Mom On A Mission

My Kettle Bell Course

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 03:45:00 +0000

This past weekend I spent it entirely on continuing education. Specifically Kettle Bells and TRX.

First up....Kettle Bells.

I've been teaching a kettle bell class for a couple weeks now and spend Friday evening getting officially certified. I thought I would share some of my fave moves from both my class and the certification course!

First...the "get up"

I do this move with only 1 kettle bell and make sure to hit both sides of the body evenly!

It's a great move for the whole body but really targets that core!

next..."kettle bell swings"

It's a staple go-to move in any kettle bell class. It again engages the whole body and allows you to move through a full range of motion!

Next...my favorite..."figure 8s"

Please ignore this girl's form. Her back looks awful in this picture and I would not let anyone in my class bend like this but it was the only pic I could find of a "figure 8"

Even despite her horrible form...I think you get the picture! I love this move and seriously use it in every class!

Up next...a little TRX love!

Adding fuel to my fire!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:24:00 +0000

This week marks the addition of two new classes for my repertoire....

Kettle Bells

And TRX...

If you haven't gotten a chance to try a kettle bell class or a TRX class....I highly recommend trying them out!

THEY ARE SUPER FUN!

Kettle Bells lets you add strength to a cardio routine well the TRX challenges your core in a whole new way!

I will be getting certified in both classes this weekend and begin teaching as well! I will keep you posted on how things go as well as share some of my routines and favorite moves!

Training for a spring marathon?????

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:36:00 +0000

When I decided to partner back up with TEAM In Training....I immediately went for a flashy race...

The Nashville Country Music Marathon April 28, 2012.

When I was day dreaming about how awesome the race would be and how much fun I would have on the trip....I mentally blocked that fact that I would be training for a marathon throughout the winter....and that I live in Nebraska.

On Saturday...I ran 10 miles.....it was 10 degrees outside....

A Little Cabin Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:14:00 +0000

Apparently Mother Nature remembered that is is supposed to be winter here in Nebraska.

I think she decided to make up for lost time!

I've had to hit the treadmill and few times this past week. Some days have gone well...the last one did not. I'm starting to get cabin fever and my runs seem to be the first thing suffering.

BOOOOOOOO!

On a fun note....

Wes and I hit up the Omaha Children's Museum!

We played for several hours and then met up with Dave for lunch! It was a good time.

We are going to attempt an outdoor run tomorrow. Since the morning temp is going to be 1.....yes literally 1 degree, The TEAM will head out at 1pm.

Wish Us LUCK!!

My Run Week

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:25:00 +0000

So, this week marks my first long run that required on of these....

We did 12 miles on Sunday. It went really well!! I had a really fun run with a team-mate and my legs felt great.

Today I did my first tempo run of the season.

Here's how I broke it down....

Warm Up: 1.5 miles at 10 m/m

Tempo: 3 miles at 9:20 m/m

Cool Down: 1.5 mile at 10 m/m

Our YMCA got new treadmills that are awesome!! They have a virtual training mode that allow you to travel through trails of state and national parks, it includes the incline of the terrain as well as lets you visually "travel" the course. The HD screen is pretty awesome. It gives you something decent to look at! It also gives you little tid bits of info about the course too!

Today I did my tempo run the the state parks of Utah. I virtually ran through canyons, forests, by rivers and streams. The incline varied from 0-2% randomly throughout the course.

It is a great distraction and my 6 miles really went fast!

Another exciting tid bit from my life....The Pilates Center of Omaha is expanding their studio to include a "fitness" studio to hold a variety of classes that vary from Yoga to TRX to Kettle Bells and more. They have asked me to manage the fitness studio! I have been working with instructors to create a class schedule and working with the owners to build, design, and promote the new space! We are hoping to have our grand opening in the next 2 weeks and to kick off classes shortly after!

Check out the website!

www.pilatescenterofomaha.com

Skinny Squirrels and Fat Americans

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:28:00 +0000

While in Florida, it was very obvious that the weather stayed nice year round. First sign...the squirrels were skinny. Noticeably skinny. In January, here in Nebraska....the squirrels look more like this..

