Meet Kim
Life's a circus for Kim. Her days are spent juggling work, family & friends and, at times, squeezing in a little "me" time. It's a good week if she leaves work in time for yoga class. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, she has no problem getting dirty. She's counting on her strong, country work ethic to help her train for her first 5k.
Kickin’ It
Kickin’ sickness: I’ve been in a funk the past two weeks: Tired. Restless. Achy. Constant Headache. Unable to focus. I haven’t been to the gym in a week. Not good! But I’m starting to feel better and I’m looking forward to my next gym visit so I can get back to kickin’ butt on the treadmill. I’m not as intimidated by the mile anymore. There are days where I run my mile and do intervals for another 1.5 miles. Then there are days where I stop the minute the distance reads 1.0. Either way, I like how I feel when I jump off the treadmill and I’m not avoiding the mirrors at the gym as much either! But I know I need to increase the distance so I can push my endurance. I want to do a week or two of “single miles” until I feel like myself again and then I’ll start pushing myself to run farther.
In addition to preparing for my first 5k and running 3.2 miles, I know I need to get ready for the obstacles throughout the Dirty Girl Mud Run route. I have a lot of leg strength but my upper body is very weak. I’ve been lifting weights but I wanted to try something new… and then I got a Groupon that sparked my interest: kick boxin‘. I bought it and am going to take the classes with a friend from work! It’s going to be a fun addition to my workouts and preparing some of the muscles that I’ll need for the wall climb, cargo net and fence jump once August 20.
Are you mixing up your workouts? What are you doing to prepare for the obstacles? How do you handle getting sidelined by sickness?
March 29th, 2011
What “not” to wear
If you’re like most women, you not only love the show, What Not To Wear on TLC, but you’ve learned a few things from it as well. Stacey London and Clinton Kelly know how to make anyone look good and feel good – after some crying and secret footage of course. Unfortunately, not many of us get the chance to have our wardrobes completely overhauled by fashion experts, nor do we often take the time to consider what we’re going to wear, especially to the gym.
You might be saying to yourself, “Really Carie, you’re going to discuss workout fashion on your blog post today? What does that have to do with running the Dirty Girl event?” Here’s my response: when you feel good about yourself, you take care of yourself (and vice versa)…whether you’re in the gym or not. And, it could be just that little motivational push you’ve been looking for to get your butt in gear and start (or continue) training. For example, I just got some really cute Nike Free running shoes at the Nike outlet. Now, every time I’m on the treadmill or lifting weights and I look down at my cute, new shoes it makes me smile. I even want to go to the gym more often just to look at them. 
I’m not a proponent of spending loads of cash on cute, little yoga-inspired leggings, wraps and shoes, but it’s fairly simple to fit your body with clothing that flatters you and makes you feel good. Pay attention to your assets, show them off. Pay attention to those trouble spots, and don’t show them off. Simple as that.
We’re all aging, our 18 year old bodies don’t look the same as our 30 or 40 or 50 year old bodies (mine doesn’t anyway) and that’s totally fine. Wearing short shorts to kick-boxing class might be okay for some, and not for others. Although, I’m of the mindset that short shorts should be saved for running, Bikram yoga, college volleyball or Pilates class.
It comes down to respect for yourself. And you should have lots of it because you’re worth every bit of time and energy you put into taking care of yourself. There are a lot of places to find cute gear perfect for sweating in. I find a lot of great deals on brand names at stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls (they have NB and Nike sports bras at a fraction of the cost – they aren’t paying me for this endorsement). And, wearing the proper materials made for sweating is also key – don’t plan on wearing your flannel pajama pants for a 3-mile run on the treadmill…that’s not going to work out so well (physically or mentally). Most brands make a moisture-controlled fabric perfect for sweating in – Nike’s Dri-FIT is a great option . You might also consider a tank-top with built-in support instead of your husband’s big, boxy Nascar t-shirt. You’ll just feel better – and you’ll look good too.
Here’s some other online resources that might inspire your workout attire:
What Should I Wear?
Cute “Gap-inspired” clothing
Adorable stuff by Lucy
What are some of the places you like to shop for your workout gear? Share with us!
March 14th, 2011
