Thursday, October 31, 2013

Review: Dr Scholls Active Series Inserts

Several weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to try out Dr. Scholls Active Series Inserts. I'm no stranger to injuries (I've broken both feet, plus countless hairline and stress fractures through the year. As well as shin splints, sprains etc...). Back in my athletic, high school days I had my feet casted for custom made orthodics. These puppies were $4,000 for the pair and while they have helped, I've never been fully happy with them. So, I was curious to see what these were like.






*   Dr Scholls Active Series Inserts reduce shock by 40%.
*   They provide extra support for the ball of the foot, heel and arches.
*   Help to relieve and prevent shin splint, runner's knee and plantar fasciitis pain
*   Helps to reduce foot odor





I started out using them for just my workouts and running. I experienced instant relief from my shin pain on just the first run. They are so comfortable, I've started wearing them in my every day shoes as well. Three weeks later, I have zero shin pain. (knock on wood).

If you are suffering from any running-related injuries. I highly recommend these. I prefer them over my custom made orthodics, and you can't get these at Walmart for right around $20! Awesome!

Disclaimer: I received Dr Schools Active Series Inserts free from Influenster for testing purposes. However, my experience with the product and recommendation are fully my own. Writing this blog post was also my own choice. Thank you, Influenster for the opportunity and pain free legs!

Why I'm Not Mother of the Year & #fit4christmas Clarifications



Happy Halloween everyone! Halloween was always my favorite holiday as a little kid and maybe that's why this is bothering me so much? Basically, Mother of the Year Award would not be going to me today. We walk into daycare this morning, and all the little kids are in their Halloween costumes! Looking adorable, hyped up on sugar for breakfast, and excited for the festivities to come.

And then there's Wyatt. In the orange shirt and jeans mommy dressed him in like it's any other day. Somehow, I missed the memo (if there was a memo) that they were dressing up for daycare today?! Or, maybe it's just implied that they are supposed to. All I know is I don't remember them dressing up last year and I suck. I know it sounds silly, but I am completely heart broken over this silly little thing. Wyatt is too young to fully grasp the concept of Halloween anyways and I don't know if he even realizes he is the only one without his costume on, but I know. Hopefully the tears will stop by noon and all will be well. With the evening's forecast being 30 degrees with 65 mph (what the...) winds, I had considered skipping tonight's trick or treat since we already went last weekend. Not now! Mama has some making up to do. KNOCK ON ALL THE DOORS!

Anyways, lets move on from my pitty party, shall we? ...


The Fit 4 Christmas Challenge starts tomorrow!? Are you ready? I know the jeans I put on this morning are sure welcoming the start of this challenge. 

By rough calculations, we have somewhere over 50 people on board so far. Awesome! You guys are the best! It's not too late to join! It's open to anyone, anytime.

I've had a few commonly asked questions, so I wanted to clear them up here real quick.

*  This challenge is 100% TOTALLY FREE! No expense to you whatsoever. So don't let that worry hold you back! 

*  Don't forget to take your before pictures, measurements and starting weight. Hang on to these in a safe place. You don't need to post them or email them until the close of the challenge. On Dec 20th, post/send your before and afters all together. That way I don't get mixed up who is who etc...

If you are unsure how to take measurements, here is a guideline I use. You do not have to take this many measurements, if you don't want to. I highly recommend it, though. When the scale slows or comes to a stop, you might find yourself still shrinking. It's a great motivator. 


For challenge purposes, the basic waist, midway and hips are perfectly fine. But consider tracking all of them for yourself. 

Nextly, are you following me on Facebook and/or Instagram yet? We'll be having weekly mini challenges (optional to participate in these) in order to help keep us all moving and eating right. I will post the next week's challenge on the blog every Friday, but we can use Facebook and Instagram to update throughout the week. I have a few ideas for the mini challenges, but am open to suggestions! I've started a Facebook thread on the topic. Hope on over if you have any insight to share!

Hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween!


Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Details, Details! Fit 4 Christmas Challenge


We are approaching the hardest time of year to keep our eating in check and the fitness going. Holidays can be rough for anyone trying to live a healthy lifestyle. I've been looking for a way to get my motivation back, and keep the waistline in check this winter.

