Thursday, February 19, 2015

Girls Gone Sporty Breakaway Boot Camp

A little over a month ago I had the opportunity to try out Laura Williams' Breakaway Boot Camp. Laura is the founder of Girls Gone Sporty, and produced this amazing program in her studio. As an affiliate, I was given free access to this program. All opinions are my own. All links are affiliate links, feel free to click on them any old time. This is how I keep my blog going, and how I sometimes run the occasional giveaway.






Breakaway Boot Camp is a four week program. Each week has three core workouts, plus two bonus workouts, each with a corresponding video. There are three levels for each workout: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. At the beginning of each video segment, Laura explains all of the moves for each level, so that the actual workout runs smoothly without breaks. This is a good thing, I think, although during the workouts I would have killed for a little "break". This isn't called Boot Camp for nothing!
The bonus workouts are always fun and interesting. Each week has a Bonus Quickie , one example is Tabata (which is code for Holy Heck! This is gonna be tough) and an Unconventional Workout, which can be anything from a Bleachers Workout to a workout designed to be performed during a movie night. Some are designed to be done quickly, but they really kick your butt, so be prepared!
The core workouts are Upper Body, Lower Body, and Total Body. They run roughly thirty minutes, sometimes a little more, and use mostly body weight to perform them, although you will occasionally need hand weights or resistance bands to do the workout. I keep very few actual weights and bands out, and I had no problems getting it done!
Laura does not use background music so if, like me, you need music to keep you pumped, turn on your ipod and get moving. Working out with my own music was a pleasant change to the music that some series' use.

From the description provided by Laura:

 Week 1: Building Baselines – This week is all about choosing the right level and assessing your current strength; focus is on form and weight selection
  • Week 2: Breaking Barriers – This week is all about pushing yourself to your limit – workouts will be intense, and while there will be modifications and variations, the expectation is for you to challenge your mental strength in addition to your physical strength. When you think, “I can’t…” my goal is for you to ask yourself whether that’s really true.
  • Week 3: Becoming Bolder – Once you’ve broken some of your own mental barriers, it’s time to test your physical ones. Can you add more weight? Can you do more reps? Can you re-check your form to make sure you’re getting the most out of each exercise? Boldness is courage, confidence and taking calculated risks – that’s what this week is all about.
  • Week 4: Bettering & Believing – It’s the last week of the program, so the goal is to look back at how far you’ve already come. Expect new challenges added to familiar workouts, and opportunities to self-assess your new found strength.


  • Each week also includes a lesson, whether it be about scheduling your workouts or figuring out what level is best for you, along with a fitness assessment at the beginning and the end, to see your progress. Laura also works with you on nutrition, if you choose, via My Fitness pal.
    I loved having the multiple levels available. I am usually at a pretty Advanced Level, but I have had the same darn cold since mid January, and some days I just couldn't workout at that level. I just bumped it down on those days, and worked out at Intermediate, and sometimes Beginner levels. Even on Advanced days, there are moves that I just cannot perform. Ever since my foot injury last summer, burpees and I just don't get along, they put too much pressure on my toes. I always modify them.

    As a runner, cross training is so important. It is the one thing I struggle with the most. My brain truly gets in the way. On my scheduled days off of running, I tend to have the "day off" mentality, but I really should be using those days to cross train. This workout is perfect, you can take it with you anywhere! When the weather gets better (oh please, let that be soon) I plan to take the printouts to the park or to the river beach and workout there in the mornings, for a change of pace. I can also bring them to my parents' house when I visit. They live on a mountain, and there is nowhere to run, but I can do these workouts easily!

    Laura will also have more workouts in the future, she is working on a new series NOW! Check out the Breakaway Boot Camp now. You can preview the program, and once you purchase it, you have lifetime access to it.  What are you waiting for? Go go go!


    
    Get started!

    Wednesday, February 18, 2015

    Wordless Wednesday

    My kids were home for two days so there was much laziness going on here!

    My next book

    Reason the kids were home on day two

    I'm starting a whole foods cleanse on Sunday

    The only way to carry a toy
     


    Sunday, February 15, 2015

    Valentine's Day at the Poached Pear

    The hubs and I decided to try out a new restaurant in town for Valentine's Day. The Poached Pear is just a couple miles away in Downtown Point Pleasant Beach, and has amazing Yelp reviews!
    It didn't take long to see why! We were seated immediately, as given a pre fix menu to offer from. You ordered your appetizer, main course, and dessert all at once and the just sat back and enjoyed the evening. 

    Didn't we look nice?

    Poached Pear Salad: goat cheese, nuts, tomatoes.... Delicious!


    The hubs loved his garlic shrimp


    Apple Cider Pork Chop with veggies and mashed sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes were amazing, my favorite part!


    The hubs had Filet Mignon with asparagus and mashed potatoes. He pretty much cleaned his plate! 


    I finished with Lemon Mousse Napoleon. Holy heck this was perfection! I couldn't finish so there is some on the fridge!


    The hubs had their specialty, the flourless chocolate cake. It was rich and delicious an there is a little bit on the fridge which makes me happy!


    Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the waiter brought us each a box with two truffles inside! I tried one last night and it was everything a truffle should be! 

    All in all, a perfect night! 


    Saturday, February 14, 2015

    Happy Valentine's Day

    My son's gift to a girl he likes..
    joke Valentine I sent to a friend. She hates clowns. I'm nice like that. 


    Have a happy Valentine's Day! 

