Hey there! I'm super excited to tell you all about virtual runs today. Not only because I think they are awesome and they are PERFECT for moms like you and me, but because I have a REALLY SUPER COOL ONE (that I'm not at all partial to...haha) to tell you about! 

But before you get to hear about my ReallySuperExcitingNews....let's talk virtual runs! What are they, and why are they awesome for moms? A virtual run is a new(ish) trend that is basically a running event, run on your own terms. YOU get to pick the starting line. It could be a treadmill, your neighborhood, a favorite trail, it's totally up to you! Depending on the virtual run, you can often pick your own distance too! You get the perks of a real-life event like a race shirt (and who DOESN'T run races for the shirt?), a bib and often official results and a medal. 

So why are virtual runs getting so popular, and why are they especially great for moms? 
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• CONVENIENCE! Online sign ups, no packet pick up, no early wake up times, parking at races, far away race locations...etc.

• FLEXIBILITY! If there's one thing mamas need in their fitness life it's flexibility. The opportunity to run a race on your own terms is HUGE! If toddler life happens when you were planning to run, you can reschedule and run again! No missing the start gun! 

• COMMUNITY! Many runners throughout the country live a ways from a good running community, or any local races. Virtual racing is a way to be a part of something bigger, without leaving town! You can even get your friends to join you for your own mini race! I did that in our small town once and it was a blast! 

• FUN! Most virtual races have great themes, great swag and fun giveaways and social media surrounding them. They are just really fun to be a part of! 

• DO GOOD! Like many real life runs, many virtual runs support a charity through their registrations. It's a great way to give back while you run! 

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• KIDS! Many large races don't allow running strollers or kids. That's a big downside for stroller runners like me. Not only is it kind of fun to bring my kids, it's often a necessity due to my husband's schedule! Virtual runs don't care who you run with or who you push! 

The first ever #StrollerStrong Virtual Run!

You and hundreds (thousands? Tell your friends!) of strong moms all over the country will join together to do a stroller run/walk between Nov. 3 - 12, 2018. It's YOUR pace, YOUR place, YOUR distance, YOUR kids. When you register you'll get an awesome #StrollerStrong running tank (see below!), a decal and a race bib (for you OR your stroller)! A pair of shoes will also be donated to Soles4Souls for each registration. Be sure to hashtag #StrollerStrongVirtualRun on social media so we can cheer you on - and if you post your run picture with the hashtag and tag & follow us you'll be entered to win finisher's prizes!

This event (and giveaway sponsors) are 100% mom-powered, just like those strollers! 

So hurry up! Go here and get all the deets and SIGN UP NOW! Registrations must be received by Oct. 11 in order to guarantee your race packet will arrive by our Nov. 3 kick off! 

So...who's excited to run #StrollerStrong with us? We can't wait to run with you!!! 

I grew up as an athlete, there was no way around it. My family is active, my parents played college sports and later coached.  It’s just in my blood.  As a young girl, I quickly realized that my body was inclined to movement.  I always felt comfortable running, jumping, throwing and catching. I loved it, all of it.  Along with these activities came muscles, developed shoulders, thick legs and a strong back.  In my youth I thought nothing of it, I was completely satisfied being identified as an athlete.  I was proud of my accomplishments and how they made me feel, I EMBRACED it. 

 Of course, as a grew up and became aware of how my body differed from other girls there were insecurities; heck, what high school girl doesn’t have some insecurities? However, I always fell back into my comfort zone. I was an athlete, this is how athletes look.  I went on to be a collegiate athlete, playing softball at the University of Arizona.  It was a dream come true.  This is where I learned just how much I loved my body and all that it could handle. My body became my tool.  I could write for days about all the things I asked of my body during my years at Arizona. It was an incredible journey and I loved every minute of it. But most things come and go, and so did my career as a softball player.  ​

I walked out of that stadium for the last time and I no longer needed my body to lift weights, throw balls, slide, dive and swing.  I just needed a healthy vehicle to get around on.  Talk about an identity crisis!

 Over the next several years I tried everything, running, jazzercise, kick boxing, body building, and CrossFit.  I knew I wanted to be fit and healthy, but I was now starting to resent my broad shoulders and thick legs.  I wanted to be more feminine.  I was more concerned with how I would look in my wedding dress than how fast I could run.  I guess I thought my body would magically transform once I stopped being a competitive athlete, but there is no changing the way you were built. Confession time, I’ve always wanted runners’ legs! Unfortunately, I just wasn’t built for distance, even though at times I think I’d still like to try!

