Guest Post- Fitness & Time Management with Kids

Hello All,
  So, A few weeks ago I was approached by Caitlin Hudson, a reader of my blog, who wanted to write a guest post . After discussing her interest I realized that she could really connect to my readers with a passion of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, taking care of children, and herself, all together. I feel like a lot my readers could benefit from new ideas on time management with kids at home as well as taking care of yourself. As women, we are providers and caregivers to others, but we sometimes lack in focusing on ourselves.  I hope you find this post inspiring and helpful :)

Hi all, I'm Caitlin Hudson, a full-time SAHM, nature lover, writer, and health nut! I am in the process of starting my own blog, but in the meantime, Lori has been nice enough to have me as a guest on her amazing blog. Today, I'd like to share with you some of my favorite tips for starting the morning off right! If you have any questions feel free to email me:  caitlin.hudson1@gmail.com

5 Ways to start your morning off right

Ugh, is it morning already? Gotta rush through the routine again. Don’t you wish it could be easier? It can. If I take  some time to simplify, stay organized and prepare ahead of time, the morning goes off without a hitch and I feel great.

Easy Nighttime Preparations

A great morning starts at night. We pick outfits and make sure we know where the shoes are. I check backpacks to confirm that homework and any permission slips are there and signed. On Sunday, I make a number of meals that will stay good throughout the week -that way, organizing daily lunches and dinner takes only a few minutes. And don’t forget that all-important energy boost. I have my coffeemaker ready so that I have easy coffee when I need it most.

Quick Morning Routine

Whatever I can’t do at night, I try to simplify. I have deliberately chosen a hairstyle that is wash, comb, and done. It has the flexibility to allow me to have a nice hairdo on special occasions, but simple enough to be easy to manage. And if I’m running behind, I can shower in a few minutes. This applies to my makeup routine, too. It used to wallow up my morning to apply concealer, foundation, and a sunblock moisturizer. Now, I just use BB Cream (this one from Olay) mascara, and eyebrow pencil. It’s a more natural look that still gets the job done.

Move It

I know how much easier it is to go through my day knowing that I’ve got my workout done, but I had a hard time working it in. That is, until I learned that short workouts are all the rage these days. On busier days I set aside 10-15 minutes for interval training. I pick four or five activities like squats and burpees that work various muscle groups and perform them for one minute.Pump it up by adding in workout bands or weights. I get mine from Beachbody.com.  

Fast Break

I’ve got to have a good breakfast, but it seems like breakfast can be anything but fast. The trick to saving time is  easy prep. Did you know you can freeze almost anything in ice cube trays? It’s brilliant! You can make something like protein shakes easily enough without it. But smoothies are easy to make at home. Cook, puree and freeze cubes of spinach and carrots. Do the same with watermelon, pears, and pumpkin. In the morning, I throw in the cubes with some greek yogurt, protein powder and some milled chia seeds, and I have an awesome, healthy smoothie that tastes great and appeals to my kids, as well.

Ready to Go

This is like a diaper-bag approach, only applied to lots of things. If you know you’re going to take the kids to the park several days a week, grab a reusable grocery bag and fill it with snacks, jackets, and hats. I did this for splash parks and swimming this summer. I kept the kids’ swimsuits, water shoes, towels, swim diapers, and sunblock in the bag. After I washed the stuff, it went right back in the bag. That way, if I got a sudden splash park play date, all I had to do was grab the bag on my way out the door.

Implementing these easy tips has really revolutionized my day. I get the kids off to school and I don’t feel like I’ve been run over by a truck. Then when I finally get to some downtime, I can enjoy it instead of worrying over what I missed.

Guest Post - Hannah Taylor- Filing Claims

My name is Hannah and I run a site dedicated to improving consumer experience with contacting health insurance providers. As we provide free assistance resource on filing insurance claims, we might be of help to some of you. 

