Tag Archives: Brooke

Chick Chat: We’ve got you covered

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Who has struggled to find the right sports bra?

If you’re waving your hands in the air, you aren’t alone.

The Chicks wanted to share the deets on our favorite unmentionables. Sports bras are the second most important piece of fitness equipment for women, aside from footwear.

And despite the fact, about 80 percent of women aren’t wearing the correct bra size according to Ellen Brenner of Fleet Feet Sports in Rochester. That means large- and small-breasted women alike aren’t getting the right support.

Brenner says a good sports bra must have the ability to wick moisture, breathability, correct proportions to minimize chafing, straps that don’t dig into the shoulders and a band that doesn’t shift or bind.

Mer

It’s said that best friends share everything… but I’m sure that whomever said that probably wasn’t thinking about sports bras. No, no, Vic and I don’t actually share our bras but when I told her I was looking for a new one, she recommended Moving Comfort’s Rebound Racer.

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It was love at first wear! I appreciate the hold that this bra has – it’s comfortable and the girls feel well supported (and as a 36D, that’s important). Also, I don’t know if this is something that other people worry about but personally speaking, I don’t like people knowing that I’m… ahem, cold; this bra has a liner that assists with that.

Additionally, the straps adjust in the front, rather than the back, so you don’t have be a contortionist in order to get the right amount of support. And one of my most favorite things is the adjustable closure in the back. I’ve actually gotten STUCK in other sports bras, which is quite the sight. And thankfully no one was around to see it!

The only downfall is that these puppies are $50 a pop and a bit hard to track down. My local running store special ordered the one that’s pictured. But hey, I love them so much that I’ll gladly pay for good support!

Vic

I’ve literally been through dozens of sports bras in recent years — all brands, all shapes, all colors. I could not care less what color I sweat in, but I do need support — GOOD support.

To try to find a bra that worked, I used to track down a well-endowed saleswoman is a sports store and grill her about her choices. I’d jump up and down in the dressing room and jog in place. Maybe toss in a few jumping jacks. If the bra passed the test, I’d get it. And typically, I’d need a new one a few months later. Repeat process.

Then I found Moving Comfort. I walked into a local running store desperate for help and was fitted for lovely, albeit pricey, sports bras.

And alas, I met my new friend Fiona and my new bestie Maia.

Both bras have adjustable straps and a back hook closure. LOVE! And both bras are fantastic for women with C-cups or larger. I used these styles for several years, with replacement bras purchased each year. But last spring, I noticed horrible chafing even when using a newly purchased bra.

Because I’d been running regularly, my body changed. I could no longer use my beloved Maia, as I was now too small. My bra search resumed and I finally found  Moving Comfort’s Rebound Racer on a sale rack at City Sports.

Meri (above) detailed this bras perks. It’s supportive and comfortable, stylish and doesn’t leave chafing marks. I have two and need more.

Cam

cambra

My favorite sports bras are these little ditties from Target.  I’m not even sure which brand they are, probably Champion, but I adore them.

I’m not particularly gifted in the chesticular department so the skinny straps offer more than adequate support. I’ve had problems in the past with sports bras causing shoulder pain and neck tension but these offer just the right amount of stretch for all my athletic endeavors…yoga, boot camp, kickboxing, running, it’s comfortable in any scenario.  And I’ve purchased many of these in all colors because, yes, I’m one of those chicks whose clothes match her undergarments.  Even while sweating buckets.

Jess

Being a small-boobed gal, I’ve never really given much thought to sports bras. I don’t look for the best of the best; I’m not mega-concerned about support. My humble breasts (Shakira shout-out!) don’t need much.

That said, I do have a few that I rotate, all of them Nike sports bras. I love that they’re moisture-wicking and that they have the Dri Fit technology. They keep me in place and prevent me from getting sticky and sweaty, and that’s really all I can – and do – ask for in a boulder-holder.

Brooke

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I used to think that the only way I could get enough support without looking like I was wearing a bra, was to double up my sports bras. See, I like a snug fit. The compressed, uni-boob look? Fine with me. I don’t want anything bouncing around. I don’t like shoulder straps either; I prefer something that goes between my shoulder blades.

