It’s the most wonderful time of the year… You’re welcome for getting that gem stuck in your head for the next several weeks. :0
But for real… Happy Halloween! It’s the funnest day ever. I can’t wait to take my little people trick or treating. What are your plans? Any big parties or trick or treating plans?
Normally we order pizza and go out trick or treating, but since we had a house showing we ended up out to dinner at a pizza place. Looks like I’ll be cooking Halloween dinner. Boo for me. But yay for an impromptu night out at one of our favorite local establishments.
And hey, Happy Fitness Friday! This week I’m featuring Kelly A. from Redhead on the Run. Kelly’s a fellow runner who had a similar start to the sport as me!
Here’s Kelly!
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What is your favorite fitness day/activity?
My favorite activity is running. This hasn’t always been the
case. I started my running journey to lose some..ok a lot…of baby weight. I
HATED just the thought of running. I was shocked after just a few months of
consistency how much I began to love it. I’ve since run 5 and 10k’s,
triathlons, half marathons and am currently training for my second full
marathon. Miracles can happen.
What is your favorite fitness routine?
My favorite routine is any kind of speed work combined with
strength training intervals. This isn’t a workout I get to do often when I’m
training for a big race so when I can do it it’s a nice change. I love to
incorporate 200m sprints into my strength workout. It keeps my heart rate up
and it keeps me sweating.
Why do you choose to stay fit?
I choose to stay fit because, as cliche as it sounds, it
makes me feel good about myself. It keeps me sane as a stay at home momma of 3
kiddo’s. It’s my outlet and my way of doing something for myself. It’s time
away to think and pray and reflect. It’s the rush of endorphins that keeps me
coming back for more regardless of the way my body looks. It has kept me
healthy and my kids need to see that modeled in their life. It’s been something
my husband and I have done together and it has been fun for us to share a hobby
and a passion.
Aside from physical exercise, what other ways
do you incorporate healthy choices into your life?
I try to have a balanced “diet” by not
“dieting.” I eat pretty clean but I am a moderation gal. I don’t
believe in cutting any one food group or particular foods out of my life
altogether(apart from a medical reason). I eat tons of fruits and veggies,
limit the bad carbs and drink tons of water. I limit processed foods but I am
absolutely ok with a night out and a good burger. Life is too short to live
under such restriction. I know that to accomplish my goals I need to fuel my
body with good things. I also know to keep things manageable I need to allow
for some splurges now and then.
How have you dealt with any setbacks that have prevented you from working out, staying in shape,
or eating healthily?
In the past 8 years since I started running I’ve experienced
a lot of setbacks, a lot of life. I have had 3 pregnancies that were high risk
and involved weeks of bedrest. This meant no exercise for more than half of
each pregnancy. I have also had some knee issues and one surgery last August.
All this combined with kids getting sick, a traveling and training husband etc.
Life happens. Each time I’ve had to rest or sit on the sidelines I’ve learned a
little more about rest and my ability to handle adversity. The truth is even
among these challenges I know I have so much to be thankful for. It has made me
appreciate a body that can move and run and do the things I love to do. It
makes me appreciate the people in my life that love me and support me.
What advice do you have for someone just
beginning their journey into healthy living and/or exercising?
My advice to anyone starting out on their fitness journey is
to be patient. It doesn’t happen overnight. I still have bad days that are hard
and make me want to quit. Don’t quit. You are doing this for your life, not
just for a season or a weight loss or any other short term goal. It’s a
lifestyle change. Take the bad days and get stronger because of them. Push
through the mental blocks that tell you it’s not worth it. It’s worth it. Your
health and your life are worth it. I promise.
Want to hear more from Kelly? Follow her on Facebook and Twitter!
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Oh, and in case you’re forgetful like me, this weekend is the end of Daylight Saving. What the heck does that mean? Well, not much unless you’re a parent. Because then your life will essentially become a living hell for the next two weeks as your kids begrudgingly adjust to a new bedtime and wake-up time. If you’re kid-less, enjoy your extra hour of sleep. Smh…