There are a lot of reasons not to purchase health coverage - expensive premiums, confusing terms, and impracticality first come to mind. These reasons though can not equate to the peace of mind knowing that if and when I need insurance, I'm covered. Depending on your plan, your coverage may include emergency medical expenses, doctor's visits, affordable medicines, and annual physicals. Having health insurance will not only help you meet your immediate healthcare needs but help you lead a healthier life as well. Yes, premiums can be costly. Advances in medicine, aging population, even obesity may be a factor for the increasing cost. It's a good thing some plans are flexible and will let you choose only the services that you need making your premium affordable and cost-effective. And with the new health care law, a lot of insurers now are improving their obesity related healthcare by offering counseling, weight-loss advice and lifestyle guidance. 

With different types of coverage available out there, choosing the one that fits you best can be difficult. Get free information on various insurance providers, their contact information - phone, email address, mailing address, and website address, pros and cons, even discounts all in one place at http://www.myclaimsource.com.

You can contact her at 

hannah.taylor.com@gmail.com	Aug 18 (5 days ago)

Ramblin' Rose Triathlon: Winston-Salem: My First Tri

" That was fun" was the first thing I said to my husband after I crossed the finish line. I was a big ball of emotions. I was smiling, holding back tears of excitement, and exhausted. It took me a minute to collect myself and catch my breath. 

  Just moving from the Big Island of Hawaii, in February, I had witnessed the Ironman Championships in Kailua-Kona. That day was amazing, those athletes were SO focused and intense. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to qualify for that specific race but an Ironman(Iron Girl/Women) is on my bucket list. Having ran many races I was ready for the next step. I honestly can't remember how I found out about the Ramblin' Rose series. I was the only one from my area that even participated.It could have possibly been just a search on the Run USA website. But all I know is I wish I was staying in this area so I could compete in the rest they are offering this year. 

I have a pretty busy schedule (training for mountain races, a half, and a full) 2-3 jobs, and am a housewife. I had to use what I could to train. The pool at one of my jobs is a 15 meter pool, pretty small. But I had free access to it and just swam many, many, many laps LOL The swim was my biggest fear. I've swam in open water, snorkeling, but never with laps. Let's just say I was freaking out!

When I got to the packet pick up I had known what my swimming time was but decided to go down a level (5) to make sure I wasn't trampled on . For those reading this that haven't participated, this races series usually does the swim in a pool . In order to keep some control they break everyone up into groups according to how you rate your swimming capability to their chart based on the time it takes you to swim 225 meters.

Packet pickup!!! I was so excited, Pink is my favorite color! I drove 1 and 1/2  hours, one way, specifically to go to the clinic and gets some tips on how to make things smoother. From the questions that were being asked I was sure I wasn't the only first timer out there. The presenter did a great job and I made lots of notes on my Iphone. 

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Still being unsure of the course and transitions I headed over to the YWCA and checked things out for myself. I was EXTREMELY excited to see my bike bar was very close to 2 of the start and finish's 

I drove back to my home and got things prepared . I did have a little bit of a breakdown when I realized my nose clip had been left at the pool I swam in that morning. That was a lesson to learn, always have doubles 

It was an extremely, early morning for me. 3:45 came very soon and before I knew it the bike was loaded and we were off! I was constantly checking my radar the whole way, crossing my fingers for no thunderstorms!

Everything is set up!!! I'm OCD about getting to races really early. I got here at 6:30 and still had to inch my way on the bar with my bike, everything was ready to go!

                                     There was a HUGE crowd. I never did hear the total amount. 

                             Lined up for the pool (BTW my 5 ended up on my pillow case... WHOOPS LOL)

                        These guys were making all of us laugh so hard.

                            I thought the pool course was going to confuse me, but honestly it ended up being much, much easier to understand. They spaced us out SO well that I only had to pass one person on my swim. It was really organized.