Fortunately, I figured out that if I spent a little bit more, I only had to wear one bra, and it would be exactly what I wanted. My favorite bra is Lululemon’s 50 Rep Bra, which has been discontinued. It’s the best bra! I picked up several before I got pregnant, so I’m stocked up for now. But once they’re worn out, I’m not sure what I’ll wear. Any suggestions?
Editor’s note: Fleet Feet’s Brenner said women who have been properly fitted for sports bras should not need to wear two sports bras at once to get proper support. Now WANTING to wear 2 bras is an entirely different story…
Bec

I feel like as a heavier (i.e. bustier) athlete, this is where I’m supposed to talk about my long standing struggle to find a great sports bra. I feel like I should have tales of mail-order nightmares and duct tape and every other ‘keep them from flying all over the place’ solution known to man. But in reality, I’ve never had too much issue finding a sports bra.

This may be due to finding out during a recent bra fitting that I’m not quite as big boobed as I thought I was. (Get fitted… it’s an eye-opener, for sure). I spent years wearing a DDD, only to find out I’m a D. Whoops.

My sports bra is a Champion C9 from Target and I love it! It’s super soft and comfy, and they actually come in a lot of fun colors (I have a black, a hot pink and a camo). It comes with either a full racer back, which I prefer, or with thinner straps. And the price? A cool $17. All in all, you can’t beat it. And I’ve only had one incidence of visible underboob during a particularly exuberant Zumba class.

Oh, and if you’re wondering if it gives you the dreaded uniboob? The answer is ‘kind of.’ It’s not too bad, but there’s definitely a singularity going on. But since you’re wearing it while getting sweaty and fit, I say rock that tube boob action!

What brand bra do you use to support your girls? Are you dedicated to one brand? Tell us in the comments!

Recipe Box: Mexican Quinoa

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I have a confession. Since Easter, I’ve consumed boxes (Yes, you read that right. Boxes.) of Girl Scout cookies and a good portion of the Easter candy in our house. And maybe some left over from Valentine’s Day too.

Why, you ask? Well, part of it is because I gave up cookies and candy for Lent, and I suppose I went a little overboard making up for lost time. The other reason is that I’m pretty stressed out at the moment, and when that happens, I want some sugar. Or a lot of sugar, apparently. Ahem.

I like sweets. I love to bake. One of the reasons I began running was so I could continue to eat dessert (and drink wine) without having to buy bigger clothes. Moderation is definitely key though, so it was time to toss out the candy and make some smart food choices again.

I ate my last Thin Mint on Sunday, and resolved to get back to healthy eating this week. I stocked our kitchen with good-for-me snacks, such as Greek yogurt (I prefer plain with my own fruit added), almonds, berries (picked by me and the girls), carrots (easy to grab-and-go) and other fresh produce. I also filled our dinner menu with simple meals of lean protein, whole grains and veggies.

One of those is a quinoa salad that’s a cinch to prepare, super filling and has quickly become one of my favorite healthy meals. I LOVE Mexican food, so this is the perfect quinoa dish for me.

Mexican Quinoa
Makes about 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 tsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3-4 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well and drained
1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
1 cup frozen corn (or kernels cut from 2 cobs of corn)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 quarter of a lime, juiced

To finish:
Shredded cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), salsa and/or avocado.

DIRECTIONS

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and jalapeños to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the the quinoa, veggie broth, beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and salt to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from the heat. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Serve as desired with cheese, salsa, avocado, and/or sour cream.

Source: Annie’s Eats

Do you have a go-to healthy meal or snack? Please share it with me in the comments! More importantly, what is your favorite Girl Scout cookie? (Mine are Caramel deLites, AKA Samoas, AKA the greatest cookie ever.)

Chick Chat: How else do we scoot our doots?

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Because we’re not just about running. In fact, some of us are barely about running. Ahem.

But when we’re not running (and working and raising kids and cooking and eating and talking about cooking and eating), we shake our little rumps in a variety of different ways!

We spin. We lift. We DANCE. So, here are the variety of ways we get our move on.

Meri

Tuesday and Thursday mornings, I wake up at 5:10. Twenty minutes later, I’m warming up with a couple of miles on either the treadmill or elliptical. From there, it’s stretching and keeping one eye out the windowed front of the gym, waiting for my trainer’s car to roll into the parking lot.

“Ron alert!” Our friends on the treadmill always call over to us.  They strength train on other days so they know just how appreciated this “warning” is – it lets us mentally prepare for the next hour (and finish up conversation).

Within this hour, I shut my mouth and listen. I lift heavy weights, do lunges with sandbags on my shoulders, drive my knees up while stepping on a box, and hold planks for two minute stretches. Burpees, sprints, tire jumps, tricep dips. I count reps in my head and try to remember the order of the exercises, which is difficult when your mind is just wondering where is the coffee?

