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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Postpartum Workouts: Week 1 Recap

Welcome to a new fitness series! I joined a gym last week so that I could restart my fitness journey. Yes, I have worked out since having a baby, but it hasn’t been consistent. I want to change that, so I’m sharing recaps of my workouts as I try to get back into my fitness routine. I’m recapping this both to inspire others to start, even if it’s slowly, and to hold myself accountable. If anyone reading this is also trying to meet a fitness goal, I’d love to be virtual workout buddies. Share your goals in the comments!

Week 1 Workout Recap:

Note: You will notice my workouts were not intense or long on my first week. That’s because I know my body and I am not in the best shape. I want to show how even just a short workout can help in the long run.

Monday-Tuesday: No workout. It was New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. We signed up for the gym membership on NYE and then went to the gym to tour it and grab our passes on the first.

Wednesday: .5 mile run and 15 minutes on the stairmaster. I then did 15 minutes of light yoga and bicycle crunches. (I was sore for three days from this.)

Thursday-Friday: No workout.

Saturday: .25 mile walk on the treadmill to warm up, followed by a 1-mile run. We then did about 15 minutes of yoga and bicycle crunches.

Sunday: Yoga Sculpt class at a studio. This class combines yoga with using free weights and strength training exercises like squats and lunges. It also includes a section on working the core. I estimate we did about 150 lunges holding weights and at a fast tempo. I had to take several water breaks. The instructor was like a drill sergeant, but I appreciate the intense workout.

Reflections and tips:

  • Don’t worry about starting slow or taking it easy. Yes, you want to get a good workout in, but you also don’t want to hurt yourself. Stretching is important, as is drinking enough water and allowing your body time to recover.
  • Mix up the workout to keep yourself engaged. I have always enjoyed a mix of yoga, running, and strength training.
  • Don’t worry about what others think. There will always be people who are annoyed at the newbies. Focus on yourself and ask for help when you don’t know how to use machines. Many gyms offer a free training session when you first join, and the trainer can help with the machines.
  • You don’t need the fanciest shoes, workout clothes or gear, at least not to get started.

Note: I am not a fitness trainer. These are just tips that I follow and that work for me. For the best fitness advice consult a professional.

Shop for my yoga towel and yoga mat**:

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise.

New Fabletics Workout Attire & My Pregnancy Fitness Routine

** This post is sponsored by Fabletics. All opinions are my own.

Fitness has been an important part of my life for seven years now. I have known that I want to stay as active as possible throughout my pregnancy, but my fitness routine has certainly changed. What motivates me to want to work out still involves cute athletic wear though! Today I’m sharing my pregnancy fitness routine and the new workout outfit I am loving to help me not only look great but feel confident during this special but challenging time.

I have written about Fabletics before because I have been impressed with their workout attire. They have such pretty designs, and I’ve found that they hold up well to frequent use and washes. I wear this Fabletics top all the time because I love the coverage in the back and it’s comfortable.

My Pregnancy Fitness Routine | New Fabletics Workout Outfit

My Pregnancy Fitness Routine | New Fabletics Workout Outfit

My New Fabletics Workout Outfit + Wish List:

I recently received the Aubrey Tank (White) and the Salar Mesh Powerhold Capri (Aegean) from Fabletics to try. The new collection is so adorable that it was difficult to choose an outfit! I wanted everything!

The Aubrey Tank is super comfortable and moisture-wicking. It’s meant to have a loose fit, but during pregnancy it fits around the belly. (You could also size up if you’re pregnant if you still want that relaxed fit.)  I chose capri leggings from Fabletics because I am short and I always prefer the shorter style. The side panels add a nice touch.

 

 

Other legging features:

  • Chafe resistant
  • All-way stretch
  • Sculpting
  • UPF protection
  • Quick dry

My Pregnancy Fitness Routine:

I’ve had to adjust my fitness routine since becoming pregnant. In the beginning, I was running regularly as before, but then I had to listen to my body and cut back. I now focus most of my attention to yoga and walking at an incline on the treadmill or hiking. I’ve had the opportunity to hike in the Phoenix mountains during my visit and when I’m back home in Chicago I use the treadmill two or three times a week. When I run on the treadmill, I alternate between jogging and walking on an incline. I plan to return to running as my primary workout as soon as possible after baby so I can train for the Chicago Half-Marathon in September.

