Run Faster Mommy

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 fit mommy is Heather, who blogs over at Run Faster Mommy. I stumbled upon her blog and was instantly impressed with her dedication to keeping fit. Heather juggles school, a job, and two little boys that are at home with her.   Despite her crazy schedule, she still finds time to fit in workouts and marathon training!   One of my favorite quotes from our interview is:

“A fit mom is a happy, healthy mom.  Not only do you deserve that, but so do your kids.”

Very well said Heather! Thank you for being “One Fit Mommy”! Please read on for more about Heather and what she considers her “Superwoman’s cape”:

Q: Have you always been fit?  What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?
Have I always been fit?  Yes and no.  I was very active growing up, playing sports all through school.  When I went off to college I entered the typical sedentary college lifestyle, complete with a diet of beer and pizza, and put on about 30 pounds VERY quickly!  After I took time off from school, I moved to South Carolina and took up surfing.  It kept me somewhat active, but it wasn’t until after the birth of my first son that I really started running and living a healthy lifestyle.  I was inspired to start running by my older sister, a very active runner and triathlete.  After I started, I just LOVED the way I felt about myself and everything else in life, and it inspired me to keep up that healthy lifestyle.  I also gained a lot of weight with my pregnancies, 30lbs with the first and 60lbs with the second.  So I am no stranger to that feeling of being a beginner when it comes to working out!

Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?

I say that’s a lame excuse!  If I can work a job outside of the home, go to school full time, take care of my two year old and eight month old (that do not go to daycare or a babysitter) and still find the time to exercise, anyone can find the time!  You just have to make it part of your daily routine, and be creative!! I do not have the luxury of having much family around, so I don’t get a lot of time to workout alone.  The jogging stroller has become a staple in our house.  And instead of the gym, I do weights and plyometrics at home using a workout DVD, usually while the kids are napping or playing quietly.  I do my weekend long runs for marathon training EARLY while everyone else in the house is still sleeping.  Be creative-if your kids are older, have them bike along side of you as you run.  Or take them to the park for a family game of soccer or tennis.  Make a “simon says” type of game with some hill sprints and push ups.  Anything goes!  Working out does not have to be mindlessly sweating on the elliptical at the gym for hours on end.

I think a lot of times as moms we tend to put our family, the housework, pretty much EVERYTHING else first, and ourselves last.  Not only is this doing a disservice to yourself, but it’s a disservice to your family!  A fit mom is a happy, healthy mom.  Not only do you deserve that, but so do your kids.  And what an amazing example you are setting for your children by showing them how important a fit lifestyle is!

Q: What is your favorite exercise and why?
Running, by far, is my favorite exercise.  It is almost like meditation for me. Running clears my head and gives me time to think.  Plus I love challenging myself by running further and faster each time, pushing my body to see what it is capable of.  And I am addicted to racing – 5k’s all the way to full marathons.  It’s just the most amazing atmosphere, and the “runner’s high” and feeling of accomplishment at the finish line is indescribable!

Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?
Cardio! I like to be on the move.  I do know how important strength training is for my body so I do try to make sure it’s part of my regular routine, but I do get bored easily with it.

Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?
When I don’t want to work out, I put on my sneakers.  They are comparable to superwoman’s cape!  When I have them on I just feel ready to take on the world!  And if that doesn’t work, I tell myself to just get out there for 15 minutes.  If I’m still not feeling it after that time frame, then I can quit.  9 times out of 10, once I reach that 15 minute mark, I’m into the workout and will keep going!  Also, I find it’s better for me to do my workouts in the morning.  My head is still somewhat clear and I’m not overwhelmed or exhausted from all the events of the day.  It’s easier to make excuses at night when you are tired!

Q: Random question:  what’s your favorite brand of workout clothing and why?
Oooh tough one!  I don’t have one specific brand that I love.  Usually, anything that is comfortable, stays put, and makes me feel strong and pretty.  I have found a few random pieces I adore.  I LOVE Nike Women’s Tempo Track Short for women.  I have 4 pairs in different colors!  And I love comfy socks.  One time I bought a pair of Balega Ultra socks at a race expo, and I swear it’s like running on clouds!!

You can see more interviews with other fit moms (and dads too!) over here.

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Tagged as: fitness, marathon, mommy fitness, run faster mommy