Category Archives: Fitness

Winner of the Spartan Race Giveaway!

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Lots of interest in the Spartan Race(s)!  I love how they have brought another dimension to running, racing and fitness events in general.  Thank you, Spartan Races!!!

Spartan Races

The winner of this giveaway was selected by a random number generator.  Who was randomly picked?

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#57 – Christina VanDerWerff!!  Christina please email me at amanda@tootallfritz.com with your Twitter handle so that I can verify that you follow me on Twitter.  That was your winner entry!  Then we’ll get you set up with a FREE Spartan Race!!  WhoooHoooo!!  Congrats!

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For the rest of us, we can register for any Spartan Race HERE. 

I strongly encourage everyone to start planning for 2016 so that you have something to work toward and a reason to get off the couch this winter!   It’s a huge incentive knowing that there is a big race looming on the calendar as soon as the snow melts.  Trust me on this one.  Smile

Feel free to enter my giveaway for the 2016 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon or Half HERE.  Drawing for the Flying Pig entry will be next WED (12/16/15).

** Happy Running & Racing ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Flying Pig Marathon (or Half) FREE Entry Giveaway – 2016

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Year after year, there are a few races that I hear about time and time again.   It’s not because they are fast & flat and everyone crushes their PR.  It’s because the race offers more than a course of 13.1 or 26.2 miles but also an EXPERIENCE.  Flying Pig is one such race.  I’ve been asked a 100 times if I’ve ran Flying Pig.  My answer has always been, “no”.  But that’s about to change, because I’m headed to the Flying Pig Marathon for 2016 and I want YOU to join me!

Flying Pig_Oinked for Life

The 2016 theme is “Oinked For Life” where we are encouraged to fly with the pigs cuz they put the “fun in run”.  Flying Pig is known for a fun filled weekend with events for the entire family.  It’s also a big fundraiser for local charities hosting the Piggest Raffle Ever & Pig Drop to start off the weekend in style!  Can’t wait, I’ve never been to a Pig Drop!

They’ve also joined a fast growing trend where races offer some sort of “challenge” which results in extra bling, swag or rewards for participating in more than the main event.  The Flying Pig is all about getting everyone involved in the activities in and around the community for the entire weekend.  This year, there will be both a 3 Way Challenge (10K, 5K & Half Marathon) and a 4 Way Challenge (10K & 5K & Marathon).  Or you can do either Challenge “with Extra Cheese” and toss in the Little Kings Mile on Friday Night.  As an added incentive to walk or run the Little Kings Mile, the Pig Drop is at the Little Kings after party and I know you don’t want to miss that!  Additional details from the website below:

3-Way / 4-Way Challenge with Extra Cheese

You’ve asked for a new challenge at the Flying Pig, so we’ve come up with a new, fun series within Flying Pig weekend: The 3-Way and 4-Way Challenge with Extra Cheese! It combines the Skyline Chili 3-Way (Toyota 10K, Tri State Running Company 5K and the half marathon) and 4-Way (10K, 5K and full marathon) with a twist—the Little Kings Mile on Friday night of Flying Pig weekend!

Skyline Chili 3-Way and 4-Way Challenge with Extra Cheese finishers will receive additional premiums for their great achievements, including a 3-Way/4-Way finisher’s shirt, an additional 3-Way/4-Way Challenge finisher’s medal, and a plaque to display all five event medals. Start your Flying Pig experience a day early, and be one of the first to sign up for the 3-Way or 4-Way Challenge with Extra Cheese!

So if you are in it for the bling and swag, then sign up for the 3 or 4-Way Challenge “with Extra Cheese”!  I’m certainly looking at my schedule to see how much fun I can fit into one weekend!   I’ll definitely be running the marathon, hopefully one of the challenges too. 

The 2016 finishers medal has not yet been unveiled but here is the 2015 version for marathon finishers.  Cute!