    Wednesday, February 11, 2015

    Not Quite Wordless Wednesday: Virtual Race Edition

    After more than a year, I am hosting another virtual race: Barking Mad About Warren 5k for Muscular Dystrophy


    I have eight registered racers already, and we've only just begun! 
    For every 10 registered racers, I will add a prize to the pile and will raffle off the prizes on April 19, the official day of the race.
    The great thing about virtual races? You can run them anytime anywhere! 
    How does it work?
    You send me $20 in one of three ways:
    1. donate to the charity directly
    2. send me a check! You can email me for my address.
     
    At least $10 from each registration will be donated to MDA, I am hoping for $15.  The more racthe cheaper the medals will be, the more I can donate!
    Everyone who registers will receive a medal and a goodie bag, contents yet to be decided.
    For every ten racers, I will add something to be raffled at the end. More racers=better prizes
    Any time during the month of April you will walk, run, crawl, or bike 3.1 miles (or one mile, if you are just starting out or running with little ones).
    If you live local to me, we are getting together on the 19th to run. I am doing a half marathon the day before, so it will be slow and lazy for me!
    Post pictures on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and tag me so I can see your awesome runs, and so my dad can see as well! There is a link to the event page at the top of this post, you can post pics there as well!
    My dad (Warren) has Myasthenia Gravis, which is a form of MD. It makes it harder on all of his muscles, and makes his life on the whole just a little bit harder! My goal is $500, but I would love to double it, or even triple it!
    The names of everyone who donates will be on my shirt when I run the Monster Mash Marathon this Fall.
     





    What are you waiting for? Register today!

    Tuesday, February 10, 2015

    Running In Costume

    
    Running in costume can be lots of fun, but there are some very important factors to take into consideration when you plan to run a race in costume!
    1. Comfort is key! You want to test your costume out on a run before you race in it. If you plan to wear it for a half marathon or a marathon, test it out at a 5K first! Pay attention to where it might rub or chafe, and if it breathes! Wear a matching shirt and/or leggings underneath if you notice chafing. Which brings me to.....
    2. Fabric! Halloween costumes can be fun, but they don't usually breathe very well. Wearing one to a Disney race, especially when it is hot and/or humid, can be a huge mistake!
    3. Accessories can be fun, but running a marathon with wings on, or carrying a sword, might make you a little crazy! Make sure it is something you can live with, or won't mind ditching!
    4. Masks can make or break a costume, but might also be against rules. Disney does not allow them, so be sure to check the rules before you commit to a costume!
    5. Tights are cute, but you can end up with mega blisters! Consider using footless tights so you can also wear proper running socks! Many compression sock companies have great patterns!
    6. Use actual running clothes as often as possible, and alter them to fit your costume! I have taken a tech shirt and pinned faces to them as costumes, and paired it with a great running skirt.
    7. Be prepared to make last minute changes! I brought a great costume to Wine and Dine, but when the monsoon was forecasted, I switched to a tee and skirt. I just knew that I would be miserable in my costume, and I wanted to be as comfy as possible. Good thing, because it rained...no, poured... the entire time.
    8. Keep the distance in mind, and make the necessary alterations. I wear Sparkle Skirts underneath many of my costumes. They have crazy pockets in the waist and on the shorts, and come in handy during half marathons.
    9. Have fun!!!! Be prepared to wave to the kids, I dressed as Mike from Monsters Inc at Disney, and all the kids were calling be by name. Well, Mike's name. I was famous.
     
     
    Great costume, I wore a brown Sparkle Skirt underneath.

    Fun but scratchy, and the wig was annoying. I wore clothes underneath!

    much better without the wig
    This would be a cute costume, from Hot Topic. I'm considering it for a future race
    add a sparkly skirt, instant Chewbacca
    add a cute skirt, instant R2D2
    I am ironing on a Reese's logo for the Hot Chocolate 15K
    to go with the shirt above..... add a Running Buddy and you're ready to go
    pink camo shirt, camo running skirt, instant Army Hero
    thinking about this for Superhero.... red shirt, red leggings, black running skirt, and an iron on

    I was supposed to be Pocahontas, but the rain was coming.....






     What hero should I dress as for Superhero? Han? R2D2? Chewie? Mrs. Incredible?

     

    Monday, February 9, 2015

    Marathon Monday: Training with Jeff Galloway



    With my Fall marathons right around the corner, I am so excited to announce that I will be a Galloway Blogger this year! I will be bringing you tips and strategies throughout my training, right from the man himself!
    What is the Galloway Method? If you have run or attended just about any race, you've no doubt seen it in action! Jeff uses the run/walk method, where you alternate between running and walking, and the amount of time you spend doing each will depend on the pace you would like to maintain. 




    The benefits are amazing! You will be able to finish any distance injury free, and you will have a great time in the process. So many people rely on this method to get them to the finish line! Jeff even provides his training plan to all Run Disney athletes! 



    I put some of his advice onto some past race photos, choosing the ones that best fit the message! I don't know about you, but a run with beautiful scenery is better than any chocolate as a stress reliever!




    I know how hard it is to go out slowly at the  beginning of a race, but it makes the rest of the race a lot easier to finish without wearing out too soon!



    Pacing yourself properly also helps you get through the rest of your day! There is a huge difference in your day when you pace yourself. Instead of recovering on the couch all day, you feel energized and have an active day.



    The end game is so worth it. There is nothing like crossing the finish line at a longer race. I ways feel totally badass when I finish a half marathon, and even more so when I finish a marathon! 


    The longer you train, the better your form will improve, and the easier a run will feel. I ran a raceaat weekend that felt like a 13:00 pace and ended up being just under 11:00!



    Do you Galloway?