Yup....they have put on their winter weight to try to survive the harsh winter here in the Heartland. Not in Florida. I also noticed something else striking regarding weight. Americans are fat.

Disney World attracts people from all around the globe. Our resort had a particularly large population from Brasil. It was incredible. It was glaringly obvious. We are a nation of gluttony. So, I did a little research.

The Center for Disease Control reports that one-third of American Adults are considered obese and that 17% of kids age 2-19 are considered obese.

2010 State Obesity Rates
State	%	State	%	State	%	State	%
Alabama	32.2	Illinois	28.2	Montana	23.0	Rhode Island	25.5
Alaska	24.5	Indiana	29.6	Nebraska	26.9	South Carolina	31.5
Arizona	24.3	Iowa	28.4	Nevada	22.4	South Dakota	27.3
Arkansas	30.1	Kansas	29.4	New Hampshire	25.0	Tennessee	30.8
California	24.0	Kentucky	31.3	New Jersey	23.8	Texas	31.0
Colorado	21.0	Louisiana	31.0	New Mexico	25.1	Utah	22.5
Connecticut	22.5	Maine	26.8	New York	23.9	Vermont	23.2
Delaware	28.0	Maryland	27.1	North Carolina	27.8	Virginia	26.0
District of Columbia	22.2	Massachusetts	23.0	North Dakota	27.2	Washington	25.5
Florida	26.6	Michigan	30.9	Ohio	29.2	West Virginia	32.5
Georgia	29.6	Minnesota	24.8	Oklahoma	30.4	Wisconsin	26.3
Hawaii	22.7	Mississippi	34.0	Oregon	26.8	Wyoming	25.1
Idaho	26.5	Missouri	30.5	Pennsylvania	28.6

The CDC wrote... " The public is already flooded with nutrition and diet information from multiple sources. As a result, they are sometimes confused about what, how much, or even how often they should eat."

I Call Bullshit.

Is it really confusing that eating an apple is a better diet choice than a snickers bar. Is it really confusing that eating a turkey sandwich is better for you than a 10oz Porter House steak. Is it really that hard to understand that eating a plate full of Pasta with Alfredo and dunking a butter covered bread stick in it just might be overkill??

Why are kids fat? I have never seen a 7 year old sitting behind the wheel at a McDonalds drive thru. I have never seen a 5 year old pull out their debit card to pay for a large soda and cotton candy at a baseball game.

Come on!

It's not confusing. It's about choices. We are choosing to be fat. We are choosing to be unhealthy.

Why??

Because it is easier. It is easier to stop at a drive thru than it is to cook a meal. It is easier to buy a cotton candy that it is to tell our kids "no".

Alright America...it is time to MAN UP!

We don't want the world to think of us as fat, lazy Americans. Not cool!

We don't want to be a generation of people that make our own children sick.

We don't want to be a generation of people that spends more time in the hospital than with family.

It's time. Take charge of your own life, your own health, and think about our kids needs....not their wants.

"I learned there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead, others come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready, you see. Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me." - Dr. Seuss

Disney Family Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:19:00 +0000

The Kendall's packed up and headed to Disney World for a 5 day family vacation that just happened to fall on Wes' 5th birthday!

We got a great deal on tickets that included park passes, air, transportation, hotel, and food!

IT WAS AWESOME!

Wes was so excited when we got there that he lost the ability to walk....he literally hopped down the entire length of the sidewalk up to the gates of the Magic Kingdom. Both Dave and I agree that moment was our favorite of the entire trip!

We met a ton of the characters so Wes could get his birthday autograph book signed.

We rode all the rides!! Wes even rode Space Mountain and loved it! I will say...we pushed him a little too far by talking him into riding the Tower of Terror with us....but that's another story!

We had silly family fun time!

We saved a couple of planets!

Saw some amazing shows!

And got up close and personal with some animals on safari!

REALLY UP CLOSE!

It really is the happiest place on earth!

We swam in our outdoor pool every day, we walked miles on end, and truly got a full Disney experience. I feel very fortunate to have got to have such an amazing time with my two favorite boys!

