Check that out! That's me after another successful run outside! If you have read some of my previous posts I am a treadmill lover and terrified outside runner. But Saturday my cousin and I ran outside and I didn't totally suck! I managed to run the first mile, walked .25 then ran .75 etc for a total of 4 miles :) She renewed my love for running outside- ok so maybe she found my love for running outside. It has been unseasonably warm in Wisconsin the past 2 days so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to run outside again... are you shocked?!? I sure was when my mind starting thinking on Tuesday "if the kids play in the driveway I can run our cul-da-sac and get some time in" so that's what we did! I ran and ran and ran in circles for 4 miles! Of course I had to stop and help the kids and tell them to stop digging in the mud, but still I did it. And when I mapped it out with my fitbit my "lap" was a little under a tenth of a mile so I ran that over 40 times! So today was another gorgeous day.....BUT our oldest woke up with a fever and bad cough. I didn't want her coming downstairs so I could use the treadmill and honestly the thought of using the treadmill when it was 60 degrees outside made me feel sick! And I didn't want her going outside so I could do laps, or leave her by herself in the house. So I emailed my husband a bribe "if I have supper cooking in the crock pot and you don't have to do anything can I go for a quick run when you get home from work?!" Of course he is amazing and said "absolutely !!" He came home and practically pushed me out the door! I had my Happy Girl Skirt Sports skirt on and Spi belt and I was ready to go! And go I did, but a little too eager I think. My first mile was a quick one 11:32 min mile, and for me outside that is quick. I was too out of breath and it didn't feel good. So I walked a little after that mile- just enough to catch my breath and regain my confidence. Then I started up again, this time listening to my body and breathing and just running. I would slow up a little when it started feeling tough and speed up when it was too easy. Running this way I was able to complete 2 FULL miles-- no walking, no breaks, no heavy breathing. Were they super fast - Not at all a 12:14 and 12:42 min mile but I'll take it! Sure they are 12 min miles but they are also full miles running OUTSIDE and that's something to be proud of! Of course in true Wisconsin fashion winter isn't over yet and we are expecting snow on Friday and a high of 30F Saturday, just when I'm getting in the groove! But I'll head down to my treadmill until the weather turns to more spring like temps again and dream of great outside runs. You might see those numbers and think it's slow but it's ME and I am damn proud of it! Oh and this Happy Girl Skirt was AMAZING on it's first outdoor run! Stayed perfectly in place and SO comfortable! make sure to click the logo and use code 1NEWLOVE20 for 20% off your order! I have 2 new skirts coming in the mail this week and can't wait to test them out!! ** links included may be affiliate links- all opinions are my own.
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Today... today's run was "needed". And I'm not talking about "I have to get miles in", I'm talking about "I need a confidence boost.... I need to know I can still do this". It sounds silly I know, but lately my runs have been frustrating, I literally said "what the hell amy?!" A few times. I would have to stop after a mile and then pause and jump off every so often. So today I again brought it back to basics, I covered my screen, I didn't look at my Fitbit, I started a show, hit 5.5 and ran. And boy did it feel amazing!!!! I ran my whole show- no stopping, no pausing, no wavering!!!! A straight 25:47, 2.36 miles, why did I stop? My show was done and I needed that instant gratification that I did it, and Maycee needed a snack and then I started again. Another episode, another 24 ish min.... this time I had to pause a couple times for a short second, but I felt strong and I beat that 4.5 miles! Running is such a funny sport, especially for me since I am a big treadmill runner. Lately I was trying to go fast, and honestly it was probably too fast. I was at 6 mph for a while and was able to run a straight mile and then stop the treadmill and breath, then the next miles I would do would be ok. I would have to stop or jump off for a minute before continuing. I even ran at 6.3 and 6.5 for a little while. BUT like I said it didn't feel right. I even PR'd last week and was pissed about it, my husband came home at lunch and always asks about my run. I remember telling him " I pr'd today and it sucks!'