                                           Before I knew it I was out of the pool and into the transition area. This ended up being my longest due to wet feet LOL my shoes would not cooperate. The whole time I was running from the pool to the bike I was thinking.. "Clip you helmet , clip your helmet." It was THE FIRST thing my hands were on after I dropped my swimming gear. I did NOT want to get disqualified. They warn you A LOT about that

Ok...so..the bike..yech...it kicked my butt. That course....was T-U-F...tough...it was my fault. I didn't train enough for it. 

To make things a bit more difficult my helmet front broke and my bike isn't the greatest for a race like this, but it's all I had. It had been acting up since being left outside during a snow storm. I was peddling up the 2nd monster hill and shifted gears and boom, my pedals bounced back and they weren't moving. I hopped off and immediately thought.."this is it, I'm done, my race is over" but took a breath and saw the chain looked weird. I bent down and saw it was off it's gears. So, I pulled the slack, put it back on the grooves and moved my pedals.. WA-LA it began working again. NOW.. I know NOTHING about bikes, just how to put air in my tires. I was RELIEVED  I figured it out on my own.I saw one girl putting her bike on her shoulder and walking it down. My heart broke for her, I knew she had to be upset :(

By the way, we went up that hill first ...then came down, went up a hill 3-4 times as big as that for a mile... and then did it all again. 

The Ghetto helmet..LOL

Even though it was THE HARDEST part, I think I smiled the most on the bike. The volunteers were amazing! One was dancing and both times that I passed her I was like "WORK IT!" oh goodness she cracked me up. After riding that course once and made my 2nd pass through I knew it well enough to talk to myself on those big hills "ok.. you got this.. you're strong" and then at the end I FLEW down that hill. I love the sensation of flying! The women on the course were amazing too. They would pass me and yell "you got it!" and I would do the same. Sometimes if they had their running bibs on with their names I would say "good job *insert name* I liked that feature a lot. Nothing made me happier than to go to the right of the course and take the veer back to the transition station, my fastest. 

The run was an easy distance but my legs were a mixture between lead and jello. In the past 2 months I had participated in 2 hill races and I've learned to just push even when I have nothing left. I did that on the run. I was so happy to get a drink of Gatorade and turn around. Funny enough the beginning of the run course swings right by the finish and I was like NO..I"M SO CLOSE!..lol

                                 
                                  I didn't realize the grease from the chain got all over my neck, but my hands were a fine mess. I'm sure I looked hilarious with my helmet and grease neck LOL

When I crossed that finish line I was emotional. I couldn't believe I just did that. I was so happy I had a personal cheerleader AKA my husband ( the pics) as well as all the other women who cheered me on the race. It was so amazing.

This event was EXTREMELY organized (they had your results at the event posted and then had them delivered in an email about an hour after the race ended).. CRAZY. Volunteers were everywhere and it made it extremely easy to dip into the triathlon world.  The weather was perfect (overcast and mid 60's) and everything I had worried about was not as a big deal as I made it !

I saw women in bikini's, sports bras, and even one pieces. I took note of that because I myself had a wardrobe concern. I wanted to keep things as simple as I could in the transitions but was a little hesitant in just wearing that top. Once the beginning became closer to time I saw more of more of everything and finally felt comfortable about my decision. With an event like this women are more comfortable to be a little more open. This isn't a race, it's an achievement.:)

Like I said... this was a fun and amazing event. I would do it again in a heart beat..now for my legs, I need to rest LOL

This event was a sprint Triathlon

225 meter swim

8 Mile Bike

2 Mile run

Swim : 6:41
TI- 1:37 (wet feet into shoes...yikes!)
Bike- 40:40
T2- :58
Run: 19:57
TT: 1:02:52

Thanks for reading!

Ramblin' Rose's Website:

http://ramblinroseevents.com/

The Bear Run- a 5.1 Mile run up to Grandfather Mountain

My ritual pre-race photo :)

Grandfather Mountain Bear Run

 This by far was one of  THE hardest races I've ever participated it. I didn't even plan to participate in it but, a friend gave me her number last minute .

