Life Lately

I thought it was time for a little catch up post on what was going on in my life lately… I’ve been so busy with training, and my boys, and life in general this summer, that I haven’t been blogging as often. So, this is what I’ve been up to!

RUNNING

I’m loving trail running, and it feels like forever since I’ve been out on a road run. That’s okay with me, though! The weather is cooling down, and while I’m sad that means the snow is on its way, it’s been lovely for running the trails of the national park here, or on the trails of Mt. Peg right behind my work. Every Monday night my “work” is leading a trail running class – how lucky am I? It’s so fun to run and chat with all different people during the class, and it’s a great workout…lots of hills.

Last week I took a sunset run up Faulkner Trail to the top of Mt. Tom, around the Pogue, then down the Mountain Road trail. I used to love evening running, so when I’m not working and it’s a week when I don’t have the boys, I try to get out for a later run when I can.

That said, I did the same route as a guided trail run for a private group from the Woodstock Inn as a sunrise run recently, and while I am still not a morning runner, it was a magical time of day to be out on the trails.

FOOD

Veggies, veggies, veggies! I’ve been consciously trying to include more veggies in every meal I have, like a yummy vegetable egg scramble for breakfast, or this spinach and pea packed smoothie I had before a run this week.

(For tips on adding more veggies and upping the nutritional value of your smoothies, check out the guest post I have this coming Friday from The Rungry Health Coach!).

I’ve also been drinking a lot more water, and been drinking alcohol only on special occasions, like going out for a drink with a girlfriend (yes, that’s a special occasion, lol!). 

Just from these three small changes, I’ve seen a big difference in my energy levels, which has been a big bonus. I also lost a couple of pounds over the last month, which I’m sure is also due to these small tweaks. It’s pretty impressive what a difference just a few small adjustments to habits can make.

WORK

I’m loving my work! I’ve had some wonderful feedback from my clients on how they’re progressing in their goals since we’ve been training together – from clothes fitting better, to noticing improvements in strength, and even having more confidence in themselves. I love hearing what a difference strength training makes in people’s lives – I feel so lucky to have this career.

Also, I get to wear workout gear every day…and I’m not afraid of neon! 😉

Next month I’m planning a special program at my athletic club, a 4 week introduction to strength training for women. I’m including handouts, exercise suggestions, workouts, and we will be training together twice a week – my goal is to get my group of women confident enough to follow their own strength training routines in the gym, rather than just stick to cardio because they feel intimidated or don’t have enough knowledge.

FITNESS

Since I also teach fitness classes, I have at least two workouts a week when I teach my Body Sculpt class. I always know when I’m going to hear from my class participants when I wake up with sore abs or butt the morning after a class, ha ha. 😉 I’ve also been prioritizing two strength training sessions on my own every week. Yoga has been a couple of times a month, and that’s something I’d like to do more of.

One of my boot camp class participants gave me this Gaiam peanut and an accompanying DVD for core workouts. (<- affiliate link). I’ve been using it at home, and I’ve been really enjoying it. One of the workouts seemed easy to me, but the other one is definitely a challenge. I like the exercise selections, and I have noticed more endurance when I’ve been doing my own core exercises in my workouts. It’s inexpensive and a great tool for your home gym – I recommend it!

FAMILY

The boys and I had a lovely end of our summer. We spent lots of time paddling about in the Ottaquechee River near my place, as well as lots and lots of hiking.

Right before Roman started school, I took them to Faulkner Park to go for a hike and Roman announced he wanted to go further than we had before…the boys ended up hiking 1 mile up the mountain before we turned back! Tanner unsurprisingly insisted on “huggies” most of the way down.

(I’m constantly using the app Charity Miles whenever I’m out walking or running – check out this post for the details, and other fitness charities.)

The big news of course is that Roman started kindergarten! Where did that 5 and a half years GO? He was a little overwhelmed and nervous the first morning. When I saw his little face crumple and he clung to me, I had to try so hard to hold it together in front of him. I had a little quiet cry to myself in the car afterward. By the time the end of the school day rolled around, though, he couldn’t stop talking about how much he loved kindergarten, and his teachers, and all the fun stuff they did. 🙂

FUN

I had a lovely coffee and croissant date with my yoga teacher friend last week (it was after she took one of my classes, so we felt entitled to our chocolate croissants). We try to get together once a week, and it’s been really nice to have a girlfriend to hang out with.

And, after a loooong 3 years, I finally actually had my hair cut and colored professionally! I asked a friend of mine who works in the Spa at my work if she knew anyone who did hair and would trade with me for personal training. Turns out she’s a hair stylist as well, so one morning she turned up at 6am to my place to do my color, then a couple of days later came over for the cut (since we both work in a service industry, we have odd hours, so we made it happen when we could!). It was so much fun to have a friend do it, and I absolutely love it. It’s been way too long since I’ve done anything like that for myself – I haven’t had my hair done or gotten a manicure since I lived in NYC!

And just for fun, I’m going to leave you with a hilarious video from my new obsession, JP Sears. If you haven’t checked out his videos, you’re welcome. This yoga teacher video is one of my favorites:

 

What’s been going on in your life lately?

Any other kindergarten mamas shed a few tears this month?