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 Katie, who is an inspiration for everyone! She is a busy mom of two who started her fitness journey in 2009 at 253 pounds and is definitely now one fit mommy!
Don’t think you have time to exercise? Think again!
Read on for more about Katie and be sure to visit her over on Runs For Cookies. (I just love that blog name!)
Be sure to check out her progress photos and weight loss video!
Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?
A: I was actually overweight (and even morbidly obese) my entire life. I didn’t reach a “normal” weight until I was 28 years old. I was inspired to get fit when my son Noah (who was 5 years old at the time) was learning to ride a two-wheeler bicycle. He needed someone to run up and down the street alongside his bike, and I physically couldn’t do it. I felt like a terrible mother, and my sister had to teach him to ride. I vowed that when my (then 3-year old) Eli was learning to ride a two-wheeler, I would be the one to teach him. And I did!
Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?
A: Nobody just HAS time to exercise–we have to make the time! I made a commitment to myself that I would run three times per week, no matter what. And I did whatever I had to in order to make that happen. Sometimes that involved getting up very early to run when my husband got home from working a midnight shift. Sometimes it meant running after dinner when I’d rather be watching TV. Sometimes I had to ask my parents, or my brother to watch the kids for half an hour. Sometimes I even worked it out with my (runner) friend to watch her kids while she ran, and she watched my kids while I did my run.
Q: How have your workouts changed since having a child?
A: Before having children, I didn’t work out. I was completely out of shape and obese. Now, I know I’m a better mom because I’ve decided to make exercise a priority.
Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?
A: I’m definitely a cardio mommy–I love running! I never thought I would say that, but it’s the only exercise that I have really found to be my “calling”. I know strength training is important, but unfortunately, I rarely work it in to my life.
Q: What is your least favorite exercise?
A: I really dislike swimming! I will never be a triathlete for this reason.
Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?
A: I am always signed up to run some sort of race, so that I’m always training for something. That way, I can’t miss any workouts–if I do, I won’t be prepared for my race (that I’ve paid money for). I think registering for a race is key for anyone looking to become a runner. It certainly gives you a reason to run!
Q: Random question: what is your go-to snack food?
A: My very favorite go-to snack is a piece of Ezekiel bread, toasted, with some nut butter. I love the Cinnamon-Raisin Ezekiel bread spread with peanut butter (or even with the Peanut Butter & Co. Cinnamon Raisin Swirl peanut butter!)
Thank you Katie for allowing me to feature you here as One Fit Mommy!
Ok gang, no excuses for you today! Get up and get moving and remember: NEVER underestimate the power of a workout! 🙂
Need more inspiration? Be sure to check out all the other fit moms and dads that have been featured on Workout Mommy!