Finding My Balance

I have been in a major rut since moving to Colorado. I would love to say that it has only been a few weeks or even months, but I have lived here since August of last year! That is officially 1 year. Since moving here, I have gained 15 lbs (this happened after one of the healthiest years of my life). I managed to find an amazing job doing something related to my degree, but it has it ups and downs...way too many downs. I work the midnight shift and drive 2 hours, round-trip, to get to work.  All things haven't been that bad. I have had a great year in Colorado, Joe being the main good thing here. My time with Joe is amazing, but limited. I am also, trying to plan my wedding!


I have recently made some changes in my life that will hopefully be positive changes. One thing that I have added back into my life is yoga! I have been practicing for almost 7 years on and off. I am happiest when I make time for my practice. This has recently been a priority for me. I have found an awesome studio in Colorado Springs, Core Power Yoga. It is a chain, which I was really nervous about, but it has been amazing!! Everyone is so kind and I really feel like I fit in with the community.

I have been trying to make it to the studio at least 4 times a week. The days I go, my attitude is great! I feel great and I just want to keep smiling. I can truly feel a difference.  Core Power offers a variety of classes for every level. My two favorites are Core Power 2 and Core Power Sculpt. They both are done in heated rooms and give me a great work out! I leave knowing that I have given it my all. Core Power 2 is a 1 hour, hot vinyasa flow class that targets your entire body. Core Power Sculpt is a 1 hour, hot vinyasa flow class with weights added into the mix! I LOVE this class. I am hoping that with time, I will begin to see some tone and definition in my body.

 My practice is my own, it gives me time to relax and focus on me.

Do you practice yoga?
What makes gives you balance?

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I am a Spartan!

Last month I participated in a Spartan Race at Fort Carson with my parents and Joe. It was by far the most difficult race that I have every participated in. It was a 4.5 mile race with 24 military inspired obstacles. The race took place on a Saturday and we were in the 12:00 heat. We arrived on post at 10:00 to watch my 12 year old sister participate in the kids race. She is a natural athlete and did really well.

We waited around and watched as hundreds of people of all shapes and sizes (mainly really fit) started the race. Mal met us there to watch my sister and to take photos. It was nice to have someone there to document this race. I started to get nervous as the race approached and I remember thinking to myself that I really should have trained. At 11:45 we needed to go to the start line. Just to begin the race I needed to jump over a 4ft wall. I successfully made it over and got into the start line. My nervous got worse.  But, it was great to have my mom, dad, and Joe there to support me!

The race began and the first obstacle quickly approached. I was feeling good, it was an easy obstacle. But sure enough it was  followed by jumping over a 8ft wall! I only tried to jump over an 8ft wall once before the race and it was a success! I felt good the first half of a mile and my nerves started to settle, until I saw a man passed out on top of the hill we climbed. I re-gained my confidence once I completed a few that I didn't think I would be able to do. Around the 1 mile mark I needed water, but a water station was no where in sight. My mom stuck with me and encouraged me to push through it and I made it to the next water station. 

We made our way up and around the hill doing everything from pulling a cinder block to wearing a ruck sack up and down that hill. The course took us though a underpass through sewer water and over muck. It was gross. Once we  made it back to the viewing area we were faced with very cold water and mud, we climbed up hills and slid down them into ice cold water pits. We army crawled under barbed wire and pulled heavy things. The entire time we were encouraged and help by strangers, people we didn't know pulled us up. The spartan race not only puts you through difficult obstacles but it forces you to work as a team with people you don't know.  

There are too many obstacles to go over in detail, but here are a few photos to give you an idea of what I went through. 

Overall, I am very happy that I finished the race! It was great to start the race with my parents and Joe and to finish with them! I am not sure if another spartan race is in my future, but I so glad that I signed up for this one. It was tough and I wanted to quit, but this race taught me that I am fit and I can do anything! It taught me the true meaning of team and best of all, I can now say that I am a spartan! 

Have you ever ran a mud or obstacle race?

If not, is it on your bucket list?

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Vega Bars

     I have received this product for my review. All opinions are my own. 

For the entire month of April I have been trying out being Vegan (more on that later), so I was really excited to be picked by Vega to try out their new line of bars! But, I was a bit nervous to try out the products for a few reasons: 1. I generally don't care for protein bars of any sort and 2. Most packaged vegan stuff is lacking a little flavor. Vega is a company that focuses on plant based diet and nutrition. They have everything from protein powder to supplements!

I tried 4 different products in eight different flavors:

• Snack Bars - They were by far my favorite! The bars are great for on the go snacking or when I was in the middle of work and needed something fast. The bars were mostly nuts and really yummy! They are gluten free, non GMO, and packed with super foods!
• Meal Replacement Bars - These bars were ok, they were extremely filling and satisfied me while I was at a baseball game. Since they are meal replacement bars they do have almost 300 calories. My favorite flavor was Chocolate Peanut Butter!
• Energy Bars - I used these bars for my morning runs. I am guilty of never eating before I run, so these bars were the perfect amount of food to get me going. The taste was good too! 
• Protein Bars - Posible one of the best protein bars I have ever had! They are a little high in sugar, but the taste is well work it. I ate these bars after a hard workout at the gym, they have 15 grams of protein and are chocolate! It was like having a treat for my workout. 

Overall, I was impressed by the bars and will be ordering some more! I even saved 2 for my upcoming spartan race this weekend! You don't have to be vegan to eat these. They have great flavor, but can be a bit high in sugar. They are great for on the go and really easy to carry with you. They are all natural and totally worth the price!

How I enjoyed my Vega Bars!

What is your favorite protein bar?

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Motivational Monday - #strongereveryrun

Today, thousands of runners will come together and run the Boston Marathon proving how amazing the running community is. As a runner, my heart went out to all of the people affected by the Boston Marathon bombing last year. I sat there in shock as I watched the news reports of what was going on. It saddens me to think that people have the ability to make a joyful, fun event turn into a nightmare so quickly. But on the other hand, it makes me so proud to be apart of an amazing community that is able to rally together and stand up.

For the most part, running is a solo sport. But if you have ever been to a race, you would quickly see the sense of community. Runners will cheer you on, help you get the the finish line, and support you all of the way. You don't have to be a professional to fit in or even run that fast. Even though horrible things happened I am so happy to see the continued coverage of all of the stories of people that are choosing to continue to live their lives to the fullest. 

Yesterday while I was on my way to work, I was talking to my sister Stevee , who works for Converse, a Nike Company, and she told me about a social media event that Nike was running today, April 21st, for Boston. 

Today, Nike will donate 1 dollar for every mile you run! All you have to do is download the Nike+ running app, run your run, and add the hashtag "#strongereveryrun" in the notes section on the Nike+ running app  and they will donate to the Challenged Athletes Foundation and donations will go directly to providing opportunities and support to survivors of the Boston tragedy. Click Here are the full details.

I have the app and have been using it for awhile. It is by far one of my favorites. It is easy to use, stores useful data, and it's free!

So join me today and Stand Up for Boston...Run for Boston... Run for You!

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