50 Miles

At the beginning of May I set out a personal goal to finish 50 miles. Sitting here today I am proud to say that I FINISHED!!!   WHOOOOOO!   I mostly ran every mile but on my Mommy and Me group I walked.  I enjoyed every single mile.  Each run I got stronger, faced some sort of mental challenge, achieved a goal but before each time I began I always set an intention.  Some of my intentions were to embrace the silence (running with no music), some were to fight through my soreness with the jogging stroller, some were to run and talk and some were to break a few PR's.  I cried, laughed, sweat and even ran frustrated (those are my BEST runs).  I'm a pretty determined person and I have to say I accomplished every goal.  What joy would it bring me knowing that I finished without a purpose.  Not going to put myself through torture and have no gains.  To me that's the beauty of running.  There is ALWAYS a gain.  Whether it's spiritually or physically. 

Simply want to THANK the following people in my life: 

• Alex for enoucraging me to not give on myself.  For thinking you are faster than me - Watch one day I will beat you!  HAHA!!
• Selina for pushing me when I wanted to quit especially during the hills with our babies!  HAHA!!
• All my Pink Ladies - You inspire me more than you know! 
• My Fit Mama's - Thank You for making our walks enjoyable :)  

A special THANK YOU to my sweet son, Maximus.  For waking up early to run, for not crying during my mommy's run, for always smiling when I needed to see it most and most of all giving me a purpose to lace up my sneaks and hit the trail.  You are my purpose, my intention for every run and my strength.  Thank You Son. 

We finished our last 3 miles today and we decided to celebrate by going on the slide for his first time!  

My goal for June is 55 miles.   

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith - 2 Timothy 4:7

Balancing Working Out and Motherhood

Lately I've been getting the same question asked "How Do I Stay in Shape w/a Newborn?" and my answer to everyone is balance!   Finding the time to fit it in.  You might think that being a stay at home mom is easy but it's really not.  At first I thought it was going to be easy.  I thought I can put Max down for his nap, I can put him in his swing while I exercise....WRONG!  It's more of a challenge.  I want to share with you how I overcame my challenges and maybe they will inspire you to do the same.  Of course we are all different and what works for me might now work for you.  The key here is to INSPIRE.

When I first started exercising post C-Section I started with daily walks in my neighborhood.  Then I started my Mommy & Me Walking Group on Wednesdays (That's another way to stay accountable and get in some exercise).  About a month or so after birth I started to go to the gym to do light weights, worked up to taking a yoga class and eventually back full force with my running.  Up until two months ago I was full on into my routine but as I would leave Max I started to get sad - separation anxiety and  then Alex started to work late.  Which meant my yoga class got put on hold and I now started to run more with Maximus.  Which was fine because I knew that with my jogging stroller it was going to build my strength and endurance.  But I started to lose my muscle definition.  A few weeks ago I had a pity party - didn't invite anyone HA!  But I had to think of ways to work around our new schedule and the days I was unable to attend the gym.  (For the record I'm not a big gym go'er)  I prefer outdoors!   So that's what I did.  Before each PLBC class I now do some plyo (box jumps, jump rope, burpees, etc), practice my yoga and go for a run.  I'm on week 2 of P90X and I'm seeing muscle definition again - in fact - the hubby even said I look cut!  LOL!!  Too funny!

Now back to Max...what I been doing is nursing him and put him down for a nap. I shut off social media and dedicate an hour to myself.  It's usually in the morning after prayer.   Of course I'll get a text or Max will wake up but what I do is simply press pause - attend to him and then resume.   It's not always easy but once I am done I feel so much better.  I'm more productive at home and setting the positive example to my family and community.  What also helps is being accountable on social media.  Posting on Instagram and Facebook.  Again, I'm able to inspire that one mom that might be struggling.  As a woman of faith my job is to share my testimony and everyday when I workout out and post I'm simply sharing my testimony.  I struggle just like you.  I enjoy eating cupcakes.  I have days where I don't want to run.  We are human!  We need those moments for us to realize we are stronger than that!  

Find your balance.  Maybe you work full time, so exercise during lunch.  Wake up an hour earlier and press play on P90X or Insanity.  Put the kids down for bed early and exercise.  Attend our bootcamp class.  Set your workout schedule on Sundays. Make notes in your smart phone.  Post on your IG/FB for accountability.  There are many ways to be a FIT MAMA!   You don't need a gym.  You simply need a program that works for you, a positive mindset and a WHY (Why do you want to be in shape?)  I don't have all the answers but what I can tell you is this:  If after 5 months of post baby via C-Section, with a newborn, work from home/stay at home mom, busy schedule, sleepless nights, breastfeeding around the clock, laundry, cooking and so forth and I'm still able to get in shape, work on myself everyday so can YOU!!!  

If I believe in YOU, you have to start believing in YOURSELF!

Strong & Fearless

It's my party...I can cry if I want to!