To sum up my pregnancy workouts:

  • Yoga (in class or on my own)
  • Jogging
  • Walking on the treadmill at an incline (alternating with jogging)
  • Random at-home strength exercises such as lunges and squats

Have you tried Fabletics? Check out the new styles and let me know what items you’d love to get! This month you can get 2 pairs of leggings for $24 – a $99 value – when you sign up for their flexible VIP membership program!

Shop my Fabletics outfit**:

Click the images below to shop my outfit.

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Related post:

A Phoenix Hike

Tips for Practicing Yoga While Pregnant

Tips for Practicing Yoga While Pregnant

Before I was pregnant, I thought I would be able to keep up with running when I was expecting. I have been so wrong. I have run, but not at the same intensity, frequency or mileage as before. Instead, I have turned back to yoga. My goal has been to go to a class at least once a week and then practice a bit on my own the rest of the week. Throughout this current journey I have discovered many things about practicing yoga while pregnant. I wanted to share some tips on the best way to find the right prenatal yoga class/practice for you.

Tips for practicing yoga while pregnant:

  1. Talk to your doctor about what is safe to do. My OB advised not to attend any heated fitness classes or do movements that compress the belly, aka ab work. You might have other modifications depending on your health history and current condition.
  2. Ask questions of the studio beforehand. First, if the class isn’t labeled as prenatal, let the instructor know you are pregnant (don’t assume it’s obvious) and where you might have any pain or discomfort. A good instructor will suggest modifications to do.
  3. During class, don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. You know your body better than anyone!
  4. Try out different studios and prenatal classes to find what is best for you. I have found vast differences among classes labeled as prenatal. In one class, we only stood for a couple of poses, while in another class we did a “normal” flow-style class in which the instructor taught modifications to do for various poses. The idea was that you could then take any other class and know how to safely modify the practice for pregnancy.
  5. Use props to help you. Your balance gets thrown off as your baby grows. I find myself needing props to help make me more comfortable and get the most out of the poses. In savasana, for example, I place two blocks toward the back of the mat (where my head would normally be) with a bolster placed lengthwise on top of it. I then sit with my low back against the bolster and I lean back and rest on the bolster for an elevated savasana.
  6. Widen your stances. You will find that you might need to place your feet wider apart in many poses, like Warrior, any lunges, or standing forward folds.
  7. Don’t compare yourself to the other women in the class. No pregnancy is the same and students in the class won’t all have the same energy or practice. Don’t feel badly about yourself if you can’t seem to move in the same ways as before or as other people. Focus on your own mat, body and baby!

Do you practice yoga?

 

Related post:

My Go-To All-Levels Yoga Flow

Benefits of Group Running

Benefits of Group Running

Before I moved to Chicago I never ran with a group. Occasionally I would run with a friend, but I rarely ran with more than one person (with the exception of races, of course). While I prefer to run alone for the most part — I love my me time and listening to music or Audible books — I was reminded last week of the benefits of running with a group.

Benefits of group running:

  • Motivation and accountability. It was 30-something degrees on a dark November night. I was hungry and cold, and I was easily persuading myself to skip the group run. I could always run on the treadmill in my building, I said. But would I push myself? I knew the answer would be no that day, so I rushed to the group run meeting place and joined them for 3.5 miles. I was glad I stuck with it because I needed the inspiration to run. My fellow runners’ excitement for running was contagious! By asking friends to run with you or joining an organized group, you gain inspiration, accountability for showing up and lots of tips from others! Plus, you will know you are not alone in any securities you might have about running, like your speed.
  • Challenging yourself/improved speed. It was my first run that was more than 2 miles in weeks, so the run was difficult for me. I had all sorts of muscle tightness throughout my first weeks of pregnancy, and midway during the run it became worse. Later that night I felt so much tightness that I could hardly walk. I worried that I had injured myself by pushing too hard, but I awoke the next morning to see that any tension I had felt was gone. The run and postrun stretching had helped work that out! I was proud to have pushed myself to run faster than I had in almost two months. When you run by yourself, you might stick to your typical pace and never challenge yourself to go faster. It’s smart to occasionally run with people who will push you to speed up just a tad. You might surprise yourself!
  • Friendship. The running community is welcoming. I enjoyed the companionship and conversation among the runners at my pace during my last group run. One of them was the first person I met at a meetup in 2015 when I first moved to Chicago. Her warm welcome kept me coming back, and I’ve met other wonderful friends at these meetups since then.
  • Mixing it up. We took a different route from the usual path, and we ate at a new restaurant. It was a nice change from always running to and from the lake, or on the Chicago Lakefront path. Running the same route can get boring, so it’s important to add some variety to your workouts.

The best part about group running is that fellow runners are your cheering section. You’ll get high-fives and encouragement when you need it. If you have to stop mid-run, someone will wait for you. I highly recommend it!

I don’t know how I will feel throughout this pregnancy but I hope that I can attend these group runs at least once a month for all the reasons I listed above.

Do you enjoy working out solo or with others? What’s your current favorite workout?

Related posts:

How to start running | Chicago Marathon 2016 recap

Saying Yes to My Well-Being

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WellYesMoment #CollectiveBias

 

I’ve always considered myself to be a motivated and driven person. I am always saying yes to new classes, activities and opportunities, sometimes to my own detriment. I say this because in trying to do too much, I have sometimes neglected my own physical and emotional well-being. I came to this realization recently in my Moment of Yes.

This summer I woke up in the middle of the night in a panic about all the things I had to do. I had a never-ending list because I was taking on too much and trying to put on a one-woman show. I was trying to put out content almost every day of the week, I was trying to be a present mom who also works from home full time, I was trying to train for a half-marathon, and I was trying to explore and do as much as I could in Chicago. I was also trying to make plans with friends, go to yoga, take care of my plants — the list goes on.

I tend to set many, many goals for myself to the point where it becomes overwhelming. This moment of panic and the feeling of being constantly exhausted taught me that there’s a certain Yes I need to be saying: yes to my well-being.

This yes means more time without worrying about my to-do list. Yes to canceling plans if needed. Yes to giving my body time to rest without forcing myself to go out and do something, or to do another workout simply because I feel guilty about not doing it. Yes to really listening when my husband and daughter speak to me without thinking about something I should post on social media, something I need to finish at work, or something I need to get done that day.

Yes to the following ways to take care of myself:

  • Eat well.
  • Simplify.
  • Practice self-care.
  • Prioritize.
  • Be present.
  • And most important: Do less, relax more.

The moment I experienced reminded me that I need to feel nourished in all ways, including what I put into my body and how I spend my time.

So what changes have I made? Well, I am saying yes to things that are good for me and make me happy.

Yes to hiring a sitter when we need a date day/night or I need a break.

 
 

Yes to more yoga and taking care of my body.

 
 

Yes to more journaling.

 
 

Yes to eating delicious meals.
Enjoying a Well Yes!® Minestrone and Kale Soup

As part of my effort to be more mindful in all aspects of my life, I have been loving Well Yes!® Soups.

I’ve been making more of an effort to log off the computer to give myself time to enjoy my mealtime. The soups I’ve been loving include Well Yes! Minestrone and Kale, Tomato Carrot Bisque, Black Bean with Red Quinoa and Cajun Red Bean and Vegetable. Well Yes! Soups are flavorful and delicious and they’re made from real, non-GMO and nutritious ingredients. The soups are crafted with care so that they contain no artificial flavors or colors. The can packaging is made with a non-BPA lining, too!