A Mission of Characters!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:46:00 +0000

Wes turned 5 January 9th. We planned a family vacation to Disney World and honestly had an amazing time!!

When we got there Wes decided that for part of his birthday present he wanted an autograph book and wanted to get every character's signature.

Well we didn't get everybody....but I think we did pretty well.

What do you think.....

Further Vacay details to follow!

My 2011 Snapshot

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:25:00 +0000

Reflecting on 2011, I realized I am a very lucky lady! I had a great year!

I ran 3 half marathons...

I completed 2 sprint Triathlons...

I got a new nephew..

I have an amazing little boy and an incredible husband...

I started a new business...

And get to pursue a career that I love!

I am excited to see what 2012 will bring. I am taking the next couple of days to seriously contemplate my goals and resolutions for 2012 and will keep you posted.

WHAT'S YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION??

Serious Arm Envy

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:18:00 +0000

This past weekend I got to spend time with my Gal Pal Jess from blondeponytail. Jess and I went to high school together and have reconnected through the blogger world.

Jess came back in town for the holidays and let me practice my teaching skills on her! I am in the process of becoming a Stott Certified Pilates Instructor and have to complete several hours of student teach before I can take my certification test. So Jess met me down at Pilates Center of Omaha for a Reformer One Session to help me out!

First let me say....she is sooooo much fun to work with. She is strong, willing to try anything, and is always smiling!

Seriously.... Look at her G-U-N-S !

I have total shoulder envy!

As you can see....She did an awesome job!

Jess is a 2012 fitfluential Ambassador and I love reading her blog. Click here

She partnered up with NUUN and came to our class bearing gifts!

Yup....Team In Training NUUN! I can't wait to share with my TEAM this season!

Thanks Jess!!

A New Kiddo For Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:56:00 +0000

Yup...we got another foster child placed with us this week. Our first placement, "Izzy", came to us the week before Christmas too. "Izzy" stayed with us for 6 months and I'm happy to report that "Izzy" was placed into a great adoptive home.

"C.J." came to live with us Monday. He is a big kid for his age (3) and he and Wes seem to be getting along very well. "C.J." has parents who are still both involved! He has visits with both Mom and Dad several times per week! We just got done making arrangements for him to spend time with both parents on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Guess who I got to hang out with today???

Here's a little hint....

Stay tuned for some killer pics of our workout together!

It's December???

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 03:16:00 +0000

I got in a great 7 mile run this morning with Team In Training. So far, training for another full marathon has been awesome! It was sunny at 36 degrees for our run this morning. It was a really nice run, sunshine and great company make the miles fly by!

After the run, the Hubby and I went out to brunch and then headed over to pick up our little man from an overnight at my parent's house.

It crept up to 48 degrees....so we headed to the zoo!

If you have not been to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo...you are missing out. Even in the winter time it is just awesome! It has the largest Cat Complex in North America, the world's largest nocturnal and indoor swamp, the world's largest indoor rain forest, and the world's largest indoor desert. Click HERE for more info!

All in all a great day! Then when you consider it is mid-December....it makes it even better!

If you do hit the gym....check out my fitness blog to read about some great workout ideas for the treadmill!

CLICK HERE

Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:31:00 +0000

This week has been nuts! Between training others...training myself....running a business..... and beginning to manage another one......this chick it tired.

But it is all worth it.

One of the best part about the holiday season is that it gives you time to focus on what means the most to you in your life...

My "Deep Thoughts" for today....

Having kids isn't just about taking care of babies....it's about turning babies into productive, caring citizens.

It's about creating a brighter future.

Maybe even one with a pretty cool kid who thinks he's a rockstar!

It's about working hard, loving what you do, and being proud of who you are.

It's about taking time to let yourself be silly.

It's about doing something that matters. Being good to yourself and to others.

Don't get lost in the holiday bustle. Stop to take time to appreciate why you are bustling !

A True Winter Run

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:54:00 +0000

Winter has officially hit the heartland!

It is week 2 of training for the Country Music Marathon in Nashville!

