This past Saturday was extra special because my husband didn’t have to work. On days like this, we always try to make the most of our day.
We started off with a good breakfast. My son and I have been ADDICTED to protein waffles for the last month. So we’ve been eating them every, single morning. He’s upgraded to eating two each morning. Which really surprises me cause he’s so small. But I’m often reminded that he’s growing. So I guess it’s fine.
After letting our food settle, our first stop was was the park. We’ve extended our runs to 4 miles a few times a week. So, that’s what we did on Saturday. Although, we ended up walking most of the last mile. We did much better than I expected.
After the park, we changed out of our sweaty shirts and headed to the flea market. It is one of our favorite places to go on the weekend. Because you never know what you’re gonna find. It’s the ultimate treasure hunt!
I’ve also been looking for some flower pots for a DIY project I’m working on. And the flea market is a great place to find some unique ones. Plus, my son gets a chance to ride a carousel or get a toy so he always enjoys it too. Luckily, I found one pot that was small enough for what I was looking for. (More on my DIY project later.)
Check out the prices of the small pots. You can’t beat that!
What are some of your favorite things to do on the weekends? Let me know in the comments…
This all sounds like the perfect conditions for taking an outdoor run with your family. But if you don’t have a plan for your toddler, you plan to fail.
I cannot tell you how many times my husband and I have put our son in the stroller. Just to turn back after less than a quarter of a mile in because my son wasn’t having it.
He’s done it all from screaming to the top of his lungs the entire run to throwing things like his hat at cars in traffic!
Let’s be honest…we are the adults but the kids run everything because if they aren’t content and happy; mama and daddy certainly won’t be.
Thankfully, we’ve done really well at figuring out how to keep him entertained. Here are some that have helped us…
Bring snacks! This seems like a no brainer but it is important to consider the type of snacks. It should be something portable and not messy.
2. Let them participate. No matter how small of a task it is. We let our son hit the “run” button when it’s time to start tracking our time.
3. Let them explore with their eyes. Explain things you see that they don’t get to see everyday like a buzzard eating roadkill, a giant grasshopper, or even a flower they have never seen. We once saw a buzzard getting a dead bird from middle of the street. My son asked what it was and I explained he was getting food to take back to his family. Since then, he asks me almost everyday if the buzzard took food to his family today.
4. Let them grab. Tall grass, weeds or whatever they can get their hands on. It’s like their trophy for the day.
5. Bring a portable outdoor toy. Something entertaining like a bubble machine has been a lifesaver! The best $5 I’ve ever spent.
6. Bring the tablet. This one isn’t my favorite but sometimes necessary. I have found that the tablet has only had to be used in extreme circumstances. It sits in his lap, turned off, 95% of the time. He’s usually too busy looking around to see what’s around him. If it’s a must to use, try suggesting that they record stuff they see or maybe listen to songs.
7. Give them a chance to run too. After we finish, we get him out of the stroller to let him run up and down the sidewalk a few times. He even asks about his running time when he’s done!
Running as a family has been something that we look forward to each day. We struggle together, sweat together, bond and it’s a great way to get yourself and the kids out of the house without spending a dime. Our son asks every, single day…”Mama, are we going to go for a run today?” Making memories like this is worth the soreness that we go through.
Hope these tips help you as much as they help us. If you have a tip, drop it in the comments.
I am no stranger to exercise or running. I’ve done it for at least the past 20 years of my life and love it!
I took a break while pregnant. Then after having my son, I found it hard to find the time. But now that he’s a toddler, it’s much easier to get it done. Or so I thought. Let’s be clear, he’s not the problem…it’s me. It’s my body to be honest. I feel great emotionally and I have energy to get it done BUT now I have heel pain, leg pain, side pain, shoulder pain…even pain in my butt. Pain I’ve never experienced before. As a matter of fact, my heel is throbbing right now!
When I complain to my husband, his answer is always, “You’re no spring chicken anymore, baby”. Initially, I thought he was tripping. But I’m starting to realize that he just might be right.
I’ve been back to exercising full time for the last 6 months. And to challenge myself even more, my husband and I decided to sign up for our first half marathon. Everything was going great!! It wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago that I started breaking down. I went from running 9 minutes per mile to about 13 or 14. Simply because everything hurts!
We walked for two weeks to rest and now are back to jogging again. In hopes to start back to full fledged running soon. Nevertheless, pain isn’t going to stop me. But it has slowed me down quite a bit. The marathon isn’t until December but I admit that I’m nervous already because of all of the issues.
Here’s a video of my family and I getting back to it. After all, the marathon awaits…
When the topic of fitness comes up, I find that most people are either all the way in or all the way out. It’s a commitment to changing your lifestyle, for sure! But you don’t have to run 10 miles a day, 7 days a week to be healthy and in good shape. Moderation is key, like most other things in life.
I’ve been passionate about living a healthier lifestyle, which lead into being a fitness trainer. Working with many different people, personalities, and of all fitness levels. In doing this, you wouldn’t believe some of the excuses that I’ve heard. Or maybe you can believe it?! Either way, check out 12 of the biggest BS excuses people have used to avoid exercising. Plus, how to overcome some of them.
