Fitness Friday 40 Plus Pounds Down!

March 26, 2016 by Laura Lohr 4 Comments

I’m down more than 40 pounds from my starting weight in Novemeber. Sometimes, it’s closer to 45 pounds, but the scale keeps bouncing up and down, making me absolutely insane lately. I am trying to give myself a break. I’ve worked hard and I’ve seen lots of progress. I’m going to pause and reflect. While I’ve lost a lot of weight and I’m happy about that, I’m more than a number on the scale. I’ve realized that losing weight isn’t solve all my problems. Feelings and fears about being good enough, from so long ago, have bubbled to the surface. I’ve had to fight those fears and sometimes the feelings are difficult.

If there was anything I would tell Little Laura, my little girl self, it would be, “You are enough! You’re smart enough, you’re pretty enough, you’re loved, and you are worthy!” As a young person, especially in my young adult years, I searched aimlessly to figure out what I needed to be worthy of love. I think it would surprise some, at how insecure I really was. I tended to overcompensate with an overinflated ego, in an attempt to cover up how small and insignificant I felt. I wasn’t thin enough. I was smart, I knew, but I wasn’t as smart as my peers. I wasn’t sure I was loveable and my atrocious behavior didn’t help my cause, at times.

As a grown up, in my 40’s, I realize that I’ve held on to so many of those beliefs. I’m never thin enough, smart enough, talented enough, pretty enough, etc., etc., etc. I am celebrating losing more than 40 pounds since Thanksgiving and it is occurring to me how much of those things I told myself in my 20’s that I still believe. That is something I’ve come to realize, is holding me back from taking risks. I have a habit of believing the old stories I have played over and over in my head, instead of creating new stories—stories that are kinder and gentler—ones that have much happier endings.

So, today, as I look at my before and after pictures, I’m going to be kind. Even at my bigger size, I was just as worthy of love and kindness as I am today.

Running is going so well! I couldn’t be any happier! I have gotten faster and I’m enjoying it so much more! I’ve been running with the Temecula chapter of Moms Run This Town, a running group that is just outstanding! I’ve run a few times every week with either the Temecula chapter or the San Diego chapter. I’m making friends. I’m challenging myself, and I’m getting stronger! I love running right now! I’ve been getting up at 4 and 5 in the morning to make some of the meetups. This weekend, I’m going to tackle the Torrey Pines hill, in preparation of the the La Jolla Half, that is coming up in just one month! This is my second to last run before I start to taper.

My weight loss has been extremely slow and I have times when I get very discouraged. I know I’m putting my all into and I’m getting tons of support at Lindora. It’s just that my body has begun to get very resistant to any weight loss. I was reminded by one of the nurses that when your body is used to a certain weight for so long, it becomes very stubborn to shed those unwanted pounds. I don’t understand the science behind it, I just know that I haven’t been this weight in at least 6 years. I believe it has been much longer than that. I imagine my body is in shock, shedding so much weight, in a few months, really!

Today, I’m going to work hard on my fitness. I’m going to give it my all in all ways in my diet. I’m going to give myself a break, because I’m beginning to see that I’m worthy. I don’t have to beat myself up. I’m doing the best I can and that’s all I can ask of myself. In all honesty, I’ve seen so much growth in all aspects of my life. For the first time in my life, I am happy with who I am—flaws and all!

Disclosure: I have been offered a 10 weeks with Lindora, in exchange for sharing my personal opinions and experiences with Lindora. All opinions are my own. I only share information about products, companies, and services I believe will be helpful for my readers. I’m losing weight and following the plan on Lindora and loving it!

Jr Hero Run #Giveaway

February 16, 2016 by Laura Lohr 8 Comments

If you’re a follower of this blog or know me personally, you already know that I LOVE running! It’s a passion of mine and I’m always trying to get my family to love it as much as I do. I’m always trying to get my non-running friends and family involved in a local running event. I am especially partial to a few San Diego area races that are organized to give back to the community or donate proceeds to a noble charity. These are a few reasons why I fell in love with the Jr Hero Run and when I was contacted to promote the event, I was thrilled to be able to help in any way I can!