I’ve been working with my trainer for a year and it’s made me a stronger person, both physically and mentally.

comparison

Vic

When not running, I typically take a spinning class at the gym, walk with friends or toss around my trusty kettlebells. I’ll do an obscene amount of crunches, often with a weight in hand and take an occasional yoga class. (Let’s face it. I’m not flexible and my balance is all off.) But for my favorite non-running activity, I grab an oar and  row, row, row my boat with a few friends.

Crew is a team sport and I am lucky enough to live near some pretty fantastic waterways, the Genesee River and the famous Erie Canal and to row with some pretty incredible women. In the spring, summer and fall, we hit the water in a sweep shell (that’s a 4-or 8-person boat where each rower has one oar.) Rowing is an incredible full body workout – it relies on a rower’s core strength and technique, both of which take years to master. Nope, it’s not all about your arms, that’s a myth.

I love rowing and the feeling of skimming across the water. I love that all rowers in a boat need to work together to pull as one.

In the winter, I often join friends at a local rowing center, in indoor tanks and to use the ergs, also known as rowing machines. As much as I try to pretend we’re on the open water, we never are. It not the same, but it is wonderful to have that year round option.

Vic Scoot Crew
Jess

I love to dance.

Let me repeat that: I. Love. To. Dance. If it were possible, my entire life would be one of those choreographed song and dance numbers you see in the movies. Flash mobs excite and delight me. I wake up in the morning singing (lately, it’s been JT’s “Mirrors”). I jam to my iPod on my commute to work. Sometimes I dance down the halls at work. What can I say? I’ve got the rhythm inside.

So, when I’m not running (which is quite often these days, as I’ve mentioned), I am dancing. I dance in front of the mirror. I dance for Bug. I dance for Bug and Mister Jess. Occasionally I dance for strangers, although this is purely accidental.

I have no idea how many calories I burn, or if I even burn any at all. I just love to do it, so I do. Wouldn’t it be great if that was the case for all forms of exercise?

P.S. I also do yoga, but dancing is more fun to talk about. JAZZ HANDS!

 Scoot Jess Dance
Cam
My other exercises are numerous.  Right now, I’m taking yoga, boot camp, boxing, Bulgarian Bag exercise and R.I.P.P.E.D.
R.I.P.P.E.D. is full body workout circuit.  It’s in its 11th season so the routine is constantly changing. Each letter stands for a set of exercises which is about 6-9 minutes long.  R is for resistance, I for intervals, P for Power, P for plyometrics, E for endurance and D for diet making for a 50 minute total body workout.  R.I.P.P.E.D. is by far the best all encompassing workout I’ve found.  It works every single muscle and it’s constantly evolving so there’s very little chance of plateau.  I’ve had the best results with R.I.P.P.E.D., I lost over 30 pounds and was certified as an instructor a couple years ago.  Whenever I’m feeling like my workout needs a kick in the ass, I go back to R.I.P.P.E.D.  There really is nothing like it.
Scoot Cam Ripped

Brooke

Does shopping count as cross training? No? Well, let me know if that changes, okay?

My pre-pregnancy cross-training consisted of stroller walking and the occasional hot yoga class. Now I’m trying to be smarter about it- it’s not just about running, it’s about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, right? I’ve started lifting weights and doing squats, lunges and all kinds of ab work.

I’ve also subscribed to Barre3 online workouts. Barre3 is a blend of ballet, yoga and pilates. The online workouts are awesome because I can set my iPad on the kitchen counter and work on my fitness right there. And oh my, do I feel the burn with these exercises.

Bec

I’ve always been sort of an exercise butterfly, flitting from thing to thing. I get obsessed with something and then it passes and before I know it, there’s a pile of things related to that fad in the corner of my room, collecting dust.

That is, until I found Zumba. When I say I love it, I am not exaggerating. Not even a little. And if you had told me two years ago that love and exercise would ever come out of my mouth in the same sentence, I’d have slapped you silly. Okay, well, I’d probably just have shot you a really dirty look from my couch, but whatever.

For me, Zumba transcends exercise and calorie burn (although it is amazing in both of those respects). Zumba is like an awesome Latin/Hip Hop class for grown ups (with no scary recital costume at the end of the year). I have so much fun in a Zumba class that I forget I’m working out until I feel the burn the next morning.

My schedule hasn’t allowed for as much Zumba as I’d like lately, and my ‘fluffy’ class is no longer going on, so I miss it! (And I miss my Katie!) Katie was the best damn Zumba instructor ever. She played awesome contemporary music – lots of Pitbull – and just had fun with it. I even liked it a little when she played Fire Burning, the routine for which could knock me flat on my butt.

