Running Rachel

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff for Moms

Rachel — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:23:00 +0000

It is no secret that I would love to earn the title Super Mom, Perfect Mom, or World’s Best Mom! In fact, I think most mom’s would love for their children to give them that title. Yet there are some days where I barely hang on to the title just Mom. I get tired. I get frustrated. I lose any hope of attaining that perfect mom crown.

I was given the opportunity to review the latest Don’s Sweat the Small Stuff book… for Moms. It is PERFECT! Simple ways to stress less and enjoy your family more is exactly what each chapter reminds the already stressed and frazzled mom.

Being that today is Mother’s Day (and my birthday!) I thought today would be a fantastic day to share with you this great book… for any and all Mothers!!

This is the first new Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff book in nine years. Kristine shows how moms can live with less stress and more happiness. Which mothers of all ages and stages could benefit and learn from! She gives mothers tried and true advice that will empower them to find greater peace, joy, and harmony within themselves and their homes.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms reveals how to:

Be a Mom, Not a Friend
Balance Being a Woman and a Mom
Pursue Your Passion, But Not at the Expense of Your Children
Reclaim Your Family Time

After a long, hard, frustrating day… where I lost another chance at winning the perfect mom title… I crashed on the couch and opened this book for the first time. Imagine my shock, awe, and happiness when the first chapter was titled, “There’s no such thing as a “perfect” mom.”

Each chapter is well written, easy to read, and speaks to the heart of a mother. The chapters are short and sweet: totally doable to read while hiding in the bathroom or waiting in the carpool line at the elementary school.

When I finished each chapter, I feel as if Kristine is my good friend and we are discussing our hearts as friends and mothers. She gets it. She knows how it feels to be a mom. She knows how it feels to be tired, stressed, and lost your joy. She gets it. This is why I really like this book and think it would be perfect for any mom!

I am a busy mom to three active little boys. They are constantly moving. Full of energy. Which means that Mommy is always moving and needs to be full of energy. The past few weeks, I have made the commitment to unplug and live fully (present) in the moment with my children. That is challenging!

A few things I have learned from this book, and about myself, is that when we spend time together… doing things that we all enjoy… we are happiest. I have found that when my boys and I are outside, in nature (even getting our sweat on with a good workout/bike ride/hike) we are all happy.

Learning to not sweat the small stuff in life… learning to enjoy my children, my family and find my joy… is all in the journey on how I view my circumstances.

A few days ago, while on my solo run, I spotted a fun place that I knew the boys would love to explore. Yesterday afternoon the boys were starting to get cranky, and I decided they needed a change of scenery. We hopped on our bikes for a fun little adventure to explore a new place to throw rocks, get our feet wet, and just enjoy the sunshine (also the boys could squeal and scream to their hearts content without any neighbors complaining of the noise). We found our happy spot.

Motherhood is a journey. Each day brings its own trials, successes, and giggles. As a mom I am always learning… studying my children… and growing. I am learning to chill out, relax, and to not sweat the small stuff. Choosing to find joy in my chaos filled life… and enjoy this journey called motherhood!

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. All photos, stories and opinions are my own.

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Fitting in Fitness: Weekly Recap

Rachel — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:34:00 +0000

This past week was a busy and productive week. My planner was full of appointments, activities, and sporting events. If it weren’t for my trusty planner and family calendar I think I would have lost my marbles. I depended on my planning skills to map out each day, making sure to plan fitness and fun into our busy day.

Even though there was something on the calendar each day… we managed to have fun and fit fitness in together as a family. Sometimes you just need to suck it up and slip it in where you can… and do what you can with what you have.

Making fitness a priority, doing what you enjoy, fitting it in when you can, and being flexible with your activity is what works for me. We had a busy, fitness filled week, and I look forward to adding more strength sessions for next week.

When life is crazy busy, how do you make sure you fit in a workout?

FitSpiration Friday!!

Rachel — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:49:00 +0000

Happy Fitness Inspiration Friday! Each week I feature a friend who inspires me to live a fit and active lifestyle. This week I am excited to introduce you to my friend Charlotte.

Introduce yourself.

I was a very active child, an elite competitive gymnast all the way up until I was 17. Then, graduation came & so did the typical partying, eating terrible, & I stopped paying attention to my body. It wasn’t until I had to have emergency surgery to remove my cancerous right ovary in April 2010 & nearly 7 months of bed rest that followed — that I actually realized, WHAT IS THE POINT OF LIVING IF WE AREN’T LIVING LIFE TO OUR FULLEST? I pulled myself out of bed to run a mile. The slowest mile in existence, but I did it. I have been unstoppable ever since!