Its been a challenging week with Max teething, growth spurt, enemy trying to cause strife in my home and just dealing with people's passive aggressiveness.  But after last night spending time with my son and seeing this picture I know I'm beyond blessed.  It's OK to cry.  It's OK to argue.  It's OK to stand up for what you believe in. I don't need to prove myself to anyone.  I'm often questioned if I'm really happy and I'll say it again YES!!   I might have my moments but they are just that....moments.  Even though I'm a Fitness Coach and in the public eye I'm  human just like you.  I just happen to be real - share my weaknesses and strengths. There needs to be more of that especially on social media.  I simply love life and what God has given me.  I'm just pouring it out to others so they can see how good God is. 

I was given AMAZING news yesterday and slowly but surely God is restoring my family ❤ Max just happens to be the beginning of something good.  I'm Thankful for my challenges, my family, Alex and most importantly my strength in my FAITH.   

With that all said and done I'm appreciative of this challenging week - it showed me I'm not perfect, my response is my responsibility and I'm doing the BEST job at being ME.  And it's perfectly OK to cry - Cry unto The Lord. 

        My family is my #1 Priority ❤

Happy 5 Months

Maximus turned 5 months yesterday - May 21, 2013.  Time has def flew by.  I still remember as if it was yesterday I was checking in for my C-Section.  I still get butterflies when I think of the first moment I held him.  The first moment I got to experience breastfeeding.  The first moment I looked at Alex and he became a dad.  And here we are 5 months later.....He's smiling, playing with his feet, cooing All. Day. Long., attempting to roll over, sleeping thru the night, breastfeeding and NOW eating pureed foods!    When I look at him now I see a strong boy!  I see a future runner and swimmer - HE LOVES being in water.  I see God in him.  I see he is being raised by a great father who loves him unconditionally.

He's my Pride and Joy!!!

PROUD to say I am officially back into my pre-baby weight/size!  Took 5 months of hard work, sweat, tears, growth and achievements to get where I am today.  My journey doesn't stop there - it just keeps going.  I'm very THANKFUL for all the support from Alex, friends and family.  Most importantly I am THANKFUL for Maximus and the reason is because without his daily smiles, his 2am feeding sessions, his patience during my runs and sleepless nights I would not be as strong as I am today!   He has changed my world in ways I didn't think were possible.  

Everything I do, say, think is a reflection of my motherhood.  Max is a reflection of me.   I'm motivated everyday to be the best example to him.  Maybe not now he doesn't understand but knowing the values Alex and I are instilling in him is going to pay off.  We want him to grow up loving the Lord, having respect for us, values and the true meaning of life.

So, when I say I am PROUD of being back into my pre-baby weight it's because I truly am.  Proud to be able to balance motherhood and still make time everyday to exercise.  Proud that I get up everyday with a cheerful heart to be a mom.  Proud to know that my son will read this one day and say "Good Job Mommy!".  Proud to say that everything I am doing is for the Lord.  His strength, His wisdom and His grace.

Happy 5 Months My Sweet Boy - Mommy Loves You!  

Honor Yourself

Happy Monday!  

I'm sure you all had a BLESSED Mother's Day!  I know I did :)  It was my 1st Mother's Day.  We went to church and then headed to Capitola for some fun in the sun.

I went shopping last week and bought some cute bermuda shorts - size 6 (Shown in picture).  Never been that size but I liked the way they looked on me.  As I was putting all the final touches on my outfit I thought WOW!  Just 4 months ago I gave birth, weighing at 165lbs, no muscle definition and here you are toned, happy and confident in a size 6.

STRONG & FEARLESS!

As we were walking around in Capitola I received compliments from the store clerks and other mommies who just had babies.  Saying I didn't even look like I had a baby, what diet pill did I take and you look really great!  Coach Alex kept complimenting me too - Sure felt great!!!   I just shared my story on how I bounced back.  From walking 2 weeks after my C-Section, drinking Shakeology, breastfeeding, clean eating and so on.  But my main reason that I shared was being FIT for my family.  Being able to enjoy days like Mother's Day.  Be able to wear a pair of shorts and not feeling insecure because "I just had a baby."  I understand that it can be challenging to fit in an hour to exercise or prep meals but sometimes we just have to get over our excuses and make it happen.   We spend so much time on other useless things and instead we can use that energy for our health.    As mothers/wives we should be HEALTHY for our families.  That way we can enjoy a happy life.  Be able to throw the ball without being tired.  Be able to wake up happy to wash the dishes.  Be able to spend quality time with our spouses.  