So, with my schedule dying down a bit, my plan is to head back to Zumba and shake this weight off, humming Pitbull all the while.

Scoot Bec Zumba
So that’s how we get our proverbial burn on. Besides running, tell us how you get yours!  And remember, our Road ID giveaway ends tonight at midnight!

Don’t Call It A Dreadmill

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Have you ever checked out the #whereirun photos on instagram? You can see some breathtaking images from runners across the globe. Sneaker tracks on a thick bed of snow, pink and orange sunsets, lush green trails…you get the picture. (Haha. Sorry, I had to. But seriously, go get the pictures. Find the tag on instagram.)

What you won’t find though, are any of my running photos. Because where I run, it looks like this:

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Picturesque, right? Or not.

And I’m okay with that. I actually love the treadmill. And not just because I get to look at this guy for most of my runs.

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Here’s why:

  • The treadmill is easy. I like that I can hop on, set my pace and get to work.
  • It’s safe. I don’t have to keep my music low (or off) so I can hear oncoming cars or people, and I don’t have to think about why I need to use a Road ID.
  • There’s air conditioning. I trained for the majority of my first half-marathon on the treadmill; yes, even some of the long runs. Florida is hot and humid, y’all.
  • The dashboard is great for holding a book. When I was pregnant, I would walk and read for an hour or so every other day. Now I read email during my warm-up.
  • I like the mental quiet. My life is chaotic and most of the time, I’m being pulled in several directions at once. One child is nursing, one wants to paint with watercolors, one wants me to read to her. The dogs want to go outside, the dogs want to come inside. I need to start dinner. I love my crazy house, but sometimes it’s nice to be alone with my thoughts. Or zone out and think of nothing.

Currently, I’m using the treadmill to build up my running base again. I’m not running regularly yet, because we aren’t on a sleep-schedule and the little dude can’t ride in a jogging stroller, so I’m fitting it in when I can. My main post-pregnancy goal was to run for 30 minutes, 3 days a week. My goal now is to run 3-4 miles, 3 days a week. I’m getting there!

Here’s what my treadmill workout looks like right now:

5 minute warm-up
10 minutes at 10 minute mile pace
20 minutes at 9:40 minute mile pace
10 minutes at 10 minute mile pace
5-10 minute cool down

Sometimes, I spend more time at a faster pace, if I feel really good. Other times I spend the entire 40 minutes at 10 minute pace. For now, I’m just taking it slow and trying to get my fitness back.

Where do you run? Treadmill- love it or hate it? What is your running goal right now?

If Mama’s Happy, Everyone’s Happy

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It’s Spring Break here in sunny Florida, which means I haven’t exercised in a week. We’ve been to a hockey game, the zoo, an Easter egg hunt, painted pottery and there’s still a lot of excitement ahead (including having a friend sleepover for the first time. Eeeep.) but it probably won’t include a trip to the gym for me until the end of the week.

Each night, I’ve planned to go at 6am the next day-I’ve even laid out my clothes- but then the baby is up at 1 and 3 and 5, and my youngest girl wakes at 6, and it’s time for Spring Break Entertainment. And coffee. Obviously. That’s okay though. I’m not very happy about it, but I’ve accepted it. And the kids and I are having a great time together.

That said, I still have plans to work out with my trainer on Friday morning. We meet for an hour at my community gym, and I bring the little dude with me. (He sleeps in his stroller.) Bringing the girls will be…interesting. There is a playroom with windows, so I’ll be able to see them, but they’ll also be somewhat unsupervised. Which could mean some not-so-friendly sibling playtime, you know? I feel a little anxious about that.

Crunching in my neighborhood gym. The playroom (and sleeping baby) are nearby!

Crunching in my neighborhood gym. The playroom (and sleeping baby) are nearby!

I also feel guilty about bringing them with me. I tell myself I’m being silly. I think nothing of running with them in the BOB for an hour, or stroller walking with friends, and this is basically the same thing, right? And how is this different from me doing an hour of cleaning while they play in their own playroom? But those feelings are still there. So much so that I’m considering just canceling. I guess I feel that it’s their time with me, their break, and we should be having loads of fun the entire time.

One of my Facebook friends posted something last week about mommy guilt and exercise. She said that she’d feel guilty letting her kids watch her live a sedentary lifestyle, rather than watching her make time to stay fit. That taking care of herself makes her feel confident and happy, and then she’s a more positive influence on everyone else in her life. Regular exercise makes her a better mom, so she’s let go of the guilt.

Isn’t that an awesome perspective? Of all the things we mamas feel bad about, should maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even if it cuts into their time with us, be one of them?

