Home Workout Series #2

Thursday, November 30, 2017 November 30, 2017




For this workout let's up the intensity! This workout is sure to get you sweaty fast and burning lots of calories. The key to this workout is to get through the entire set before resting. You will be out of breathe but each rest period will feel so good after completing the entire set. For this workout, I recommend getting through 3-5 sets. Time to get SWEATY!


Home Workout 2
Push Up & Reach x 4-8/side
Jump Lunges x 15-20/side
Plank Triceps Touches x 30-40/side
Full Burpee x 8-10
Jump Squats x 15-20

To make this workout out more of a challenge, you can add small dumbbells to the jump lunges & jump squats. Your quads will be burning...insert semi-evil laugh here. **Remember, if you need to break this up into pieces, you will still get a great workout for the day!


Samantha, Blissfully Fit Mama

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Rockledge Rumble Race Recap

Wednesday, November 22, 2017 November 22, 2017



Yes, I was having this much fun the whole time!

This is the second year that I have participated in the Rockledge Rumble. I absolutely love the race directors and all the volunteers that come out to help racers get to the finish line. It is a huge party from start to finish. 

 Last year I ran the 50k and was signed up for it again this year but decided after Palo Duro to drop to a short distance and work on my speed for once. I knew it was not going to be easier since I was specifically going out with a win in my mind. That was my goal and I knew it was going to be tough. 

 Leading up to this year's race, I knew I needed to get a good feel for what my pace could be on this particular trail. So at least once per week I would go out and just see how fast I could run the course. It was actually a lot of fun. With all the miles I had been running recently and the long races, this was a big change. 

To be honest I was not 100% confident gong into race day. There are so many great runners in this city and I knew that I would have my work cut out for me. The first, almost, half mile of the course is on pavement and I knew if I could get out in front before going into the woods, I would be in a good spot. Well, the race started and I didn't realize that there were about five women in front of me. I worked my way up but wasn't able to get into the first spot before going into the woods. The trail narrows down to single track pretty fast and so passing has to be in the right spot. I had moved up to the second place spot and was right on the tail of the woman in front of me. She seemed to be running easy but I soon realized that she was not going to let me pass her without a little bit of a fight. She was going at a great pace, I was feeling good, so I decided to settle in with her for a mile or so. As soon as she slowed a little, I was able to get around her and just go. All I could think of for the rest of the run was that she was right behind me. 

 Thankfully, there was a man that stayed with me and seemed to help me push the pace a little as well. Every runner that we passed, (all from the longer distances that started before us) he would greet them and ask how they were doing. I was sure he was going to leave me in the dust but he never did. Actually there was a point, I think on the last hill climb, that he slowed down. I yelled back to him to stay with me. And there he was. It was the perfect person to be with on the course. We kept each other going and sort of fed off each other. 

 I came back out of the woods with less than a half mile to go. It was time to get to that finish line. Out along the rockledges and back onto the pavement, then along the lake shore and finally up a (steep) flight of stairs lined with American flags. 

 I had made it happen. I finished just on the time I knew I needed to get and in first place. I was so excited and so tired. Goal accomplished!

To anyone, that wants to try their first trail race, first ultra or even the seasoned trail runner, this race has everything I love about trail running. You get great undulations of terrain, there is a distance for everyone and the course is challenging. The race directors are amazing and the volunteers are top notch. 
Race Director, Chris Barnwell, & I after the race.
Samantha, Blissfully Fit Mama

If you want more information about the Rockledge Rumble, check out their site here !
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Home Workout Series

Friday, November 17, 2017 November 17, 2017



"Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't." -Elle Woods, Legally Blonde


This is the first of my Home Workout Series! Whether you are a stay at home mama or a working mama, it is key for you to have quality workouts that can be done all at once or spread out throughout the day. Remember that a few small ten minute workouts add up to a big one. I can't stress enough how important it is to take care of yourself so that you can be the best mama, wife and woman possible. Endorphins do a body good!

 Over the next few weeks you will be seeing workouts that can be done at home and even broken up into segments if you are strapped for time. 

 For this workout you will need a few basics pieces of equipment, some of which can be improvised with other things around the house. If you are just starting out, you can start with lighter weights like I have shown in the video and as you get stronger, increase the load. For each of the exercises, you will see the number of repetitions that should be completed. I recommend completing the entire circuit 3-5 times. Lets get our SWEAT ON! 

