Shoes on Track

So, I am patiently waiting (and waiting) for my custom Nike ID shoes to arrive. I have been tracking the package online so I can see where in the world it is and at what time. So far, my shoes have started in China, gone to Hong Kong, Taiwan, The Philippines, back to China, then Japan, then Louisville, Kentucky, back to Japan, now they are chilling up in Anchorage, Alaska! They are scheduled to arrive tomorrow so hopefully the tracking is right on well.. track..  and I will get my shoes!!!

My shoes have already been so many places, guess I'll have to see where can take them next... :)

TWENTY-FOUR

The Pittsburgh Marathon is in 24 days! I will be running the Half marathon for the 2nd year in a row. This year is especially exciting for me because it is my final run in the 18-24 age group! My last chance to improve in this category then on to the next (and probably toughest) group of females! So, I am appropriately celebrating 24 days until the race because I am going to represent all the ladies at the top of our age group this year! My goal is to improve my time to around 7:49 minute miles. I was slightly under 8 minute miles last year giving me a time of 1:39:59. As long as I improve by even a few seconds (hopefully a little more, though!) I will be happy! May 15th-- I'll be ready!

Ding ding ding we have a winner! The Kettlebell Workout

I have tried a lot of exercises over the years, and when it comes to strength training, I've tried just about everything! I am always looking for something new and challenging to change it up and give me results. Now, my favorite moves are those with Kettlebells-- a tool that helps shape and tone you all over! It's not only music to my ears-- but to my arms, legs, butt and core! Try some Kettlebell workouts and you'll be ringing in benefits in no time: total-body toning, increased cardiovascular fitness, core strengthening and improved posture and balance. 


Here are some of my favorite exercises with Kettlebells:

 

Chair row

A. Hold a kettlebell with both hands in front of thighs, palms facing you, and stand with feet together. Inhale, then exhale as you squat (kettlebell will be in front of knees).

B. Inhale as you raise kettlebell toward chin, bending your elbows out to the sides. Exhale as you lower the weight. Repeat, holding the squat the entire time.
Too tough? Place a rolled towel or small pillow between your thighs and lower into only a half squat position

Warrior Press

A. Hold a kettlebell with both hands in front of chest, elbows pointing down. Lunge forward with right leg until thigh is parallel to ground, and turn left foot out, shoulders and hips squared forward.

B. Inhale, then slowly exhale as you press kettlebell overhead. Inhale and lower weight.
Too tough? Bend front knee only slightly

  Squats

  A. Hold the sides of a kettlebell handle with both hands in front of chest, elbows bent and palms facing each other. Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulders, toes pointing out and knees slightly bent.

B. Squat until thighs are parallel to the ground and elbows touch legs (only go as low as you're comfortable with), rise up and repeat. Do 15 to 20 reps.

Twists

A. Sit on the ground with knees bent. Hold a kettlebell in left hand next to right shoulder and wrap right hand around left. Lean back, then raise feet.

B. Shift your weight to the right as you pull the kettlebell down to your left side. Return to start and repeat; switch sides to complete set.

Windmill

A. Holding a kettlebell in your left hand, arm extended overhead and palm facing forward, stand with feet staggered, right in front of left and about a foot apart.

B. Shift weight into your left hip and bend forward at your hips as you rotate your torso left, keeping your left arm raised and reaching your right hand toward your right foot. Rise up and repeat; switch sides to complete set.

 

Swings

A. Stand with feet wider than shoulders and hold a kettlebell in right hand in front of hips, arm straight and palm facing body. Squat, shifting hips back, as you lower the kettlebell between your legs, then swing it forward to chest height as you rise up.

B. Squeeze your butt and push your hips forward as you stand. Lower into a squat as you swing the weight between your legs and repeat; switch hands halfway through the set.

(An added bonus--- these workouts take way less time than typical weight-training routines becuase you are almost constantly moving and toning!)

 

 

Kickin it up a notch!

So with my Half marathon training fully underway I felt like I needed a power boost, something to get me up and energized a little bit more. What better way to do that then to GET NEW SHOES!!!!! I have been wanting to customize some Nike kicks for a while now and this is the perfect time to do so!

Here is what I designed for myself-- totally Pittsburgh Marathon inspired!

There was only one requirement of these shoes-- they had to be some kind of blue. I ALWAYS have blue shoes, it's just my thing.

I think these hit the mark! And I punched up the bright turquoise-y blue with the LIVESTRONG yellow swoosh and laces-- a color that I also love!

                                           Of course I had to customize the ID with my nickname!!!! (I wish you were able to customize each shoe individually for this part-- I would have made the left shoe say RUN so it would read RUN BESS

I can't wait for these shoes to get here! I hope I have enough time to break them in. Now I am even more pumped thanks to a kickstart from these sweet new kicks!

MIAMI BEACH

Finally made it to the sun and sand in Miami! Couldnt be happier at the beach-- and yes, i DID get in some awesome running while on vacation!

Nikki Beach

Drew and I on Nikki Beach

(First day-- in desperate need of some sun! haha)

Miami Beach (North)

Cloudy last day-- But it made for one of our best days! Stayed out on the beach until 4:30pm and evened out our Miami tans.. woo-hoo!

Palm trees and an ocean breeze-- All smiles for me!

Drew and I on the path between our hotel and the beach-- Where I did my morning runs! It had the PERFECT breeze to balance the heat on a bright, sunny AM run.

Early wake-up call to see the sun rise! Wasn't going to miss this-- pictures don't do it justice.

Calm, peaceful. serene--- truely refreshing. 

I wish I could see this more often!

Miami-- Can I live here, PLEASE!?

New Addiction

Chobani Greek Yogurt. I have been enjoying this tastey protein-packed treat for a few months now. The texture is perfectly creamy and the flavors are delicious! Its hard to pick a favorite, but for today, it's raspberry. Or maybe blueberry....

Try this--- you can add cereal or granola to give make it even more satisfying! My mix- Chobani Greek Yogurt in Vanilla with Special K red berries Cereal.

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YUMMY!