6 miles on the schedule today. We had to steer clear of our usual route due to ice so we ended up taking a much hillier loop through the Boystown campus. This is a tough loop on a sunny day.....but when it is 13 degrees out when you start....it's even tougher!

Luckily I picked up a special hat for my winter training season this year....

Notice the "sweat frost" around Mickey's ears and my eyebrows....

did I mention it was 13 degrees out???

"Hey Jack Frost....Mickey and I are about to make you my b*#ch!"

Check out the super yummy recipe at the fitness blog ... CLICK HERE

How is your winter training going???

My newest obsession: Avocado!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:48:00 +0000

Yup....I have recently become totally obsessed with Avocado! I love them!

On Friday I made homemade guacamole, simple ingredients and super good!

Today I made breakfast burritos with eggs, bacon, pepper jack cheese, salsa, and sliced avocado....they were awesome.

Avocado's aren't exactly super foods but they are low in sodium, low in saturated fat, and cholesterol free.

There creamy texture allows you to use them in place of sour cream....which makes them a healthier option.

More tidbits on the avocado....

How to Select
Choose avocados with firm skin and no soft spots, firm but yielding to gentle pressure when ripe.

How to Store
Store unripe avocados in paper bag at room temperature. Refrigerate when ripe for 2-3 days.

Go check out my fitness blog to read more about seasonal fruits and veggies! kendall personal fitness

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 03:51:00 +0000

Hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you spend time with the ones you loves..eating, drinking, being merry....

or just goofing around!

CLICK HERE and read about some helpful hints to getting back on track after a weekend of gluttony!

The Life of a Personal Trainer!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:39:00 +0000

In case I haven't said it lately...I love my job! I love getting paid to workout and I love helping others achieve personal goals.

Even better....I get to know people on a totally different level. Being a trainer, people tell you a lot about their insecurities, their aspirations, and their goals. I love getting to know people on a new level and seeing them achieve so much more than just fitness!

It's about health, confidence, that little black dress, and feeling great!

A big thanks to Jess over at blondeponytail for hooking me up with a Gymboss interval timer!

I used it to do a Tabata workout with my client Mo...

Mo is a great client and has quickly become a good friend! I love working with Mo! She kicked some serious butt during this workout and I plan on using my new gymboss much more. After seeing Mo go through this workout I already have ideas on how I will tweak it in the future! FUN STUFF!!

Side note: I've decided to step it up a bit for the Nashville Marathon. I got the "level 2" training plan from coach today. It's a 4 cycle plan building endurance, working with lactic thresholds, race prep, and tapering. In other words...I plan of kicking some serious ass over this winter!

Back at 'em...26.2 style

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:22:00 +0000

I start training for the Nashville Country Music Marathon on Saturday.

New shoes were a ~~wanted~~ needed!

I LOVE my Mizuno Wave Inspire 6 and was looking forward to this year's version, Wave Inspire 7. Unfortunately they made some changes that did not feel good to my feet. I am not the only one who was disappointed though! The sales guy told me that the Wave Inspire 8's were getting rid of the changes seen in the 7's and going back to the shape/cut/foot like the the 6's

I ended up purchasing these...

Asics Kayno

I went with a size bigger than normal, since I beat up my toes during my last race. Wearing them around the house, I can tell they are heavier. I will find out on Saturday how they feel during a run. They are super cute, so I really hope they work out!!

Check out my post from the fitness blog....we ate some crazy fruit! Kendall Personal Fitness

Fun with Family!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:32:00 +0000

My 3 month old nephew stayed overnight with us this weekend!

We really enjoyed having a baby in the house!

Especially one that is so cute!

Check out the wacky fruit we tried over at the fitness blog...

www.kendallpersonalfitness.blogspot.com

A New Fitness Ambition!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 03:18:00 +0000

I have recently decided to spread my fitness wings a bit. I have begun training to become a certified reformer Pilates instructor! I am super stoked!

I am working with THE PILATES CENTER OF OMAHA and going through the Stott Pilates Program (Click HERE)

The owners of The Pilates Center of Omaha have actually already extended me an offer to teach! I am very honored! I will finish training in December!

