fitness – Page 3 – Runs With Hips

Hello, and Hello!!

I was feeling kinda sketchy about having an entire post that talks nothing about
August runs ~~with Hips~~ , but I haven’t blogged in a week and I didn’t want you to
forget about ~~waking~~ me.

Parshva Parvatasana (Side Mountain Pose)
… in Savasanahhhhhhh. Heaven.

After ~~much ado about nothing~~ reaching a
pretty cool milestone of 100+ miles for the month of July,
I guess my brain and my legs just kind of need a break.
This was by far my most ran month since I started putting
one foot in front of the other in the name of health.

Despite the Bling, I have revisited some fitness goals.
My husband and I both have really been missing the weight lifting scene.
We are trying some new, unconventional means this time…

Are you ready to Beast?
I am really, REALLY committed to this.
Crazy thing is I shared that same sentiment with my husband, and he agreed.
He says, I am different this time around. Something deep down in me really is.
I can feel it in my ~~cheese pizza lined~~ gut.

I guess I should clean up my eating a little bit too.
I’ve had more sugar than I care to admit to as of late.
Partly, due to summertime eating and an array of snacks around
for this seasonal time of year when kids are home and always ~~bored~~ hungry.
But these smoothies I started having daily, are here to stay!!

Berry Smoothie:

1 cup Hemp Milk
1 frozen banana (peel THEN freeze)
1 handful strawberries
1 handful blueberries (they’re the Star!)
Drizzle of honey (if ya got a sweet tooth)
Slurp!!!
***
Cleaner eating starts today. Body Beast starts tomorrow!
Excite to get started on this stuff here! But first, let me take a selfie…

I’ve filled you in. Now its time to refill my cup, Hip Huggers!

Question: Have you revisited some Fitness Goals lately?

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3 Scoops, 2 Scores, 1 Hell of a Drug

July 25, 2014July 28, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers!

I haven’t checked in since our Tempo Run ~~fail~~ Tuesday so

here’s the Triple ~~Decker~~ Scoop.. so you don’t ask for mine..

Single:

Wednesday: I had a 6 mile run.

That is a long-ish run for the distance

I am focused on right now, so to conquer that run with

under 11 minute miles was fantastic!

I also spent a little time inverted to flush out my adrenals,

get some blood flow to the brain and eyes

~~and just to be cool.~~

Also, this amazing thing happened:

My Instagram was reinstated!

*sigh* it really is.

I had a lot to catch my followers up on

Anniversaries, medals, yoga, etc.

So, I snacked on some corned beef and provolone while I

was filling my faithfuls in on the last 9 weeks of life! Lchf, my pals:)

***

Double:

Thursday was a very errand heavy day.

I didn’t know if it would turn out to be a rest day or a really-short-run day.

After paying some bills, I headed out to thrift!

I found a rice cooker

(brand spankin’ new) for $4.

My kids have a new job and

I am officially retired from cooking ~~rice~~ 🙂

Also found a fancy, schmancy Scentsy for 2 bucks..

I’m ~~smellin~~ fresh and frugal!

Way later, after food and the world cooled down a bit,

I managed to get in a pretty Quick 3.1 Miles, for the likes of myself!

I was very motivated, thanks to a friend’s advice!

***

Bonus: Triple:

I started today’s’ ‘check in’ blog early this morning.

As I was typing, I could hear dog tags jingling – my dogs got out.

Which they’ve managed to do a lot of lately.

New behavior, and its driving me crazy!

They are both fixed, so I have no idea why they are

determined to dig holes and escape! Either way,

Break the rules, you get grounded!

So, that was a mini workout reeling them back in.

I was ready to ~~go back to bed~~ run after that…

Friday: 6.2 Miles Done + Sirsasana Love

Took some great advice from a runner friend and

really challenged myself.

My mantra was ‘stay under 11 min/miles’

When I got to about 4.5, it was ‘stay under 10.

I have running easy down to a science,

its time to kick things in higher gear..

Still must remain injury free! Much rather slow, than No!

***

Long run planned for Sunday at dawn… I’m keeping the mileage a secret!

We’ll see if its something to talk about…

So, there’s the triple scoop! Catch y’all later!

Question: What is your ‘mantra’ when pushing through a run?