 
 
 

As a vegetarian, I am a big fan of soups with beans and lots of vegetables. I love easy-to-prepare meals even more, so Well Yes! Soups have been a win for me.
Cajun Red Bean and Vegetable Soup

Sometimes I enjoy my Well Yes! Soup on the patio for a nice change of scenery.
Black Bean and Red Quinoa

With plenty of Well Yes! varieties, you can switch up your favorite flavors and never get bored.
Tomato Carrot Bisque

Have you experienced a similar feeling of needing to find more balance? Also, have you tasted Well Yes! Soups yet?

 

Don’t forget to enter the #WellYesMoment Sweepstakes in the widget below for a chance to win up to a $500 Visa gift card! It’s as easy as clicking, logging in, and sharing your Moment of Yes story! If you win, think of all the ways you can use the prizing to achieve your Moment of Yes!

#WellYesMoment #Sweepstakes (10/14 to 11/17)

Connect with Well Yes!

 

Decluttering Process/Update & Items I Regret Buying

**This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links. Thanks for supporting Floradise!
I recently had the urge to reexamine my entire wardrobe as part of my end-of-summer cleaning and decluttering list, which I shared in July.  I began with about 50 items hanging in my closet, not counting my winter jackets and exercise clothes. While that number is not astronomical, I still felt like I was holding onto items that were no longer working for me. I wanted to see if I cut that down even more.
Steps I took to declutter my closet:
  • I first looked at the clothing my closet and took note of the items I am definitely not decluttering. These are the clothes I absolutely love.
  • I grabbed everything I was on the fence about or haven’t worn this season or year (since January) and put them on my bed.
  • I tried on every single piece I was unsure about. I examined how I looked and felt (aka the spark Joy method) but mostly checked that it fit and flattered my body.
  • If I decided I wanted to keep the item, I asked myself what other items I would pair it with for a complete outfit. I found that this gave me ideas for outfits for the fall and winter, which made me excited to wear the items again.
  • I threw the items I felt frumpy in or that no longer fit in the donation pile or listed them online. I had kept some clothes in hopes of fitting into them again at some point after gaining weight in the past year. But I realized that holding onto them was weighing me down and making me feel disappointed in myself when I saw them. They were daily reminders that I am not at my ideal stage. I’m instead choosing to accept where I am and not pressure myself to look a certain way.
  • Purses: I held them and asked myself how often I use them. I didn’t have many to start with, just four. But I realized I could get rid of at least one. I also realized I need a black small to midsize crossbody bag because it would go with most of my outfits and sometimes I don’t want to carry a large purse.
  • I don’t have much space in our closet, so I hang my scarves on a hanger. I went through and touched each one. I asked myself how many outfits each scarf matched and how many times I wore it last winter. If none, I donated it. I moved my scarves next to my long-sleeve tees so that I will see them when I grab a top this fall and so I will hopefully be inspired to wear one.
  • I went through my race shirts and workout tops and asked myself what I wear most often and why. I typically wear the same tops: tanks or comfortable, soft tees. I had been hanging onto tees from my training groups because I felt like I had to, but I decided to let them go because I simply don’t like them and never wear them. No one seems to mind that I don’t run in our training shirts when I do group training anyway. I arranged my shirts by color so I can easily find them. (The purple fabric in the corner is the packaging for sheets I bought a long time ago. I use it to store my extra hair ties, running gels, reflective vest, headlamp and lip balm.)
  • I don’t own many shoes, but I took a look at them anyway. I decided I didn’t need an extra pair of running shoes. I am donating these because they are still in good shape.

 

  • I can fit my makeup collection into a three-drawer storage organizer**, but I still went through it. I decided to give a few items to family who I know would use them, and my goal is to only have one of each makeup item, except blushes, eyeshadow palettes and lip products. I also set a goal to use up some products this fall, including one I was particularly disappointed with. (More on that below.)
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Three-drawer organizer**

The outcome:

My winter and fall jackets, a couple pairs of shorts, a work blazer, my nightgowns/lingerie (which I hang) and a vest are not pictured. I kept the perfect amount for me: A casual winter jacket, a peacoat, a lighter coat for fall special occasions (weddings), a casual rain jacket, a more formal rain jacket, and a poncho that I pretty much live in during the summer. Also not shown is an army green jacket and a mustard top I recently purchased for the fall. On my shopping list: One or two long-sleeve tops.

