Talkin' Turbo!

This morning I had an invite from my friend, Rhya to go to Turbo Class with her. Of course I said, yes! Spending time with my friend no matter what class is a definite yes! If anyone knows me they know that I don't do traditional "aerobics" classes. Ya know, the kind that jump around, bounce and feel like you need a pair of leg warmers on. I guess you could say my class repertoire expands from Spinning to Body Pump. Yep, that pretty much sums it up. I am a runner. I am a weight lifter. I guess I should mention that I did in fact walk out of the "Best Zumba class in town!", too. I didn't walk out, because it was a bad class. I walked about, because if I am going to do those quick, shakin' hip moves I need two things. Okay, five! I need four shots of Tequila and a "stripper pole"! lol! Well, since I don't drink tequila and I didn't see a pole anywhere I decided it would be best if I just left as I was dying inside of embarrassment! :)

So, on to Turbo....I loved it!!! It was so much fun!!! My cheeks actually hurt from smiling. I would call it a combination of boxing and club dancing! I seriously had a blast! Being 37, I haven't went out dancing for many years and this fit the bill. It was at 9:15 a.m. I am up at this time. Not 9:15 p.m. I am in bed at that time. BIG bonus there was no smoke, I am not in some clothing that I am clearly not meant to wear any longer, and SUPER BONUS no skeezy guys hitting on you!!! Awesomeness! Turbo all the way!

The moves of Turbo were precise and not so quick that you felt like you were left in the dust. It was a good heart pumping workout, but totally achievable. On the workout level scale I would rate it a Medium. On the super fun scale a 10+!!! Everyone needs a workout that they have fun at! So, if you have ever wanted to try Turbo, you should! I know I will be back smile and all. Who knows when and if this lady ever goes out clubbin' again I might have some new moves?! Until then I will be keepin' it real in the gym!

Until Next Time...Happy Running!

~Danyelle

P.S. Yes, this workout ended with me running on the track after the class for 20 minutes. :)

Have you tried a new fitness class

 the you fell in love with lately?! 

Want to contact us? Email us at sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com!

My Awesome Trail Run With Hurricane Isaac

I woke up to my alarm at 6am this morning. This pretty much happens every day unless it's an early run day at which point it goes off at 5am. I really hate those days. No matter how much I love running, I still hate having to get up at 5am to do it. But, I digress... so, I'm up, and in Dolly's words, I stumble to the kitchen to pour myself a cup of ambition. The first thing I notice is the WIND and HEAVY RAIN FALLING. Hurricane Isaac has entered Central Illinois. This wasn't a surprise but going for a 10 mile trail run in the rain sounded much better in theory at this point.

Our trail guide for the run happens to be Eric, one of the trainers of the Spartan class I'm taking. After Thursday night's class, I mentioned rescheduling to him due to the rain. He said something along the lines of, "What if it rains the day of Spartan, you not going to do it?" Just like that, the gauntlet had been thrown.

I sat with my coffee and just stared outside for a long time. I checked Facebook to see who else was up. One of the first status' I read is one of my friends saying she has come to her senses and is skipping the trail run this morning. Here is my out. Oh, I so badly wanted to take it. I probably would have too if I wouldn't have had to suffer the wrath of Fred and Eric. It's similar to the Wrath of Kahn but without those weird ear worm things that eat your brain. If you didn't get that reference, it's okay. Just my geek showing.

Then my phone rings and it's my mom. She's wanting to double check that my sanity is still lost and inform me that there are reports of tornadoes. Awesome. I assure her that everything is still a go.  She informs me that I'm crazy but she will watch my children while I go and be crazy. Moms are great like that.

This is me, my mom in the middle, my sister Dannette on the right, and my sister Kari doing her Nixon impression in the back. This was taken the other night at my mom's birthday party. We are a very serious group... you can get an idea as to why my mom is unruffled by her daughter hiking during a hurricane. 