Start by taking walks every night after dinner, wake up 30mins earlier in the morning to exercise, eat more salads, buy fruits/veggies at your local Farmers Market, put down the alcohol, pray for 5 minutes, bring a lunch to work, pack your sneakers to walk during lunch, carpool with local moms to bootcamp.....the list is endless.   The bottom line is you HAVE to want to FEEL GOOD and I am not just talking about the outer appearance but feel GOOD on the INSIDE.  I know when I was walking around the beach yesterday I felt GREAT!  I even glanced at myself in the window and said to myself "You look great and I just smiled at myself".  The other day I was talking to my BFF and I was pointing out my areas that need work but I took her wisdom and applied it. We need to hear positive feedback from our loved ones.  Surround yourself with encouraging people.  Don't let the negative thoughts, feedback or superficial stuff get to you.  That's one of the reasons why us women are insecure.

As you read this ask yourself:  When was the last time you were able to look in the mirror or window and like what you see?  SMILING, GLOWING and FEELING PROUD?  Make today the first day of a new person.  Set new goals.  Make next year's Mother's Day your ultimate goal.  YOU ARE WORTH IT!

We all have a story, we all have insecurities, we are all different, we are all beautiful, we are all made for greatness.  I pray that this would inspire you and that you will become a FIT MAMA!

Inspirational Moms

It's been a GREAT week being surrounded by some AMAZING ladies!  Especially because it's my first Mother's Day.   It all started with my weekly "Mommy and Me Walking Group".  Each mom has something to bring to the group and this week I was inspired by one mommy K. Avila.  She has so much grace when her sweet baby girl gets fussy.  I know for me personally when Max get's all fussy most times I get stressed out.  99% of the time he is HAPPY but that 1% gets me HAHAHA!  But when I watch her she just has a calm - graceful look on her.  I def need to work on having more calmness.  Thank You K. Avila.    I love all the mommy's and I love how we all look forward to our walk.  The babies are the CUTEST.  All have their own personality and swag!    

I just LOVE this picture of me and Max - He makes me so happy and seeing him smile all the time is a reflection of my motherhood skills.  Thank You Jesus.

A group of Pink Ladies participated in our local running store, Road Runners Campbell at their Adventure Run.  We basically went on a scavenger hunt collecting tickets throughout Campbell.  It was probably a 4 mile run - It was FUN!  We ran fast, dodging in and out of the stores, stopping traffic (prob not the smartest) laughed and encouraged one another to finish STRONG!   Another mommy that inspires me in Selina.  She is a single mother to an adorable little girl named JuJu.  She's the prime example of a FIT MAMA!  Works hard, exercises daily, attend our Mommy & Me class and she has become my newest favorite runner.  We run with our babies and we joke that they are going to get married!   It's just a sweet blessing knowing our babies are growing up together.  We are always exchanging stories, tips and milestones. The funny thing is we met on Facebook and now we are becoming good friends.  But she knows I will make her work hard in bootcamp!  LOL!!  Thank You Selina for being an inspiration to me!  

All this comes together and each mommy has a special place in my heart.  The one thing we all have in common is being the BEST to our children.  Maybe for some it's giving them what we didn't have growing up or simply giving them what God has gave to them.  I know for me personally I plan on giving Maximus everything God lays on my heart.  I know he was meant to be my son.  I know I was meant to be given life.  God has created us all.  And with that we are VALUED.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139).  As this wonderful holiday approaches I am embracing every moment of being a Mommy. Smiling, staying calm while Max has a meltdown, being proud to breastfeed in public, praying for wisdom, knowing my worth, wearing my crown and being a Strong & Fearless Fit Mama who LOVES to Run.   

I Run a Household ~ I Run a Busy Schedule ~ I Run with the Best - GOD ~ I Run to Be STRONG & FEARLESS!

Happy Mother's Day to ALL the mommy's in my life.  Blessings to you and your families. 

Mommy & Me

Today was the BIGGEST group of moms that we've had at our walk. When I saw all the ladies I was so HAPPY! It brought tears to my eyes - Couldn't believe what started as an idea has now turned into a weekly routine.

When I first started the group I wanted it to be an outdoor bootcamp for moms but after a few walks I started to noticed the positive effect it was having on my life. I wanted a place where I could go with Max, meet other moms and stay active.

God placed it in my heart to keep it simple and to pay it forward. Here we are two months later and slowly but surely it's forming into a group of fit mamas who need to be surrounded by other moms. In the San Jose, CA area there's not a lot of support that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, not very active or even welcoming. You either have to live in a rich community or pay a few hundreds of dollars to join their group. Trust me, I've done my research! I was talking to a mom today and I was telling her we - Fit Mamas- have to form the community. We are the community!!! My prayer is to continue to grow our group, see our babies grow up together and just have FUN.....Priceless!

I'm passionate about being a fit mama to Maximus and I want the same for other moms in my community! All the moms bring something unique to the group. We have a mom that is pregnant. We have moms that breastfeed. We have moms who's sons are active. We have moms who bring cupcakes (PLUS!) HA! We have moms who are single. We have EACH OTHER for support ❤

The ladies make the group - they are sharing with their friends and for that I THANK them from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for making it a FUN place for me and Max. Cheers to many more sweet memories ❤