Tag: boy mom

It’s time to ride! The pivot from running to spinning.

In January of 2019 I didn’t say I want to run marathons. I said, I want to move for thirty minutes a day. One thing led to another and before I knew it I wanted to run a half marathon. I trained and ran one half, then two, then Covid happened. Before I knew it I had my head in the marathon game. In October I ran my third marathon in two years. Marathon one- virtual NYC marathon in my neighborhood during Covid. Marathon two- the real deal NYC marathon and Marathon three the Chicago Marathon. Each experience was unique. Each training cycle focused on running for those who can’t and raising important dollars for the Alzheimer’s Association. Life has changed since January of 2019…you think? Covid was a game changer. But I also went back to work full time. Making the time to train was a fine balance. Even with a flexible training plan there are still only so many hours in the day to get all the miles in. Training for a marathon is in essence a part time job on top of being a mom, wife and a full time job. Don’t get me wrong I love the routine of a training plan. I love having the goal of a race in mind. I absolutely love the moments before the start in knowing I did all that I could to run the best race possible. Not to mention that absolute joy of crossing the finish line. All that said, after the Chicago marathon I was just burnt out from the pressure of hitting my mileage. Physically I felt fine. I was blessed with another injury free training cycle. How lucky am I that my body enables me to put it under such extreme conditions? Mentally, I had ZERO motivation to run…Zero! I still ran a few times after Chicago and before November 12 because I was running a half marathon. But I literally did the absolute minimum. Don’t get me wrong I love the One Peloton app with the wide variety of runs that get me moving. My heart just wasn’t in it.

What to do?? Fair question. For over a year I had been looking at the Peloton Bike. I would put it in my cart and take it back out. In the cart. Take it out. After my half marathon in November, I had no other races on the books. The time was right. Plus a huge early Black Friday sale from Peloton made it a done deal. November 25th, the day after Thanksgiving the bike arrived. I was so darn excited. Literally did a live ride within an hour of the bike arriving. It was on! I was excited again. I was ready to get my groove back.

Kelly got her groove back! In January of 2022 I started using the One Peloton app with my non Peloton treadmill. I loved it. It pushed me to try new things on the tread and honestly allowed me to do all of my marathon training indoors. I have my favorite trainers. It’s fun to follow them on Instagram and to be cheered on by the One Peloton community. I enjoy hitting milestones. But there is something different about doing Peloton classes on a Peloton device. Peloton started with the bike and has added on other options such as tread, rowing, strength etc. There are significantly more bike classes. And way more live class options.

While on the app I could see others that were there, I was never really sure who I was seeing, I knew I wasn’t seeing everyone who was in the class and I couldn’t rank on the leader board. As someone who might be just a little competitive I enjoy the extra push that the leaderboard provides.

The spin screen on the bike is a game changer. I’m back into doing strength classes and no longer have to use my phone or iPad. It’s seemingly a small change but makes big difference.

I know what you are thinking…the novelty hasn’t worn off yet or I’m still in Peloton Bike honeymoon phase. But that isn’t it at all. First it’s been two months. After two months of being inconsistent after the Chicago marathon I’m back into a routine and being consistent. I’m energized and eager to work out in the morning again. That is not to say that getting up at 5:00 in the morning is an enjoyable experience, but I truly have a better day after I exercise. Additionally, I’m not just spinning. I’m strength training and consistently walking 2-3 days a week. I’m enjoying power walking and the hikes on the Peloton App. I’m back to having some variety in my exercise, back to some cross training and strength training.

While at dinner with friends last night we chatted a little about upcoming races and racing plans. I still have zero races on the calendar. When asked how that made me feel, I was surprised how much I was at peace with that decision. I anticipate I will get some series FOMO as the races approach, but until then I’m going to enjoy the variety of my exercise routing, be grateful that I can exercise and move my body for 30 minutes each day. That is my main fitness goal for 2023. Not 1000 miles, not a marathon. Move for at least 30 minutes each day. You know what, some days like yesterday I exercise for nearly two hours. But then some days like today I’ll take a 30 minute power walk. It’s all about balance and enjoying what you are doing! If your fitness routine has stopped bringing you joy- don’t be afraid to try something new!

It all started with some sunscreen

Picture from 2016- packaging looks different now- but the product is still just as effective and a family favorite!

There are times in our life when we start to make healthier choices. At least that has been my journey. Approaching 40- better start moving this body mine and before I know it I’m running a marathon. Have kids- start looking a little more closely at the labels of things like sunscreen. We joke but our youngest has some very pale white skin. When he was a baby I was always worried about keeping his skin protected from the sun. I laugh because I can distinctly remember putting baby oil on my skin before going out in the sun as a teenager, but alas I digress. I knew I was doing something right when our pediatrician commented at how great the boys’ skin was even in the summer, that I was clearly slathering them up effectively with sunscreen.

Sunscreen is one of those things that has a lot of opinions in regards to keeping our oceans safe and avoiding unnecessary chemicals for our skin. Introduce Beautycounter sunscreen. Years, I’m talking 8 plus years ago I was introduced to Beautycounter sunscreen and it’s been the only sunscreen we use on the boys. It started with the sunscreen sticks, because who doesn’t want to make things easier?! We still use the sticks on their face and neck. No rubbing. Easy application. To be honest until recently we only used the sticks, but now that the boys are older and less squirmy during sunscreen application we use the lotion as well. A little goes a long way. There’s no heavy odor after applying and no greasiness. The best part- it works! The sweat proof, water proof sunscreen protects the boys (and us) day in and day out.

So, why am I sharing this now? While you should wear sunscreen year round, I’m in the throws of applying sunscreen every morning before we get out the door for camp/work. So it’s fresh on my brain how much I love this sunscreen. I even carry a sunscreen stick in my bag all the time, because well you never know when you might find yourself outside and need a quick application or the kids might need a touch up. I’ve raved about it for years, shared about it on social for my friend Jodi, amazing Beautycounter consultant and finally decided why not join the Beautycounter family and more formally share my love of sunscreen. Well that and I needed a real kick in the pants to get my skincare routine back in order. I used to be so consistent and have not been for quite some time. I’m off the age where caring for my skin is important- just as important and moving for at least 30 minutes and drinking my water, right? You’ve seen the memes about it being time for a night serum. It’s past time!

Yes, over the years I have done everything from sell jewelry to children’s books (my first and probably most beloved thing that I sold and kickstarted a love or reading for the boys). This is different, I’m a touch busier now that I’ve gone back to work full time (just a touch 😉 and gearing up for marathon training, while balancing all the things for the boys. So while I’m not necessarily looking to make Beautycounter a business, I will be sharing my love of sunscreen and hopefully my skincare journey along the way- no different than I share my runs and the books that I’m reading. Want to try it- reach out. Want to read a book I suggest- please do so we can chat! Want to talk about running?? I’m game any day of the week.

Take a look around to see the other amazing products Beautycounter has to offer. Until next time- run, read, repeat! Have an inspired day!