Fred and I met up with our group in McNaughton Park. This beautiful 700 acre park is right by my house and since I live in the house I grew up in, I'm pretty familiar with the park. At least I thought I was. This park is so much bigger than I ever realized. I hiked some of the trails a lot as a kid but never knew how extensive they were. I had no idea how much I missed. It's HUGE. Trail Map Here

The reason for this trail run was to run the 10 mile loop that is the course for a trail race called McNotAgain. I mentioned in a previous post that I was going to sign up for a 30 mile ultra trail run... this is it. It's this loop three times. Most of the course runs along the Potawatomi Trail. This trail is riddled with HILLS. One of the hills actually has a rope come race day to help participants get up and over. There are also a lot of creek crossings, bridge crossings, and today a snake crossing. (not kidding, it was right on the trail... shudder) Basically, this is a pretty challenging course. Even more so today in the rain and mud.

The first couple of downhills were a bit slippery. One member of our group fell almost right away and it wasn't long after that I went down too. Fred was nearly harpooned by a falling branch, he fell at least once, and cut his finger on a thorn tree. There may have been a beaver attack in there somewhere too. Another member went down a few miles in and our guide even slipped and went down one time. It was fantastic. I think I spent more time laughing than anything else.  

This is the largest bridge that we crossed. It was a beautiful view on either side! 

The rain was intermittent. It was incredibly humid and around 75 degrees out. Every time it stopped raining we were wishing it would start again. Funny since it was the rain that almost kept me from going. I had my phone with me in case my mom needed to get in touch with me about my kiddos so I was able to use it to take some pictures along the way. I wish I could have taken more but the rain didn't allow it.

Our friend, Teisha, twisted her ankle about 3 miles in but she stuck it out and finished another 3.7 miles before calling it a day. We took a detour to get back to the parking lot so she could get home and take care of her ankle. To get back to the parking lot though, even with the detour, we had to climb some serious hills and cross the creek a few more times. She hung in there and did it all without complaint. Yeah, she's awesome like that. However, when our guide suggested we "use this log to get across" or go up the rope hill sans rope, we all looked at him like he was nuts. Personally, I would have taken the log, adventure seeker that I am, but I felt like I should keep the groups best interest in mind... yeah, okay, no way was I crossing on that log. As it turned out, there was a third option, another place to cross just up a little further. We lucked out.

The tree we didn't cross. Which, by the way, also was without a path/trail anywhere on the other side. 

Option number 3, easy creek crossing. 

 We crossed the field right by the parking lot and the rain really started coming down. It felt so refreshing. I found a patch of four-leaf clovers and everyone got to pick one. I have an uncanny knack for finding them, Fred says that's the reason he married me. I thought it was my charming wit.

Fred, Bekah, Renee, Teisha, Eric

At the parking lot, we met up with Eric's dad, Rich. He took a group picture of us, we all chatted a bit, Teisha departed, and the rest of us, including Eric's dad, took off to finish the last few miles. I was definitely feeling the loss of energy at this point. Now I know to pack some GU or something because this trail took a lot out of me. The last few miles seemed a bit more challenging to me than any other part of the course. Maybe because I was getting worn out or maybe because it was constant hills both up and down. This part of the course had very little flat terrain. Some parts were muddier, slicker than any of the previous parts we'd already trekked. I slipped and almost fell a few more times.

When we made it back to the parking lot, I was beat. I was so glad that I braved the weather and did this run. It was challenging, exciting, muddy, drenched, and most of all fun! Snakes and all. Oh, and this run convinced Fred that it's time to invest in some trail shoes... yesss!!!

I have to give a HUGE thank you to Eric for being a most excellent guide! We really lucked out since Eric knows the trails so well. He and his dad are two of the people responsible for making the ultra races happen at McNaughton park from organizing to maintaining and marking trails.

The ultra trail race I'm doing in November offers a 10 mile and a 30 mile. I am planning to do the 30 and if I only end up doing two loops which would be 20 miles, I'm good with that too. This race is directed by Paul Wilkerson and Kirby Woods. If you would like more info and to register for McNotAgain 2012, you can go to the Central Illinois Trail Running Alliance website by clicking here: CITRA

They also have an ultra race, directed by Eric and Rich, in April that offers a 30, 50, 100, and 150 mile race. The 30 mile is called a 'Fun Run'... this makes me giggle. There are aid stations set up at start/finish, and one at the halfway point of the loop. If you are looking for a challenging trail race, I guarantee this will deliver. They are also always in need of volunteers at these races, which I plan to do in April. For more information on the April races you can go to their website: www.potawatomitrailruns.com

Peace, Love, Happiness!