Products I wish I didn’t buy:

As I’ve gone through my decluttering list, I’ve come items I have changed my mind about and wish I didn’t buy in the first place. I will admit that at times I’ve been influenced to purchase items because of hype on blogs and YouTube. I now realize that I need to get back to being more mindful about my purchases and only buying items I really need. Not all of these items have been disappointing; one was simply something I did not need and don’t use.

  • Jaclyn Hill/Becca Face Palette: This was one of the first purchases I made when I wanted to get into highlighters. I was influenced to buy this palette by all the hype around it. I had heard so much about Champagne Pop, and Prosecco Pop swatches looked beautiful online. I also liked that the palette came with three blushes, so I figured I would get a lot of use out of it. So what happened? I featured this in my favorites when I first purchased it, but soon after that it broke. I was able to repress Prosecco Pop, but Champagne Pop was mixed with one of the blush colors. After owning this for more than a year, I can say that I only really reach for this for the Amaretto blush color. I use the little bit of Prosecco Pop that didn’t shatter, but I was not able to really use Champagne Pop. I don’t really think the other two blush colors look good on me, so this palette overall has not been worth the money I paid. My goal is to use the rest of the blush and highlighter this fall.
  • Nikki Blackketter x Gymshark top and leggings: This purchase was another instance of hype getting the best of me. I love Nikki’s YouTube channel and I credit it for motivating me when I had lost interest in fitness this year. When she posted about her collection, I loved everything. At least, everything looked great on her. It did not look so great on me, however. I had not purchased much from Gymshark so I was unfamiliar with its sizing. I ended up ordering the wrong size in leggings. I sold them on eBay to get my money back, but I kept the top. I featured it in my favorites a couple of months ago, too. But then I washed it and the logos came off. Call me crazy, but a $60 top workout top should not lose its labeling/logo that quickly. I still plan to wear it, but I was disappointed about that.
  • Milani Even Touch Powder Foundation: I am not saying this is a bad product; I just don’t ever use powder foundation, so I am not sure what I was thinking when I purchased this. To be fair, I was on vacation and ran out of foundation. I could not find the Milani liquid foundation at any drugstore I went to, so I gave this a shot in a pinch. The shade matched me perfectly, but I just never use this. I have loved most other Milani products I’ve tried, though.
Checking in on my cleaning and decluttering list:
I’ve crossed off many of the to-dos on the list I shared this summer, but I still have some pending. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever accomplish a couple of these, especially the one about decluttering DVDs.
  • Dust above cabinets and shelves.
  • Donate DVDs.
  • Get rid of old stroller and other baby items.
  • Store air-conditioning units (when weather eventually changes) and clean off heaters.
  • Donate extra umbrellas.
I have donated about two bags of items, including clothes and toys.
Is there a category that you find difficult to declutter? Share it with me in the comments! 
 
 

My Favorite Self-Care Apps

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerIsForSavings #CollectiveBias #WFM4

I recently shared how I take and post photos on the go while crossing off items from my Chicago summer bucket list. When I am not exploring the city or traveling, I’ve been focusing on self-care this summer.  As fun as it is to make nonstop plans to do, see and eat as much as I can with friends and family this season, I find myself also needing a healthy dose of me time. This helps me recharge so I am ready for more adventures. One of my August goals was to meditate five minutes a day, and while some weeks have been better than others, I’ve gained a lot more clarity about what I want and don’t want in life lately. What I do what in my life is to be more present in my time with family this summer (and beyond) as well as more time for self-care.

My LG L59 Grace phone’s homepage is organized in folders related to topics that are important to me, including Self-Care, Social Media, Photography, and Travel. I am considering making one solely for meditation as well. I can access these apps whenever I need them thanks to the $49.88 TRULY Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data◊ plan from Walmart Family Mobile, powered by T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G LTE network. I continued to use the no-contract, monthly service plan in August because it has a low price tag (plus never any hidden, activation or late fees).

In hopes of inspiring others to consider self-care along with these summer plans, I’m sharing my favorite apps I use for self-care. They keep me focused and help me relax when I need time for myself.

