Wonder Mom Wednesday-Why I Exercise

It's 5:20 pm. The kids are tired, they are screaming at each other and complaining about dinner. The oldest refuses to eat and gets sent to his room in a tirade. The youngest spills his lemonade all over the floor. The dog is right under my feet and won't move away. Soccer practice starts in 10 minutes. It's at this moment I want to scream, yell and run away. But I don't because I was able to exercise today. I breathe deep and count to three because I ran.

Exercising everyday allows me to be a better mom to my kids. It makes me a more patient and kind person. After the birth of my first child I suffered post partum depression and anxiety. Before children I was active and never really gave exercise much thought, I just did it. After kids, exercise was the furthest thing from my mind. I was lucky just to get a meal or a shower during the day. My mood started slipping deeper and deeper in a dark place. It wasn't until a few years later I stood on the sidelines of Ironman Arizona cheering for my brother as he crossed the finshline. I saw something in his face as soon as he crossed and I longed to feel like he did at that exact moment. It was at that moment I made a commitment to sign up for a triathlon. While training and devoting all my time to swimming biking and running, my mood started changing. I was becoming less anxious and more relaxed. Over the years I found that on the days I exercise I can handle just about anything. My frustrations are taken out on the bike or pounding the pavement in my running shoes.

What are some of the main reasons why you exercise?

This post is part of the Wonder Mom Wednesday Link-up with Sue at This Mama Runs For Cupcakes and Susan with Mom Swim Bike Run. Link up your post at the bottom. If you can't join us this week be sure and join next week to share your favorite Sneaky Recipe (you know the one the kids love but you really hide good stuff in it).

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

Wonder Mom Wednesdays- Back to School

I'm excited to announce a new blog link-up that I will be hosting with a couple other bloggers; Sue blogs at This Mama Runs for Cupcakes and Susan from Mom Swim Bike Run. I have been following their blogs for quite some time so it's an honor to host this link-up with them. Please head on over and check out their pages!

What is a link-up? A link-up is a way to connect with other bloggers, join in on fun topics and grow your blog audience. As a blogger it's a way to show off your stuff! You may attract new readers that want to stick around and isn't that the point of blogging? One thing Wonder Mom Wednesday encourages is that if you link your post, please visit and comment on at least two other blogs. If you come back each week to link-up try and find two new blogs. Also it's good blogger etiquette to use the Wonder Mom Wednesday graphic in your post or at least reference/link to the hostesses blogs.

Our topics will be different each week. We will post all of the topics for the next month so you can plan your link-ups ahead of time. No need to scramble the day before to come up with content. Feel free to join in on as many or as few link-ups as you would like. Most of our posts will be "mothering" or "fitness" related. Why Wonder Mom? Well because we all know deep down inside most of us mommies feel like Wonder Woman! We encourage anyone to link-up with us. Take the weekly topic and interpret it into a blog post however you would like.

This week's topic is: Back To School

Ahhhhh three little words that are music to this Mama's ears! 

Don't get me wrong I love my kids and I enjoy staying home with them but summers are extremely stressful for all of us. My kids enjoy going to school (they'll openly admit that) and being off a schedule is confusing for them. They crave a constant routine and those daily mental challenges that school brings for them. 

Back to school is a fun time for my kids. We have some traditions that we like to do the first week of school:

Back to school breakfast: I usually make something fun for them on the first day. This year my "littles" asked for cinnamon rolls. I couldn't argue so cinnamon rolls it was!

Photos by the door: I take their pictures in the same spot every year so we can see how much they grow from year to year. Even when they are in high school I'll still try and get that same picture. It may not be posed but I'll try!

Lunchbox notes: My oldest is at that age where it's not cool to have "I love you notes" in his lunchbox. I just sneak those in later on in the day. Instead I fill his lunchbox everyday with fun facts. Facts such as: Cat urine glows under a black-light or A dime has 118 ridges around the edge. I'm sure his facts are read aloud at lunch and are enjoyed by many classmates.