~Bekah

Pumpkin Classic Training with my daughter!

My daughter had expressed interest in doing a race with me earlier this year and the Pumpkin Classic fit the bill! It is a 2 mile flat, fun race in Morton, Illinois that ends with pumpkin pancakes! What more could you ask for?!

This morning was a perfect day to start training with her for it. It was 72 degrees, overcast and a bit damp from the remnants of what hurricane Isaac left. Plus, it was early. The only ones up in my house were my daughter (she is so much like me it is scary! J), our puppy Brinklee and me. It was the ideal day for a training run!

My daughter, Brinklee and I quietly snuck out. We did a one mile walk/run together. Both my two-legged and my four-legged kid had smiles from ear to ear. Our runs would consist of two minute runs and one minute walks. The funny thing is my daughter’s pace made us exhausted. She was belting out 8:30-9:00 minute miles. Oh to be a kid again!

Happy 7th Birthday to the sweetest
daughter in the whole world!!

Brinklee being the 10 year old, curvy Golden Retriever that she is exhausted quickly. We took her back home and decided to head out again. This time we grabbed my daughter’s bike. No, she didn’t know she was cross training. She was just having fun spending some quality one-on-one time with Mom while riding her bike.

We spent the next two miles of her being the leader and me following her. She really got my pace going faster than I ever would have had I been alone. She had me belting out 10 minute miles. We went around the lake, through the parking lot, and in circles on the basketball court. (The basketball court figure 8’s quickly ended as this Mama can’t go in circles any longer w/o possibly retching. What is with that is your later 30’s?!) Wherever she drove, I followed!

Soon there was a playground in site. Of course, we had to swing and stretch! We ended our run this morning with a sprint and fast ride to see who could make it to the door first. Of course, she won! I can’t think of a better way to spend my morning, especially since my daughter turns 7 tomorrow! Since our run this morning she has been unable to keep her eyes off the Rainbow-Blast birthday cake that she has wanted for months. :)

Until next time...Happy Running!

~Danyelle

Featured Runner Friday: Meet Cassie!

Every runner has a story...

At Sexy Mother Runner we believe that sharing those stories is a great way to share the gift of running while helping to motivate others. Losing weight is usually not an easy task, especially after having children. Cassie has done an amazing job getting back in shape though. Her pictures speak for themselves.

Meet Cassie:

My name is Cassie Nickel.  I am 30 years old.  I have been married for over 6 years to my loving and supportive husband. I am a stay at home mom, and we have two very handsome boys.

So. Here is my story.  I was thin in high school and was on the Danceteam so I was in shape.  I never had to watch what I ate.  Oh, the joys of being an active teenager and having great metabolism! Into Junior college, I put on about 20 pounds, but thought that was okay.  I enjoyed being with friends
and definitely eating out was fun, fun!! Finishing up my undergrad, I managed to put on a little more weight, but never realizing it.  I was totally in denial. I never gained any of my weight fast, so it really never bothered me.

After college, I got a job at LA Weight Loss.  I was a consultant that helped clients lose weight.  I was preaching this stuff for a living and still not believing it.  I helped a lot of people, but never really did great with their program.  I may have lost about 15 pounds in about 9 months while working there.

When I got married, my wedding dress was a size 16.  The real kicker was that the whole dress had to be let out.  That really made me feel like crap and I finally started to realize that I had put on about 50 pounds or so in 6 years.  I would just tell myself, "Oh well, It could be worse".  Plus, (silly me) I thought that I didn't look that bad.

After being married for a little over a year, I got pregnant with our first son.  I already weighed 200 pounds.  Doctor told me that I should really only gain about 10-15 pounds during the whole pregnancy.  HA!  Try 40 pounds!  I enjoyed "eating for two" a little too much.  I did lose all my baby weight in just
3 weeks after having our son.  Breastfeeding was a big helper in my weight loss.  So, I was back to 200 pounds. I felt good that I had lost the baby weight, but still wasn't happy with myself.