The Jr Hero Run is in its third year, this year. The mission of the Jr Hero Run is to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and to help them to grant more wishes. What a great cause! Can you imagine if we could grant the wish of every child? What a world! I love the Make-A-Wish Foundation for all they stand for, I love running, I love running with friends and family. Sign. Me. Up!

The Jr Hero Run is where kids and adults dress up as their favorite superheros and fend off villains with water guns and be a real heroes for the day, as they navigate the 2-3k course.

This is a lot more than just a run. As you make your way through the 2-3K course, you will need to courageously fend off villains with your water gun and recover a stolen coin from the villain fortress. Present the coin at the Hall of Justice and get awarded a finishing medal.

How totally cool, right? I can’t wait to do this one! Grab your cape and come on out to the Jr Hero Run near you!

More information about the Jr Hero Run can be found on the event website, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’m giving away a family four-pack of race entries for the Jr Hero Run, for any of the races of your choice. The following locations and dates for the Jr Hero Run:

Las Vegas 5/21

San Diego 6/18

Chino 8/6

Palos Verdes 8/13

You can also enter the giveaway below or you can receive $5 off your race entry, simply by using the promo code: JHR2016 at check out.

Which location would you like to run the Jr Hero Run? Have you ever run the race before?

Jr Hero Run Family Fun Pack of 4 Race Entries

Disclaimer: I was offered race entries for my family, in exchange for promoting the event. Regardless, I love running and I love the Make-A-Wish Foundation and want the Jr Hero Run to be a success!

Tips for Active Moms Over 40

February 15, 2016 by Laura Lohr 2 Comments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ActiveFitForMe #CollectiveBias

When I was 6 months post-partum, I completed my very first marathon. It was an ambitious endeavor, considering I’d had a c-section and was on bedrest the last half of my pregnancy. That didn’t deter me! I boldly completed that marathon! During the first few weeks of the marathon training, I made a shocking discovery. I had bladder leakage—a term I never used before that time. At the time, I didn’t know of any products that could discretely address my issue and honestly, I was too ashamed to try!

Nevertheless, there I was, stretching after a ten mile run and realized that my pants had the telltale signs of said leakage. I didn’t know what to do, yet I was sure EVERYONE knew. At the time, I was embarrassed. I didn’t know until I was much older and I began talking to my friends about my “issue” and realized I’m not alone! In fact, over 65 million Americans experience bladder leakage, and half are under the age of 50! 65 million! I remember my friend telling me, “Girl, please! I had four children. You think I didn’t know about this?” Touche!

A few things I learned after childbirth: I have to cross my legs to sneeze, jumping jacks, jump roping, or any other high impact exercise can cause some embarrassing issues. Modifying my active lifestyle is completely out of the question. I’m still a runner, I still love me some boot camp, and I’m not changing any time soon. I completed another half marathon in January and have another planned in April.

I recently tried the Depend® Silhouette® Active Fit and I have to say, they were much better than I could have expected. They aren’t terribly bulky. I can wear any of my workout outfits, with confidence! Running tights? Yoga pants? No problem! I am confident that unless I tell someone, I’ll be the only one that will know I’m wearing them!

I ordered the Silhouette Active Fit online from Wal-Mart, which made it easy, convenient, and very discrete. I ordered them and had the option to pick them up at the store, or have it delivered to my doorstep. Easy peasy! The process was so simple and discrete!

There’s really no reason to suffer from bladder leakage during workouts. It’s nice to have peace of mind that I can run as far as I want, do as many jumping jacks, or jump rope, without having to worry unnecessarily about anything.

Tips for Active Moms in Their 40’s

Here’s some great tips for active moms in their 40’s, to keep us looking and feeling young! Actually, these tips are ones I’d have given to my 20 year old self, if I thought I’d listen! I hope they serve as a reminder to take care of our bodies in our 40’s and well beyond!

Don’t Let Your Fears Stand in Your Way! Preparation is the Key to Success!

Preparation is truly the key to success. In my active lifestyle, it’s no different. If I would have let that situation embarrassing situation bother me, I’d never had finished my marathon. Fortunately, I don’t have to find myself in a situation where I’m unprepared again! With Depend® Silhouette® Active Fit, I can participate in even the bounciest of sports and not have to worry about bladder leakage again. So, the next time I go on a 10 mile run, or performing feats of strength at bootcamp, you can bet I’ll be prepared for anything! Jumping Jacks? Burpees? I can give 100% and not have to worry about anything!