Flying Pig_2015 medals

It all sounds super cool, right?  Okay, let’s get you set up to win a FREE entry into the half or full Flying Pig marathon on Sunday, May 1, 2016.    If you are interested in being entered into the drawing, please comment below (one point).  If you REALLY want to win, then you can get additional entries by jumping thru a few hoops (listed below).  Just let me know in the comments what actions you preformed so I can allot you the proper amount of entries. 

  • Comment Below – Required – 1 Entry
  • Like the TooTallFritz Facebook page HERE – 1 Entry
  • Like the Flying Pig Facebook page HERE – 1 Entry
  • Follow TooTallFritz on Twitter HERE – 1 Entry
  • Follow Flying Pig on Twitter HERE – 1 Entry
  • Follow TooTallFritz on Instagram HERE – 1 Entry
  • Follow Flying Pig on Instagram HERE – 1 Entry

Total of 7 entries available for this giveaway.  Let me know in the comments what to credit you.  Note:  it’s a freebie if you already follow me or the Flying Pig Marathon on any of our social media channels.  Smile  Giveaway goes from now until December 16, 2015 at noon CST.  Good luck!!

** Let’s Fly With The Pigs ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

 

 

 

A Return to CrossFit ….

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Call this a week of new beginnings.  It’s been approximately 612 days since my last CrossFit session. My CrossFit days came to a screeching halt in the Spring of 2014 as we learned that we were moving from IL to IN.   Hubby had received a very sudden job offer for a position that I believe he had been interviewing on for over 7 months.  We had about 2 days to decide if he should take it.  Then we had another 2 weeks of mania before he left to start the new job, 200 miles away from where we lived in IL.  It was a crazy time and to be honest, I still am not sure I’m settled in Indiana.  Although I love the new area and being close to my family and old HS friends, it’s been nothing but a long period of adjustment, struggle and pure chaos, which is far from over.  It hasn’t been fun but I’ve made a real effort to get back to basics and focus on my food, weight and regain my lost strength (both physically & emotionally).  That’s what I focus on each day.  I make the choice to eat well and be strong.

daily changes

I’ve been looking for a CrossFit Endurance type program since I moved in August 2014.  But it wasn’t that easy.  The area I’ve moved to is much smaller.  I’m now in a suburb of Ft Wayne, Indiana NOT Chicago.  Slightly different market.  There are very few CF boxes here and only one CF Endurance program within a 40 mile radius.  That Endurance program was a cruise from where I live AND it’s an evening class.  As a wife and mother with a full time J.O.B, evening classes don’t really happen for me.   Ever.

So I visited a couple CF “boxes” (AKA “gyms”) looking for a CF class somewhat close to my new home.  It didn’t go well.  One box owner told me I was out of shape, overweight, and due to my history of injuries, I would need to be personally trained before I could possibly even go to one of their CF classes.  Great.  I knew all that but couldn’t afford a personal trainer or a bigger wound to my already damaged self esteem.  So I tried to do home based CF workouts.  I talked to some of the trainers at my local YMCA to see if we could get some CF equipment at the Y.  I was making an effort but ultimately failing because I wasn’t even sure if I was doing the CF moves correctly.  I knew I needed to regain my strength.  I wanted to do Strict Presses, Push Presses and Dead Lifts, etc but I didn’t have anyone watching to make sure I wasn’t screwing things up.  So I basically gave up til recently when I once again started searching for options.  And bingo, one of the CF gyms had just moved to the north side of Ft Wayne. 

CF_logo

513 Incentive Drive, Ft Wayne, IN * (260) 310-5360 * anthonyshefferly@gmail.com

I went for a visit.  Can’t say I had a ton of hope.  We still haven’t managed to sell our IL house and things are not good for us financially.  I pretty much assumed that I couldn’t afford anything they were offering.  But looking and talking are free, right? 