This brings us to my Fit 4 Christmas Challenge. It's pretty laid back as far as challenges go. Here's the details:

Challenge starts THIS Friday, November 1st. Be sure to take your starting measurements, weight and pictures!

Completion will be Friday, December 20th. I figured it would be best to wrap it up before everyone starts traveling for the holidays. 

I will host a link up on the 20th for everyone to post their results. 

***If you don't blog, you can still participate! You can choose to share your results on my Facebook page or HERE or email me at tiffhult27 (at) gmail (dot) com with your results on December 20th! 

  • Use whatever fitness program you prefer. Walk, run, weights, Crossfit, swim, DVDs... whatever works best for you!
  • Same for food. You know what works best for you!
  • I will be posting healthy recipes as well as workouts throughout the challenge on the blog and Facebook.
  • Use #fit4christmas on Instagram (or any social media) to update everyone on what you are doing. What are you eating? Find a great, healthy recipe or snack to share? Did you just finish an awesome workout? Post about it! Or even share what you're struggling with and everyone can help encourage you. One of my biggest motivators is seeing other people with good eats and working their tushes off. Keep us all motivated with your hard work! You can find me @thefittrainblog
  • If you're not on IG, feel free to post on my Facebook page with any tips, recipes or discussions.
Whomever has the best results at the end of the challenge, will receive a prize pack from me! A little prize pack preview:

1.  A handmade item of your choosing from my (coming soon) etsy shop. I will have more to choose from by then, but here are a few examples:

Item, Color & Size of your choosing


2. $15 Starbucks Gift Card


3.  A few odds and ends of some of my favorite things:



A little incentive never hurt, right?

I'm getting a lot of response for this challenge and am so excited to get it going! But, the more the merrier, so spread the word. The main purpose of this challenge, for me, is support. We are all more successful if we have a support system behind us.

I've been in a major health funk as of late, and I've seen many others in the same situation. Just because we live all over, doesn't mean we can't be workout buddies! Lets spend these next two months motivating one another to do better. We can do this!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Trick or Treat & Birthdays

We have been overflowing with Halloween drama these past few weeks. About a month ago, I started showing Wyatt some Halloween costumes and talking up trick-or-treat. I was thinking if he was prepared and understood what was going to happen, he'd really get into it. He's been in a big animal phase lately and loves the cows out at Grandma's house, so I ordered a cow costume.

When I first showed it to him, he said, "Hi Guy! Mooo" (which is how he always talks to cows...). Wyatt loved on this cow all evening. Blankie didn't even matter when we got home, and that's saying something. I was thinking I'd hit the jackpot. He's going to LOVE being a cow, right? Wrong...






He was petrified. By the way he was acting, I fully believe Wyatt assumed the costume was going to make him into a real cow. So, I scrambled to find a plan b. Costumes were 40% off at Kmart and I found a cheapo dino costume. It was made of different material and I assumed it would feel like normal clothes. Wrong again. He was even more upset about being made into a dino. I have a hilarious video of him rolling around, crying in a dinosaur costume that will be saved for future girlfriends...

At this point, I was ready to skip Halloween this year. But decided the third time is a charm...

Wyatt the Hunter
 Our big trick-or-treat was this past Saturday morning. His little, last minute hunter costume was a big success and he had lots of fun downtown!



He already thinks he's too big to take pictures with mama. Which is a big problem for this camera loving girl.
Sunday was my birthday. A couple of weeks ago, I started running right through my shoes. This past week it had gotten to the point where my little toe was hanging out of my shoe. Not exactly the most comfortable running conditions. The boys surprised me with a quick trip down to Fort Collins, CO to have my gait evaluated and get some good shoes.

I ended up with the Brooks Ghost and my feet and legs are already much happier. If you haven't gone to an actual running store to find the proper shoes for your fit, I highly  recommend it. After we got my shoes, we had lunch with Brad's sister and headed home.

The evening was spent out at my mom's for dinner and cake.

Overall, it was the perfect weekend and a wonderful weekend thanks to these boys and my amazing family and friends...

------





Don't forget the Fit 4 Christmas challenge starts on Friday! Be sure to weigh-in, take your measurements and before pictures if you want to join in on the fun! I'm working on a little prize package for the person with the best results... more to come on that tomorrow! 