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

It’s really important to make sure you’re getting enough water. It makes such a difference with everything! I feel so much better when I’m getting at least 80 ounces of water a day. Plus, my face looks less puffy, I look more rested, and the dark circles aren’t as prominent.

My strategy for making sure I get enough water? I have a water bottle that I fill up three times a day. In the morning, first thing, I down 32 ounces. Then, mid-morning, I drink another 32 ounces. I try to get my last 32 ounces in at lunch, before it gets too late. No one wants to be up all night, running to the potty! So, drink that water early!

Take a Multi-Vitamin Every Day!

No one has perfect eating habits—least of all, ME! I try to do my best, but I have to admit I don’t always get all the right nutrients my body needs. My doctor recommended that I take a women’s daily multi-vitamin and potassium, based on what my lab work I recently had. I make sure that even when I’m not eating perfectly, I take the vitamins my doctor recommends.

Use Sunscreen Daily!

Over the past year or two, the evidence of basking in the sun and bronzing my young, beautiful skin has revealed itself in the way of sunspots. When I asked my dermatologist about this “melasma,” or discoloration, he advised I begin the ritual of applying sunscreen every day. He said that with time and protecting my skin from here on out, I could greatly improve my skin. Within a year, I have seen noticed a significant improvement. I found a sunscreen that works really well for protecting my skin and that I can use daily and I haven’t looked back!

Exercise Every Day and Don’t Forget About Your Core!

This is one of the things I’ve learned as I’ve plunged into my 40’s. I HAVE to exercise, every single day! It’s not just to keep my weight in check either! When I exercise, I improve my muscle tone, I feel better, and it helps to keep the aches, pains, and stiffness at bay. Some great ideas for working out are: gardening, dancing, walking, hiking, swimming, running, tennis, just to name a few. Find something you love and commit to it every day!

Some of the best exercises for moms can be done right from your very own living room! Planks are great exercises to strengthen your core and your entire upper body. With light dumbbell weights, you can create your own routine to tone your arms and chest. Sit-ups can be done, while watching your favorite show. Push-ups are an excellent way to gain upper body strength.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is to work on my core. When I was younger, I injured my back at work. As I’ve gotten older, it helps to stretch and strengthen my back, but even more so, if I pay attention to my core. The core exercises help with good posture, they improve balance, stability, and defines those abdominal muscles. Embrace those sit-ups!

Take Time to Take Care of Yourself!

As moms, we can become so accustomed to taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves. We need to eat right. We need to decompress and destress. It’s like the flight attendants remind us—we have to put on our own oxygen mask before we can help another person with theirs. Take time to have your annual check-ups. Take time to spend time with a good friend. We need it!

Rest. Get 8 Hours of Sleep!

Don’t I know how difficult it is to get 8 hours of sleep? Being a busy mom, there’s times where I’m the last one in bed. Preparing everyone for the next day, cleaning up dishes, making sure laundry is done for the following day, or whatever! It seems that sleep is an elusive luxury, afforded to pampered moms that have maids and nannies! Getting a good night’s rest is imperative to your overall health! Scientists have found that getting good rest can contribute to stabilization of hormone levels, improve memory and cognition, decreases your chances of acquiring diabetes and heart disease, and can even contribute to a healthy weight! Besides, you’ll look healthier well-rested!

What are your tips for keeping healthy, young, and fit in your forties and beyond? Do you have any advice for women that haven’t reached their forties yet? What advice would you give your younger self?

Fitness Friday SuperBowl Edition

February 5, 2016 by Laura Lohr Leave a Comment

Happy Fitness Friday! I’m so happy to be here this week! It was a fantastic week! I have so much to look forward to this weekend and next week!

Sunset_Cliffs2 — Sunset Cliffs, where Mr. Bear and I got married.

First of all, we are traveling to Monterrey today to visit my mother in law and my husband’s uncle. His uncle is giving us TWO SUPERBOWL TICKETS! How lucky are we? I’m so excited! I gave up my seat for my ten year old daughter. She is a loyal Broncos fan and I know this is the chance of a lifetime for her. So, her and Daddy are going to have a NFL experience most people don’t get in their lifetimes! I’m sad I’m going to miss it, yet I know how much it will mean to my husband and daughter to spend this special day together. What an experience!