Long story short, we set up a CrossFit Endurance Class on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:30am.  Offering a one month trial period for December 2015.  Very low cost (almost free). Trial period for any runner, triathlete, endurance athlete who may be interested in seeing if this is something they want to pursue.  Trial period for CF Tactical Strength to see if an Endurance class will work for them and if there is a real interest/need for this type of class.

December 1st was our first class.  Stay tuned for more info on my first week back to CrossFit tomorrow! 

P.S. ….. Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a FREE Entry to a Spartan Race of your choosing.  Go HERE to enter! 

** Happy Running & Enduring WHATEVER Your Heart Desires ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Spartan Race FREE Entry Giveaway!

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spartan_logo

As 2015 is coming to a close I think most of us are looking back at our year and trying to decide on a bit of direction for 2016.  Some of us may be tired of training.  Some of us may be looking for a new direction.  Others have just moved into beast mode.  How about you?  Where would you like to go in 2016?  Need a new challenge? How would YOU like to become a Spartan? 

Spartan_When Going Thru Hell

I have ONE free entry to give away to a Spartan Race of YOUR choice, anywhere within the continental US!!!   The Reebok Spartan Races have been around for years.  It is one of the few obstacle course races which offer events for the whole family:  kids, those just starting on their fitness journey, and those of you who are a bit more serious.  Something for everyone and that’s what I like about this race series!  More official info, from the Spartan Races website, below:

Spartan Race™

World’s Best Obstacle Race. Period.

Born in the scenic hills of Vermont, Spartan Race was created to bring the excitement of obstacle racing to spectators and athletes alike. That means you.

Spartan Race is a true adventure that anyone can do, and everyone should try. With course lengths of 3+miles (Sprint), 8+miles, (Super) and 12+miles (Beast) each course is filled with mud, water, and signature obstacles designed to help you discover your inner Spartan. Athletes of all fitness levels will enjoy participating in a Spartan Race and the feeling of accomplishment that comes at the finish line.

Spartan_levels

Spartan Race even has events for kids. We believe that fitness and adventure should involve the whole family. Come out and watch your kids run, jump, and climb like children were meant to do all in their own Spartan Kids race.

For those that want a more team based experience Spartan Race has the Hurricane Heat and for the truly adventurous the Hurricane Heat 12 Hour. The Hurricane Heat takes you out of the individual role and has you work with a group of complete strangers to complete tasks designed to bring you together as a team.

So if you are starting to load your calendar for 2016, I recommend trying something different.  Something fun.  Something to force you to work on both strength & endurance.  Something that will move you beyond your comfort zone.  Something that will challenge you. 

Spartan_If It Doesn't Challenge

If you are interested in being entered into the drawing for the FREE ENTRY to a Spartan Race of your choosing, please comment below (one point).  If you REALLY want to win, then you can get additional entries by jumping thru a few hoops (listed below).  Just let me know in the comments what actions you preformed so I can allot you the proper amount of entries. 

  • Comment Below – Required – 1 Entry
  • Like the TooTallFritz Facebook page HERE – 1 Entry
  • Like the Spartan Races Facebook page HERE – 1 Entry
  • Follow TooTallFritz on Twitter HERE – 1 Entry
  • Follow Spartan Races on Twitter HERE – 1 Entry
  • Follow TooTallFritz on Instagram HERE – 1 Entry
  • Follow Spartan Races on Twitter HERE – 1 Entry

Total of 7 entries available for this giveaway.  Let me know in the comments what to credit you.  Note:  it’s a freebie if you already follow me or Spartan Races on any of our social media channels.  Smile  Giveaway goes from now until December 9, 2015 at noon CST.  Good luck!!

