in my future. The view is just too beautiful to miss. 

If you are in the bay area, I highly recommend hiking Mt. Tam. There are numerous trails you can take. This is my favorite trail head. I think next time we go up, we'll stop at the Mountain Home Inn for a burger and a glass of wine to reward ourselves for all of our hard work! 

If you're in the area, and don't have time for a day hike, you can also drive most of the way to the top, and take a short walk to see the views at the summit. 

What is your favorite hike?

I hope you all have a great weekend! 

xoxo,

Theresa

No more excuses!

I'm a little late checking in with you about my fitness routine, but I was a little busy last Friday.

.............

I think it was just what I needed to share with you all that I had been struggling to stay motivated with my exercise routine. I knew that post would hold me accountable, and that I needed to stop making excuses!

I was able to get in some great workouts in the past two weeks. I feel really good about staying consistent and getting back on track. I can tell I have lost some strength with my hiatus, man spin class has been tough! But I know that I'll gain back what I lost, and then some!

I've managed to get to the gym 4 days both this week and last, and after weeks of making excuses I feel really good about that! It's not quite where I hope to be, but I think it's a good start.

My goal is to continue to work out in the morning most days, but I would like to incorporate some strength training again. I'll let you know how I do next week!

.............

We're off to Southern California this weekend for a friend's wedding. I am so excited to see old college friends and catch up with everyone. We always have a great time together, so I am really looking forward to this weekend.  

I hope you have a great weekend! What are your plans?

Do you have any fitness goals?

xoxo,

T