The Bear is the beginning of a weekend long celebration of the Highland Scottish Game's Festival at Grandfather Mountains. The Bear run is a challenging 5 mile race up to the top of Grandfather Mountain. The race begins in Linville. The first couple of miles are run on a gravel road as you make your way up to the mountain. As you reach the entrance to Grandfather Mountain, you slowly wind to the finish at the entrance to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. This year we had runners from 18 different states that ranged in ages from 8 to 72.   Registration is limited to only 800 registrants and it filled up in 4 weeks. 

Once again, I placed myself in the back and was frazzled when I heard the gun go off... I frantically tried to get my Nike + App going while avoiding getting trampled by the runners...It took until I passed the start line but, I managed not to get ran over. 

The very beginning involves a smaller , paved hill, that does a switch back onto a long gravel road. 

I couldn't believe that I was seeing sunshine through the branches! We've had such a wet spring and this one of the first evenings it hadn't rain for weeks!

I couldn't get a very good picture of the Mile 1 picture and I was hurrying to mile 3 so, this is the best I got for two.

They have a pretty intense cut off for mile 3 that had me a little frazzled. They were going to take those off the course that didn't get to mile 3 by 50 minutes. I really pushed my pace until mile 3 and made it in 35 minutes!

The last half of mile 2 leads you through the camp of the Highland games, you round the corner into the track where the games are held. 

 Unfortunately as soon as you cross the track you have the beginning of the MAJOR hills. This one was a butt kicker but, a wonderful sign was waiting up at the top!

OVER HALF WAY DONE......but the worst is yet to come...We still had almost 1,000 feet left to run up

We still had to make it to the top of the right peak!

 Cute signs along the way

running up Forest Gump Curve (seen in the movie)

The last big push!...3-4 more switchbacks

The light at the end of the tunnel!!!

My partner in crime. They give mugs to those who finish the top 10%, he finished #49 our of 800

I DID IT! 1:02:64

mile high swinging bridge

TIPS FOR THIS RACE

1. Get to the parking lots early, they fill up quick, Linville is a small town.
2. Grandfather mountain top is about 20 degrees colder than Linville, bring extra clothes to change into. They provide a truck that will be at the top to put bags in. They also only provide water, so choose a bag that is very easy to identify and put extra clothes in it as well as post race snacks
3. Register early if you want to do this race!! They only accept the first 800, there is a waiting list but to secure your place early is the best option.
4. Train on hills (duh)
5. Prepare for mist and rain. Up in the mountains, our weather is SO unpredictable so prepare for sun, rain, and mist within the 5 miles, wear the right clothing as well as water proof devices if you choose to run with music. I LOVE my lifeproof case for my Iphone :)
6. Bring a camera! lots of kilts, mountains, and scenery to take in 

Our loot :), the shirts are AMAZING.

Ramblin Rose Triathlon-Winston Salem -Training

 Ramblin Rose Home Page

 Can you believe it?? It's only 39 days away !!!

eeek!

In 2010 I ran my first race, LA 5K...In 2011 I became a Half marathoner (Disney Princess), In 2012 I became a marathoner (Disney World ) ....2013...I knew..it was time to TRI it :)

After moving to North Carolina I looked and looked for races and this one definitely caught my eye!

I'm really excited to try it and see just how much I can push myself to do all 3 events. Of course my favorite (and best) will be the running, the biking, not a big problem...however the swimming? EEK! I spent many hours swimming in the ocean..but take away the fins and salt water? Not so easy.

With my racing background I knew I needed to train and what better way to find a schedule to help me along the way.

Here is a link to a GREAT Beginner's Triathlon Schedule: 7 Week Schedule for a Beginner Sprint Triathlon

I'm currently training for 3 other running races, SO, while training for the runs I am aiming to focus heavily on the swimming..