** Let’s Step Out of Our Comfort Zone ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Happy Thanksgiving & Let’s #OptOutside for Black Friday

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Happy Thanksgiving

Hey, all!  The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of traditions.  Some of us start our day with a local Turkey Trot while others are already warming the kitchen with the smell of homemade pumpkin pie.  I want to wish each and every one of you a joyous Thanksgiving!  I’ll be thinking of you all and hoping that you are surrounded by friends, family and someone who loves you!

thanksgiving

The holidays are full of tradition.  When I lived in IL, I would always host a Black Friday run at Waterfall Glen.  There wasn’t a hashtag for #OptOutside.  There wasn’t a big corporation behind the movement to get people outside.  Nobody was talking about health, wellness, fitness, friends or family on Black Friday.  No, they gave their thanks on Thursday and moved on to retail madness on Black Friday.   Some big retail chains are saying NO this year.  REI in particular started the push to #OptOutside for Black Friday by giving all of their employees the day off with pay.  Many other retailers has followed suit.  I encourage all of you to #OptOutside for Black Friday.  Let’s wait for Cyber Monday to get all those amazing deals for our little angels, from the comfort of our home, where we can shop in our PJs.  That’s what I’ll be doing. 

If you need a place to go on Black Friday to #OptOutside, I’ll be leading a group run at Pokagon State Park, in Angola, IN.  Details HERE.  If you don’t want to follow me, then you can follow Lilo.  She promises an AMAAHHHZING trail run!  Or if you aren’t close to us, then REI has a link HERE to find a place to #OptOutside.

Lilo

** Let’s Hit The Trails With Lilo & #OptOutside on Black Friday ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

How to Stay Motivated Thru The Winter

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I can already see it.  It’s happening to my group runners at the YMCA of DeKalb County and it’s happening to some of my friends.  The Winter Blues are moving in and the snow has yet to fly in NE Indiana. 

brrr

I know that the time change put a real damper on things.  It seems like it’s dark ALL THE TIME now.  But that doesn’t mean that we give up until spring.   As always, let’s focus and make a plan to combat those winter blues!!  First, consider trying a new fitness activity or class.  Use the winter months to get stronger, leaner and even more amazing.  Make this winter YOUR B*TCH. 

summer bodies

I’m taking #1 to heart this year!  I’ll be starting a CrossFit Endurance class on December 1st.  Tuesday & Thursdays @ 5:30am.  Feel free to join me if you are local and want to make 2016 your best year to date!  I’m going to get strong AND stay ahead of those winter blues!!!

  • CrossFit Tactical Strength
  • 513 Incentive Drive, Ft Wayne, IN 46825 
  • (260) 310-5360 

CF Tactical Strength 

Second, I think it’s important to not only do some different activities during the winter months but reconnect with what you really love.  For me, running is my game.  I love it.  But pounding the pavement gets BORING.  So I really try to mix it up in the fall and winter months.  The way I do that is by hitting the trails.  I leave my music at home.  Grab my 4 legged running partner and we run.  If I get tired, we walk.  If a hill is too steep we walk.  I don’t have a mileage goal, we just run and enjoy the amazing environment.  Bonus:  the trees provide a wind break on those blustery days!  Secret:  Running in the fresh fallen snow is invigorating and gives a sense of peace.

snowy trails

Third, don’t go too long without a real plan.  I know you just killed your fall races.  Nailed some amazing goals, maybe even got the big BQ.  Bask in the glory!  Take some time off!  Put your feet up in the recliner and cuddle the little ones.  And then figure out what’s next so that you have a definitive point to get back to work.  I find that putting a spring marathon on my calendar keeps me honest thru the winter months.  I can be lazy like anyone but sometimes I need a reason to get my butt out in the cold to move my body.   My 2016 Spring Marathon will be the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon.  May 1st, 2016.  Far enough ahead that I get some down time.  Close enough that I don’t get lazy. 

flying pig

Think about how you want your winter to look this year.  Think about what strides you would like to make while others are spending time in hibernation.  Think about the goals you have on board for 2016 and how you can get one step closer by focusing on improving yourself in the off season! 