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Cool-ish Run, Cold-ish Chakra

July 18, 2014July 19, 2014 runswithhips

Hola Hip Hip Huggers!
***
Can I just say, the weather here this week has been fantastic!
So nice, we spontaneously took the kiddos to Hurricane Harbor.
For a day outdoors in North Texas, in July, to be pleasant??
Unbelievable! I don’t think it even broke 90°!
Great weather for a day of walking, swimming, climbing endless stairs,
and indulging in ~~ridiculously overpriced~~ food.
But I spent a lot of time here, so I was content-ish 🙂

***
I did take off 2 days to rest, accordingly. My legs had been tired from running, and it rained all day Thursday.
Sure fit signs to slow down and let my body recover, unrushed.
Today, I got back out there because the weather was peeerfect for some miles!

I was probably still a little dehydrated. I didn’t drink nearly as much at the park as I should’ve
and I’ve been eating a TON of sweets!
So, I tossed in a fruit punch Nuun to my wawa and got my fizzle on!

Running goal: I planned 6 miles. Felt god, but 1st mile was long.
I’d decided I would concede at 4-ish, and just focus on my long run Sunday.
But got a 2nd wind and just kept going!

8 Miles! Long-ish run for the week is ~~accidently~~ officially done!
And just under an 11 min/mile pace.
I have to thank my hubby for bringing me water ~~and Spark~~ at about mile 6.5.
I wouldn’t have made it otherwise, totally saved my run!
Here’s my splits to keep me accountable.

I am truly learning to run easy. Yes, its slowed me down, but it’s changed my running!
I am running distances I just would not a few months ago because I am not burning out.
***
Yoga-ish Time!
I stretched about 10 minutes opening up my hips before coming inside for yoga…

Utthan Pristhasana, or Lizard Pose.
~~Random-ish~~ SN:
That moment your yoga instructor virtually adjusts your ~~ass~~ Asana….

I just love her! Such an amazing teacher and the one responsible for
me falling in love with yoga! Namaste, Caitlin

***
I’ve also started working to unblock my Muladhara, or my root chakra.
It has been very ungrounded since I stopped eating LCHF. Truth.
Anxiety, isolation, fatigue… I can feel it all.
It’s mainly why I’ve been practicing/sharing less inversions and arm balances; to focus more on
standing poses during my practice, such as warrior, low lunges, etc.
Which brings me to a picture a dear friend on IG added some “love” to…

Anjaneyasana.

The light and strength of yoga I hope to share, spread to everyone.
I love my Omies!

What are your workout weekend plans?

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14 years, 7 Miles, 0 Leftovers

July 16, 2014July 16, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers! How’s your week~~end~~ been?

I had a pretty cool weekend, myself!

Saturday, my hubby and I celebrated 14 years of holy matrimony.

I married a great guy! I’m a good picker ~~apparently not of weeds though.~~

We went to Campisi’s for pizza (eh, I’ve had better) then to
Half Price Books (the Uptown flagship, my favorite spot) for books & coffee.
Lastly, stopped at BJ’s Brewery for ~~car~~bs drinks. The night felt so live!
Maybe it was the awesome Super Moon, if you believe in cosmic stuff like me that 🙂

Long Islands may not have been the best idea in hindsight,
considering I had a run planned in the morning with
a friend/fellow runner also training for her first half…
Meet Nikki, Hip Huggers! My new weekend running buddy!

Sunday: We planned 8 miles, but spent so much time ~~taking pictures~~ talking
before heading out that we lost valuble time before things really began heating up.
We warmed up walking for about a mile and started good.
Then, the ~~alcohol~~ 91° heat got the best of me.
I couldn’t pick up speed thru the entire thing. I ran out of water at mile 4 and I was ~~dead~~ DONE after that.
We conceeded at 7 miles; we were just running too slow/walking too much to get back home
in 1:30 as planned to get our families ready go to church.
Walked the last 1/2 mile to cooldown. But still, it was such a great run!
I’m so happy to have an experienced runner to help with my long runs on the weekends.
Training is already looking up! We’re beating the heat next week.. 6 miles @ sub 11 pace 🙂

Swerving on..
My hubby is on vacation this week! So, it’s kinda nice having another
motivated running buddy for these super ~~sleepy~~ Monday mornings.
Monday: Quick 5k & Sirsasana before heading out to run some important errands…

Read: restocking on post run ~~popcorn~~ recovery 🙂

Tuesday: Another hot, slow run. But I was easy on myself.
Mid July runs after 7 am are gonna be slooow, ~~fool~~ Pam!
Must make 6:30 start time a priority!!