One of my favorite self-care methods is listening to self-improvement or entertaining books on Audible. I love “reading” the books when I need to unwind or simply sitting on my patio relaxing. One of my favorite times to listen is when I am taking an Epsom salt bath to relieve sore muscles. (Also, less money spent on a phone service plan means more to spend on motivational books!

Self-improvement books to consider:

  • “You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth” by Jen Sincero
  • “Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living” by Shauna Niequist
  • “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert.
  • “Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person” by Shonda Rhimes.

I use Pinterest for inspiration on self-care and healthy living. While some may associate the app with unrealistic expectations, I think it’s a place to gather inspiration and lots of helpful tips! I like to search for motivational quotes and save them to a board called Vision Board. I also save blog posts that offer tips for making life easier and happier.

I use My Fitness Pal for tracking meals and Map My Run to track workouts, including yoga sessions and training runs for my upcoming half-marathon. I also use Garmin Connect to help me analyze my sleep and walking patterns. Exercise and sleep greatly impact your mood and well-being, so it’s important to track how much of each you are getting and make adjustments as needed.

When I am feeling overwhelmed or down, I often will open up my Notes (or Memo) app and write down what I am feeling, kind of like a journal. I have been known to write lists of things I am grateful for that day or simply what I am thinking when I’m on-the-go. It’s cathartic to get these thoughts out! I look back on these to see whether I’ve been more positive or negative lately and assess my mental state. Being aware of whether your thoughts are loving or fearful helps you make more of an effort to be kind to yourself and others and change your outlook.

Spotify is what I use to make meditation, yoga or running playlists. Feel free to borrow songs from my playlists or create your own! If you’re not into meditation, yoga or running, make a happy playlist that puts you in a good mood when you’re down. (I also suggest a playlist for when you need to get pumped up for a big presentation, day or event.)

    An app I just recently downloaded is Headspace, which is free for the basics but may be worth the investment if you really need guidance. You can enroll in a monthly or yearly subscription for guided or unguided meditation. The free basics package starts you off with short sessions. (Many other meditation apps are also available!)

    Not only does Walmart Family Mobile’s TRULY Unlimited Data◊, powered by T-Mobile, save time and money, but it can be used for whatever I need at the moment, whether it’s to hear some soothing sounds like I’m stressed, uploading a photo to social media or getting directions to a new restaurant.

    Plus, customers on the $49.88 TRULY Unlimited plan◊ will receive a free VUDU** movie rental credit valued at $7.00 each time they renew their service, so you can watch a movie to decompress as well.

    Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to this page or your local Walmart for current pricing.

    How have you taken care of yourself this summer in addition to having fun?


    ◊Does not include tethering. Video typically streams at DVD quality. During congestion, top 3% of users (>32GB/mo.) may notice reduced speeds due to deprioritization. Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions at myfamilymobile.com.

    **Limited time offer. Available for lines active with the PLUS $49.88 plan only. VUDU enabled device and account required for digital viewing. Customers must be 18 years or older to open a VUDU account. Movie rental only available in the USA. Free movie rental provided in the form of a movie rental code to the value of a $7.00 VUDU credit. Movie rental code allows for selection from available movies for rent. May not be readily redeemable on all new releases. Code will be delivered within up to 24 hours of the effective account renewal date. Must be used within 30 days of receiving code. Offer is non-transferable. Limit 1 per customer. Additional terms and conditions on VUDU’s website: http://www.vudu.com/termsofservice.html

    Connect with Walmart Family Mobile:


    Half-Marathon Training, Week 2

     

    Half-Marathon Training, Week 2

    So far, so good. Week 2 of half-marathon training for the Chicago Half Marathon was successful in that I trained four days out of the week and increased my running mileage by 10 percent. That percentage is my goal for increasing mileage each week of the 12-week training process. Week 3 will be tricky because my oldest nephew, who just graduated from high school, will be visiting us in Chicago for a long weekend, so I will be busy showing him around the city. My short-term goal is to stay on track while making time for family. I also need to get back on track with strength training.