 For me, I love to put a little extra focus on my booty, 'cause let's be honest, who doesn't love a good butt. So in my series of workouts you will see a good amount of booty focus to keep that booty lookin' its best 💕

Home Workout 1

I hope you enjoy this workout and I am excited to show share more with you in the next few weeks! I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

💜Samantha, Blissfully Fit Mama 💜

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My Race Day Must Haves

Monday, November 6, 2017 November 06, 2017
      
Every runner has their own list of "Must Haves" for races. There is a specific list of what we must use leading up to our race and what we must have come race day. Since joining the ultra marathon community, I have gotten my list down. I started off using a few of my own things and then winging it with aid station goodies. That never went well for me; I would end up feeling like crap or bonking. Once I started figuring out what "really" worked for me and my body come race day, I was set. Now I am able to glide through aid stations without spending extra time there. I drop my trash and grab what I need out of my drop bag and go. Here are the things that are always in my drop bag and on me out on the trails. Some are very common and my number eight item in particular is not. In fact I get lots of laughs every time I tell someone it is a must have in my pack. 
My Race Day Must Haves

1. Honey Stinger Organic Gluten Free Waffles
                                                
These waffles are so yummy! My friend Neil introduced me to them last year at my first ultra. He had extras in his drop bag and I was starting to hit a wall. They are about the only thing that I can actually chew without it bothering my stomach. This is my favorite flavor but I have also tried the lemon and vanilla & chocolate flavored waffles as well. I'm just OBSESSED with anything salted caramel...haha
2. Salt Stick Caps

SaltStick caps are the easiest way for me to keep my electrolytes balance in check and for me to know exactly how much I am taking in. I typically will take one before the start of a race and then one every hour after that. If it is really hot out I alter this a bit since I am sweating more. Usually I will start taking two caps/ hour after 5 hours in. 

3. Hammer Nutrition Gels

Hammer Nutrition Gels saved me this last 50 miler. I had used them on and off but never really was convinced that the needed to be in my pack until a few weeks ago. My head was getting foggy and my mindset was beginning to spiral into a negative place. I knew I needed something different than what I was taking in. I was out on my third loop and reached into my pack and pulled out this flavor. I took it in and literally about 5-10 minutes later I felt like a new person. Our brains function best on glucose and clearly I was running super low. 

 4. Skin Glide for Her

This stuff is awesome. I ran a race recently and ended up with some really severe chaffing all over my body. It was mostly on my abdomen from the pack that I was using and had adjusted it wrong and it chaffed the heck out of my stomach. I would show you a pic but it is not pretty. For my 50 miler that I just completed, I rubbed this stuff in all the places that could potentially have rubbing and I finished with NO chaffing! The make large sticks and to-go ones that fit right in your pack. 

5. Hydration Pack- I'm not sold on a certain brand as of yet. I'm still testing out a few options but know that I would not get through a race without my hydration pack. I have so many friends who are able to use hand-helds but I like having my hands free and being able to carry the nutrition that works for me is a must, too.  Right now I'm torn between Orange Mud Hydration Packs and Nathan Sports Hydration Packs. Do you have a brand that you recommend over the other? I'd love to hear from you!

 UPDATE: Orange Mud 1L Gear Vest for the win!! I am absolutely in love with this vest. You can't even tell you have it on. It has so much storage and has proven to be perfect for my races. Thank you Orange Mud for making this amazing vest!!
www.orangemud.com

6. Altra Running Shoes
https://www.altrarunning.com/women/altra-olympus-25
These shoes are like running on clouds! They have the perfect traction for the trails yet offer amazing comfort for those long runs. Last year I switched permanently to Altra running shoes. I have the Torin, Paradigm and Olympus styles and love all of them. If you are thinking about switching to a zero drop shoe this is your brand! Start with a higher cushioned style to make your transition smoother and then go from there. Your feet will thank you. Toes get the full splay that they crave and need and your foot works like it was always meant to. It is a win win! 

 7. Injinji Socks

Injinji has made socks that keep my feet blister free for 50 miles! After Palo Duro Canyon, I took my socks off to find dry, blister free feet. You need to follow the care instructions to keep these socks working perfectly for you but they are worth every penny. When I first tried these awesome socks, I thought it would take some time to get used to them but it took no time at all. My feet are so happy in these socks and it actually now feels weird when I have to wear a traditional pair of socks.

8. Baby Food Packets
 
      I know this may seem odd but I love baby food packets for part of my race nutrition. They are clean and have just the right stuff that I need, are easy to carry and there is no need to chew it ....WIN all around! The two pictures above are my two favorite flavors and can be purchased at at most grocery stores. 
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It takes time to figure out what works for you on a long run or during a race. Take time to try new things and listen to what your body tells you about each of those things. Take notes and come race day you will be racing your best and feeling your best! I'd love to hear what works for you and am even open to try something new. Have a great week!
-Samantha, Blissfully Fit Mama

 P.S. You can click on a few of the products to buy them directly from rei.com. I am an affiliate with them and do receive a commission from purchases made from my site. Thank you for your support!

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