Meri and I have talked a lot about setting a healthy example for our kids, and she’s also said that they regularly ask about her running. My friend Sara recently ran her first marathon, and the thought of showing her kids what could be achieved with hard work really motivated her during her training. My own kids love to do yoga with me and one of their favorite games is to pretend to race each other in our driveway.

My girls practicing yoga. In costume, natch.

My girls practicing yoga. In costume, natch.

We’re all definitely influencing our kids- but how much exercising is happening on their time? For me? Not much.

I think I like this new attitude much better. I need running. It makes me feel good. It calms me in a way that nothing else does. It’s also going to help me fit into my old pants again. While I’m not ready to bring the kids to the gym for every workout, or even every week, I’m going to try not to stress about bringing them once in a while. An hour of their time is definitely worth a happier, more focused mom.

Parents, do you bring your kids with you when you work out? How do you make it work? When is your Spring Break? Anything fun planned?

With A Little Help From My Friends

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Do you work out best if you have a goal in mind? I know I do! I love exercising, but without a race waiting, it’s very easy for me to skip a run in favor of curling up with a book or sleeping (something I rarely get to do these days. Take a nap for me, okay?).

Last week, I registered for Disney’s Wine and Dine Half-Marathon. This nighttime race was my first half, back in 2011, so it’s fitting that it will (most likely) be my first half post- my cute baby boy’s arrival.

So, my goal is set. Great! But this race isn’t until November, which seems SO FAR AWAY. The little dude, who hasn’t even rolled over yet, will be almost a year old by then. It’s easy for me to crave time at the gym right now; I still have baby weight to lose. I’m also working on building a base for training. But staying on track until I begin a formal training plan feels incredibly daunting. It’s hot in Florida. I need a nap. All of my kids will be home every day this summer. There are piles of books on my nightstand. And did I mention my lack of sleep?

I want to know what gets you into the gym each day. As I’ve mentioned before, I meet a friend a few times a week to work out. That keeps me accountable for fitting it in, and I get to chat with her for an hour. (If you are a mama, you know that’s a luxury.) I have another sweet friend who lets me tag along on her runs when I can, even though she’s in marathon shape and I’m far from it.

My Facebook feed is all fitness (and babies, natch), all the time. Not surprising, considering I follow a pair of CrossFit gym owners, a Zumba instructor, a handful of personal trainers, a bikini competitor, and a bunch of runners, including my Scootadoot chicks. I have some fit friends! (Are you friends with us on Facebook yet?) When I check in each morning, at least one person has already posted about their daily workout, and I think, “If they’re getting their fitness on, then so can I.” I actually decided to run my first half-marathon because I saw someone post on Facebook about their experience.

Another way I connect with runners online is through Daily Mile. I joined the site last January because I wanted to see how many miles I had run by the end of the year. After a while, I discovered that it wasn’t just an easy way to track my training, it also allowed me to see what my friends were doing, and cheer them along, too. (It also tells me how many donuts I’ve worked off, which is sort of the same as saying, “Brooke, you can eat THIS MANY donuts.” *fist pump*)

Isn’t social media great for fitness? I’m excited to start training for my race. Until then, I’ll be logging my miles on the treadmill, on Daily Mile, and talking about it here, with all of you.

Are you training for any races right now? What gets you into the gym each day? Do you use social media to track your progress and chat with others? What’s your favorite kind of donut? Let me know in the comments.

Chick Chat: Hey, Sole Sister

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Shopping for shoes is one of my favorite ways to spend, well, any day. I love all kinds- flats, sandals, heels, higher heels, and boots. Shoes can make you feel taller, they can complete your outfit in the best way, and you know what? You’re always the same size in a pair of shoes. (Unlike jeans. AMIRITE?) Sneakers aren’t my favorite type of shoe, but they’re probably the most important. The wrong running shoe can make your knees hurt, your feet blister and basically, ruin your run.

Today, we’re sharing our sneakers with you. (I argued for talking about high heels too, but I guess you all care more about this running stuff. Okay.)

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Vic

I’m still searching for the perfect sneakers, but have recently fallen in love with the Adidas Supernova, which I was able to take on a test run before purchasing. They don’t feel clunky or heavy and don’t wear unevenly, which was so much of what I was looking for.

For years, I swore by Asics. I still like them, but my favorite style was discontinued a few years back and the newer models just don’t feel right to me. I’ve tried and tossed aside a few popular brands, but these Adidas Supernovas look AND feel great!