5 miles done!
I set out for just 3, but I think all the running I’ve tackled
over the last few days is catching up with me.
My legs were heavy and I felt like I crawled the entire run.
On a high note, I’m at 54 of 85 miles for July up there!
and speaking of long, its been a minute since
I had a good, long, heart opening yoga session at home.

Mind, Body, Heart Opened? Check.
***
Now, to catch up on Sunday’s The Leftovers, with popcorn because
we ate out last night and we have 0 leftovers.

I’m so Hooked, Hip Huggers! See Ya!!

Question: Hot Days? Treadmill Work or Slow Road Run?

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Goals and Holes

July 10, 2014July 10, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Hip Huggers!!

Ok, so the 2 weeks I REALLY needed to be keeping up

with blogging I didn’t. Now, I’m Fire in the Hole…

Good one, huh Trubies 🙂

***

Quick Fitness Recap!

I finished my month long running of miles!

Which might I add, didn’t start until approximately

2 weeks before the month ended, not too shabby.

I am at 34 of 85 goal miles I plan on running this month! Awesomeness!!!

***

I’ve been practicing yoga too, but not as much as before.

I really do throw myself completely ~~and unapologetically~~ into whatever

my heart desires… but, I am a balanced broad so, my goal is to find the middle ground..

which has been ~~post running~~ quick yoga outside on the ground as of late.

I will say the highlight of my running career gig so far has been

running the Flagpole 8k on Independence Day.

I have ran the Flagpole 8k once before and loooved the route!

It is at White Rock Lake and the run starts out on the

“boardwalk” and leads into a higher altitude trail … awesome right?

Buuut, this year it was at Flagpole Hill. Just down the street.

None of the beautiful amenities of running the lake, sadly.

Not the busling walkers and morning joggers.

Not the beautiful lake view and sounds.

But, it was flat, and it looped around just once.

That must be a huge advantage for someone like me because…

I placed 1^st in my age group!!!

In all ~~honesty~~ fairness, I will say, it was a small race.

Even with that, placing was never my goal, not even a thought.

Easily less than 100 people, but who cares? either way,

of the far and few that are embracing their early dirty 30’s such as I am trying to,

I was the one to beat!

And this, I will treasure.

***

In other running new, I decided to run a half marathon!

‘ That Dam Half’ in Lewisville October 19.

Training for that doesn’t begin until the end of the month,

so I am just keeping things injury free and nimble for now.

I will be doing all the necessary speedwork and tempo runs.

Really going to stick to this plan and try to have a great race!

And a great day, as it is Bring-your-girls-to-visit-dad-and-have-Chili’s-with-dad Day!

Taking a couple days off to rest up for my kinda long 8 mile run Sunday morning.

A new friend is coming to run with so, I plan on…

That’s the goal!!

Have an Awesome Friday and Enjoy the Weekend!!

Question: Have you ever ran a 1/2 Marathon? Awesome?

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Week Long Runs & Run Downs

June 28, 2014June 28, 2014 runswithhips

Happy Friday, Hip Huggers!

A few pretty cool things happened this week!

Let’s start with Monday

a 5 miler and some yoga pose challenges ~~right~~…

Well, as I was coming to blog ~~about this massive dead turtle seen on my run~~,

my hubby came home with a gift bearing a familiar sentiment…

I got an iPad! A blog reader’s dream! I didn’t even ~~beg~~ ask!

Just Love Him 🙂

So, I’m ~~distracted~~ scrolling through Instagram when I noticed I had a message in my inbox.

It was a fellow fit IG’er, Heartbeat4Many, asking if I’d help host

a yoga challenge ~~but not really a challenge~~ #ShadesofHealth on Instagram.

Then she made a collage of all the yogis participating. I was blown away..

…blown away because I cannot believe someone felt I belonged in this crowd of exceptional yoginis.

I’m so humbled and filled with gratitude. I don’t. deserve. this. attention.

***

Tuesday…

has rolled around. I wanted to get a quick yoga session in before my run.

Another IG’er I follow posted a video of her first successful handstand.