What is your fitness love?

My true fitness passion is running. Never in a million years would childhood Charlotte expect sprint drills for the vault to turn into a passion. I may love running today & tomorrow… But I certainly haven’t always.

What keeps you motivated?

More powerful than the will to win, is the courage to begin!

Charlotte is my FitSpiration

My First Yoga Session… in Years!

Rachel — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:30:00 +0000

I am a cardio junkie. I love to run and get a good heart pumping sweat session in. I am a newbie at strength training, and have loved how strong I am beginning to feel. And to be honest, I never really considered yoga as real exercise.

Until now.

The past few weeks, I have been experiencing tightness in my calves and hamstrings that I could not ‘roll’ or stretch out. My heels and arches in my feet ache with the occasional sting of pain that bring this grown woman to her knees.

I googled my symptoms and it seemed that I needed to focus MORE on stretching my overworked leg muscles. What better way to stretch than to do yoga.

It had been years since I have tried yoga. The last time I attempted yoga, I popped in a video in my living room with my three children underfoot. I ended up being more stressed then when I first began. I was a human jungle gym and my body felt tighter (not in a good way) than before I began.

When I saw that there was a yoga class available (at a time I could attend – with childcare provided) I knew I needed to try it.

My first thought as I walked into the yoga studio was… Wow! I am SO out of my element! The people were barefoot and calm and relaxed! Three words that usually did not describe my workouts… let alone my life!

I took off my running shoes and exposed my (poorly neglected, pedicure needed) toes and began my first yoga session in years.

This class was different. Unlike any other yoga class I have taken in the past. There was no static moves or strength poses (like warrior or sun salutation). We mostly focused on stretching poses.

It felt great! It was just what my tired muscles needed!

I forgot how much I enjoyed yoga (and pilates) when small children were not climbing on me or beginning world war III inches from my head. I felt very relaxed and recharged… ready to tackle my day!

I am a new fan of yoga for cross training. I think yoga is a key proponent to add to any good fitness training plan. Stretching, deep breathing, and relaxing are three words that I can definitely get behind during a crazy busy day!

If you are looking to change up your fitness routine, I recommend trying yoga. Check out this inspirational video below to see how effective yoga can be to change your life!

My Precious Passionate P-man Turns 4 Years Old

Mom After Gods Own Heart Devotional

Rachel — Thu, 10 May 2012 03:11:00 +0000

The past few weeks, months, years (okay… perhaps the past 7 years!?) my heart has been craving for different ways to learn how to be the best Mom that God has called me to be. You know what, God doesn’t want us to be the best, He wants us to have a heart after Him.

I have been reading this book, A Mom After God’s Own Heart: Devotional, off and on (with all my other fantastic books I am reading) the past few weeks. I must say this is one of my favorite books that focuses on a mothers heart.

This book is by a mom written FOR MOMs!

I can NOT emphasize to you just how much I have been enjoying this book. I love love love this book.

The daily chapters, devotions, are quick and to the point that speak directly to the heart of a mom.

As a mom we give, give, give all day long. We eventually feel depleted and dry (physically, emotionally and spiritually). Elizabeth shares personal experience and an understanding of Scripture with each entry. This book is for moms with children of all ages and stages. You will find that each devotion will tug at your heart strings and will give you daily direction and confidence for the amazing privilege of loving and raising your active children!

Moms with children of all ages will delight in Elizabeth’s personal experience and understanding of Scripture as they…

refuel with the power of God’s Word
tap into Scripture’s wisdom for parenting
get a better picture of God’s purposes for moms
trust Him with their child’s safety and future
make big and little moments count for their families
find hope and courage in God’s promises

If you are a mom who is looking for a devotion that is quick yet effective, this is the book for you. I am still soaking in and learning from this book and enjoying each entry! I think you would like this book too!

Disclosure: I received this ebook for sole purpose to read, review and enjoy. No compensation was received.

Wordless Wednesday: All Tied Up

Rachel — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:21:00 +0000

I Train Like a Mother

Rachel — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:49:00 +0000

This busy mama trains like a scattered, run when you can, do what you can, mom to three little boys. I have the knowledge, know how, and resources to train like one bad @$$ mother runner… I just have a list of excuses a mile long as to why I haven’t followed an official training plan the past few months.