    Here’s how last week went down:

    Monday: 2-mile treadmill run. It was muggy and I didn’t want to run outside.

    Tuesday: Stretching.

    Wednesday: 2-mile run on the treadmill. It was another rainy and busy day, so I had to fit it in somehow. I did incline intervals to challenge myself. I missed group training this week because we needed to run some errands regarding our condo repairs and that was a priority for me.

    Thursday: 2-mile run on the treadmill. Again, I fit it in where I could.

    Friday: Rest.

    Saturday: Rest. I had planned to run my 5-miler this day but I was exhausted from running errands that morning and was recovering from some back pain I felt on Friday. I did 30 minutes of yoga that evening.

    Sunday: 5 miles. It was a beautiful day in Chicago and the temperature was ideal for running. I felt great and motivated, though that wind kept slowing me down. I had a delicious meal of breakfast tacos earlier so I had tons of energy to burn.

    Week’s mileage: 11

    Reflections:

    It’s amazing how much more inspired I’ve been feeling simply by knowing that I can do this and I have the tools I need for success. When you invest in yourself, you can have the confidence to know you can accomplish your goals. I have invested in child care, running coaches/a training schedule and time for myself, and I know it will pay off.

    I hope that if you’re reading this and you have a goal, whether it’s running a race, hiking a certain trail, or feeling better in your clothes, you just have to put that intention out there, focus on it, act on it and it will happen. Feel grateful that the results are coming and you will be rewarded.

    Quote for your day: “The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.” -Rumi

    Previous Recap:

    Half-marathon training, Week 1

    Becoming a Mermaid With AquaMermaid Chicago

     

    ** Thank you AquaMermaid Chicago for hosting me for a mermaid class. All thoughts are always my own.

    Mermaid Class with AquaMermaid Chicago
    Photo taken with a GoPro, so quality of image differs from my other posts.

    Note: Airbnb did a feature on the class I attended. Read it here.


    I’ve always been a mermaid at heart. Haven’t we all dreamed of being a mermaid? AquaMermaid helped me make that dream a reality at its mermaid class over the weekend at the UIC Sports and Fitness Center. What a Sunday Funday!

    I was a little nervous before the class on Sunday, but I’m not sure why. A fellow student quickly put me at ease with her kindness. I didn’t know anyone else in class, but by the end we were all chatting and having fun together.

    We began by getting outfitted with our fins and tails. You first put your feet in the fins and then zip up (in my case, Velcro) your tail up. Then you pull the tail up the rest of the way. That was the trickiest part, but I found that if you lie down it’s a lot easier. If you’re wondering about the fit of the mermaid tails, AquaMermaid has a size chart on its website.

    First, what to bring to the mermaid class:

    • Towel
    • Waterproof camera (I bought my GoPro in its new Super Suit.)
    • Googles
    • Swimsuit
    • Moisturizer and lip balm for after class (I wish I had brought these because I found that my skin felt so dry after class.)
    • Lock, if you plan to use a locker
    • Friends!
    Once you get in the water, you learn the basic mermaid moves, which we practiced in groups of three. One of them was the mermaid hello, which meant bringing your knees to your chest and waving your tail. The class I attended was for teens and adults, but classes for children 7 and older are also available. Our class had people in their teens to their 30s and 40s. (By the way, AquaMermaid Chicago classes are also available in Ottawa, yPhoenix/Scottsdale, Montreal, Toronto, Quebec, Kitchener-Waterloo and Norfolk County.)
    Among the tricks we learned: swimming sideways, swimming in groups holding each other’s shoulders, handstands, etc. It was a bit difficult to swim with the tail on at first, but by the end I was getting the hang of it.

    After we learned and practiced the basics, we could move on to the deeper end of the pool to learn more tricks. We also at one point did ab work: Placing our elbows at the pool’s edge, keep our bodies and legs straight and lifting our tails up to the water’s surface, then back down slowly and with straight legs (as in a leg lift). I found it difficult to get the tail up to the surface. We also participated in a relay race, but by then I was beat. (This is when you will need your goggles. You also need them if you prefer to swim underwater.) The class is definitely a workout!

