FitViews

FitViews Favorites: Spring Shorts/Skorts

2012-02-24T07:11:00.003-07:00

Whatever your style, whatever your fit choice, there's something cute for you this spring! My top pics for shorts/skorts:

Spring Run Shorts/Skorts by kerriolkjer featuring nike activewear

Nike
$28 - nike.com

Nike
$23 - nike.com

Supersonic Run Skort - Skirts & Skorts - Bottoms - Title Nine
$59 - titlenine.com

Tuck 'n Run SWB* - Skirts & Skorts - Bottoms - Title Nine
$47 - titlenine.com

Activewear
titlenine.com

Nike activewear
$25 - nike.com

Activewear
underarmour.com

Women's Running Shorts - Long Roga Short | Oiselle Running Apparel for...
oiselle.com

Shop by Sport | Athleta
athleta.gap.com

Racer Girl Skirt by Skirt Sports
skirtsports.com

Shop by Sport | Athleta
athleta.gap.com

Annecy Compression Short tasc
tascperformance.com

What's your favorite spring color? I'm kind of partial to tangerine and coral this year!

More spring fitness fashion.

Disclaimer: not a sponsored post, not affiliate links, just spring fitness fashion fun.

Spring Fever Fitness Fashion

2012-02-23T04:00:00.012-07:00

We are still very much in the middle of winter here. But I am dreaming of spring. Of spring break on the beach somewhere. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Colorado winters. I love snow. I'm always excited when winter arrives, but...

I have a huge case of spring fever! I've become obsessed with spring nail polishes and...

Spring fitness fashion:

Yellow by kerriolkjer featuring low socks

spring run by kerriolkjer featuring socks

black and bright by kerriolkjer featuring sweatshirt hoodies

cute gym by kerriolkjer featuring printed hats

..and, swimsuits. Maybe not exactly fitness fashion, but this will be the first time in at least 6 years that I will be buying a swimsuit. All of my hard work has me excited for cute swim/beach wear!

Spring break fashion:

Spring break at the beach by kerriolkjer featuring a 2 piece bikini

spring break swim by kerriolkjer featuring a nylon tote

Day at the beach @titlenine set by kerriolkjer featuring sweatshirt hoodies

title nine, athleta, lululemon swim by kerriolkjer featuring an athleta swimwear

Anyone else have spring fever? If you need me, I'll be daydreaming of Mexico...

More spring fitness fashion.

30 Day No Repeat Fitness Challenge

2012-02-22T04:00:00.015-07:00

Source: healthy-is-the-way-to-go.tumblr.com via Kerri on Pinterest

Recently I took updated weight loss progress pictures. I have to admit that I'm pretty happy with where I'm at right now. I'm not where I want to be quite yet, but at the same time I'm happy where I'm at too. I think this is a very healthy attitude to have, but...

In the past I've had a habit of back-sliding when I get to this point. I've been at this size (whether you measure by clothing size or weight) 3 or 4 times in my adult life. Every single time I have yo-yo'd back up. I've never made it past this point. I don't have any idea what's on the other side for me.

It starts with a little slacking, a little feeling like I don't need to work 'quite so hard', a little rewarding myself with peanut butter cup ice cream and it has always ended the same: re-gained weight, letting my fitness level slip, and a frustrated me. Self-sabotage plain and simple.

Source: healthhappinessandhottness.blogspot.com via Kerri on Pinterest

This time around I refuse to fall into those same old patterns. I refuse to get complacent and backslide simply because I'm feeling good about where I'm at. This time around instead of getting lax and travelling the same slippery slope of my past I choose to push on. I want to see where I can go from here.

Source: sayingimages.com via Kerri on Pinterest

To shake things up and keep myself focused at the same time I decided on a No Repeat 30 Day Fitness Challenge. My challenge to myself is this: From Monday February 27th through Saturday March 31st (taking Sundays off this is 30 days of actual workouts) I will workout 6 days a week and I will not repeat a single workout the entire time. Every workout will be something different. I'll be focusing mostly on my fitness DVD collection, which is vast. I will also be tracking my food Monday through Saturday each week (I won't take Sunday as a cheat day, simply a day to take a break from tracking). For accountability I will blog or vlog with the details of each day, most likely posted as weekly re-caps.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kerri on Pinterest

I need the accountability and focus right now; I want to guard against my prior bad habits. Spring and summer are right around the corner and I want to buy a swimsuit for the first time in over 6 years!!

My focus is not weight loss, but on consistency and avoiding boredom and complacency. I won't be weighing, but I will post my beginning measurements and ending measurements for the challenge.

I will blast past this stuck point that has tripped me up in the past! I choose to push on and make progress. Fitness is forever.

Review: The JumpSport Folding Fitness Trampoline - Model 350f

2012-02-21T04:00:00.002-07:00

When I was in third or fourth grade my grandparents had one of those old rebounders, you remember the ones...the really stiff ones with the metal springs. We used to play on it as kids, but it was so stiff it was hard to get much of a bounce going. We became bored of it quickly, as did they. It mostly collected dust for them and eventually wound up in storage. I have to admit that when I was approached about receiving a Fitness Trampoline for review my mind immediately went back to that stiff, squeaky rebounder my grandparents had. I did a little research however and then happily agreed to review the JumpSport Folding Fitness Trampoline. This is not my grandparents rebounder!

Look ma! No springs.

From FitnessTrampoline.com:
Introducing the JumpSport Fitness Trampoline Model 350f. A great way to get a full body workout that's fun! Moms, dads, kids and grandparents love how easily it folds - this means you can transport or store it away in seconds. Now you can get a great workout where and when you want it! It's lightweight and easy to carry - a big plus for Fitness Professionals and individuals looking for a versatile platform with a wide variety of exercises (as seen on our fitness DVDs). The 350f is stable, solid and quiet just like our non-folding models. The mat firmness is easily adjustable. Our patent-pending, arched legs provide an exceptionally stable and safe platform, compared to straight-leg rebounders. The model 350f legs can be easily removed without tools. The Model 350f includes our proprietary EnduroLast 4™ cords, which have been tested to over 4 million bounces. Now you can experience a wonderful stress-free bounce instead of the harsh, stress-full bounce your body feels on a steel coil spring rebounder in a folding unit. JumpSport® Fitness Trampolines, Where Fitness Meets Fun!™

I find all of this to be true, and then some; I'm quite smitten with the Fitness Trampoline. What I love:

It's a fun new cardio option. As someone who works out strictly at home I am always on the hunt for fun new ways to keep my workouts fresh and not boring or repetitive. I love this for that. I find myself getting on it not just for a specified workout, but throughout the day. It's fun.
The DVD that came with it. Now, in my experience many DVDs that come with fitness equipment are lame and useless. Not the case here. I love the DVD that came with this and especially the 20 minute cardio portion. It's a great workout! I burn about 150 calories when I do that segment. It's great to squeeze in on days when I don't have much time or to add it on to another workout for a little extra calorie burn. There is more to the DVD than just this cardio portion though. It also has core and strength portions. It's a very well-rounded DVD that shows the many ways you can use the Fitness Trampoline.
My kids love it! This was an unexpected surprise. Not only is this great for me, but for my boys too. I homeschool my three boys. They're 17, 8, and 6. I'm big on teaching physical activity as part of our everyday lives. It's something we just do, like showering or brushing our teeth. However, we live in Colorado at just above 7000 feet and it can be tough during the winter. There are times that it is snowing 2 feet or the temp is below zero and getting outside and active is just not going to happen. This has been a life-saver.
It folds. I love that it folds up and can easily be stowed in a closet or under a bed if company is coming. Honestly, we've only done that maybe twice since we got it. We tend to just leave it out in the living room because one of us is on it constantly. We bounce on it while watching netflix or you tube on the TV, the kids use it for their daily PE, I sneak in a little extra cardio here and there... But still, the option to fold it up and put it away is nice to have.

What I don't love:

Um....fighting my kids for a turn? I try to be balanced about reviews, but honestly there's nothing I don't love about this.

This was easy to assemble and is easy to fold up. It's very sturdy and well-constructed. It's a great workout and can be used in a variety of ways. As I said, my family uses this constantly and loves it. I asked my 6 year old his favorite part about our new fitness trampoline, he said, "It's fun!" 'Nuff said. I give the JumpSport Folding Fitness Trampoline 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun new way to shake up their cardio routine.

Disclaimer: I was sent the JumpSport Model 350f for review purposes. I receive no compensation for posting. As always opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Happy Valentine's Day To Me

2012-02-14T03:30:00.003-07:00

I decided my Valentine to myself this year would be updated progress pics. For years I RAN from the camera. It's been a long road of ups and downs. I've worked hard. I'm proud of what I've accomplished so far...and I'm done running from the camera.

My current pics:

Size 22 Size 9/10

Happy Valentine's Day! Love YOU today.

The Secret World of Arrietty Sneak Peek

2012-02-12T09:33:00.003-07:00

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to attend an advanced screening of The Secret World of Arrietty at the UA Colorado Center Theater. My teen, my little brother, and myself have been excited about this movie for months. We love all things Studio Ghibli. However, I was curious whether it would be appropriate for my littler ones (I'm a very picky mama).

About the film:

Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all. From the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Spirited Away,” “Ponyo”) comes “The Secret World of Arrietty,” an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.” Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty (AIR-ee-ett-ee) remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger. The English language version of “The Secret World of Arrietty” was executive produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, and directed by Gary Rydstrom. The film hits theaters Feb. 17, 2012.

Hubby and I absolutely loved this movie. It's cute, it's funny, it's full of adventure, and it's visually striking. As I said, I'm a very picky mama when it comes to my kids and movies; I will absolutely be taking my 6 and 8 year olds (as well as the teen of course) to see The Secret World of Arrietty. I found it very appropriate for my little ones. Not only appropriate, but I just know that they are going to love it.

Disclaimer: I was given an opportunity to see this movie as a member of the reviewing press (yes, I felt special). I am not paid for posting about it and as always opinions are my 100% honest and my own.

Purple Smoothie Recipe

2012-02-09T04:00:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite smoothie recipe lately. Especially love it post workout...and it's really purple, which is fun.

Purple Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

1 scoop vanilla whey protein

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 cup frozen strawberries

Blend well in your blender. I like mine thick, so sometimes I add an extra frozen strawberry or two. It's seriously more like ice cream that way.

Enjoy! Let me know if you try it.

Review: Personal Training With Jackie 30 Day Fast Start

2012-02-08T04:00:00.001-07:00

Jackie Warner's latest workout DVD is Personal Training With Jackie 30 Day Fast Start. Now, I've never met a Jackie Warner DVD that I didn't LOVE...but this one, I'm on the fence about.

From the back of the DVD:
Get a FAST START and transform your body from head to toe using Jackie's secret power Pyramid Training method pulled straight from the programs she uses with celebrity clients. Pyramid training is the fastest way to see changes in your body whether you are just starting out or need to break through a plateau. In these two power packed workouts you'll perform pyramid sets that combine Jackie's handpicked, dynamically sequenced moves with high rep progression to put you in the ultimate fat burning zone. You'll overload every major muscle group which is the fastest way to build lean muscle and turn your body into a fat burning machine! You'll work hard, but it's worth it for these results. Stick with this program for 30 days and take your body to the lean extreme!

This DVD is set up into two workouts. A 24 minute upper body routine and a 21 minute lower body and abs routines (which although it doesn't say so also includes shoulders). You can do the workouts together or separately. However, if you do them together they are merely stacked and you don't skip the warm-up and cool-down portions; you will do warm-up, upper body, cool-down, warm-up, lower body and abs, cool-down.

For this workout you will need a set of hand weights and possibly a mat if you prefer one.

The workouts are set up in 'power pyramids'. For example, you will do one bi-cep curl and one push-up. Then you do two bi-cep curls and two push-ups. You continue up until you reach ten bi-cep curls and ten push-ups. Then you move on to another set of two moves and another pyramid.

This is a unique workout unlike any I've tried before. It is definitely tough and you will absolutely feel it the next day or so. I found myself so sore afterwards that I had a hard time talking myself into doing it again! I have never had my arms be as sore as they were after this workout. After I'd done it 4 or 5 times it wasn't as bad.

It's a kick butt workout. It's fresh and different from anything I've tried. So why am I on the fence? Well, the pace. Especially the pace in the upper body portion. No matter how light I went with my weights I could just not keep up. I also found it difficult to focus on good form and the muscles I was supposed to be working. Many times I had to skip portions of the pyramids; for example I might completely skip the 4 and 7 reps just to keep up. Now, there's something to be said for going at your own pace, but at the same time I buy workout DVDs so that I can follow along with the workouts.

Overall I give Personal Training With Jackie 30 Day Fast Start 3.5 stars. The set is clean yet edgy and the music is good. It's a killer workout, if you can keep up or not be annoyed with keeping your own counts and lagging behind. I definitely recommend going very light with weights the first time you try it, just to see where you're at with it.

Disclaimer: This DVD was provided to me for review by the PR company. As always opinions are 100% honest and my own. For basic fitviews review info click here.

Review: Jillian Michaels Extreme Shed & Shred

2012-02-07T04:00:00.001-07:00

Jillian Michaels' latest workout DVD is Extreme Shed & Shred. From the back of the DVD:

Jillian Michaels Extreme Shed & Shred is a fat-blasting, total body workout designed to help you drop pounds and get SHREDDED fast! This exciting fusion style workout blends everything from kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to yoga and weight training in order to get you in incredible shape quickly while you have fun doing it. There are two 45-minute workouts that range in difficulty level, offering everything from intermediate to advanced moves while giving modifications for the beginner and the extreme athlete looking for a challenge.

As it says, this DVD is broken down into Level 1 and Level 2. The DVD says two 45 minute workouts, but during the workout Jillian calls them two 30 minute workouts. Confused? I was. So I timed them. Level 1 was 43 minutes (including the warm-up and cool-down) and Level 2 was 52 minutes (including the warm-up and cool-down). The warm-up and cool-down are a bit longer in this DVD; the warm-up was a little over 6 minutes and the cool-down was about 8 minutes. This includes about 2 minutes of what I would call a relaxation/pep talk Jillian gives at the end of the cool-down. You could of course skip that to save time.

As is typical of Jillian's DVDs this is set up in circuits. You go through each circuit twice. Jillian calls this a 'fusion' workout; it includes all kinds of different moves. There are body weight moves, moves using hand weights, yoga, martial arts inspired moves, cardio, isometric holds, high intensity intervals, and some kickboxing. For example, in Level 1 circuit 1 you do:
Burpees with a lateral jump
Down dog with your opposite hand on opposite ankle isometric hold
Boxing combo punches
Hindu squats
Circle runs

Then repeat

Jillian encourages you to do Level 1 and 2 together. I did that, once, and it is a killer workout that way. Seriously, I didn't want to get off the floor after that.

During Level 1 I burned 355 calories and during Level 2 I burned 419 calories. I did most of the advanced forms of the moves and I used 8 lb weights. This is according to my fitness level and in no way a recommendation to anyone else. When I did the DVD all at once I burned 695 calories (I definitely felt myself slacking by the end of level 2 when doing it all at once).

This is an intense DVD with modifications available for beginner through advanced. I would not however recommend this to an absolute beginner. This is a TOUGH workout, even Level 1. I found many of the moves very challenging. It's a sweat in my eyes kind of workout. If you have been doing 30 Day Shred and are looking to bump it up a notch, this DVD is it.

If you are a Jillian fan you will love this DVD. If you're not, well, she's still Jillian as ever here. She teases about ending Basheerah (one of the back row) with this workout. Typical Jillian stuff. The only part that really bothered me was she says you should feel a 'tearing' in your side/obliques during a triangle pose hold. To me this is the wrong word. A tearing would describe the feeling during an injury. I think she just meant you should really feel it in this area, but I feel the need to point this out. To me it's simply a poor choice of words.

As with her Ripped in 30 DVD there is a 30 day meal plan you can download as a PDF. It is an approximately 1400 calorie a day plan and includes recipes. Meals range 300-400 calories and snacks roughly 200 calories. The plan calls for breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner. The DVD also includes a 30 day free trial of her site.

I enjoyed this DVD and will definitely keep it in my workout rotation. It is very challenging and different from any of her other workouts. The set is clean and not distracting and the music is good, not cheesy or annoying. I give Extreme Shed & Shred 4 stars and definitely recommend it to everyone looking for a challenge.

Disclaimer: You can find my personal stats and basic review info here. I purchased this DVD and this is in no way a sponsored post.

Review: Brooks Pure Cadence

2012-02-06T04:00:00.014-07:00

I was sent this pair of Brooks Pure Cadence from Onlineshoes.com. I've never run in Brooks Shoes before, but I have to say I'm pretty smitten.

From the Brooks site:

Lean construction fuses with a responsive fit in the PureCadence. For Guidance to Support runners, this shoe delivers more support through smart, streamlined features such as a wider Nav Band that’s locked in to the medial strike pod. A reinforced heel counter secures the foot and the internal PDRB helps prevent overpronation. The PureCadence gives runners who need more stability the chance to experience the feel of a natural foot strike with a lightweight, breathable shoe.

Just like our core line, we hold PureProject to the industry’s highest weartest and durability standards. Because of their lightweight construction and fewer materials, runners should generally expect shoes from the PureProject line to last approximately 250-300 miles.

Category: Support
Weight: 8.3 oz
Platform: Anatomical Last
Construction: Stroebel
Launch Date: October 1, 2011
Technologies
• BioMoGo DNA Midsole
• IDEAL Heel
• Toe Flex
• Nav Band
• Anatomical Last

What’s unique to this shoe?

• Nav Band locks into midsole

• More grounded Toe Flex

• Reinforced heel counter secures heel

• Medial pod works with center strike pod for balance

• Internal PDRB (Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar)

First, let me be clear that the Brooks Pure Cadence is NOT a barefoot shoe. However, I do not usually go for a barefoot shoe, simply a more minimal pared down shoe. These fit the bill perfectly. They are low profile, light weight, and have a low heel drop.

While I find these to be not quite as minimal as I prefer, I still like the feel of this shoe. It's very light and I felt fast! I also noticed that I felt like I was doing better at landing mid-foot instead of heel striking in these. A huge plus to me as this is something I'm working on.

The Pure Cadence offers more arch support and stability for overpronating than many minimal shoes and I would say it'd be perfect for the runner that needs a little more stability/support yet still wants to try a lighter, more minimal shoe.

If you have a wide foot, this may not be the shoe for you. It is a snug/hugging my arches fit. I found that I preferred thinner socks with this shoe. Also, I couldn't spread my toes quite as much as some minimal shoes I've tried. All of that said though, I really like the feel of this shoe on my foot.

If you know me, you now I care how the shoe looks as much as how it performs. I have to say, this is a good looking shoe. It comes in a turquoise color that is gorgeous:

This color:

And even the black like I have has pops of electric purple that really spice up a boring black shoe:

The men's shoe comes in:

Have you tried any of the shoes from the Brooks pure project? Thoughts?

Disclaimer: Onlineshoes.com sent me these shoes for review. I receive no compensation for this post and as always opinions are 100% honest and my own.

#paleochat Feedback

2012-02-03T05:35:00.002-07:00

Thank you to everyone that attended the first #paleochat last night! I had a blast...and was relieved not to be chatting with myself. The supportive and encouraging, yet informative tone of the chat was awesome.

In 1 hour we generated nearly 500,000 impressions and reached over 30,000 followers. I'm a numbers nerd, I like to see that stuff. Not bad for a first chat that's wasn't company sponsored or doing giveaways.

For those who attended, or would like to in the future:
Would you prefer a weekly chat (every Thursday) or a monthly chat (the first Thursday of every month)?
Last night's chat was 9 EST, would 8 or 8:30 EST be better for you?
Any other thoughts??

Goal Check

2012-01-31T06:12:00.001-07:00

Why yes, that is a random picture of me and TJ at fitbloggin last year. No, not related to this post at all. Aren't we cute though? ;)

I had a mild freak out this morning when I realized it was the last day of January. How did that happen? This month flew by. It seems like a good time to check in on my 2012 fitness goals and see how I'm doing.

My fitness goals for 2012 are:

Run 3 5ks.
Run a sub 30 minute 5k.
Do 1 pull-up and 1 chin-up.
Workout consistently. 5 days a week.

What I did
January was a great month for me. I accomplished a lot in several areas of my life, including fitness and these goals. Goal 4, consistency, was my focus. I am happy to report that I worked out 4 or 5 days each week this month. As for goal 2 I did several speed workouts on the treadmill this month. In working towards goal 3 I have been focusing on consistent strength training.

What I did not
I didn't get my 5ks planned for goal 1. Also, I still don't have a pull up bar for goal 3.

What I plan to do differently in February
First, I will sit down and plan my races. As far as a pull up bar, hubby offered to make me one. This will go on his honey do list for February. Lucky guy. Also, while I did get 4 OR 5 workouts in each week, I really want to have that be 5 workouts every week in February.

Overall I feel like I've made good progress for January. More still needs to be done and I look forward to focusing on those things in February. I've also decided enough is enough with putting off taking updated progress pics of myself. SO, February 14th...no matter what, I will have updated progress pics on here. It'll be my little valentine to myself.

How was your January? What do you hope to do differently for February?

You're Invited To The First... #paleochat

2012-01-24T16:20:00.002-07:00

If you follow me on twitter you are likely aware that I'm fond of twitter chats. I am, I admit it. I realize that twitter by nature is meant for 'chatting', so why twitter chats? Well, because it's a specific time and date for people to get together and chat on a specific topic. Otherwise twitter is mostly hit and miss.

Lately I have found myself wishing there was a paleo-centric chat...and well, I finally just decided to start one!

The first ever #paleochat will be Thursday February 2, 2012 at 7:00 pm mountain time (6 pacific, 8 central, 9 eastern).

To follow along simply search the hashtag #paleochat on twitter and add it to your tweets during the chat. Or (as I like to do) you can use tweetchat.com and enter the hashtag, this will automatically also add the hashtag to your tweets.

I hope this can be a positive, supportive, informative chat for anyone following a paleo/primal lifestyle, or simply curious about them. To give structure to the chat I (@KerriOlkjer) will be asking questions in the usual twitter chat format Q1, Q2, etc. But please feel free to ask questions of the group, share, etc.

Comment below if you can make it!! Questions? Ask away.

Daily Tracking 1/23

2012-01-24T06:24:00.001-07:00

I started out the year fully intending to do tracking posts or daily vlogs 3 to 5 days a week. Well, that hasn't happened. It's been more like once a week! I'll be working on that for February.

Yesterday, my eats:

Coffee with 2 tablespoons organic half & half.

Breakfast was a smoothie with 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, 1 cup frozen strawberries, and 1 scoop vanilla whey.

For a snack I had some of this new beef jerky I bought. It's pretty good.

For lunch I had chicken salad. Chicken breast with 2 stalks of celery, some white onion, and my paleo mayo.

Afternoon snack was another cup of coffee and a Cashew Cookie Larabar.

Somehow I managed to NOT snap a pic of my dinner. It was steak and cooked carrots. Yesterday was my rest day, so no workout.

Things I'm Loving Right Now -- January

2012-01-23T04:00:00.003-07:00

Find me on Polyvore

Well, that's it...my January Loves. How about you? What are you loving this month? I've got a ton of new and exciting things I'm trying out for February, so that video/list will be looonger ;)

FTC Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post. Some links are affiliate links, some are not. Some items were sent to me for review, some were not. Opinions as always are 100% honest and my own.

I give my kids Diet Coke... what?

2012-01-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

What do you think? Do you give your kids Diet Coke?

My Game Plan to KILL That Sub 30 5k in 2012

2012-01-19T07:14:00.001-07:00

THIS keeps me motivated to keep at it.

One of my goals for 2012 is a sub 30 minute 5k. I. Will. Get. It. This is the year I make goals and then make plans on how to reach them and then go get them! No wishy washy setting goals and forgetting about them here. This is the year I run a faster 5k.

To reach my sub 30 minute goal I need to shave roughly 3 minutes off of my 5k time. Now that may sound like a lot to more advanced runners, but I'm still very much in the improving stages of running. While I have ran for about 5 years now, injury (my hip) has periodically taken me out and consistency has been my struggle. The last time I set out to best my 5k time I shaved off 6 minutes!

My game plan to kill this sub 30 minute 5k this year (thanks to all of my fitfluential running friends for their advice!):

LOTS of speed work. LOTS. I'll be doing some on the treadmill, some on the track, and a little on dirt paths. I've been given lots of speed workout ideas and I'm going to take them...and run ;)
Core work. I always slack on this. Well, not this year! I'm going to include core work with every weights workout I do.
Slowly up my miles a bit. Since I'm still coming back from my hip acting up last fall I'll be upping my mileage a bit, but not going crazy. Likely I will only run 3 days a week. I tend towards over-training and I'll err on the side of caution here.
Cross training! This will mostly be in the form of weights, core work, and other forms of cardio. Tons of cross training will be happening up in here.
Hill Workouts. I know the perfect hill for this. I'll shoot for a couple times a month.
Lose a little more weight. I am still sort of heavy for a runner, hanging out around 175 pounds still. A lighter me will mean a faster me.

That's my plan...now I'm off to get busy doing this thing!