Monday, October 28, 2013

Motivation Monday - Fit 4 Christmas Challenge


It's time for another round of Motivation Monday! I hope you grab a button and come link up with us today! Share whatever motivation you got up your sleeve. Pictures, advice, recipes, struggles... I want to hear and see it all this week!




I feel like I have so much to share and am overflowing with information nonsense! I stepped away from this little 'ol blog of mine while I recovered from the never-ending illness. Then, I came back to the blog, but feel as though I wasn't really here. {she's lost her mind...} I was typing, but didn't care what I wrote about, to be honest. My heart just wasn't in to the blog there for a bit. I needed to take that little step back for a short while, but I feel like my motivation... both in life, fitness and the blog is returning. 

Determination is my middle name right now. 

If I shared everything I have on my mind today, this would be the most random, overwhelming post in the history of blog land. So, we're going to make an attempt to spread it out over the week and start with this:


I started this fitness journey with Jillian's 90 day program: Body Revolution. It was structured. Day one, you do this workout. Day 2, this dvd. etc.. Progress pictures and measurements were a big part of it and sharing those kept me going. I wanted to show what the program could really do so I remained focused. It was when that program came to a close that I've really struggled to continue my progression. 

I've tried many other challenges since then, never truly succeeding. I found it way too easy to back out when things got hard and figured since I wasn't hosting the challenge, no one would notice. Well, I've noticed. To think how far I could be right now had I changed that mentality makes me sick, but I can't go back in time and change it. 

So, I'm starting my own challenge. If any one is interested in joining me in this, let me know. If we have enough interest, I will offer a price to the person with the best results. If not, I still plan to truck right on ahead with my "Fit 4 Christmas Challenge" for myself. November 1st (which is Friday, in case you're like me and didn't realize October had come and gone). I will be weighing in, taking measurements and progress pictures. December 20th will mark the close of the challenge and results day. Any workout/health regimen you prefer.

Fear not, if you aren't a blogger, you can just shoot me an email at tiffhult27 (at) gmail (dot) com if you are interested in joining in! 










Friday, October 25, 2013

5 On Friday - A Year in Review

I do believe I've reached the point in my life where I feel it's necessary to remain the same age year after year. In honor of turning another year old this weekend, I'm looking back and 5 of the highlights from this past year.

{ONE}

#1 would have to be my weight loss thus far. I'm no where near the end of this journey, but I'm proud of how far I've come. I'm 30 pounds lighter than I was on a my birthday. Some day I'll get some new progress pictures up!

{TWO}

Wyatt turned 2! This birthday was a lot of fun. He was old enough to understand the celebration was all about him.

{THREE}

I ran my very first race. This was a big milestone for me. Running a 5K has been on my bucket list since high school. Plenty of opportunities presented themselves to me through the years, but I continued to find excuses as to why I wasn't ready. I pushed myself outside my comfort zone and it was more than worth it.







{FOUR}

Our over night back packing trip. It was a big eye opener to how far I've come. This time last year, I never would have been able to make that hike. I was amazed that I could have ran parts of it if I wanted. This is where I feel at peace. Love the mountains.







{FIVE}

Continuing on with that.... #5.

Taking Wyatt on his very first camping trip.


I am in such a better place this year. Both mentally and physically. I can't wait to see what 27 has to offer! 


 


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Under Construction

A new year requires new looks! The little 'ol blog is under construction. Be back soon.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Rekindling the Fire


Any time you embark upon a new adventure or challenge, you tend to have a one track mind. You see what you want, and nothing is going to stop you from getting there. This tunnel vision is great motivation. You're focused. You're determined. You.Will.Succeed.

When running a sprint, that's enough to get you to the finish line. There's no time for distractions. Before you know it, you've ran right through that ribbon. The crowd cheers and you feel a sense of accomplishment.

But, what about a marathon? You train for months on end, leading up to the big day. You're ready to put your hard work to the test. The morning of the race, you are a big bundle of energy and nerves. The crowds of people excite you further and you're thinking, "I can do this. I will do this. This is it." You have that tunnel vision, again. You can see the finish line in your mind and you will get there.

 Unlike a sprint, a marathon isn't over in the blink of an eye. As time clicks away and the mile signs pass behind you, you're getting more and more fatigued. There are aches and pains you've probably never felt before. The mind starts to take over and tries to tell you that you can't do this. It's too much. You made it 20 miles, that's good enough, right? Why not just stop now? That tunnel vision you had in the beginning starts to fade.