📷 by Ismael Nieto
“I’m too old” – The saying “you are only as young as you feel” has some truth to it. Many people think they are too told to exercise. People in their 70s, 80s, and 90s are running marathons. No joke, google it! Exercising not only helps with weight and health but as you get older it can improve your posture, help to boost your memory and prevent age-related diseases such as dementia. (source: WebMD)
📷 by Pineapples
2. “I’m too far gone” – Working out can be considered difficult at any size. Small steps are the best way to start your workout and then gradually increase. For instance, if you find yourself only being able to complete 10 minutes, then do it! Then increase as you feel stronger. Be sure to set a short term goal however, so you won’t be stagnant. Adding 5 minutes per week is an achievable goal. Excessive weight can lead to diseases like such as diabetes, heart disease, and even lead to a stroke. If that isn’t reason enough, I don’t know what is? Take it from someone who dropped over 60 pounds 🙋, there’s nothing to it but to do it. But no matter what your size, love the skin you’re in!
📷 by Mick Tinbergen
3. “I’m too busy” – People make time for what they want to make time for. Which means, you would have time if you really wanted to. Find a way to make the time. That might mean waking up an hour earlier, it may even mean using your lunch break to do it, whatever it takes. You only get one body, there are no do-overs. Your body deserves to be spoiled with exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
📷 by Shanice Garcia
4. “I’m too full” – Some people prefer to workout on an empty stomach. It’s not something that I recommend though, because the food will give you the energy, period. And if you don’t have the energy to workout, then…? Just keep it light, don’t over do it. A light, healthy snack of less than 300 calories is a good place to start. Be sure to eat it 45 minutes to an hour before hitting the gym. Snack suggestions: a sandwich made of up of 1 piece of wheat bread, a couple slices of turkey breast, and mustard; an apple with a spoonful of chunky peanut butter, or a protein shake.
📷 by Louis Magnotti
5. “I travel all of the time” – This is an easy fix. Most hotels have gyms these days. That was easy. But if that’s not an option or want to try something different, I have four words for you…jump rope & tennis shoes. Jumping rope burns around 10 calories per minute. Yes, that lil’ rope is a serious calorie burner! Here’s my Jump Rope Workout: 30 minutes jump rope, 5 minutes of push ups, 5 crunches. This is my favorite workout when I’m traveling or short on time. Make sure to wear your tennis shoes. It hurts so bad if the rope hits your toe. 😩
6. “I like to eat too much to work out” – You sound like the perfect gym candidate! People who are active actually need more calories than someone who isn’t. That doesn’t mean that you should go out for ice cream everyday. Again, moderation is key. Of course, you still have to make good food choices but your body will require more calories. Your daily caloric is based on your activities, weight, etc. There are lots of ways to calculate the recommended amount of calories your body needs to lose, maintain or gain. But make it easy by downloading an app like MyFitnessPal, which can take care of it.
📷 by Fabian Blank
7. “I can’t afford a gym membership”– It’s true that gyms can be expensive. But it’s also true that you don’t need a gym to workout. Invest in a good pair of running shoes and get your butt outside! Walking, jogging, and running down the block is a excellent workout. You can still be close to home, if that’s your concern. And the calories will burn, baby, burn!
📷 by Jesse Orrico
8. “I have a health condition”– Check with your doctor before trying this excuse. Although, there are some exceptions, most doctors recommend some sort of exercise to all of their patients. Adjustments can be made to be more suitable for your condition. For instance, people with knee problems can try a cycling bike instead of using a treadmill. It’s easier on the knees. But eczema shouldn’t steer you away.
📷 by Scott Web
9. “I don’t feel comfortable at the gym” – Try not to be intimidated by other gym patrons. There are people there who are all shapes and sizes. Plus, the ones who are fit were not fit as some point in their life. Besides most people are focused on getting their burn, not worrying about yours. Don’t sweat it! Make sure that you have your headphones and you will be good!
10. “I don’t have a workout buddy” – You don’t need one! You have to be able to depend on you, period! I hate to say, “you can’t” depend on your friends but “don’t depend on your friends”. Use it as your alone time.
📷 by Sander Smeekes
11. “I don’t have the energy” – A balanced diet of protein, carbs, and fiber helps to sustain your energy. To be honest, there will be days when you just don’t feel like it. But there’s something about getting up anyway and putting on that workout outfit that can make you go from yes to no. And if that doesn’t work, try a sugar free energy drink or espresso shot. It may not be the best option but a girl has to do what she has to do sometimes, right?! Make sure it’s for an early workout. You might be up all night if you drinking a shot of espresso too late in the evening.
12. “I don’t like to sweat” – Really?! I have no words. I didn’t then and I don’t now. 😬
No matter the excuse, get active for you. Look at it this way, you are doing your part in living a longer, healthier life. Have an excuse or tip to share? Leave it in the comments!