The Stott Program is a 50 hour training program that involves observation hours, class room hours, and practice teaching hours. It is intensive and I absolutely love it!

Today...I officially mastered this move...

Refomer Pilates is honestly an incredible workout. It focuses on strength, balance, and core. It is exactly what I need while I am on marathon training hiatus.

My goal was to completely steer clear of any and all running during this break and get healed up and strong....but I signed up for a 4 mile "Beer And Bagel" trail run on Sunday. They have really cool shirts ;-)

One run during my 6 week break then my focus in staying on strength, balance, and core!

Don't forget to check out my new fitness blog!

http://kendallpersonalfitness.blogspot.com/

Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:52:00 +0000

How you have a wonderful, safe Halloween!

Nike Women's Marathon RACE RECAP!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:29:00 +0000

The start line was a little on the chaotic side and honestly...pretty poorly organized.

But the course itself was BEA-UTIFUL! We had some pretty serious crowding issues where the course bottle necked and it forced everyone to walk. Not cool....not cool at all.

They made up for it at mile 12 by handing out handfuls of these babies...

The finish line sucked. Period. End of story. They had us go through corrals and get scanned by a high school kid. Basically we were forced to come to a dead stop after running and wait for 8 other ladies to have their bib scanned. It was so crowded you could see any of the amenities, no food, not water, and no med tent in sight. Not cool...not cool at all.

But they made up for it by handing me one of these....

They also made up for it by letting me run with these awesome ladies!!

Me, Audrey (survivor), and Jen (tnt alumni)

They also made up for their lack of organization by letting us rock some serious bling!

I.Love.This.Necklace.

Boom.

San Francisco Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 01:29:00 +0000

Let me start by saying...I HAD AN AWESOME TIME!!

Great flight, great group of gals, great cause, and a great weekend!

We arrived Friday night and headed to the expo for packet pick up and then straight for a bar! We ended up at this place called Biscuits and Blues and had appetizers, drinks, and listened to a band. Great way to start the trip.

The time change got the best of us and we ended up wide awake by 5am.....rough.

We decided to head out early to see the sights...

ended up getting there before anything was open. Here I am at Fisherman's Wharf.

While at Fisherman's Wharf.....this lady tried to give us crabs....

We went to Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, and down to Haight and Ashbury. A very fun day!

Stay Tuned for RACE DAY DETAILS!!!

Leaving On A Jet Plane

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:29:00 +0000

It's Here...It's Here....It's FINALLY HERE!

Yup....

I am flying out on Friday to hit up the expo.

Spending Saturday checking out all that San Francisco has to offer and then heading to a TEAM In Training Inspiration dinner with some of the most amazing ladies ever!

Sunday Morning I will put on my purple pride..

AND ROCK THE NIKE WOMEN'S MARATHON!

13.1....bring it.

My TNT Miracle Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Kendall) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 18:24:00 +0000

When you join up with Team In Training you always hear about miracle moments. How someone hears a song that reminds them of the loved one that they are running for right when they hit the wall and it helps them break through it. Or how someone ends up running next to someone that they had no idea they were connected to until mile 18 and then they stay friends.

Today was my miracle moment.

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the loss of my son, Eric. Today is a very difficult day.

Today was also our graduation run for the Nike Marathon. I will admit that it is very hard to run when your throat is tight from holding back tears.

I finish my 10 miles and as I am heading to our little party by the lake when Beth, a team-mate, hops out of her car. Beth is 8 months pregnant so she's not training this season but is still a supporter and will be back for another round soon. Beth grabs me and says...

"I know this is going to sound weird, but a week or so ago I woke up at 2am thinking about you. I know that you had lost your son sometime in October and I had this strong feeling that you were going to need something today. So I brought you this"... Beth hands me 3 balloons, stationary, and a pen...she continues.." I thought you could write a little letter to your son and then send it up to him."

I immediately start crying and tell her that today is the anniversary date of our loss. She helps me write out a little note and connect it to the balloons. It takes me a good 20 minutes to recover and then Beth's son, Cael, and I released the balloons and note, sending it floating over the lake.