Our fears were very similar, so that gave me a sense of strength in that I could do it, too…

Very proud of that!

But with all the energy given to the excitement of it all,

I needed a jolt of energy to handle this short run…

The beautiful sky honestly was almost enough.

***

Wednesday…

was a pleasant surprise! My neighbor wanted to run along!

I had 3 miles already planned! Perfect distance ~~for our friendship~~ so it was just all meant to be…

***

Thursday…

was a much needed rest day from running.

I had been nonstop since the Week before! I needed to break before I broke myself.

But I did get in some yoga…

**Friday**

Today, my long run was planned. 8 miles was on the menu…

Guess I wanted dessert! Pink Toes!

Today is also my twin son’s birthday and we’re taking them to see Transformers tonight.

So, I’m stealing a few moments with Runner’s World and

a green smoothie bliss and chatting it up with y’all!

Lastly, I got a few questions last week, so I dabbled in vlogging it all!

Check it out!

Question? What are your questions??

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Sunday Speeds & Starts

June 23, 2014June 23, 2014 runswithhips

Happy Sunday, Hip Huggers!

I got my Jesus on to start this morning!

I came home, had a burger induced nap instead of starting my run.

Had to wait until the rain let up a bit before that happened… but it happened!

I started on much avoided speed work. I’m glad to have started a little running streak.

But I know I haven’t been pushing myself to run faster.

That is still a big goal of mine: to run 10 minute miles easy.

Another goal was to start some decent mileage this week.

Tuesday morning when I was gearing up for 3 miles I told myself,

I should really knock the ball out of the park and try and run 30 miles this week.

Then, I laughed. That would leave me 6 days to run 30, no rest days.

But I did it! With .3 mile to spare.

I think a good formula for me is running one long day, 8+ miles

and getting out there at least 6 days a week.

I may not get 30 miles total, but I’ll sure be close. And satisfied.

I should start there.

***

With some serious stretching started, I got on with the

Asana of the day for Summer Splits, Super Soldier is what they call it.

My yoga teacher saw it on Facebook and even SHE was impressed.

Made my day! Love her to true death!

Speaking of, Season 7 of Trueblood starts Right Now…

I’m Outta Here, Hip Huggers!!

Question: Did anyone catch the Final Season Premiere? Let’s Chat!

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Boom! and Bloom

June 21, 2014June 21, 2014 runswithhips

Happy Solstice, Hip Huggers! Today started out absolutely gorgeous!

Summer is in full bloom!

I jumped in yesterday with a quick share about my natural hair feature, because

a) I can’t hold water, and

b) It was a special post that earned its own special spot.

**Quick Friday Recap: **

Yesterday was my hubby’s birthday so that is my excuse explains by leave of absence.

Not from running though! I got a good run in about 9am.

Funny, my brain said 6 miles and my body adamantly said 5. My plan was to break even, or at least

convince my body that was the plan…

Friday Workout: 6 Mile Run

Clearly, the gams lost… I just have a weird peeve of half miles –

so I knew that wasn’t happening.

Today’s run was a little smoother. I knew I was running 6 miles, so I could totally zone

and win races in my head, as we should.

Saturday Workout: 6.2 Mile (10k) Run + Yoga

Some Sirsasana (Handstand) Love.

And I love this filter! It’s called Bloom.

My shoulder felt good, too! Just needed a few days

To rest I guess, glad I obliged and backed off of the challenges.

I’m good at listening to my body, totally over overdoing it.

***

I’m also ~~totally~~ over 27 miles for the week! Boom.

So a 3 Mile run is the ONLY running I am

Planning to do tomorrow. Boom.

Long time since I’ve been able to

Tout those stats .. ~~boom~~

I’m encouraged!

And rehydrated.

I found this absolutely perfect quote on a Yoga page and

It just absolutely speaks my heart about being the best you…

Bloom Big, Hup Huggers 🙂

Question: Do you find yourself competing? Does it help or hurt you?

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Kinda Klassy

June 20, 2014 runswithhips

Good Evening Hip Huggers!

I just wanted to jump in and let you all know I have been featured on a blog! Again!! And it’s kinda a big deal for me!!!

Kinda a big deal because it involved ~~oversharing~~ talking about 2 things that I never even considered in my life 4 years ago

that ~~more than~~ kinda set me apart from the flock of fitness folk…

Fitness and Natural Hair!