Many do stop. Many do decide that however far they made it was good enough and an accomplishment in itself. And it is, really. Any mileage is better than none. But, what if you had pushed through? What if you took control of that negative mindset and made it across that finish line?


I started my journey with that tunnel vision. My determination was strong and I was seeing great success. Overall, I didn't struggle to eat healthy. I was continually inspired by other bloggers and my favorite, Pinterest. I felt better than I had in years.

20 lb difference
By July, I'd reached a plateau and frustration set in. I have tried switching things up countless times in the months since. Each time thinking, this is it! This is going to work this time. I get the fire back, and then there's no change. The frustration sets in... again. And round and round I go. Each time my new plan doesn't work out, I give up for a week or so. Of course, this sets me back even further. It's a viscous cycle that I just can't seem to break.

When I hit the 25 lb mark, my mentality shifted. I was feeling great. My confidence was slowly coming back. People were noticing my weight loss and complimenting me while out and about. When I lost weight in the past, these are the kind of things that kept me pushing forward. This time, it made me feel comfortable. I can splurge a little on my foods, right? Skipping a week's worth of workouts is no big deal. I've made it this far, I deserve a little break. That's what I tried to tell myself. Repeatedly.

Where has it gotten me?

Gaining and losing the same 4 pounds for nearly 4 months. At no fault but my own. Honestly, I am angry at myself. But it's an anger I needed to feel. Essentially, I hit a rough patch and I gave up. Sure, I continued to work out some and make healthy choices, but there were far too many unhealthy choices mixed in.






With my birthday approaching, I have been looking back at the past year a lot these past couple of days. It's something I always do this time of year. I evaluate my life. What did I do well this year? What do I want to change? The reflection is something I really needed at this point in my life. I'm excited for whats to come. For my health, my family, my career, my blog and everything in between. Change is brewing, and I'm ready for it.




exploring Domesticity




Friday, October 18, 2013

5 On Friday

{ONE}

I love Despicable Me, I do. It was the first movie that Wyatt paid any attention to and I've lost count as to how many times we have played it. When I was first teaching myself to crochet, I knew I had to attempt a Minion hat for him. After some trial and error, I finally managed this:

January 2013
I've gotten a lot of comments throughout the year while we're out and about, as well as many people who have asked if I'm selling them. At that time time, life was a whole different type of crazy so I repeatedly declined. Well, it's cold once again (thank you 6 month long Wyoming winters) so we've pulled it out of storage. A couple of weeks ago, we got stopped several times on the pumpkin walk with requests for a minion hat. On a whim, I decided, "Suuure. I sell them." I posted a picture on Facebook, and within 5 minutes had over 8 orders. Which has since grown.

I enjoy crocheting. The extra Christmas cash will be awesome, but I'm beginning to resent minions and yellow and blue in general! With that said, I still have plans to open an Etsy shop and hope to have it open in another week or two. In the mean time, if anyone is interested in a custom hat (I can make more than minions) , you can email me at tiffhult27 (at) gmail (dot) com

{TWO}

I have decided on my new fitness program. T25 it will be! I plan on starting it with the new year. Until then, I'm going to stick with Jillian and running. The next several months are going to be hectic and I know I want have the time to dedicate to a structured program. So, I'm doing my own thing for now! I have heard nothing but positive feedback on T23, though, and can't wait to start.

{THREE}

I'm planning a Halloween Weekend of Fun for Wyatt. Last year, we did a full day of pumpkin coloring, and Halloween themed food. As he's a little older this year, I think we'll take it up a notch.

*  Sugar Cookie Decorating
*  Playing in the leaves (if snow melts off today)
*  Ghost Craft
*  Halloween Theme Lunch and Dinner
*  "Spooky" movie for movie night

Holidays were always a big deal in our house growing up and that's something I'm trying to pass along to Wyatt. There will be pictures to come, I'm sure.

{Four}

I've been really good this year and haven't brought a spec of Halloween candy into the house... yet. However, these have been calling my name for weeks:

mmmm - 1 can't hurt, right?
{FIVE}

And last but not least, Happy Friday from Super Wyatt


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