fitness

10-Miler Recap – 2017

| The Bee Life

This past weekend, B and I ran and finished our third 10-Miler! This year I was fairly confident going into the race, as I have been the last two years, having minimally trained and relying heavily on my cross training.  The weather was surprisingly perfect for a late April run, all signs were pointing to an easy race, we just needed to get through those ten miles.

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Mile One. Photo credit: Hermes Road Racing

Well… even with all the confidence and perfect weather conditions, this just wasn’t my race.  I started out strong within the first five miles, but it quickly went down hill from there. The mental game was strong and I couldn’t fight it. By the time mile eight rolled around I was over it *smiles* and ready to be done and at the finish line.  I went from being well paced with 9-minute miles, slowing down to 11-minute miles with my intermittent walking.  But I made myself finish strong and ran that last mile with all of my might, and crossed the finish line with sore, angry legs!

Bentley and his brother, of course killed it and ran most of the race together (leaving me in the dust!)  Another friend didn’t finish too far behind me and we were all feeling the weight of those miles.  It was great finishing the race, but definitely one of the harder ones I’ve ran.  Training for our upcoming half-marathon will definitely be happening if I want to make it 3.1 more miles!

Here’s to finishing!

Inside My Closet – Athletic Gear

| The Bee Life

Happy Friday! This is a hybrid Fitness Friday post, as I’m taking you into my closet to share with you some of my favorite athletic gear and outfits.  I’ve recently started spending a bit more time getting better athletic gear, since I’m wearing different outfits nearly 4-days a week. I used to have about two pairs of pants and a few sports bras that I would rotate for my 2-day workouts, but adding in those extra days and going to group classes makes you need more options!

The Sports Bra. I’m absolutely obsessed with the Victoria Secret sports bras.  The Crossback Sport Bra (see in 1 and 4) and the Long Line Plunge Sport Bra (seen in 2) are my absolute favorites, they’re so soft and comfy not to mention cute and a little sexy (especially the plunge bra)! Shirts with fun cut outs and low scoops make showing off your sports bra even more fun while your working out!

The Shirt/Tank. I’m all about a good loose tank while I’m working out. I primarily wear tights, so having the arms open to breathe during my boot camp workouts is key. Although I normally pick a simple tank, I like to mix it up with a tank sporting a motivational quote or mantra. Long-sleeves can help switch up the look depending on your workout vibe or good for a yoga class!

Add Color. Outfit no. 4 above, is my go-to workout outfit.  The Reebok tights are high-wasted and so comfortable, plus they add a flair of color and pattern.  The bright blues/greens with the bright orange sports bra really pop with my black tee which has a fun cut out back! Even in outfit no. 3 adding in the bright pink sports bra under the fun motivating neutral tank brightens up the look!

Signature Black Pieces. Tights. Tanks. Bras. These are a must in black and as you can see black is a signature in all my looks.  If you only pick one, then get great pair of black tights, mine are from 90 Degree by Reflex – they have fun cut outs and simple black styles which is good for your changing mood, not to mention super comfy and flattering.

The most important thing to do when you’re buying more pieces for your athletic wardrobe, is to be sure that you feel good and are comfortable! The last thing you want to worry about it pulling up your tights or fussing with your bra.  Splurging on some of those pieces will help you accomplish all of those!  Also, if you find pieces you like, buy multiples, because you know you’ll wear them!

Fitness Friday 03.17

| The Bee Life

Happy Friday!!

I am nearly 2-full months back into the grind; that’s 28 workouts in the last 7-weeks; which is just about 4 workouts a week, whereas I was virtually doing zero before. Within those 7-weeks, I’ve been able to do a 4-week assessment, meaning I’ve started to actually see payoff and results in number form! Woo!! Although it’s been small progress, I’ve dropped measurements across the board, I can’t wait to see the results kicked up as the time continues and I continue to incorporate more cross-training between my cross-training.

The biggest eye opener and progress was my BMI number; when I first got that assessed my number was 24, still considered in the “healthy” zone; but the last notch on the “healthy” zone.  Yikes, that was definitely a red flag and hurt a bit. Well after 4-weeks my number was down to 19!  My trainer said that was the most impressive part of all the progress to date. That was a definite victory!
Fitness Friday 03.17I know I still have a lot of work to do, but I’ve been picking up the pace, working to make workouts fit even when plans might question it. I’ve even been incorporating some runs in on my off days from boot camp!  The main area I need to keep working on is FOOD. I’ve been meal prepping the last few weeks and really buckled down on my breakfast choices (switched from bagels/toast to eggs/chicken/tomatoes).

Every workout is progress, even if its a few inches. And it’s important to remember that and keep pushing yourself harder and stronger. Because it will pay off and you will reach your goals! *muscle emoji*

Cheers to hitting goals and making progress!

