Because I Can't Stop

So lately I've been on the search for my next event! Currently, I'm maintaining my work-out regimen, but find myself falling behind and skipping a day here and there. It is time to shape up and get training! 

Here are a couple events I have in mind;

• Catalina Island Conservancy Half Marathon or the Catalina Eco Marathon: http://www.runcatalina.com/

This is supposed to be one of the most scenic runs in the U.S. I have never run a full marathon before, only half marathons. Catalina Island is one BIG hill, so this run would definitely be challenging, but I LOVE a good challenge.

• Pacific Coast Duathlon: http://octriseries.com/pacificcoasttriduathlon.html

This is a triathlon and duathlon on the same day. Since I'm still struggling with my swimming, I would compete in the duathlon. I love the idea of incorporating a run and a bike, so I'm not ignoring my road bike for 4 months while training for a marathon run.

Back to the swimming issue; originally, I had planned on learning how to swim so I can compete in a Sprint Triathlon. But after my last swim session...I lost all hope. It may take me longer than I planned to learn all the swimming techniques and build strength. Swimming is a hurdle that I quite haven't cleared yet, and will continue to work for. 

Have any of you competed in these events? If so, I've love to hear your thoughts or advice:)

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous!

Weekend Preparation-Need Motivating?

It's almost the weekend...sometimes all we need is a little motivation to finish the week off strong and to prepare ourselves for the fun times ahead!

I WANT her back...Reverse Flies please! (example below, incorporate Bosu ball for increased difficulty)

Yup...you can find me bumping up the incline on the treadmill, followed by a killer ab work out tonight! Plank anyone!?

(Examples below)

Does ANYONE look like this while sweating their butt off at the gym!? I don't! I'm there to torture myself and look ridiculous doing it! Single legged Bosu ball squats with arm curls (Example below, just add dumbbells for curls)

If this doesn't motivate you...I don't know what will!

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous!

Little Exercise Demons

I’m going to admit, yesterday, I got home from work… and did NOT want to go to yoga! The idea of sweating profusely, and sculpting my body, did not sound appealing to me. 

I took my dogs on the shortest walk of their lives, laid in my bed and wanted to stay there so badly! I did everything possible to talk myself out of going, trying every trick in the book; I don’t have the money, I’ll make it up later in the week, I need to let my body rest, skipping one day won't hurt. Up until the very last minute…I sat up and thought to myself, JUST DO IT!!!

After an easy warm up, I was quickly immersed in the work out, and fully focused! My body had never felt so good, and the rewarding feeling after my yoga class made it all worth it!

Just like all of you, I have my moments where I lack will-power. It’s almost as if this little exercise demon enters my brain, and tries to convince me to be lazy! All it takes is a change of clothes and a smooth warm up session, and you’ll ward off the demons. Your body listens to your mind. Training your mind is the FIRST step to success!

Another confession, I LOVE to sweat!! I love the way my body looks when it’s glistening and watching my muscles take shape! During my Hot Yoga Sculpt class last night, I could not stop staring at myself in the mirror and watching all my hard work pay off. Because of the mirrors, I feel stronger, and break through barriers!

Physical exercise is a complete MIND GAME!! Take control!

When is a time where you broke free of your exercise demons!?

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous!

My Personal Favorites

Need help finding the right things to put in your gym bag?? Please see my previous post for more information, "What's in Your Gym Bag?"

After years of making exercise a part of my lifestyle, I have learned that with the right equipment, I perform better, with less distractions. Some of you may think the simplest things would not make a difference...but they DO! On my longer runs, I don't want to be holding my ipod in my hand, fidgeting with my head phones and my music, nor pushing through any discomfort, or muscle pain. In order to remain comfortable, here are a few pointers to keep you going strong and free of distractions; 

• Ipod- The perfect ipod is the new ipod nano with touchscreen; http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/features.html This ipod features a clip, so you can easily attach it to any piece of clothing, which will eliminate the use of an arm band. I know sometimes it can get frustrating looking for the right music to keep you pumped up, here are some of my favorite songs to exercise to;

- Afterlife by Avenged Sevenfold 
- Can U Werk Wit DatQuik & AMG a.k.a The Fixxers 

- Closer by Kings of Leon 

- Cough Syrup by Young The Giant 

- Dance Again by Jennifer Lopez 

- Death and All His Friends by Coldplay 

- Girls Like You by The Naked and Famous 

- Just Run by Digital Summer 

- Loud by Mac Miller 

- Midnight City by M83 

- My Body by Young The Giant 

- Promises (Skrillex & Nero Remix) by Nero 

- Some Nights by Fun 

- We Are Young by Fun 

- Young Blood by The Naked and Famous         

- I Can't Stop by Flux Pavilion

- It's Time by Imagine Dragons

- Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard

- Titanium by David Guetta & Sia

- Indestructible by Disturbed

- Thunderstruck by AC/DC

• Sports Bra- I live in the Nike Pro Victory Compression. This sports bra gets me through any work out. http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-461166/pgid-282969 
• Running Capris- These capris are expensive, but AWESOME! They provide compression benefits in a dri fit fabric. http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-434570/pgid-434571
• Tennis Shoes- Everyone should get fitted for their perfect running shoe, as we all have a different stride and step. I visited Snail's Pace...a store in Orange County, and they had me do a run test for them. After evaluating my stride, I was matched to the Adidas Response Cushion 20 shoes; http://www.adidas.com/us/product/womens-running-response-cushion-20-shoes/KU129?cid=V22925&breadcrumb=svZu3Z1z13y9l. Once a week, I run 3-6 miles in my Vibram Five Fingers KSO! Since running in these, I've improved my average pace and form! 

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous!