So this is kind of fun...this week's video is my first (unexpected!) off-site video. I recorded it after feeling the glorious (much needed) effects of a little lifestyle solution I happened to bring with me on a trip to New York. I sound a little froggy, but hey, REAL LIFE! Also, the YogaAddict socks/gloves I use aren't available right now on Amazon but this Gaiam set is comparable in styling, reasonably priced (less than $20), and the reviews look favorable. Enjoy!
Given that I’m a freelancer, one thing I’ve been trying to get better at is doing quarterly check-ins on my finances. And it occurred to me that it would be good to do something similar with my 2016 intentions given that it’s so easy to make resolutions or set intentions and then forget about them! To get up to speed with mine, you can read my original intentions post; below is a check-in, which, as you can see, I've had mixed results! If you feel compelled to share what you’re working on I would love to hear it!
Yesterday, thanks to the fine folks at Babble, I was honored to be part of a White House conversation regarding the health of U.S. children. As many of you know, I'm passionate about the various dimensions of healthy living -- nutrition, fitness, mental health -- and it was amazing to hear from some seriously rock star women (from USDA, HHS, and more) about all that has been accomplished through Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! program.
I've been wrestling with a foot injury for a couple of months and have been avoiding professional consultation (because I'm pretty certain they'll just tell me to saw my bunions off) in favor of massage therapy and as much yoga as possible. My friend Michael recommended this Yoga Studio app to me a few weeks ago and I have used it almost every day since downloading it! Here's why I love it and recommend you give it a try. Enjoy, and namaste!
I've been meaning to post about outdoor rinks FOREVER, but every time I've adjusted my editorial calendar to post, the weather got weirdly warm! So finally, here we go! Here's a roundup of 19 outdoor spots to skate, alphabetically ordered by city/town. Check out individual links for condition updates, skate rental availability, and -- in my opinion rather critically -- snack and hot cocoa availability! And for less temperature dependent options, check out this roundup of 41 indoor rinks.
On Wednesday I attended a fun event hosted by New Balance at MyStryde in the North End. I was interested in popping in both because I'm a runner (MyStryde is a brand new indoor running studio) and because I had never set foot on a treadmill before -- no joke! I think this has been due in part because I like running outside, and also because I've held a vision of Bill Murray a la Lost In Translation in my mind. I was convinced I'd be treadmill roadkill!
Last month when I was in Seattle at the Office Champions Summit, I learned about the Microsoft Band. And at the risk of sounding like a complete weirdo, the Band has become my new BFF. Easy to set up (just pop it out of the box, sync to your phone, and download the Microsoft Health app), the Band spans both wellness and productivity (more on that in a second) and syncs with Windows Phone, Android, and iPhone. (And if you're using it with a Windows Phone, you can take notes and set reminders by voice using Cortana. WHAT?!)
I love yoga, but my need for yoga increases considerably when I’m traveling and/or training for a long race. When I was in Chicago last month, my friend Nicole introduced me to the concept of yoga gloves and I recently bought this Yoga[Addict] glove + sock set
. And this week when I was in Seattle, the yoga gloves/socks were a lifesaver given that my back and neck were a wreck from my flight and my legs were tight from a 12-mile training run.
Today, Rene shares 5 HIIT workouts that have been kicking her rump -- in no time at all:
Looking to get in shape but have no time, no gym membership, and no idea where to start? Check out HIIT workouts to get the blood pumping and the sweat rolling. HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training, where a series of exercises are performed at high speed with high intensity in a short amount of time, with short breaks between sets. (You might also see these called Tabata workouts. Same principle.)
Between Laurel doing Girls on the Run and Violet being a high energy preschooler, my girls basically don't stop moving. And this fall, they've been running around in New Balance (thanks, New Balance!), which always offers a colorful assortment of kicks for kids. But especially cute and deserving as a Friday Find pick? Their zoo-inspired infant/preschool sneaker collection; these adorable shoes feature easy on/off closure + lightweight styling that make it easy for kids to get up and go (and go, and go).
Running typically is my favorite efficient way to exercise, but this season it’s been a total slog. My body has just not been feeling particularly spry and last week I felt pretty rock bottom about it all. I queried via social media about this topic and was amazed by the response! I wanted to share these great tips with you, because let’s face it, everyone gets in a fitness funk from time to time.
Yesterday a friend asked me whether I had any advice to share as she tackles her first half marathon this weekend. I gave her my favorite tips and joked about turning them into a post. Then this morning I realized it was National Running Day (thank you, internet) and figured, hey, perfect time to share these tips! These tips are great for race newbies, or anyone really. I use them all the time.
Despite my training in statistics, I'm someone who likes data, but not too much data. Subsequently, I'm loving my Misfit Shine activity and sleep tracker (which I unexpectedly won at Mom 2.0!). It's minimalist in design (countless friends have noticed it on my wrist and asked me about it), operation (it measures distance traveled, calories burned, and sleep), and setup (just pop in the battery, download the app, lay the Shine on your phone to sync, and done). No daily data entry; no need to charge it up.
It has felt amazing to get back out running these last couple of weeks; it’s pretty much the only time when I'm alone with my thoughts! A couple of years ago, after reading reviews and trying them on in-store, I bought my first pair of Mizuno Wave Prophecy runners and they are awesome. I have cranky feet (bunions, etc.) and these shoes are wonderfully lightweight and supportive (and colorful!). I bought my second pair last fall and am eyeing these colorful new models when it's time to replace my current pair!