School supplies and a surprise If we don't get the class supply list ahead of time we usually shop that first week of school. This way I can ask the teacher if there are additional items she/he may need or if she has way too much of another item. My kids love shopping for their supplies. They read the list and eagerly fill the basket with each and every item. I always let them pick out a small school related surprise which is typically a special pen or lunchbox. 

And what do I do on the first day of school? Go home after drop-off, grab a cup of coffee, sit in silence and wait until I get to go pick them up to hear all about their adventures!

What back to school traditions does your family have?

Next week's topic 8/27/14: Reasons Why I Exercise (again you can take this topic and interpret how you would like).

Overnight Relay Packing- Hood to Coast

My head is spinning. My anxiety is in over-drive. I'm trying to fit it all in before I take off on an airplane to Seattle for Hood to Coast on Wednesday. Between finalizing schedules, making sure the house is stocked with meals (because I'm pretty sure my husband and kids just might live on pizza/beer for 5 days, if I don't stock up) pick-ups and what kid is going where...

I have to pack. And boy do I have to pack!

I've never done a relay so here is me taking a guess at what I am supposed to bring. Let's hope I have it all. I'm bringing one large bag (my Ogio should be big enough) to hold all my clothes since we have various things on our agenda that require a "non sweaty stinky relay" attire. And I am also bringing my new Apera Active Pack, pink of course! I plan to leave the big suitcase at Nuun headquarters and just bring the pink backpack in the van since space is limited.

Here's what is coming with me on the relay:

• Shoes (2 running pairs, flip flops,) 
• 3 run outfits packed in large Ziploc bags The bags not only hold your running gear nice and neat but they also serve as a way to get rid of the stinky sweaty ones. Just zip the stinky clothes up and tuck those away. I'll be sure and warn my family when I return home to step away from the laundry room! I also threw in a couple extra bags in case not everything fit. It's important to keep the nasty clothes away from the clean ones. The run outfits of course must all be color-coordinated with our team: Team Nuun Energy Wild Berry. So you'll see a lot of blue and hot pink on me during the race. I'm most excited to wear the two-tone glitter skirt that Katie from Chase this Skirt custom made for all the Nuun ladies.
• Phone, charger, iPad and portable charger Notice that this is the third most important item? I mean I'm a blogger what did you expect? I'd probably forgo eating just to save space for my phone, charger and iPad! Not really but you get the point. The portable charger is a small little charger that I picked up from Target. It gives you extra battery life when you don't have access to a plug or the van outlets are all being used. Our van is filled with awesome bloggers and social media fanatics, so I can imagine we will be competing for outlet space!
• Cold weather run gear Sure it's 135 degrees in Arizona right now but Oregon gets chilly. And I'll be running a nighttime leg so I want to be warm. The gloves might be a little much but you just never know.
• Emergency rain poncho Again it's Oregon so it could rain during one of my legs. And with my luck it would be all three.
• Headlamp The first item I bought when I found out I made the Nuun Hood to Coast team a pink (of course) headlamp. It was sort of my "yay this is really happening" present to myself. It seemed like so long ago I talked about using the red light feature on it but now I'm getting ready to use it for real. I don't plan to turn the red light on.
• Travel pillow, sleeping bag or blanket I'm not sure how much actual sleeping I will be doing but I am bringing a sleeping bag. It will be nice if we get a chance to stretch out somewhere and even just a hour or two is better than nothing.
• Comfy clothes I plan on bringing a set of comfortable clothes to snooze in. I'm pretty sure I will want to change out of my sweaty run clothes (if not my vanmates will make me).

It will be tough to cram all this in to one backpack but I have to remember that van space is limited. Is there anything important I am missing? Leave me a note below if you can think of anything!

Also be sure and follow our journey on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you search using the hashatgs noted in the graphic below, you can follow each and every one of our posts.