After the Thanksgiving holiday, I’ll talk more about CrossFit Endurance and how to train for the Flying Pig Marathon DURING THE WINTER.  For now, I’m pretty focused on the Route 66 Marathon this weekend and the fact that I’m speaking on the blogger panel Saturday at 3pm, Expo Stage.  If you are at Rt 66 this weekend, find me and tell me how you plan to make this winter YOUR B*TCH. 

** Stay Motivated THIS Winter ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Indianapolis Monumental Marathon …. Then Vs Now

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As I prepare for the 2015 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, I can’t help but reflect on the first time I ran it in 2008.  The 2008 event was the inaugural race for Indy Monumental and I don’t think any of us expected it to grow the way that it has over the last 7 years.   There was no “expo”, only packet pickup at the Capitol Building.  I didn’t have a crew.  Or a blog.  Or know 25-30 people running.  I had one crazy friend who made the trip with me to Indy from Chicagoland.  And pretty much everyone else in our lives thought we were insane.  Like totally insane.   Abby S & I in front of the Capital Building at packet pickup.

IMG_8692

2008 was the year of the triathlon.  I probably thought of nothing else in ‘08 other than TRIing and TRYING to get preggo with Mr. Michael.  And damn, I was skinny!  I’m pretty sure I never appreciated how thin I was at that point in time.  I bet I ate every dang thing that I wanted and drank my fair share of Corona Lights too!  Ah, memories!  But seriously, 2008 was THE year.  Abby S and I competed in 6-7 Olympic TRIs, a Duathlon, 3 half marathons for me (4 ore more for her), I did my first 70.3 TRI and ran my 2nd marathon at Indy.  Good times. 

However, I remember the ‘08 Monumental race being very emotional for me.  I was off my birth control (trying to conceive) and exhausted.  We had been racing hard since mid May that year and Indy Monumental was on Nov 1st.  I didn’t understand that training cycles need to be cyclical.  I didn’t understand the importance of rest in life or racing.  I just kept the training/racing cycle going and I crashed and burned at Indy.  And shed a billion tears in the process.  This is where I learned that crying and running are NOT compatible.  So when I tell the Cross Countries girls to suck it up cuz the tears make it harder to run, well, I’m only be honest cuz I know from personal experience.  Tears and running do not mix, if you want to breathe.

Monumental was the end of my racing season for 2008.  I did run a local turkey trot but that was it.  And I conceived before year end.  Rest helps a lot of things:  muscle recovery, emotions, hormones, and conception.  Smile

Needless to say, I don’t remember a lot from the ‘08 Monumental race other than my state of emotion.  Hard to see thru those tears.  So I’m really looking forward to the 2015 race, which will be my 24th marathon.  I look forward to SEEING what Indy has to offer.  My only goal this year is to NOT cry.  I’m in a totally different state of mind these days with my running, not so focused on speed but thankful to just be moving,  running, racing, and thankful for my life “on the run”.

Here is the 2008 Inaugural race medal and race shirt.  The shirt has been repurposed in a race t-shirt quilt but I found the square for a quick photo.  Love my t-shirt quilts and all the memories they evoke. 

IMG_8520     IMG_8694

Good luck to everyone running the 2015 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon!  If you see me, shout!  I’d love to meet you!  I’ll be wearing a Marathon Maniac shirt, probably the long sleeve yellow one.  See you Saturday!

** Be Monumental ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Ghosts And Ghouls Spooktacular 5K –Auburn, IN

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Anyone want to run a 5K?  If you are a marathoner, I think I just heard you groan.  If you are a marathoner who gained 26#s last year, then you might be me I definitely heard you groan.  But alas, one of Aby’s class projects was to host this 5K.  She needed runners.  So I ran.  It was a great race.  Well organized.  Easy route that was well marked.  And I won the Women’s Master division with a time of 24:04 which snagged me a Kroger gift card and some free food from Arby’s.  Yay!!