Not having the greatest technique with swimming...I youtubed some videos, Here are a few I found helpful

How to correct " Triathlon Swimming"
Sprint Triathlon Training- How to swim faster

Both are very helpful and gave me a better understanding on how to use less energy and gain distance

I'm really excited about having this opportunity. There are a few triathlons that are actually in the city I live but their swimming distances are so lengthy I knew I couldn't train, in the time allotted, to physically be capable to make it across the lake. So, hooray for Ramblin Rose for putting on these great events and giving us a chance to say "I TRI'ed it "....I'm hoping that this will be a stepping stone for more TRI races.

In the following weeks, I plan on posting how my training is going and then a recap of how the race went.......can't wait to get started!

Asics Gel- Kayano's - My Cinderella Shoe

Asics Gel-Kayano 19 High-Performance Running Shoes - Women (Google Affiliate Ad)
 
 I LOVE LOVE LOVE these shoes. I don't know what it is about the Asics Kayano's but, I found my first pair 2 years ago and I don't think I'll use any other kind! When I tried them on It made me feel like Cinderella, it just fit like a glass slipper. Like someone made them to fit my shoe specifically. I ran 1 marathon and 2 half marathons in these (including numerous weekly runs) and they lasted for a little over a year and 1/2.  They really helped with my knee pain and gave me great ankle support.
It was worth the price and worth the wait of finding a great shoe!

Big Island Lava Adventure- Part 2, Local Style

So,
 I had been hesitant of posting this actual..story. But I figured, with as many hits as I got on my last post, the 2nd (actually 4th attempt to see lava ) I figured those that are as equally ...as cheap, as I am....Would appreciate this post.

By the 4th attempt out to the lava, prices for the tours went up from $80 (Kama'aina rate (local) ) to $100, tourists $150. It was really flowing into the ocean this time, SO... after getting advice from a friend we discovered a different access point..

NOW this may/may not work depending on where the lava is actually flowing. BUT, this is how we got to see the lava on our own...

TIP #1 decide when you want to go. Honestly the best time to actually view the lava is around sunset.. seeing it flow at night is amazing. It took us 2 hours to get out, 2 to get back (yes we hiked in the dark, with headlamps).

TIP #2 bring water...that stuff is hot and the area can be dry, you will get thirsty. This is NOT an easy hike

TIP#3 be prepared for weather. Bring a wind/water jacket. It gets cold at night and random rain clouds pop up.

TIP #4 Bring a flashlight if you decided to hike at night

OK...SO we decided to begin at the end of road by Kalapana (AKA Uncle Roberts) There is a cafe (with really good burgers) as well as a smoothie and market place. Park somewhere there. Hike all the way out to the black sand beach.

 There is a pretty clear path all the way out to the beach. This beach is very rough and doesn't have a good entry to the ocean, so don't plan on swimming in it. Some locals do .  ANYWAY...after you making it to the beach, go right and keep on going. You want to stay along the coast line the whole way. The beach is public access and you are not on private property.

 There is actually a pretty good, worn path all the way along by other locals who have taken the non $100 route.

This took about 2 hours at a pretty decent pace. We knew we were getting closer when we could hear/see helicopters. We eventually could see the waves from the heat. Mind your step, some of the lava is only a day old and is VERY hot. I could feel the heat on my ankles.

 If you chose to, it's fun to pick up a stick along the way and poke it in the lava. It catches fire and forms a newly shaped lava rock on the end of the stick.

 Lava Field. It's hard to imagine this use to be a HUGE subdivision that is now an endless lake of lava

 Lava flow!

It was an AMAZING site to see it flow into the ocean!

NOW.. please be mindful on your way back. We were debating which path to take and I took my eyes off the ground for a second. I ended up falling to a pretty deep crevasse up to my hip (OW) as well as getting too close to the edge of the land and was one step away from falling into the ocean.

It's an amazing opportunity but can be a bit sketchy coming back at night.

Kalapana is on the east coast of the island (Hilo side). If you have a few days to stay in Hilo, I would DEF check it out.. there are SO many waterfall hikes and amazing sights to see! it's amazing (will post detailed hikes later)

Good luck!