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to review the latest book by Dimity and Sarah, Train Like a Mother. They are the authors of the famous Run Like a Mother that I raved about last year.

This was such a fun and quick read that any mother runner who has trained for an event would enjoy. I found myself wanting to take my time as I read this book. Pausing at each chapter and training plan to really focus on what they were teaching

This book is cleverly divided up into 26.2 chapters, at the end of each chapter is a quick funny 0.1 where the authors give a little comic relief to their training.

I found myself chuckling and giggling out loud as I read this book. My husband had to lean over in bed (yes, I read in bed) a few times to ask what I was giggling like a little school girl about a few times. Thank goodness he wouldn’t get the woman humor we runners go through to train and experience at times.

If you are looking for some mother friendly training plans ranging from your first 5K race to rocking a PR on a marathon this book has plans for you!! And in simple, mommy friend brain, language that you can understand.

After reading this book from cover to cover, I am excited to implement and follow one (or ALL!?) their training plans to rock my running and fitness goals.

If you are a mother runner who would like some motivation or inspiration regarding training, this book is for you. If you are a running mother who has ever trained for a race and have experienced discomfort, training burn out or the like… this book is for you!

I highly recommend this book. Disclosure: I received this book for free for sole purpose to enjoy, read, and if I wanted to review to share with you I could. No compensation was received.

Family Fun at the Park with the Aerobie

Rachel — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:52:00 +0000

The boys and I have been spending the majority of our time outdoors, enjoying the sunshine and great parks. A few days ago we explored to one of our favorite parks, with a great big grassy field (no trees), to play frisbee.

Now, playing frisbee with three small children isn’t necessarily what I would usually consider a great time. Heck, my 6 year old throws a frisbee better than I do! And he proudly tells anyone and everyone that fact!

We were given an Aerobie to enjoy and review for RunningRachel, and we were excited to give it our best shot at tossing this around in the field and playing together.

I will admit that it was a giggle-fest with some heart pumping cardio involved. Have you ever tried playing catch with a 6, 4 and 2 year old? I rest my case. We ended up having my two oldest boys on one side and me with the youngest on my team.

The ease of use was instant, and we all were proud of our frisbee tossing (and catching) skills that afternoon. Even my youngest son, 2 years old, managed to get a few decent tosses in (that warranted a few loud rumpus Wahoos!! from Mom!)

I attempted to take a few videos of the boys and I playing catch with the Aerobie, but as you can imagine… that was an epic fail. Besides, after a few hours at the park in the hot sun… and the boys trying to pose and perform for a video review, well… that wasn’t going to happen.

My boys love playing with the Aerobie, and are always wanting to toss it to each other. I have only one rule that they can NOT play in our back yard. Because if it gets tossed over the neighbors fence, it is lost forever… and we would all be terribly bummed if that were to happen. So we only play at the park… where there are no trees that could catch our toy.

Would you (and your family) enjoy playing with an Aerobie of your own? Make some fun summer memories at the park while tossing one together! Enter to win one of your own!

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Thank God for Family

The Lucado Inspirational Reader {Book Review}

Rachel — Tue, 08 May 2012 03:35:00 +0000

I am a big fan of Max Lucado and his books. His latest book, The Lucado Inspirational Reader: Hope and Encouragement for Your Everyday Life is such an easy, inspirational read. The title is perfectly named because each chapter focuses on a specific topic that gives you hope and encouragement for your every day life.

This book is a compilation of his best quotes and anecdotes, found in 25+ of his previous books. This book could totally be used as a daily devotional to give you something to think on or ponder as you begin or end your day.

For more than 25 years, Max Lucado has walked with us through life’s journey. With wisdom, grace, and compassion, he’s covered topics like salvation and victory. Comfort and the cross. God’s love and ultimate grace.

The Lucado Inspirational Reader gathers the most memorable one-liners, paragraphs, stories, and teachings from a lifetime of inspiring bestsellers into one volume. These are the words that you’ll want to turn to time and again for hope and encouragement.

It’s filled with illustrations, anecdotes, and quotes for those times when you’re looking for just the right words and indexed for easy reference. Spend a few minutes or a few hours being refreshed and encouraged by messages straight from Max’s heart to yours.

Lucado’s words are powerful, his entries are encouraging, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It’s ideal for gift-giving too.