IMG_8489 

The 5K was sandwiched between Trick or Treat hours for our local businesses and the residential Trick or Treating in Auburn, IN.  My fear was poor turnout due to holiday fun.  In fact, we struggled as a family and had to divide and conquer.  Hubby took the little man trick or treating.  I went to the 5K. 

The 5K was a project based learning assignment hosted by the DeKalb New Tech program.  The class was raising money for DCIC Ministries, Shelter Ministries, Salvation Army, and Warm A Heart.  All of these organizations are Christian nonprofit charities serving Auburn, IN and the surrounding communities in DeKalb County.   They offer various services and help our community in numerous ways by feeding, clothing, educating, providing medical vouchers and/or financial assistance to those in need.  The New Tech program was hoping to raise $2,500 to split between these organizations but due to timing and poor turnout, they only collected $735.  All items for the 5K were donated (bibs, water cups, water, prizes) so the registration fees were 100% profit.  They still need to raise $1,765 more to meet their projections.  If you would like to help with a small (or large) donation, please email:  JBitting@dekalbcentral.net.

I love these small 5Ks with a purpose.  They are focusing on their community by trying to get everyone moving while also trying to make a difference and help those in need.  Next year, I’ll try to be a more involved to help get the word out and get a bigger runner base.  But for now, I can only try to help boost the donations.  I know lots of people are looking for end of the year deductions.  No need to wait til December, give now and you can help these charities make a better Christmas for people who need assistance.

** Running For A Cause ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Sleep, The Missing Link In Your Recovery

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Possibly one of the most important things you can do for your body other than eating right, is to get the proper amount of sleep.  I know, you are busy!  I know you are up and down all night with the kiddos (and pets).  But you have to sleep if you want your body to fight off all the nasty germs/illnesses and recover from your training plan.  It’s a must.

train-eat-sleep

This is all I could think about last night as I was up and down a billion times with my dogs.  We had a rough one last night and every time I went up and down the stairs, my legs were screaming at me.  My left foot hurts and my legs are fatigued.  On a good note, next week I get to cut back on workouts to freshen up for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.  On a bad note, I’m pretty crabby.

There is a great article by Jeff Kuhland on rest and recovery HERE, which outlines 7 “elements” for rest and recovery.  The #1 “essential element” is sleep.  See the excerpt from the article below:

Sleep is the most important time to recover. Adequate levels of sleep help to provide mental health, hormonal balance, and muscular recovery. You need to get enough sleep, which is between seven to ten hours for most athletes. Everyone has individual needs based on their lifestyle, workouts, and genetic makeup. 

  • Hours slept before twelve at night are proven to be more effective than those slept after.
  • Sleep in the most natural setting possible, with minimal to no artificial lights.
  • Wakeup with the sun if possible.
  • Fresh air and cooler temperatures help to improve the quality of sleep.

Seven to 10 hours of sleep per night.  Who is getting that?  And who is able to wait til the sun comes before they have to wake up?  Not me, or anyone else I know.  So what can we do about it?  Here are a few suggestions:

  • Go to bed earlier.  I’ve been going “upstairs” early.  Like between 7:45 & 8:30pm.  Some days it feels like a punishment.  Other days it’s a relief to get Mr. Michael settled early and have a bit of quiet in the house before sleepy time. 
  • Drink hot tea or take a hot shower before bed to relax. 
  • Use that crockpot & try to get dinner on the table earlier so that you aren’t cleaning up the dinner plates and rushing the little ones to bed at 8pm.  So hard for me.  I had everything cleaned up by 7 or 7:15p last night and it felt like a huge win. 
  • Read, write or do something for “you” directly before you turn out the lights.  Step away from the kiddos for a minute and just breathe.  Yoga, anyone?
  • Get that workout in before dinner so that your endorphins have time to dissipate before bedtime.  I’ve never been a fan of the evening workout but when I hit a workout after work, I keep it short & sweet with lower intensity. 
  • Avoid alcohol before bed.  Article HERE from the Cleveland Clinic on what happens when you drink alcohol before bed.  Think scary nightmares, sleep walking and frequent waking. 