Cam20130318_073824

I have shoe issues. I have extremely flat feet which means any shoe with arch support feels like I’m running on tennis balls.  This might sound awesome but I assure you, it is not. I’m constantly at odds with my shoes. I’ve talked to countless shoe experts, had my feet and gait evaluated twice, have tried inserts and many brands of shoes.  And I’ve yet to fall in love.

Right now, I’m running in Saucony and while they’ve been okay on my feet, for the first time ever, I’m having shin splints. Le sigh. I’m going to do what the experts say and let my body adjust but sometimes I wish I had a fairy godmother who would conjure up a running shoe that was the perfect fit. At least they’re cute!

Jessimage

If I took a picture of every running shoe I have, this post would be ridiculous. Hey, I have to have shoes for every outfit possibility, right? At least, that’s what I tell myself (or Mr. Jess) when I see a new pair of kicks I. Must. Have.

That said, I most often reach for my trusty Nike LunarGlides. They fit like a glove, give great support, keep me light on my feet, and they’ve got some sweet neon accents. They’re functional AND cute, two of my favorite things.

photo-1Meri

There is a certain date that I remember distinctly when it comes to my running (and surprisingly, it’s not a race date!).  March 15, 2012, the date that I got fitted for my Mizuno Wave Inspire 8s.

Before that, to say I was floundering when it came to shoe choice would be an understatement.  It was a year long, expensive struggle trying to figure out what would work best for my feet. I don’t know why I was so hesitant to get fitted, other than a bit of new runner’s shyness on my part.

To quote Pretty Woman, “Big mistake!  Big. Huge.”

I don’t know if I got over my shyness or just wanted my feet to finally stop hurting, but I finally visited Haddonfield Running Company and got my first pair of Mizuno running shoes. Fitting was nothing to be nervous about; I spoke with the sales associate regarding my mileage. She looked at my arch, my gait, and my pronation. When I run, I tend to point my toes out slightly, which is known as overpronation. After trying three different shoes, I felt that the Mizunos were the best for me.

I haven’t regretted that decision and neither have my feet!

becshoeBec

Brooke and I have loads in common; hopeful romantics, lovers of feta cheese, SHOES. I love shoes. A lot. I have way too many and I’m always buying more. The cuter, the better. So, I  want to be able to post a picture of cute, adorable, PINK running shoes.

Alas, I can’t.

I wear Nike Dual Fusion ST running sneaks. Size 12. Men’s.

SIGH.

Finding running shoes that fit my size 13 Wide Women’s foot is a challenge. I hunted around for HOT PINK running shoes in my size and found that the only options were online. Zappos is great and will ship for free both ways, but I didn’t want to go through shipping a bunch of shoes back and forth. For running sneakers, it’s all about the feel.

So I got over myself and gave in to shopping in the Men’s department. I love my sneakers. They are the perfect combination of lightweight and supportive. They feel so good, I want to wear them everywhere, but I don’t because A) all my other (i.e. prettier) shoes would feel bad and B) I don’t want these to wear out too fast. Still, I love them.

And, as Brooke and I discussed the other day, socks are of equal importance when it comes to running. Turns out we have one more thing in common. We’re both fans of the Balega Hidden Comfort socks. You guys, these socks are so darn comfy. And I just found out, they come in colors!! INCLUDING PINK!

Brookeimage-1

I have narrow feet and a high arch, and I’ve been happily wearing Nike Pegasus sneakers for the past three years. They’re lightweight, supportive and they come in some great colors.

I was recently refitted at my local running store, Track Shack, to see if my foot had grown during my pregnancy and picked up these pretty (if a little plain, for my taste) gray kicks.

Every 400 miles or so, I change my shoes. I’m already eyeing the bright green on Nike’s website!

What type of shoes do you wear? Have you been fitted at a specialty store? Do you prefer neutral or bright colors? Let us know in the comments.

Making It Work (Out)

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I had grand plans for prenatal exercise. I had a good running base. I’d done my research, talked to my doctor and read some blogs about running during pregnancy. I didn’t need to run a marathon on the day I gave birth or anything; I just wanted to maintain some level of running fitness. It should’ve been easy.

Ha.

You know what’s easier? Sitting around and having your husband bring you ice cream. Because you are fat and hot and tired and nauseated and taking care of two pre-schoolers all day.

I started out fine- not my typical mileage but still doing something. I even ran a 5k. But then, first trimester exhaustion arrived, along with her friends, nausea and bloat. So I walked when I felt like it and figured I’d get back to running in the second trimester. By then summer had arrived, and between the heat and the flurry of pool dates, zoo trips, picnics, and whatever else I could think of to entertain the girls, I was just too tired to work out. I resigned myself to the fact that my pregnancy running plans were a complete fail. (And I was mostly okay with that. I mean, I still had ice cream.)