Because it’s Superbowl and because I just completed my first program with Lindora, I’m going to take this opportunity to enjoy myself while we’re traveling. I may splurge on some football goodness while we are away. I mean, for me, my favorite part of Superbowl really is the food! Hahaha! Excuse me, while I enjoy a thing or two. Then, come Monday, it’s back to program for another 10 weeks! I’m so delighted that I’ve got another program to start!

My goal on this next 10 week program is 35 pounds. I’d love to see another 35 pounds gone! That would take me so close to my goal. I’m going to stick very close to the rules this time around, just like I did last time. This last time, I lost 32.5 pounds, when I was at my lowest during the 10 weeks. I’m confident, however much weight I lose, I’ll be happy! This has been such a rewarding experience!

I went to the spot Mr. Bear and I got married yesterday. I was just thinking about how beautiful and confident I felt walking down the aisle, down to the ocean, at Sunset Cliffs. I want to feel that same confidence again!

Sunset_Cliffs1 — Sunset Cliffs, San Diego. Where I married my best friend!

This past week, I’ve seen myself grow so much as a runner. I’m not just running faster, I’m running longer distances without stopping. The La Jolla Half Marathon is a hilly race. There’s one hill, specifically, at mile 6 that really is steep! The race really is infamous for that one steep hill that makes even the most fit of runners question their sanity! The elevation goes from sea level to 440 feet in the matter of two miles. Then, at the end, there’s another small hill before you finish the race. The great thing about the race, is that the course is absolutely stunning! The steep incline winds between the Torrey Pine trees and much of the course yaws along one of the most scenic areas along the Pacific Ocean.

I’ve run through this area before and it’s a favorite for its majestic beauty. The La Jolla Half is the only race I’ve ever received a Do Not Finish for. It was approximately 4 years ago and I only got about 4 miles in before injury, anxiety, and lack of training took me out of the race. It’s a huge milestone to be tackling this race again. I’m really excited about slaying this dragon of mine.

My friend Mollie and I have been running with my dog Layla at 5:30 a.m. during the week, whenever we can. We are tackling the hills that envelop our neighborhood. I’ll admit, it’s quite intimidating when I think about the hills we’re going to run, so I don’t think about them much! I put my headphones on, try to control my breathing and then I try to keep up with Mollie! She’s a lot faster than me and sometimes I feel like I’m holding her back. Nonetheless, like a great friend, she nevers makes me feel that way. She encourages me and cheers me on. In spite of the daunting paths that lie ahead of us, I feel inspired. It’s giving me a lot of confidence I haven’t had in a long time!

Tomorrow, I’m going to run in Monterrey and get 7 miles in. I can’t believe I’m already up to 7 miles for this training schedule! Amazing! I’m sticking to my goals and making real changes!

My dear readers, have you stuck to your New Year’s Resolutions? Have you made a change you’re proud of? Share what you’re proud of!

Happy running! Have a safe Super Bowl weekend!

Carlsbad Half Marathon Recap

January 23, 2016 by Laura Lohr 2 Comments

Sunday, I accomplished a huge goal of mine…I completed another half marathon—the Carlsbad Half Marathon. While this wasn’t my FIRST half marathon, in many ways, it felt like it was. It had been a number of years since I had successfully completed a half, I had gotten out of shape, and I’d gained a lot of weight since the last one. Last January, I began the hard work of returning to running. Fall of 2015, I was finally ready to start adding miles to my training and I was finally ready to take on the distance.

On Saturday, Allie Kat’s school running club was participating in the Legoland Marathon Mile. We made the trek with some of her running friends and the neighbors joined us in the race. I was concerned about keeping fresh legs for the half on Sunday, so Mr. Bear and I walked the one mile through Legoland. Allie and her friends sprinted the mile and made good time. After we had breakfast, we headed to the expo to pick up our race gear.

Carlsbad Half Marathon Race Gear — My race gear, ready to go for the next day!

The night before the race, our neighbor and friend decided to run the half marathon with her daughter. Neither of them had trained for the race, yet were eager to run the race. I was so excited to have some running buddies to do the race with. While at the expo, we did some shopping, got our numbers and I took some photos and went home to get my race gear together for the next day. I was so excited and nervous!