Vanilla Bean Pineapple Infused Water

This recipe has been in the back of my mind for several months now and I am finally getting around to post it. In May we visited Maui and one morning while staying at the Kaanapali Westin I decided to go for a run. On the way back from my run, I discovered that each morning the resort would set up an area with different infused waters. That particular day I happened to sample the one called Pineapple Vanilla. To my surprise it was delicious! I filled up my cup 6 times (yes I counted). I  later learned that each day the resort would have a new mix. Sadly that was the only day it was offered during the remainder of our week. When I came home I tried to find the exact recipe but no such luck. I did a little mixing myself and came up with a very similar tasting recipe just like the Westin. Aloha and enjoy!

Tri Talk Tuesday- Lessons

This week's Tri Talk Tuesday is all about the lessons I have learned as a triathlete. While I'm only in my third year of doing triathlons, I feel like I have learned a few things here and there. Every race is a learning experience so I still have much more learning to do.

20 things I have learned about triathlons:

• If you are new to triathlons, ask a pro or at least someone who looks like one. But just like pregnancy advice, be prepared for a bunch of information at one time. 
• Don't wait until race day to try out your wetsuit the first time.
• If sand was involved in the swim, take the time to wash your feet before you put on your socks for the run. That little pebble will feel like a boulder in your shoe around mile 8 of the run.
• Find a good pair of bike shorts.
• On any distance longer than a sprint, reapply sunscreen before going out on the run. 
• If you think you look ridiculous in spandex, you probably do. But it's the one place where everyone is dressed the same so no need to worry about it.
• No you won't see dead bodies floating below you during the swim. But if you still think that during the race just close your eyes and only open them to sight the buoys.
• Learn how to change a tire on your bike. Then practice again and again.
• It's not all about the bike. It's about the machine that works the bike. 
• Always carry two water bottles on the bike. 
• Pee in the water just before you are done with the swim. And for god's sake please don't pee on the bike unless your bib number is less than 100.
• Practice your transitions ahead of time.
• Lay out all your stuff the night before and check it over more than once. Visualize each segment and what you will need.
• Champagne and wine tasting the day after a half Ironman is not the proper way to replenish lost liquids.
• Your non-triathlete friends or relatives will always confuse the word triathlon with Ironman. No matter how many times you explain it. Just go with it and don't correct them.
• Pack two pairs of goggles on race day. They will break one day and most likely it will be because you are fiddling around with them just before the race starts.
• Get properly fitted on your bike. If you are going to spend that much time on it, you better be comfortable.
• Always thank race volunteers. 
• Anyone can be a triathlete. Yes anyone.
• Stop comparing yourself to others and just have fun out there. And when it isn't fun anymore, it's time to focus your efforts on something else.

Part of Tri Talk Tuesday hosted by Cynthia Miranda and Courtney. 

What are some lessons you have learned?

Beat the Heat Fitness Giveaway

August is typically HOT for us. Is it for you? Working out outside can be a drag when it's over 90 degrees or really humid. This month I thought I would host a fun giveaway with a Beat The Heat theme. Here are some items I use when the weather heats up and here is a chance to score them all. One lucky winner will win all of the items below:

• Coeur Sports water bottle and tank top. As you all know I love Coeur and completely stand behind this company 100%. Their clothes are extremely comfortable and their triathlon kits are amazing to race in. Beat the heat with a cool tank top of your choice from the awesome gals at Coeur.
• Nuun Hydration Nuun is my number one drink. It always has been and always will be. I love the fact that it gives me all the electrolytes I need minus the sugar, corn syrup, and fake flavors/colors. Have you tried Nuun yet? Here is a chance to stay hydrated in the heat with a box of Tri Berry and Lemon Lime tablets.
• Block Island Organic Sunscreen Did you know that many sunscreens contain Avobenzone and when it comes in contact with your clothes it leaves an ugly yellow stain? I couldn't figure out why all my running clothes were turning yellow around the neck and arms. I did a little research and found my sunscreen was the culprit. I also have sensitive skin and when I would sweat after applying sunscreen I would break out in a rash. I was sent a sample of Block Island Organics and tried it a few times. I like that it does not contain Avobenzone so it won't ruin my clothes and that the ingredients are natural and don't cause me to break out. I also like that it's gentle and I can use it on my kids. The only complaint I had about it was that it was a little hard to rub in. It stayed white on me for a little while. But I find that most sunscreens with the zinc oxide do this. Protect yourself this month, included in this giveaway is a full size bottle. If you really want to grab a bottle of this sunscreen right away, the kind people at Block Islands are offering a 20% coupon for my blog readers. It's good until August 10. Use code Amandar at the checkout.
• Apera Bags Apera bags are not your normal gym bags. These bags feature an antimicrobial protection on the inside and outside to eliminate the funk from those hot and sweaty clothes! I was given the chance to try out the Active Pack and amazed at how much stuff this thing will hold. While I can't give away the Active Pack, I can award the winner with a Sprint Pack (the red one pictured at the top of the post) and 25% off an Active Pack if the winner really had their heart set on the Active Pack.
  

You can enter the giveaway following the Rafflecopter prompts. The giveaway will end at midnight on August 13, 2014. Good luck and stay cool!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Five-New

This week I decided to join a weekly link-up called The Friday Five by bloggers: Courtney Mar and Cynthia week is a different theme and a chance to link-up with other fitness and health bloggers. Who knows maybe you'll enjoy reading some of the other blogs as well! And if you would like to link-up your blog, please visit the hostesses pages and do so at the bottom of the posts. Remember it's good blogger etiquette to include their custom graphic and to mention their blog addresses in your posting.

This week's topic is "new." The topic can be interpreted however you like. So what's new for August?

School. It's back to school for my oldest T on Monday. And I'm grinning from ear to ear! It's been a rough summer. Summers are always difficult in our family. Change is hard on him. Being off of a routine makes him anxious and that anxiety turns into negative things. He longs for the structured days, the challenges of schoolwork and knowing he will be able to see his friends every single day. He is so excited to start school and all of the after school activities that come along with it. As much as I enjoy having my kids at home with me, I just like to see them happy. And school makes T happy. Good luck dude, Mommy is so proud of you and can't wait to bear all about the fun you'll have this year.

CROSS/PUSH. I just recently I started taking a new class that my spin studio offers. The class is a CrossFit class combined with a Spin class. CrossFit used to scare the crap out of me! But it was fun, really fun but also extremely challenging. It's a class that I want to start taking at least once a week now that the kids will be back in school soon.

 

Another Link-up I'll be participating in another new link-up soon. Yes I know another one? But this one is different and exciting for me as I'll be one of the three hostesses! That means I will get to help come up with the theme each week. I'm super pumped to do this one and I think it's a little different from some of the other link-ups out there. Here's a little hint...Moms Unite! My co-hosts are pretty awesome Mamas and will bring some great insight to the topics we cover each week. So be sure and look for it soon! It will be on Wednesdays each week. 

New Friends In less than 3 weeks I will be boarding a plane to Seattle to go run the Hood to Coast on the Nuun team! I'm excited to be meeting a bunch of new friends. I feel like I already know some of them but it will be great to finally get a chance to hang out in person. Running a relay is also new to me so I'm not sure what to expect. 

Tomatoes Our tomatoes should be ready any day now. I'm excited to get my hands on these. We planted them in a planter box and they really took off this year. Just before we left for San Diego I had about 30 that were just about ready to be picked. I'm hoping they will be good and ripe when we get home tomorrow. Yum...my mouth is watering for fresh garlic basil bruschetta.

What's new with you? 

Do have a garden? Any new crops this year that you are excited to taste?