. Yeah I was making great time but I was also stopping sometimes as often as each lap. To me that wasn't progress or success.... not for what I want to be. I want to be a strong runner, a distance runner that takes pride in most of her runs. Because lets be honest there are still going to be bad days and bad runs. I want to gain confidence in my runs and for my future outside runs. My cousin messaged me this week and asked if I wanted to run outside. In Wisconsin we will be having crazy "warm" weather- I'm talking 50's !! So I am going to be a big girl and run outside with her. She is amazing and is willing to put up with my up and down strengths and weaknesses with outside running. My goals are to love outside running - and I believe that means slowing down on the treadmill and gaining confidence. However hard that will be for a numbers person like me.... looking back and seeing a PR of 9:50 min mile 2 weeks ago and today I ran a 10:55 min mile. BUT even though I am seeing a 1 min difference, what you can't see is the pride I have in that extra minute, that pride of a strong confident run. The runners high was on point today (speaking of runners high, I have some ideas floating around my head for a new tattoo). I'm hoping and praying that tomorrows run will be just as amazing and that Saturday when I run outside I will run with the confidence and pride I had today. And if it isn't a great run I will continue to work on my weaknesses and learn from them. Running is therapeutic and I need to get back to that feeling. Anyway- on that note do any of you have running tattoos?! If you've seen any of my pics you will see I already have a full sleeve but nothing about running. I have ideas floating around and would love insight! Hey everyone!!! Todays post will be my honest opinions on the Gym Girl skirt sports skirt and the Happy Girl skirt sports skirt. Both I bought from our ambassador resale page so both were "new to me" but not brand new. Ok so here goes!!!! Picture on the left is the Gym Girl, on the right Happy Girl First impressions- love them both! The Gym Girl is 13.5 inches in the front 14.5 inches in the back and built in shorties with a 5 inch inseam. Happy girl is 16.5 inches in the front, 17.5 inches in the back and built in shorties with a 7 inch inseam. Both skirts cover my bigger back side and don't overly accentuate it. Although looking at these pics the Happy Girl doesn't have the slits on the side like the Gym Girl so Happy Girl molds my body better. Side view - Gym Girl has open slits on the side that would be amazing for in the gym, hence the name lol. The Happy Girl is just as comfortable without the slits, it has just as much range of motion, but the Gym Girl would probably be easier when doing squats . Now for the break down- I ran on the treadmill with each of these skirts on separate days.
Gym Girl Skirt-- Fits super comfortable just about the waist, not too tight- not too loose (didn't squeeze the muffin top or anything). 5 inch shorties are made from comfortable compressive mesh fabric that keeps them in place but do not squeeze too tight. There are 2 pockets on each side of the shorts and a sonic music port for easy access for wired headphones. My iPhone 7 plus easily fits in the pocket ( I did not run with it in the pocket, but it fit snug that I don't see it moving around at all). While running I did notice the shorties moved a little bit, I don't know if the 5 inch inseam is just a little too short for my bigger legs or when I put them on initially I pulled/stretched them too far down to begin with and they were just trying to find their sweet spot. When I say they moved it was only slightly and not uncomfortable at all, but I did notice it and stopped a couple times to adjust. My thighs are one of my trouble areas and have always been bigger, which is why I usually have trouble with any