Yes, this is a fitness blog ~~kinda~~, and I absolutely love it that way!

I feel when I was trying to get healthy, I had no one that looked, talked ~~ate~~ like “Me” and that made me go it alone.

My fitness goals were realized and achieved this way, and I have maintained this lifestyle well. But

I know someone needs to see it can happen…that’s why I am here! 🙂

***

I L.O.V.E. being NATURAL!!! Absolutely, 100% happy being Fit Bloggin’ Naturalista!

Becoming natural ~~crazy sounding ain’t it?~~ changed me in a lot of ways just like getting fit and healthy did!

I don’t see a lot of women of my color where I live embracing a fit lifestyle. I’m in no way saying they don’t or don’t exist,

but it’s not something I see often. Everyday. All the time.

I don’t see a lot of women of color where I live embracing being natural either, but that’s ok! To each, her own.

But, for me to make the decision, build up the courage, and shave it ALL off to become content

with what God gave me was…. is…freeing. Something I’ll never forget.

And if I can help in just one woman’s choice to get fit, go natural or run their hips,

this blog has a heartbeat. And I know it does. I can feel it!

So, ~~sniffle~~ Hip Huggers, please go check out the interview at Klassy Kinks!

Ijeoma is doing great things reaching out to Naturalistas everywhere!

I gave some sound advice on getting started fitness wise and how to keep that natural hair looking fabulous, too!

Share the knowledge, you never know whose looking 🙂

Enjoy the Read, Hipsters!

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Passing on Presses

June 18, 2014June 23, 2014 runswithhips

Hello Hipsters, It’s a NEW Day!!

I can’t begin to tell you how much BETTER today is going.

Yesterday was just the pits, and I’m just glad its gone.

I had a good word and a good breakfast this morning.

Did I mention I ran 4 miles yesterday after cleaning, tending to sick kids,

all on the fuel of a small apple and a Spark? No Bueno. I made sure I had carbs today!

I didn’t go into lame details about all that happened, yesterday.

But, one of the tragedies that did was my dishwasher expired…just decided to die. Right after I loaded it.

So, that meant, I had to wash everything by hand yesterday today.

Lots of work, but I’m glad I waited until today, or else I’m sure I would’ve broken something.

No casualties. Good day so far.

Also, some good exercise was in the works early today…I got busy!

Here’s a little Tree Pose to spread the love..

Workout: 3 Mile Run

It was HOT! From now on, if I don’t run before 9am, ain’t gonna happen! Now it’s..

Time for Yoga!

Confession: I skipped out on the 2^nd Summer of Balance challenge. Here’s the ~~excuse~~ deal:

My right shoulder was overworked this weekend, I’m thinking Sunday it had too much.

My arm is totally functional, but certainly sore.

If there is anything I’ve learned from Yoga that I can apply here, it’s that

“one must be patient with the body.”

So, until my shoulder feels 80% 100% again, I’m laying off of the headstands forearm presses.

So, that is that. being said,

Yoga Challenge: Kapotasana (King Pigeon) &

Utthita Hasta Padangushtasana (Standing Leg Raise)

I convinced my head to touch my knee, and we’d reward the tummy with cookie butter…

Cookie Butter Yumminess. FTW! 🙂

~~~

Almost forgot – You know that moment when you tag your FAVORITE artist in a Tweet

(because her music is amazing) and she starts following you on Twitter?

Made my entire ~~life~~ YEAR! She is phenomenal. Her music is incredible.

I was also asked to contribute to something next month Fitness related, so

I’ll keep you all in the loop about that too!

Wow. Today was fantastic! Finally, can laugh at yesterday’s nonsense…

In. Your. Face.

Off to finish cooking dinner and and get ready for Yoga class. I’ll holla, Hip Huggers 🙂

Question: Have you ever 86’d a ‘challenge’ because your body said “No”? Or did you press on? 🙂

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Tag: fitness

Beasty Bling and Berry Smoothies

3 Scoops, 2 Scores, 1 Hell of a Drug

Cool-ish Run, Cold-ish Chakra

14 years, 7 Miles, 0 Leftovers

Goals and Holes

Week Long Runs & Run Downs

Sunday Speeds & Starts

Boom! and Bloom

Kinda Klassy