Ok, back to the story line…  When I started doing CrossFit a few years ago, it helped me learn to embrace my body again.  Suddenly my ability to lift weights and do pull ups was cool again! The bigger the muscles the better, in CrossFit.  However, I found I was left with a familiar scenario, I loved what my body could do for me in the gym, but I didn’t always love how it looked outside of it.  ​

You used to never miss your favorite class at the gym. Your Saturday morning long runs were with friends and followed by brunch. You LOVED working out.

I know. I remember. That was me too.
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Then I had kids. 

2 beautiful, amazing miracles that I wouldn't change a thing about but it sure would be nice if they'd let me get a workout in sometimes. After my first, it wasn't so incredibly hard to get back into it. I got into a regular running schedule and I really enjoyed my home workouts. After my second? WAY harder. Now that I'm pregnant with #3 I'm fully aware of the challenge that is ahead of me. I'm also fully confident that I CAN DO IT. 

After you have kids, you have to realize that exercise is going to be different. Hopefully different in awesome ways, but it's going to take some time to figure it all out. It takes a lot of commitment, drive, and usually, some creativity to make it happen But here's the thing. You CAN DO IT. You can make it happen. 

Next to SCHEDULING YOUR WORKOUT...letting your kids participate is my most common suggestion to mamas.  Is it the most efficient? Nope. Is it always perfect rainbows & unicorns? Nope. 

But it WORKS when you're a busy mom, AND you get the added bonus of showing your kids what being healthy looks like, and getting EVERYONE's wiggles out! The added weight you'll surely have to carry doesn't hurt your strength gains either!! 

You'll have to take extra breaks, you may have distractions sometimes, but making your workout a priority, whether your kids are asleep or climbing all over you will make a huge difference in your success. And guess what? As your children grow, they'll know how important exercise is to their mama, and have a great picture of what commitment to health really looks like. I don't know about you, but that's worth some annoying workouts. I know it can feel like you just don't have time, or you feel selfish about taking the time, but trust me - you'll feel better, which in turn makes you a better mama, which is BETTER FOR EVERYONE!!! 

So, what are some of the BEST moves to do when you're kids are around? Here are my TOP 3 FAVORITES! They top the list because you can do them with kids of any age - from newborns to busy kids, and they target lots of muscle groups! That means muscle multi-tasking which equals greater calorie burn and more bang for your workout buck. 

1. Wall Sits - These are a great leg and core strength move. See how long you can hold it, and each time you do it, aim for adding 15 seconds! You can do this with a front pack baby carrier, with a kid on your lap, or turn it into tunnel time for bigger kids! My oldest even likes to do them next to me sometimes! 

Trainer Tip: Be sure that your knees are stacked on top of your ankles and your knees and hips are both at 90 degree angles. This will keep your knees safe! If you don't have a kid on your lap, don't cheat by holding your hands on your legs. Keep them on your belly, shoulders, or head! 

2. Planks - Once you're ready to start increasing core strength after having a baby (and if you don't struggle with Diastasis Recti), planks are a great way to start. I love that it works your back, stomach, shoulders AND butt!! The ultimate multi-tasker! With little babies, you can lay them underneath you and talk, sing and make silly faces. As they get older, most likely they'll want to climb on your back (hello adorable weight vest!). We also like to do plank high 5's! It make's mama's plank even harder and kiddos have fun being a part of it! 

Trainer Tip: Start with your knees on the ground in a modified pushup position. Lengthen out your body so that you still form a straight line from your knees to your shoulders. As you feel stronger, raise to your toes, while keeping that strong, straight line. Squeeze through your glutes, lift and engage your core and pelvic floor, and press through all 10 fingers! 

3. Hip Bridges - This is hands down my favorite exercise for pregnancy and postnatal workouts. Even if it's been a while since you've given birth, it's an important one for all women! Since my little ones were tiny, they liked to be propped up on the front of my legs and taken for a little ride up and down as I raised and lowered my bridge. As they grow, mama gets stronger! You can also hold this bridge up for a period of time, and let them army crawl under you! 

Trainer Tip: Take these nice and slow. Start with your feet on the ground and your knees bent. Tuck your pelvis under and lift your pelvic floor while pressing your lower back into the ground. Slowly raise your hips off the ground one vertebrae at a time. Squeeze your glutes at the top, and slowly lower back down, rolling through those vertebrae as smoothly as possible.