kid of workout shorts. I will still wear the gym girl when I run and I think they would be perfect for hiking trails in the summer as a family! Happy Girl Skirt-- Fits SO comfortable! Again it sat at the waist and doesn't squeeze any of the goods or bad points. The 7 inch inseam shorties are also made from the same compressive mesh fabric that keeps the shorts in place. There are 3 pockets, 2 on the sides of the shorts and one zippered pocket on the outside back of the skirt, Happy Girl also has the sonic music port for headphone cords. Again my iPhone 7 plus easily fits without the fear of bouncing or falling out. While running this skirt was AMAZING! The shorties hit my legs at the perfect spot and didn't move a cm - scratch that a mm! Like I said I have bigger thighs and I think that the 7 inch inseam sit at a better point than the 5 inch ones on me. They were so comfortable and I didn't even notice I was wearing them under the skirt. The skirt has a flow to it, but doesn't get in the way at all! I had an amazing run and just kept thinking "wow this skirt is great", seriously it was that amazing! It helped me rock 5 miles this morning and my mind was just blown how great it was. Also a bonus point with BOTH skirts, even though I was super sweaty neither showed sweat marks and neither felt weighed down from the sweat (and believe me I sweat A LOT). So overall I love the Gym Girl, but I LOVE the Happy Girl. So with that when I go to buy more I would for sure pick the Happy Girl first and then the Gym Girl. I have not had the opportunity to try any others yet but I am in love with these 2 so far! ---- edited to add I am about 5'6 - 5'7 and between a 14 and 16 in pants- I can fit into 14's but wouldn't wear them in public yet. Making my way down :) I hope this helps anyone that is debating between these two. Make sure you click the Skirt Sports logo at the top of my page and use the code 1NEWLOVE20 for 20% off! *Logo is connected to an affiliate link-- ALL opinions truthful and are my own. So if you are like me and notice everything you will see the Skirt Sports logo everywhere on my blog. That's because I am an ambassador for them! If you look back a couple posts you can see more info about. Stay to the end of this post for a 20% off code AND just simple click any of the logos to be taken directly to their site (*link is an affiliate link). I just got my first skirt in the mail- here is where I get honest with you, the first time I was on the website I was a little taken back on the prices. Some are $60 and up, BUT they are amazing quality and fit so well! Anyway I was on our private skirt sports resell page and saw a beauty that I couldn't pass up. It was the Gym Girl style, here is a little more info about it! ~~Our #1 best-selling skirt has been making women’s thighs smile since 2005! There is a reason that this skirt is consistently considered the best running skirt on the market. The 14″ lightweight skirt has two side slits for motion control and a sonic music port for easy headphone access. But the real power is in what’s under the skirt. The 5″ shorties hit your thighs at the perfect sweet spot so they stay put providing a chafe-free running experience you can’t find anywhere else! My skirt came today and I couldn't wait to try it on... so that's what I immediately did! Take a look! I mean cute right!!! If you notice the last picture I put my arm down to show length. If you remember the "finger tip test" from school this makes the cut lol. It is the perfect length and the shorts underneath (you can see they are about an inch -2 inches shorter than the skirt in the second picture) seem to hit me perfect so there shouldn't be an issue with "chub rub" or maybe the politically correct term thigh chafing. I can't wait to test the, out tomorrow on the treadmill- because yes I live in Wisconsin and yes it's still wayyyyy cold outside- but a high of 35 degrees F today! I LOVE that even with my big booty the skirt still lays perfectly and isn't angled crazy in the back. I have the Happy Girl skirt coming this week also and can't wait to show it off too! Remember click any of the logos and you will be taken to Skirt Sports website and can get your own (some are on sale right now!!!) and us 1NEWLOVE20 for 20% off!