I was overweight and I could feel it.  I was robbing my baby of his early childhood.  I was lazy.  Looking back,  I cannot believe how sorry I was feeling for myself.  Wow, did I cry A LOT.  So for a few years, I stayed around 200 pounds and continued to feel sorry for myself.  I have no idea how many diets I started in that time. Then I got pregnant with our second son and gained 40 pounds during that pregnancy too.  With the second baby, the weight didn't come off as easy.  I only lost about 25 pounds in about 6 months.  It was really starting to get to me that my pre-pregnancy clothes were not fitting and I had a 6 month old baby!  I needed a change...

Hello Change!!  My sister and her husband introduced me to MyFitnessPal.  Who would have ever thought that a free app on my phone would help me lose weight!?!  Well, It has totally changed my life! March 2011, I weighed 240 pounds and May 2012, I weighed 147 pounds.  I lost 93 pounds in 14 months!!  I am so proud of myself.  It has been a struggle and definitely life changing.  I am so much more happier, especially with myself. I can finally give my all to my husband and our boys.

I am definitely fighting for these last 7 pounds.  I have been running for 4 months now!  I really enjoy it.  I have never ran before except for in PE in high school.  I am up to running 4 miles without stopping. I will run in my first 5K this fall.  I am totally amazed at what I have accomplished in the past year.  I have lost a lot of weight.  I am a runner. I have confidence and I am happy again.  My smile is back, not just for show, but it stays on my face when I am alone too.

My pictures were taken on Mother's Day.  May 2011 & May 2012

Would you like to share your story and be a Featured Runner? 

If so, send us an email at sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com 

We'd love hear from you!

New Kicks & Foam Rolling

A couple of weeks ago I started getting a pain in my left foot. I've had this pain on and off for the last year. It seems to start up when I up my mileage. Which I have started to do since I'm once again in training for a half marathon. After extensive research (aka Google) and self diagnosis, (don't try this at home) I have decided it's overuse and also time for new shoes. If you have had any experience with this type of pain and have any helpful tips, I'd love to hear them.

The pain is in the ball of my foot and first three toes.  It recently got worse after my spartan class last Tuesday. I blame the hills. The next day there were shooting pains in my toes while I was driving. When I got home I just thought I'd check the tread on the bottom of my shoes and sure enough, it looks pretty brand new everywhere except right where the ball of my foot is and on the toes of my left foot only. So... and pay attention because this is RIVETING stuff, people ... the right shoe was worn also on the ball of my foot but not where my toes are. Thus, my right foot and toes are quite lazy in comparison to my left. 

I called my local running store, Running Central, to see if they had any Glycerin 9's in stock and unfortunately they did not. However, Brooks online, of course, had them and the added bonus was that they were marked down from $140 to $85 because the Glycerin 10's are now out as well. I'm all about last year's line for $55 less! Brooks also happened to have FREE SHIPPING on orders of $75 or more. Double bonus! 

Brooks Glycerin 9

This made Fred especially happy since I just purchased my Brooks Ghost 4 from Running Central in April and paid full price. He's not thrilled about spending $100+ on new shoes less than six months later... 

I really liked the Ghost 4 shoes. They fit great and felt good but I really love the Glycerins. My only complaint is that I wish they had more color choices like they do in the Pure line. I love all of those bright colors. However, we and several of our followers posted on their FB page about it and they let us know that we have been heard. What a great company! 

Along with my foot I've been having pain in my right knee... now I know what my mother always means when she says, "It's hell to get old." I totally get it. I'm not even old really, but I get it. I decided to take my own advice and hit the foam roller. We spent some time together today and my knee almost instantly started feeling better. 

This is how I roll.

If you haven't tried foam rolling yet, I highly recommend it. It is great for your muscles after a run or workout. The video below is very informative. He does a great job of instructing you how to use a foam roller. His accent is quite lovely as well. 

Now that I have my new running shoes, I'm on the search for some trail shoes. 

Any tips??? 

Peace, Love, Happiness!