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Nursing while I warm-up! Moms know
how to multitask.

I’m three months post-pregnancy, and I’m finally getting back to running on a regular schedule. It feels SO GOOD. But also? Running is hard! I’m challenged by speeds that would’ve been slow for me before, and distances that were a piece of cake. And finding the time? Very tricky.

I used to run after the kids were in bed. That doesn’t work right now. Nor does early morning because little dude’s feedings aren’t consistent. Both girls are in school during the latter half of the week, so after I drop them off, I head to the gym.

My goal right now is to run three days a week. So far, I’ve only made this happen once. But I’m still exercising! Here’s how I’m making it work, as I adjust to being a mom of three:

  • Go to the gym when wee precious babe is asleep: Little dude is an easy baby. I nurse him, put him in the stroller and hop on the treadmill. After we smile and make some silly faces, he usually gets bored with watching me run and shuts his eyes.
  • Meet a friend to work out: If I plan to meet a friend for a workout, I’m obligated to be there. No excuses. As a bonus, there’s an extra person around to entertain the baby, if needed. Also? I get to converse with an adult.
  • Hire a trainer: I’m working out once a week with Trainer Jen! When we started, I said I needed her to help me avoid a tummy tuck. We do lots of ab exercises, among other things.
  • Walk, walk, walk: If I haven’t made it to the gym, I take the kids out for a stroller or bicycle walk.
  • Find something to do at home: Sometimes I only have twenty minutes. I can totally do some abs and arm work with free weights in that amount of time.
  • Don’t be too hard on yourself: There are times when I’m too tired. There are times when the baby won’t let me put him down. There are times when I don’t want to put him down, because one day, he won’t fall asleep in my arms. And that’s okay. The treadmill will be there tomorrow.

Moms, did you run during your pregnancy? Any tips for finding time to workout with kids? Let me know in the comments.

Breaking the Fast

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It’s the most important meal of the day. Some people eat it on the go; others eat it for dinner. Heck, some people even eat it at Tiffany’s (bucket list!). Whether you are in the ‘can’t start the day without a good one’ camp, or your on the ‘hit the drive through if you have time’ side, breakfast is something all of us at Scoot-A-Doot have been talking about (mostly on Twitter where we are like ‘Hey, I’m eating…AGAIN!’)

We thought we’d share with you what our breakfasts look like. And hopefully, you’ll all be awesome and share with us what your breakfasts look like. We’ll beg for recipes. We have zero shame.

Vic

I’ll be honest, I’m not the best about getting a solid breakfast in my belly before work each day. Most days I pour myself two large travel mugs of coffee (don’t judge me) and run out the door to make it to work on time. I guzzle one cup in the car and the second cup shortly after arriving at my desk. I then eat a banana, or greek yogurt, depending on what I have in my pantry.

On weekends, when I have more time, I tend to make oatmeal (usually with bananas) or cereal. Sometimes I eat scrambled eggs. And lately, I’ve been turned onto protein banana berry smoothies, so they may soon take over my breakfast and afternoon snack spot as well.

Brooke

You guys, I love all the breakfast foods. Omelets (with spinach and feta), french toast, waffles with fruit and whipped cream, pancakes with butter and maple syrup, and always lots and lots of bacon. I love the entire breakfast experience- sipping coffee and reading the paper (or facebook), while savoring these amazing foods that were (hopefully) prepared by someone else. Sadly, those kinds of meals don’t happen often. (And usually, it’s breakfast at dinnertime.)

My daily breakfast is almost always some form of oatmeal. My go-to is plain cooked oats with a sprinkle of cinnamon, some chopped almonds, a handful of fruit and a splash of milk. Meri introduced me to whipped oatmeal, which is so much better than my boring hot cereal, but takes more time than I have right now. More dishes to wash too!

Since the little dude arrived, I’ve been eating instant oatmeal (gasp). My favorite is Three Sisters Dark Chocolate, because it is sweet, filling and it’s ready in two minutes. I eat my cereal while I’m nursing the babe, and shove some fruit in my mouth while I’m driving the girls to school. Not the most enjoyable breakfast, but it works for now. See why I save the pancakes and bacon for dinner?