Then come back here and let me know what you got! Before and during..... I originally had before and after when I posted this picture to Facebook and my lovely cousin had messaged me and made a comment about "before and during" and it hit me- I am still "during" in my journey. I am not at my "after" point yet, I'm still a newbie lol. When I look at the left picture I barely recognize those two people. This was taken September 2015 on my oldest first day of kindergarten by her actually. This was one day after I did my first official workout with 21 day fix. 2 weeks before that I saw a picture of myself and my youngest and was almost in tears with how far I let myself go. I had 3 babies in a little under 4 years and mom life and laziness caught up to me. When I look at the left picture I see forced smiles, a couple uncomfortable in their bodies, not only in size but also the "chore" of carrying around all that weight... and I see shame and guilt. When I see the right picture- taken February 2017- I see true happiness, PRIDE, change, I can see us both standing up taller feeling proud of our accomplishments SO FAR. I see a couple still so in love after 16 years together, a couple going on this journey together so that we can better ourselves and show our children healthy examples. We want to be there when our grandkids are born, and graduate and god willing see a great grandkid be born! (scary to think since my oldest is only 7 and I am only 31). I want to keep this picture close by so I can look back someday with another "during" picture and be amazing at the starting point. I want to post this to maybe inspire and motivate someone else to make that change- no matter how small- that could turn your world upside down in the most amazing way. I don't post to brag or for praise, I do it so I can always look back and see how far I've come and to remember those moments, relive those high highs and the low lows. Every step in this journey is important, how you deal with and process a bad day or bad run makes a huge difference. My journey is still "during" I'm not finished yet. What is one tip you have for a newbies journey? What was your tipping point to make a change? "The highs are so short lived but you remember them forever." - Nikki Kimball (Finding Traction) This quote speaks to me on so many levels.... I watched Finding Traction (on netflix) while I ran today- short description is Finding Traction presents the inspirational story of ultra runner Nikki Kimball's quest to become the fastest person in history to run America's oldest hiking trail, the 273-mile Long Trail. Through Nikki's incredible journey, racing towards a dream and against time, we gain a new perspective on what we all share in terms of endurance and the human spirit. (taken from IMDB.com) I remember the feeling I had as I yelled to Grant "I just ran 1 mile TWICE" with tears in my eyes. And that was just 20 weeks ago.... today a smooth 4 miles. I had moments I wanted to quit, I had moments in my head thinking "this is hard" BUT as I watched this woman and listened to her words I kept pushing on. I am no ultra marathoner, I have only done one race and that was a slow 5 miles but it still felt like Nikki was speaking to me. I crave that runners high and that satisfaction that I did it. I did it all on my own- me vs the treadmill, me vs my mind. I get emotional when I think back on my journey so far, I'll add the picture that I referenced above. I can see the emotion in my eyes, I can feel the emotion as I read what I wrote. I feel that pride and sense of accomplishment. Another quote from Nikki Kimball fits perfect here -
So I leave you with my final thoughts - Hold on to those moments, relive those feelings - not just in running but in life. So leave a comment - let me know a quote that helps motivate you! Hey all! If you see the title you already know "every day is different". A quick breaking news for you... I am a women and with that comes monthly cycles (and I am not talking about a bike!) My stamina, endurance, and drive are ALWAYS affected by my cycle. I know when I start having the "do I really want to run today" feeling it is usually a day or two before my cycle starts. I have to force myself to run and almost always feel better afterwards. With that also comes lovely hormones- like today- my belly was topsy turny, and I just wasn't feeling it. So what did I do..... I decided to walk. I went into my treadmill time with no expectations except to move. I did my usual set up with my iPad opened to Netflix and just walked. After about a mile I jogged for a little while and when it started feeling off I walked again. I didn't break any speed records but I was moving and that works for me!
Like in my first blog post I know that this running journey will have its ups and downs. I know that every run will not be a PR, not every run will give me that "Runners high" that I crave, BUT every run will make me a better person. Every time I am moving and not being a lazy slug (haha like I previously was) will put me one step closer to my goal. And what is that goal? To continue to better myself, to continue to move, to be an example for my children, to inspire and motivate others. I don't have a goal weight other than to get to a healthier weight- if I try to focus on a number I know I would end up obsessing and failing and getting frustrated if the numbers didn't move. I want this journey to continue to be a positive one, I want to continue to want to run, I don't want to lose that excitement and giddiness before a run.... and that runners high, man nothing compares to that! So tell me how do you deal with your cycle? Any tips and tricks? hey all! If you didn't see my other pictures you might not know I am a Skirt sports ambassador! What that means for you?! Well let me tell you!
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