Review: Transform Your Body With Brooke Burke Strengthen & Condition

2012-01-17T13:22:00.003-07:00

From the back of the DVD:

Brooke Burke, TV star, entrepreneur, author and 40-year-old mother of four, will help you strengthen and condition your muscles efficiently. Celebrity trainer Greg Joujon-Rouche joins Brooke in helping you transform your body and reach your goals by leading a challenging and dynamic workout that exercises every muscle. In this fun calorie burning workout, Brooke and Greg target three main muscle groups - the upper body, the core and the lower body - leading the way toward a stronger, healthier and happier you!

As I say in the video above, I really love this workout. I love that it's so positive, encouraging, and even FUN. The abs/core portion is amazing (and my favorite part). I enjoy the instructors and definitely feel like I've gotten a great workout at the end. Happily give it 4.5 stars and recommend it!

My review of Transform Your Body With Brooke Burke Tone & Tighten

Disclaimer: I received this DVD for review from the PR company. I receive no compensation and as ALWAYS thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own.

A Little Sunday Fun

2012-01-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

Some of my fitness blogger friends...and me ;)

Daily Tracking 1/10/12

2012-01-11T07:54:00.003-07:00

First things first of course. I had two cups of coffee with real cream.

Breakfast was an omelet with mushrooms and onions made in coconut oil. Hubby surprised me with it while I was working on a review post, what a guy.

My workout was this:

I did the entire DVD, about an hour.

Post workout I had a banana (which I didn't get a pic of) and then this smoothie for lunch. It's frozen blueberries, unsweetened coconut milk and vanilla whey protein. Yum.

More coffee. I drink more coffee when I'm cold, do you? With real cream again of course.

Baby carrots for snack, no idea why the pic turned out so bad.

Dinner was turkey meatballs with green salad topped with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. I had seconds on the meatballs ;)

Happy Wednesday!

Review: Transform Your Body With Brooke Burke Tone & Tighten

2012-01-10T08:47:00.008-07:00

One thing I hope to do a lot of in 2012 is branch out and try new things. I want to shake things up! New workouts, new trainers, get out of my rut of going to the same trainers, same workouts, same DVDs all of the time. So when I saw Brooke Burke was coming out with workout DVDs I immediately reached out to the PR company.

I was excited to try these DVDs and apprehensive at the same time. Would they be just another one of those celebrity workouts? Would I enjoy Brooke Burke as an instructor?

First, a little info from the back of this DVD:

Author, 40-year-old mother of four, TV star and entrepreneur Brooke Burke proves that you can have an amazing body at any age. She knows what it takes to tone and tighten her body and now she is going to share those secrets with you. In this challenging fat burning workout, Brooke leads you through an engaging sequence of dynamic exercises to help you reach your goals. Whether you're just getting started or ready for a hardcore workout, Brooke Burke will help you transform your body!

The workout consists of three workouts that can be customized; you can do all three together, separately, or any combination. There is a warm up, lower body, upper body, core, and cool down. If you do the entire workout together (as I do) it's roughly 63 minutes.

This is a total body workout that uses body weight and dumbbells for resistance. You will do most moves for one minute at a pace that allows you to focus on correct form as well as the muscles you're working. The sequencing of the moves is intended to take muscles to failure.

For this workout you will need a set of dumbbells to suit your ability level and possibly a mat if you prefer one. Beginners could do this workout without weights, and there are modifications shown for beginners. Advanced exercisers can simply up their weights.

This DVD was one surprise after another for me.

This is an amazing workout! I burned 445 calories doing the whole thing. Considering it's not hard core cardio this shocked me. If you take out the warm up, cool down, etc that's a great burn in the time (it's roughly 45 to 50 minutes of actual workout time).
I loooooved Brooke Burke as an instructor. Seriously, I could gush here for paragraphs. She is patient, pleasant, and encouraging. She consistently encourages you to "listen to your body" and "be in your body". She's just a joy to workout with. Love her.
The workout was fun and I couldn't wait to do it again after completing it the first time. It wasn't one of those what-a-kick-butt-workout-now-I-have-to-convince-myself-to-do-it-again workouts. I enjoy it. In fact I cannot remember the last time I was this instantly smitten with a workout. Probably 30 Day Shred (no, the two are nothing alike).
There were moves I'd never done before. Not sure why this surprised me, but it did. AND I loved these new moves. My muscles were shaking at the end of several of the sequences.
I was mega sore the next day. OK, after finishing the workout I wasn't that surprised, but I was s-o-r-e (in a good way of course). This is a great workout!