    Mermaid Class With AquaMermaid Chicago
    Photo by Airbnb

     

    The class ends with enough time (about 10 minutes) to take photos, so don’t worry. The instructor knows just what poses to do, too, in case you’re stuck. It’s also a fairly Instagrammable event, if you’re into that sort of thing.
    Also, if you find that you fall in love with the class, you can become a member and buy a mermaid tail of your own!

    A mermaid class would make a great outing for a group of friends, especially for a birthday. I could see doing this with a few friends and then going to brunch afterward, because you most certainly work up an appetite. A gift card to AquaMermaid would also make a unique gift for an adventurous person in your life. I’d love one! My biggest tip for mermaid class is to have fun and enjoy the laughs!

    Questions I received when I shared a post about my mermaid class:

    • Is it hard? In the beginning it can be a bit difficult, but it gets easier. I felt it the next day.
    • Am I too old for this? NOPE! We had teens up to middle-age students in my class.
    • Are men allowed? Guys can certainly attend. Mermen are welcome, too!
    • Can I actually become a mermaid? If you’d like to become a professional mermaid, you can take training via AquaMermaid! How cool is that?!
    Also: Parking for the Chicago class was easy to find on Taylor Street, just a short walk from the center. (And it’s free on Sundays, when these classes were held!)

    Have you ever considered taking a mermaid class? Doesn’t it sound like fun?



    Video: my mermaid class experience:

    Half-Marathon Training, Week 1

    ** This post contains affiliate links to some of my favorite products of the week. I am compensated for purchases made through these links.



    I finally started my training for the Chicago Fall Half Marathon last week! I was scheduled to begin the previous week, but I had a work trip to Phoenix that prevented me from joining my group and coaches as planned. I am so excited to start over after failing at half-marathon training earlier this year. Here we go!

    Monday: Ran 2 miles to test out our jogging stroller. Graham actually joined me for this run around the neighborhood and park. It was nice to have company, though we had to stop many times because 1. I am out of shape 2. Victoria needed to stop for various reasons.

    Tuesday: No workout because it was Fourth of July and I didn’t feel like it.

    Wednesday: About 1 mile at group half-marathon training. We had a hill workout in which we did:

    • Lunges up the hill (3 times)
    • Easy runs up and down the hill (5 times)
    • A game of “Turn!” in which you end up running all the way up the hill
    • Short jogs in between (3-4 times)
    • Side shuffles in a zigzag up the hill (3 times)
    • Planks (1 minute each, 3 times)
    • Stretches
    • A jog to and from the hill
    Thursday: 1.5 mile run/incline walk on the treadmill. I alternated between running and walking at a 10 percent incline. I was super sore from Wednesday. 
    Friday: Light stretching.
    Saturday: 3.75-mile stroller jog around the neighborhood. We had to stop to adjust, use the restroom, etc., but for the most part V sat in the stroller and watched her tablet. That’s pretty much the only way I can get her to go on a jog with me. I was proud that I was able to nearly complete my scheduled 4 miles. I wish I could have joined my running group for the run, but I don’t have a sitter who is available at 6:30 a.m. on Saturdays.

    Sunday: 1-mile treadmill run/walk after my mermaid fitness class! Yes, you read that correctly. I will have a post up this week on the experience! It was such a good workout.

    Total miles: 9.25

    Reflections:

    I feel motivated going into half-marathon training. I am finally finding ways to work out, like using the stroller and taking advantage of the treadmill at my apartment building.

    My goals for training:

    • Stay consistent.
    • Attend at least the Wednesday group workouts.
    • Incorporate more yoga into my training, either at home or in a studio.
    • Match my last half-marathon time. 
    • Track what I am eating. I used to track my calories/macros every day, but I’ve recently neglected that. I’d like to get back into the habit of tracking.
    • Don’t worry so much about my weight.

    What are your current fitness goals? Do you think fitness recap posts are helpful/inspiring? Let me know in the comments!


    Week’s favorites**:

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