Disclosure: I received this book through netgalley for sole purpose to read, enjoy and review. No compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

Hiking to Whiskeytown Falls with Three Little Boys

Rachel — Sun, 06 May 2012 04:07:00 +0000

My family loves the outdoors. We are our happiest out in nature. With the boys getting older, my husband and I decided to take a giant leap of faith and attempt a strenuous to difficult hike in the national forest near us. It was only a 3.5 mile hike with an elevation climb of 1,200 feet. No biggie!? Oh boy!

The first tip for doing anything with my three boys is to always attempt to be prepared for anything! Which means bring lots of food and water! I made sure I packed a healthy, hearty lunch to eat picnic style before our hike. I also packed a bunch of energy (and child friendly) snacks to ~~bribe~~ ~~encourage~~ feed during pit stops on the hike. These snacks were cheese sticks, banana, fruit snacks, and protein bars.

The boys did great. C and P (ages 6 and 4) hiked on their own the whole way!! Which is very impressive!! T (2 years old) hiked off and on when the mood struck him. When the hill was too daunting he requested to jump back in the pack for Daddy to pack him. Smart boy!

We enjoyed all of the exciting sites, bugs, creatures, and sounds along the hike. The boys caught and ~~tortured~~ played with a banana slug and a lizard during their rest breaks. Who says you can’t learn while being out in nature!?

Learning to slow down and enjoy the scenery is the name of the game when you involve children. I am still learning this as Mom. Too often I want to hurry up to our destination (the water fall) that I am too busy missing out on the neat, exciting sights along the journey. Thank goodness for little boys and curious minds to help remind me that sometimes the most exciting part of the adventure… is the journey to GET to the exciting part!!

The boys stopped to explore every cave, hole, interesting plant and more. Curious C (6 years old) even when so far as to touch and pull the leaves off of a green plant along the path and ask (while pulling and touching the green leaves), “Hey Mom, is this poison ivy?” Child… why not ask FIRST before touching ANY unknown plant in nature. Gotta love small curious children! Thank goodness it was NOT poison ivy/oak!

Another valuable lesson learned is to always be prepared… for ANYTHING! T-man had already done his usual daily poo and I thought he was done for the day. I had a change of diaper for him in the car (for after the hike). However, I was unprepared for his round two poo mid-hike.

Nothing like trying to change a poo from a child who has enjoyed lots of blueberries the past few days. Yuck! In the middle of nature, with no wipes. Yuck!

Thank goodness for fresh cold streams and improvising with going commando the remainder of the hike. His little pants kept falling down and his cute little hiney kept flashing behind him. The important lesson was learned… always be prepared for anything!!

After an hour and a half of hiking uphill, climbing almost 1,200 feet with three small adventurous children we made it! The falls were beautiful and a sight to see. It had been 5 years since we have hiked the falls and it continued to take our breath away!

We made it!! With happy smiles on our face!! We encountered no wild animals or poisonous snakes while on the hike! The boys (and Mommy and Daddy) were troopers!

The only bummer part after hiking all that way to reach the water falls was to break the news to the boys that we had to hike that same distance back to the car!! Talk about devastation and shock! Good thing the majority of the return route was down hill… but it still required an additional 1.7 miles of hiking on their little feet and legs. Additional mileage that they (and Mommy) were not sure they had left in them. Good thing for good Mommy thinking and preparedness… Kids Clif Bars are always a hit for them and a great incentive to keep their little legs moving towards the car!

Near the end o the hike (around mile 3) Precious P (4 years old) began melting and slowing down. His legs hurt. His feet kept getting rocks in his shoes. He couldn’t take one more step. There were tears. But you know what!? This little boy is a trooper, he held Mommy’s hand and kept moving his little feet forward. He hiked the whole way!! Once we got to our car, at the end of the hike, he proudly proclaimed that he had fun and wanted to hike as a family again soon. “But not a big hill hike like today, okay Mommy!?”

Spending quality time with my family is always an adventure. You never know how it is going to turn out, what laughs will happen and what memories will come. But the important thing is that you get out there and explore the world together!

The above two pictures are of me that I snapped along the trail. I was there too. Because you know as a Mom, we are almost always the ones behind the camera and are never in the photos… so I wanted to prove that I was there exploring and making memories also!

Do you hike with your children?
How old were they before they hiked on their own?

What are some of YOUR family favorite activities to do together?