~Bekah

Talking about "My Happy Pace Gear" and the SPIbelt that I love!

I was the lucky winner of a SPIbelt from My Happy Pace Gear nearly 3 weeks ago. How did I win it? Easy, I was their 600th like! Seriously, it was that easy and they do these giveaways like this all the time. You should follow them on Facebook.

When they told me I had won they let me choose which SPIbelt I would like. Of course I picked out this cute little polka dot number! It had 'Danyelle' written all over on it! My husband wished I had picked black as he wants one now, too! lol! Come on, real men wear polka dots!

What is  a SPIbelt?

A small personal item belt! A SPIbelt™ is sleek, expandable, secure, and does not bounce. It can hold an iPhone™, Droid™, keys, cash, credit cards, identification and many other small personal items. SPIbelt™ won't ride or shift while running or participating in other vigorous activities. It's dimensions are: Fits waist size 25" through 50". Pocket length is 6.5" and expands to 3"D x 4.5"H Plus it is proudly made in Austin, Texas! Price: $19.95 I have used my SPIbelt on long runs and short runs and quite honestly I do not know what I would do without it. It has become part of my 'staple' running gear. It appears quite small when you get it, however it is very stretchy and can hold quite a lot. It held 4 GU's, a bag of pretzels, sports beans, and my ginormous set of keys on my 20 mile run! You want to know the best part?! It stretched right back and looks adorable again! Love me some SPIbelt! Plus, My Happy Pace Gear has to be one of the nicest, prompt companies out there. My gear was to me in a couple of days with a sweet little note in it! I love added touches like that. Also, if I email them they reply to you almost instantly. I love a company that makes you feel important!  The SPIbelt, Steph, and I after our 20 mile run! The SPIbelt doesn't look like it just put in 20 miles!  If you have ever considered a SPIbelt I highly recommend one and you won't be disappointed with working with a company like My Happy Pace Gear. I know I haven't! Until next time...Happy Running! ~Danyelle We love to hear from our followers! Tweet us, Facebook us, Email us, mail us! You name it, do it! We'd love it!

Featured Runner Friday: Meet Debbie!

Every runner has a story...

At Sexy Mother Runner we believe sharing those stories is a great way to share the gift of running while helping to motivate others. Today's Featured Runner is a woman who decided she wasn't willing to just give up and give in. She took back her health and her life. Oh, how I love a good story about overcoming health issues! 

Meet Debbie: 

Hi there, I'm a mom and a runner also. I love to hear other runners experiences as well as share my own. If I can give some one else motivation to run or shape up with my story then it will have been worth telling .
 
 About 6 years ago I went thru a bad break up and started having daily head aches. I happened to work for my doctor, so I mentioned them to him. Turns out my blood pressure was high. He told me he wanted me to lose weight, he was giving me a few weeks before he put me on blood pressure meds. He said to me that he knows I can't run because of my asthma ( he's an avid runner himself) but I should walk a few miles everyday. 

At that time I was on 2 inhalers and 1 pill for my asthma. I also couldn't tolerate cigarette smoke or strong odors from cleaners or perfume, as well as extreme temps would make it difficult to breath.  But what I was thinking was if I couldn't run at 37 what happens when I'm 47, I can't walk? And 57 oxygen? I couldn't accept that. Sooo I ran. 

I had always lifted weights & worked out but my eating was not controlled. But I dragged my self to the track & every week I added a lap in a combo of running & walking. I soon signed up for a local 5 mi run. I loved the camaraderie so much, I then signed up for a 10k followed by a half marathon. By then my asthma symptoms were lessening & I didn't get sick for the entire year . 

I ran my first full marathon 1 year after I was told I couldn't run. The rest is history, I've now come off all of my meds , I haven't had an asthma attack in 5 yrs & have run 11 marathons as well as a bunch of shorter races, oh & I lost 30 lbs in the process, & my blood pressure is normal. 

I started a fitness page so I can help others realize any one can achieve a higher level of fitness if they try.
  Thanks for reading,
          Debbie from
            www.facebook.com/FitTactics.DebC

Be sure to check out Debbie's Facebook page,  www.facebook.com/FitTactics.DebC, and show her some love!