I got to carpool with my friend and her daughter and we arrived in plenty of time. I got to meet up with the lovely ladies of the San Diego Moms Run this Town. I got to meet a few new friends and got to see some other ladies I already knew, then it was off to the half marathon start.

I was in wave 6, which meant about 20 minutes of waiting until my wave was sent out onto the course. I was fidgety and increasingly more nervous. Would I be able to make it across the finish line? Did I train enough? Did I train hard enough? Meanwhile, my friend and her daughter, were calmly waiting for the gun for our wave’s start.

Once the gun started, I was off. I lost track of my friends and I felt terrific. I genuinely felt fantastic! I tried to go out slow, but my legs were dragging me ahead! My first 5 miles, I was going waaaay faster than I intended! My goal was to come in under 14 minutes per mile, but each mile was 11-12 minute pace for the majority of miles. I was keeping an eye on the 2 hour 45 minute pacer. Sometimes, running ahead of the pacer. I was feeling strong, confident, and like I was flying.

At mile 6, I texted Mr. Bear:

I’m on pace for 2:45 right now! Feeling STRONG!

It was exactly at that point when I started to feel fatigued. So, my next text:

I’m feeling fatigued. Going to eat something.

Then:

Steep hill. I’m fueled and feel better.

And, then:

Mile 10. I’m cramping up.

I had brought a protein bar and tried to refuel. I felt much better after having a little something to eat. I was off and running again for the next few miles. Up and down. Up and down. The course is hilly. Every time I would run up a hill, I expected to run down, but it seemed like it was more up, flat, up, flat, the whole way. At mile 8, I was beginning to cramp up. I popped a couple of salt tablets to try to keep the cramping at bay. It seemed to help. At mile 9, we began running with the full marathoners. I kept telling myself, “Just a few more miles.” I gave myself permission to walk. I wanted to run, but my legs were so fatigued. I kept going.

At mile 11, I texted a few friends. I joked to my friend that the last 0.1 was going to be the hardest. At mile 12, I saw the 3 hour pacer and I stuck by her. At that point, I was nearly delirious with fatigue. I began to run when I could. The pacer was encouraging me. I knew I was going to finish, nevertheless, it was a challenge. About a quarter mile before the finish, Mr. Bear called me and asked where I was. I told him I’d be there soon and could I please call him back. The lady next to me was laughing at our conversation and she made me laugh for a second—and to stop taking myself so seriously.

I saw the finish line and I took off running. I was going to finish strong. I pushed and pushed. Tears were streaming down my cheeks. This was a hard won victory and I did it! This was the hardest race I’ve ever run.

I met up with family, neighbors, and friends at the expo tent. I started stretching and then remembered I had promised to go to Legoland for the rest of the day. What had I gotten myself into?! I cooled down, grabbed a protein shake, changed my clothes, and we headed to Legoland with Allie and her two best girlfriends from swim and running club.

We spent 5 hours at Legoland and had a great time. I was able to walk around without too much trouble. I was already planning my next half marathon by the end of the day, which is a good indicator that this race wasn’t too terrible. I recovered pretty quickly and I learned some of my weaker areas that I need to work on for the next time.

This was my first experience running the Carlsbad Half Marathon and so far, I’d say I’d do it again. This was also my slowest half marathon and I’m okay with that. I finished in 2 hours, 58 minutes, 46 seconds. My goal was 3 hours. I couldn’t have come in much closer to my goal. The course runs along the coastline of Carlsbad and there’s stretches that are gorgeous! I think being sick during December and misses a few key runs did compromise my preparation for the final three miles, nonetheless, I have no regrets! I ran 13.1 miles and I’m ready to do it again!

My finisher's medal — My finisher’s medal

What are you proud of this week? Are you preparing for any new events? Wishing you happy feet!

Fitness Friday 40 Plus Pounds Down!

Jr Hero Run #Giveaway

I’m giving away a family four-pack of race entries for the Jr Hero Run, for any of the races of your choice. The following locations and dates for the Jr Hero Run:

Tips for Active Moms Over 40

Tips for Active Moms in Their 40’s