5-Miler Race Recap

| The Bee Life

This weekend marked a mini milestone already this year; we finished our first race! And boy, is March the perfect month to get outside and run. *smiles*

I’d always wanted to run the St. Malachi race, because it’s always in March right around my birthday plus it’s Irish themed! Well this year we finally signed up, and although there was no finishers medal as a consolation prize, we thought it’d be the perfect jump-start to our 2017 running year.

The morning of, I was laying in bed checking the weather, while I knew it was going to be cold, I didn’t think it would “feel like 4” … my comforter seemed that much bigger and warmer than it already was. But we got out of bed and started bundling. When you run in a cold weather race it’s always that fine line of what’s too much and what’s not enough, clothing wise. And standing at the start waiting to go, it definitely felt like not enough especially with the big gusts of wind, but as we ran my outfit choice seemed to be alright and plenty warm with my layers.

B and I stuck together most of the race and for running 5-miles in “feels like 4” weather it went relatively quickly and before you knew it we were crossing the finish line together! We then, awkwardly posed for a photo and immediately wanted more clothes and shelter! We ended up brunching with B’s brother and some of their friends afterwards at a nearby spot, the food was excellent plus lots of hot coffee! We were home early enough and able to relax the rest of the afternoon.

It was nice to get a race in the books so early in the year! Our next race is the 10-miler in April, so we are looking forward to that and seeing how we can improve in our 3rd year running it!

Happy Running!

Fitness Friday 02.17

| The Bee Life

This month’s Fitness Friday is the first official check-in on my progress this far! I am officially 7-for-7 in attendance back to Boot camp, over the last 2-weeks and two morning classes up and out the door.  It feels great.  I’m honestly a bit pissed at myself for ever stopping, for getting to the point where I am at, for getting unhealthy.
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But that has changed.

I am no longer going to get in the way of my goals and feeling great.  I realized the other morning in class, that I have a lot of work to do.  I have a lot of work to do pushing my body and strength and a lot of work to do with my diet/eating habits, luckily I feel like I have the food somewhat under control in comparison.

I have a goal in mind, and I’ve got my sights set on it.  I am determined and I am motivated.  I can’t wait to see all of the progress I make in the first few months and over the next nine, and over the next year!

What is keeping you motivated?

Happy Friday!

 

 

Friday Fitness 01.17

| The Bee Life

This year I have full intentions of focusing on being healthy – inside and out, because to me being healthy is being happy.  And being happy touches every single part of my life, but the part I am most concerned about is my life at home and being happy and content, being the best me.
healthy-2017Being healthy is more than eating right and working out, being healthy is pausing, turning off the noise, taking a few extra deep breaths, a break from ‘reality’ … from the office, it’s focusing time on the important things, the things that makes you whole and happy.

Here are some ways you can achieve healthy too! 

  1. See It – Broken record Bee again; but if you write it down and see it, you will be/do it. Write down those things that are important to you, the things you want to focus on or spend more time doing. Make it colorful, or write it on some nice paper and make it into art, post it in the bathroom or kitchen so you see it every day!
  2. Workout – For me, this is going to be boot camp. This is my workout that challenges me, makes me stronger, pushes me, and gets me into the shape I want to be and keeps me engaged and doesn’t make me bored. Set your workout goals and stick to them – but even before that figure out what works for YOU.
  3. Mental Breaks – Whether it’s the weekend or a 20-minute walk in the middle of the afternoon, take the mental breaks. Know when it’s time to stop and say time-out. Mental breaks could also include time with friends, family or your sig-o, laughing and sharing moments with these important people in life, can just be what the doctor ordered.
  4. Spa Day – This takes that mental break one step further. And helps with a mental and physical break. Taking care of your body inside and out is just as important as anything else on your list.  Be sure to take a break and plan these out so you won’t forget!
  5. Give Back – One thing B and I have talked about doing more of is volunteering and giving back, this is definitely something we are going to work and carve into our regularly scheduled lives – we definitely have a few afternoons to spare and help out those in need. Wanting to give back more? Look for local organizations or a local parish and reach out to see how you might be able to get involved!
  6. Time for Hobbies – This can tie into that mental break category, a great way to give that brain a break is to spend time on things you love to do. For me it’s scrap-booking, DIY-ing and writing. Even if it’s one Sunday a month, make time to spend an afternoon focusing on the things you love to do!
  7. Balance – Work to find your balance this year – whether it’s balancing your burger to salad ratio or life to work, start figuring out those stresses that trigger or conquer these battles in real time. Say no, say yes, or wait to decide. Writing these down and knowing possible feats ahead of time will help conquer them this year!

How will you achieve a healthy 2017?

My 2017 Goals!

| The Bee Life

I am a firm believer in writing down your goals, whether they be short term or long term! I generally make goals at the beginning of each year to help keep me focused and plan of the course of the year. My 2016 goals were all accomplished except one that has truly been an ongoing struggle these last few years – my workout routine, but since it’s officially my wedding year, I’ve got a lot of added motivation!