nightcap-excerpt

  • No hydrating after dinner.  I have a huge issue with this and usually drink a glass of water after dinner.  That combined with my high water intake during the day leads to frequent potty breaks at night.  I need to be better about this.  My old weim wakes me up 2-3x a night to potty.  It’s super frustrating when I have to get up before her and then I have 3 dogs ready to go outside.  Yes, I have 3 dogs, which leads to the last thing.
  • We aren’t supposed to sleep with our pets.  If you have a dog, or two, or more in your bed at night, I don’t have to tell you why.  This graphic says it all.  My lovlies cause me a lot of unrest at night.  But I still love them and wouldn’t change a thing.

sleep with your dog

Do yourself and your body a favor and try to get some extra rest.  I know I can’t make up for sleep deprivation but sometimes on the weekend I like to lay down and rest for a bit mid day.  Makes me happier and allows me to stay up longer with the kiddos for fun things like movie night.  If you need me, I’ll be thinking about sleeping cuz I’m a little short on it for the week. 

Any other suggestions on sleeping, getting to sleep or staying asleep?  Let us know!

** Sleep to Recover ** Amanda – TooTallFritz

Halloween, What’s the Plan?

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Each year, Halloween makes fit mom’s cringe.  Not just because of the sugar our children will ingest and the subsequent bouncing off the walls and possible vomiting that may ensue, but also because of the temptation that it brings into our home.  We don’t buy candy for a reason and it doesn’t have much to do with our crazy kids.  It’s hard to resist.  We love it just as much as they do, maybe more.

Halloween_Candy

In order to not sabotage every workout that you’ve done this week, I suggest having a game plan going into the big day.  Yes, you can eat SOME candy but don’t eat it all.  My kids do not like Almond Joys.  So every house that they go to where they get one, they immediately come back to me and hand it over.  I promise to not stuff that Almond Joy in my face as soon as it’s within my grasp. 

Do you Have Choc

I’m going to have a plan.  I’m also going to hope that it’s cold and miserable so that we go to fewer houses and bring home fewer goodies. 

The plan:

  • Eat real food before heading out to trick or treat.  Even if it’s just some turkey slices & carrot sticks, I’ll not be heading out when I’m hungry.
  • I’ll take a bottle of water or coffee to carry with me while we are out.  Then I’ll have something to keep me distracted and hopefully keep my tummy full.
  • I will not eat every Almond Joy the children receive.  Pinky Promise.  Limiting myself to 2-3 items this year.  And those would be the “mini” bars, not the big boys.
  • I’ll attempt to limit the number of houses that we visit without limiting the fun.
  • I’ll encourage the children to trade their unwanted candy with their cousin before we head home so that we don’t have a bunch of “unwanted” candy laying around after the holiday.
  • If there is a lot of candy, I usually bag some up and take it to work for my co-workers so I get it out of the house.  However, now that the kids are getting older & wiser, that isn’t so much of an option but it might be for you.  Do it, if you can get away with it!
  • I’ll make sure I get in a workout pre-Trick or Treating and the morning after.  I can’t out exercise a bad diet but I can work off a few Almond Joys, IF I focus and keep control.

abs-are-made-in-the-kitchen  eat like crap  Cant Out-Exercise

Lastly, I want to leave you with these graphics.  I think it’s important to know exactly what you have to do to work off your favorite candy.  It’s a real eye opener to see the calorie counts of some of those minis. 

You Ate It     Candy Cals

It’s okay to treat yourself but NO mindless eating.  It will do more harm than you think.  Keep it together.  Stick to the plan.  You can do this!! 

Related Posts:  Halloween Confessions and Halloween Hangover.

** Stick to the Plan ** Amanda – TooTallFritz