Cam

Smoothies!  I heart fruit smoothies for breakfast.  I’m not a morning eater.  If fact, I’ve spent the majority of my life skipping breakfast.  Unless it’s a pastry.  But pastries aren’t “everyday” foods, or so I’ve been told.  Instead I go all natural and get my sweets from a fruit smoothie. I have very limited time in the morning and blending up a smoothie takes less time than toasting a bagel or driving through one of those heart attack factories.  My recipe for deliciousness goes something like this:

Kefir yogurt drink.  Usually vanilla, sometimes strawberry if I’m feeling spunky.
Frozen mixed berries, either fresh that I’ve frozen or bagged.
A frozen banana. I put them in the freezer when they start to go brown.  I’m not a fan of ripe bananas.
One scoop of protein powder.  This can be tricky.  Finding a protein powder that you like can be a chore, but once you find a brand that floats your boat, you should stick with it.
Whole Flax seed, because I like the texture that it contributes.  Plus, it’s good for your bowels.

I usually just eyeball the proportions and toss in a blender.  If the mixture seems too thick, I add some water to loosen things up.  My kids love it and we can drink it in the car.  It’s my favorite breakfast on the go!

Meri

Jess and I were talking about BBQ food the other day and I said something to the effect of wanting it, just not at 8:49 in the morning (when we were emailing).  Because while BBQ is delicious, it just doesn’t lend itself well to being eaten in the morning.  However, breakfast?  You can eat that all day long.

And I would.

Smoothies, pancakes, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, omelets, scones, fruit, and BACON.  Yes, bacon.  I eat it occasionally.  And I love it.

Bring on the breakfast, brunch, brinner!

Jess

My idea of cooking is picking up the phone and dialing. I have zero skills in the kitchen, which is why I love breakfast so much. So many super delicious, ready-made options, and healthy ones at that. Look, Ma, I’m eating fruit!

My typical breakfast these days is a couple Nutri-Grain waffles (a little syrup in each square, thank you very much), a banana, and a tall glass of OJ. Get that all prepared – so easy, even a cooking-challenged lady like myself can do it – and then I shovel it all in my mouth before the baby wakes up from his nap. It’s simple, yummy and keeps my stomach full until second breakfast rolls around.

Bec

I am seriously a breakfast fiend. Most days it’s a healthy day smoothie (my absolute favorite is a Peach Pie Smoothie with chia seeds – frozen organic peaches, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt, chia seeds, sprinkle of cinnamon, sprinkle of nutmeg, blend, YUM. I’m with Cam, I don’t measure, just throw in there what you think will make the amount you want). But I love a big Sunday brunch with eggs and bacon and potatoes and EVERYTHING. I just love breakfast.

Love.

In the winter, I’m big on oatmeal or a bowl of cooked grains (barley, quinoa) with almond milk and fruit. Now that the weather is turning warmer (I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER ABOUT THIS), I’ll be doing overnight refrigerator oats. If you haven’t tried these, I can not recommend them highly enough. Easy, make ahead, versatile, healthy and crazy good.

Also, I have recently redeveloped a love of Poached Eggs on toast. It’s so simple, full of protein and fiber, and tasty (even without the Canadian bacon and hollandaise).

Also, bacon. As often as I can get away with.

So, this is what we eat. If you want recipes for anything we mentioned, just let us know. We’re good sharers. And if you’re a good sharer and want to inundate us with recipes and ideas, we’ll be forever grateful.

Now, who wants to make me a cup o’ Joe?

Who are these crazy chicks and why should I read what they’ve got to say?

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Hey!  ‘Sup?  Thanks for visiting our little corner of the internet.  Maybe you found us through twitter, Facebook, or you’re related to us (hi Mom!).  Any which way, we’re glad that you’re here.

We’re all writers, in one sense of the word or another.  Fiction, news, emails, letters (yes, letter writers are among us!  They still exist!)… writing is a major form of communication for all of us.  Each of the six authors of Scoot a Doot are at different stages in their “healthy and happy lifestyle” – we believe that you’ll relate to at least one of us as you read.  Perhaps that person will change as we continue on our journeys; perhaps you will.  But we’re all good friends, cheering as we triumph and leaning on one another as we falter. We hope to create that sense of community with YOU, too; you’re as much a part of this as we are!

chicks

(Have you located your crazypants?  That’s how we roll.)

Look around, check out the About section to meet each of us if you haven’t already.  We’ve started posting race recaps that we’ve written over the past years and plan to share more as time goes on.  None of us are professional athletes, we’re just doing what we love (and, if we’re being completely honest, sometimes loathe) and the best we can with what we’re given!  That’s what Scoot a Doot is all about – moving it, shaking it and never faking it.  We’re keeping it real; you’ll be hearing everything – the good, the bad and yes, even the ugly.

Let’s do this!  We can and we will!