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  • B and I are already signed up for a half marathon, so as long as I train like I need too, this should be an easy check off the list, however it’s been 3-years since we’ve done a half! Ouch.
  • I had an epiphany over the holiday break about what I need to be successful in my workout, and it’s a challenging group class with strong instructors – which is my beloved boot camp, I’ve gone in spurts these last few years but always stop because of the cost.  But I’m going to make an investment in my health, because I need it and I love the class.
  • One thing I miss about my old job is being down the hall from some of my best friends. We’ve made it a point to see each other for lunches, coffee dates and weekends but it’s easy to get busy and not make time. Going to continue to make it a point, along with making trips and weekends with my BFF.
  • I don’t want our wedding planning to get in the way of getting out of town and taking a trip even if it’s a quick weekend getaway! Although I wouldn’t mind a longer trip… or two *winks*
  • I want to continue to challenge myself in the workplace, work at personal challenges I face and also continue to be creative at work and at home by prioritizing what is important and ultimately helping in my number one priority of being healthy and happy.
  • Hoping that I remain level-headed during the wedding planning, especially when it comes to things like the bride shower and bachelorette party… but also choosing which decisions to stand-by and what things to let go of. It’s all about the detail!

As I have mentioned recently, 2016 was unexpectedly AMAZING. I am trying not to have as high expectations for 2017 and hoping it has an opposite affect, but that is kind of hard when it’s the year of your wedding *smiles*

If you’ve never written your goals down, try it! Even if it’s just on a post-it or notes in your phone.  Put it someplace you’ll see it often to be reminded, you may be surprised at how successful you are!

Fitness Friday no. 23

| The Bee Life

It’s the first Friday in December! Now that the holidays are right around the corner, I wanted to share 4 simple tips that I’ll be using this month to help maintain and not gain.

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  1. Eat Breakfast. Don’t skip out on breakfast. I think it’s human nature to try not eat if we have a party that night, so that we can fully enjoy the snacks and treats – well this will only lead you to overeating, and not the right things.  Eat a good, healthy breakfast and don’t skip out on other meals! Consider eating proteins and healthy fats that will fill you up throughout the day.
  2. Build your Immune System. This should always be part of your daily regime, but especially around the holidays be sure your taking care of your body inside and out. Taking Vitamin C, echinacea and other immune system building antics can help in the season of sneezing, coughing and colds!
  3. Get that Workout In. But don’t stress over it or kill yourself to get there, know the number of workouts you want to get in… no the realistic amount… I’ve gotten to the point where three workouts during the work week is my minimum goal – I don’t always achieve it but I get pretty darn close! And when I beat it, it’s even better!
  4. Limit the Sweets.  Yes three cookies are always better than two.  But when you’re about to pick up that third or fourth cookie, think again and spread out the sweets. This goes for alcohol too, try and limit the number of beers, or stick with vodka or gin mixed with soda water and a fresh garnish!

What’re your tips and tricks to help beat holiday weight gain?  Share them in the comments below or on social @mmariebee.

Happy Holidays!

Fitness Friday no. 21

| The Bee Life

Guys & Gals. How are we doing? It’s Friday yet again and we have one more week of September left before it’s October, woah!

I will admit heading into month 10 of 2016; I was hoping to have made better progress and be more consistent with my workout routine. I know for any of you who are keeping up that I am sounding like a BROKEN RECORD, I know.  Anyone want to just shake me and yell, JUST DO IT ALREADY?? Yeah, me too.  But since joining the professional world, finding that balance and continuing the same level of work I used to put towards my body and health has shifted drastically.  And from that perspective I have not been happy.
fitness-friday-no-21-the-bee-lifeI will also be the first to admit I have not been nearly as proactive as I preach or want to be. I could definitely be more proactive… I WILL be more proactive.  The statement above rings true for my mentality lately, I’ve been able to find a million excuses to justify why going home after work or not waking up early and telling myself I’ll do it later. In fact I started off with an excuse of work/life. Being fit, and healthy IS important to me, lazy is just getting in the way. Not to mention, I am pretty sure I am stressing myself out more about not working out than I am actually working out. Not proactive. Not helpful. No good.

Here are ways I plan to be proactive this fall!

Fall 2016 Goals:
– 2-morning workouts a  week
– 2-lunch workouts a week
– Weekend walks/runs/Barre3 on rainy days
– Continue to eat better

Already Planned:
– 5k scheduled for mid-October
– Gym membership purchased
– Weight Loss Challenge with B – starting Oct 1st

Here’s to pushing through, getting off our asses and pushing ourselves to be the people we know we can be and being happy with ourselves at the end of the day in all aspects.