I enthusiastically give this workout 5 stars and absolutely recommend it. I love it and it will be one of my go-to workouts starting out this new year!

My review of Brooke Burke's other DVD Strengthen & Condition

You can find my basic review info here.
Disclaimer: I was sent this DVD by the PR company for review. I was not compensated for this post and as always opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Polyvore Fitness Fashion

2012-01-08T09:24:00.008-07:00

I have a new obsession. Polyvore. I am in love with creating fitness fashion sets! Thought I'd share a few:

Pink/Gray Run by kerriolkjer featuring running shoes

Top
lululemon.com

Nike activewear
$38 - nike.com

Nike activewear
$48 - nike.com

Thorlo white socks
$15 - nordstrom.com

NIKE running shoes
$100 - nike.com

Oakley Oil Rig White Sunglasses
$120 - pacsun.com

Nike Run by kerriolkjer featuring nike activewear

Nike activewear
$56 - dickssportinggoods.com

Nike activewear
$45 - nike.com

Nike activewear
$15 - nike.com

Nike
$15 - nike.com

NIKE running shoes
$90 - nordstrom.com

NIKE black hair accessory
$16 - nike.com

Oakley sunglasses
$110 - oakley.com

Purple Run by kerriolkjer featuring rectangular sunglasses

NIKE black top
$60 - nike.com

Nike activewear
$32 - nike.com

Nike
$75 - nike.com

Nike
$15 - nike.com

NIKE black shoes
$54 - nike.com

Oakley rectangular sunglasses
$80 - macys.com

Apocalypse Violet iPod nano 6th Gen Skin, Apocalypse Violet iPod nano...
£3.22 - istyles.com

Just Kickin Around by kerriolkjer featuring sweatshirt hoodies

Under Armour black v neck t shirt
$25 - finishline.com

Sweatshirt hoody
underarmour.com

Under armour
underarmour.com

Athletic shoes
$90 - finishline.com

Disclaimer: not a sponsored post, not affiliate links. Just fun.

Planning For Success Part 2

2012-01-08T04:00:00.007-07:00

In my planning for success video I mentioned my prep work. This video shows the food prep work I did last Sunday. Thought I'd break it into it's own video since part one was so long.

I forgot to show the paleo mayo I made while the egg quiches were baking. You can find most of these recipes under my Recipes tab.

I know that it looks like a lot, but honestly it takes an hour, maybe a little more and it makes my entire week go better. My kids and I have good healthy snack options and my breakfast and lunch can be grab and go on days when I need it.

Do you do any food prep to help streamline your week?

Easy Paleo Chicken Salad

2012-01-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

This is an easy go-to lunch recipe for me. I generally cook up chicken breasts ahead on Sundays, so I can just grab and make. Sometimes I double or triple it for my family, but I'll give you the single serving recipe.

Easy Paleo Chicken Salad
1 Chicken breast
1 Tblsp perfect paleo mayo
1/2 to 1 Tblsp minced onions (I usually just eyeball this) Use whatever onion you have
6 to 8 grapes (or it's equally good with 1/2 an apple) chopped

That's it. Because my paleo mayo recipe is already seasoned I don't add anything else.

Enjoy!

Perfect Paleo Mayo Recipe

2012-01-07T07:19:00.005-07:00

OK, well, I think it's the perfect paleo/primal mayo recipe! I've tried many and they were really good...but not quite right to my tastebuds. I've played around with my recipe and this latest attempt is my favorite. It's super easy and takes no time to make.

Paleo Mayo

1 pasteurized egg
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp yellow mustard
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
1 cup light olive oil (not extra virgin, just light tasting) OR walnut oil

Put the egg, lemon juice, mustard, sea salt and white pepper in your blender and blend well. Then take the little peep hole top off your blender and slowly drizzle in your oil while blending. I just did this on low. Keep refrigerated. Also, be aware that it won't last forever in your refrigerator like store bought (preservative loaded) mayo. I usually just make what my family of 5 can use in a week.

Why do I make my own mayo? Well, most brands are made with soybean oil first. And second, have you read the back of a mayo bottle?

This recipe goes great in my easy paleo chicken salad. Some may be shocked I use a full fat mayo. But I do. Homemade with good healthy fats. It's all about portion control.

Enjoy!