It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms (and dads too!) who inspire me to fitness. From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!
Today’s mommy is Capt. Rosanna Vasquez Brown, who is currently deployed to Iraq for the second time in three years. She is a perfect example of how everyone can stay fit, no matter what their circumstances.
Captain Vasquez Brown has discovered the joy of running and has plans for several races this year, including the Army Ten Miler and Disney 1/2 marathon.
Please read on for more about Captain Vasquez Brown and why she is definitely “One Fit Mommy”!
Have you always been fit?
I started off as a single 27-year old and fitness always came rather easy for me. But after I became a mom, it was difficult for me to lose those pregnancy pounds. I no longer could run 7-minute miles and physical training was tough. I then went to PA school, focused more on academics and never lost the extra weight. I could still pass my PT test, but not with the scores I had before. I had two rods in my closet – the one that held the clothes I could fit into now vs. the clothes I will fit into “once I lose 15 pounds”. And so it went year after year.
What inspired you to get fit?
I was pushing almost 180 pounds by the time I boarded the plane to Iraq for the second time in March 2008. I didn’t really make it a goal to lose weight, but with the remote conditions and the lack of fast food and a rather decent gym, the weight slowly came off. Soon Soldiers started going on their 2-wk leave and I remember a Soldier remarking that it appeared that I had lost weight after he returned. I didn’t mean to, but I realized that hearing that statement made me feel good and now I had a little positive reinforcement. So I slowly made it a mission. I ran about 20 minutes daily on a treadmill, but sometimes the power went out, so then I started running laps around our remote compound. With the help of some of my fellow Soldiers, I started learning basic weightlifting forms and was soon doing squats with weights and trying out new machines I had never really used before. The guys would incorporate me into their sets and just drop some of the weight off.
How do you keep up your fitness routine and stay motivated?
I have since moved back to a bigger base with a gym that is open 24/7 and has all the amenities I can think of. I put my iPod on, listen mostly to upbeat Latin music, cover up the console with my towel, and focus more on the music rather than just gazing at the console. Next thing I know, I have ran about 5 miles and feel pretty good. I picked up a copy of Runner’s Magazine from the PX the other day and saw the ad for the 1/2 marathon at Disney and that is now my goal. The next day there was a sign up for a 10k on the base and I ran it last Sunday. I finished it in 1 hr, 1 min, a little slow compared to my treadmill running, but realized it is such a mind game. The feeling I had after finishing was absolutely fantastic.
What are your future fitness goals?
I am now planning on doing a few more 10k, the Army Ten-Miler in October, and just continuing to train for the 1/2 marathon. I told Elisa last night that I would be running and she is just psyched – don’t know if it’s about the distance or the fact that I’m doing it at Disney. I advertised it on my Facebook page and now have two friends that are running it with me. That alone will motivate me to keep it up.
What’s the best part about getting fit?
The best thing about this was going through my closet during my own two-week leave. I had to switch everything from one closet rod to the other. Elisa says we now have to go shopping when I get home. I am down to 155 pounds. Yes, it’s much easier to run without the extra 25 pounds. The challenge will be keeping up the daily routine once I get back home.
Thank you Captain Vasquez Brown for allowing me to feature you here on Workout Mommy. I appreciate your commitment to our country and would love to meet you when you are in town for the Army Ten Miler!
OK gang, have you been active today?
Get up and get moving!
{ 6 comments }
what an inspiration!!!
{cher}s last blog post..Feeling Depressed?
Right, nice inspiration….
Blends last blog post..Sibling Jealousy
Quite the journey! thanks for sharing!
VERY inspiring. and thank you Capt. Rosanna Vasquez Brown for your service.
MizFits last blog post..Thank you therapy or how to take a compliment.
As always, great interview. Thanks for keeping us inspired!
Winks & Smiles,
Wifey
That is so cool! What an experience.
Sagans last blog post..Product Review: POM Juice
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