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Get Fit – Win Money – Health Bet is coming!

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This is a bet you’re going to want to take! Quite possibly the easiest way to earn money I’ve ever heard of…seriously! There will be anywhere from $1 million to $3 million in the pot (it’s growing every day!) and you will split that with everyone else who does 3 simple things:

  1. Workout a minimum of 3 times/week. (easy!)
  2. Drink Shakeology (and take pictures for proof) 5 times/week. (delicious!)
  3. Log your activity in the Challenge Tracker app from Sept 5 – Oct 2.

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If you’re already working out and drinking Shakeology…this is a NO-brainer! All you need to do is sign up for my next challenge, starting September 5, do the 3 things listed above, and you’ll be sharing a piece of the pie! How much money you win just depends on the total prize pot and the number of participants! But you are guaranteed to walk away with some extra cash just for living a healthy lifestyle. No embarrassing weigh-ins required. Just sweat and sip your way through September and you’re a winner! (In more ways than one!)

Deadline to get signed up is Monday, August 29!

*Extended through Sunday 9/4!

Don’t have a workout you love? (I can help with that!)
Not drinking Shakeology? (I can help with that, too!) *Try it for 30 days and if you don’t love it, return an empty bag. Seriously.

There are a TON of GREAT sales this month! If you try Shakeology you get a workout program for just $10 more! All of the TOP programs are on sale! Check it out!

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READ MORE ABOUT THE SALES!

I don’t know about you, but with all of the travelling and vacations, eating out, bbq’s, etc….I kinda lost focus a bit. My workouts slipped and nutrition too. It wasn’t a total loss, but I’ve got some work to do to get back on track! This is the perfect time to do just that!

Summer is winding down, and we’re about to get hit with busy schedules, kids’ activities, demands of our time, fall treats and goodies, etc… We can’t be the best version of ourselves to take all of that responsibility on without taking care of ourselves first! Take this bet and set yourself up for a fall that you can take head on – with your head up – feeling good about yourself, with more energy to do all of the things! I will be there to help you every step of the way! And together we will get fit and win some cash to boot!

SO LET’S DO THIS! WHO’S IN?

Fill out the form below and let’s get started!

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Grilled Marinated Chicken Kebabs

First of all…you don’t have to ‘kebab’ this chicken if you don’t want to. You can just marinate it and grill it up…cause it’s really about the marinade! You could slather it on a shoe and it would still be pretty tasty!

But for the purposes of this recipe, let’s assume you’ll be grilling chicken (not shoes).

kebab_aip

Ingredients

1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lime, juiced
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/4 honey
1 teaspoon kosher salt
ground black pepper to taste
This marinade is enough for about 5-6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves.

Instructions

  1. Whisk all of the ingredients together.
  2. Cut up chicken (if making kebabs) into 1 inch chunks.
  3. Put the chicken in a large Ziploc bag and add marinade.
  4. Put the chicken in the fridge and try to marinate for at least 2 hours (less if you’re in a hurry and didn’t plan ahead).
  5. Place 5-6 pieces of chicken on each kebab stick (I pre-soaked mine so they wouldn’t burn).
  6. *Optional – feel free to add some veggies to your kebabs (mushrooms, peppers, onion, tomato…)
  7. Grill chicken over med/high heat and cook until juices run clear. (kebabs will take about 5-7 minutes on each side.

kebabs_pan

 

Then, when they were done grilling, I took the pieces off the stick, and shoved them into my 21 Day Fix container to see how many would fit! I was able to fit almost 2 full sticks in one red container – which was a lot of food!

kebab_dinner

 

Not familiar with the 21 Day Fix?

Through the end of this month, you can get the 21 Day Fix OR 21 Day Fix Extreme FREE when you try Shakelogy (vs. a one-time order of Shakeology). Check them out below! And you also get a 30 day FREE trial of Beachbody on Demand!

 

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Delicious Strawberry Vinaigrette!

‘Tis the season for fresh strawberries!

I have such fond memories of picking strawberries as a kid. My mom would take us and I remember laying down between the rows, so nobody could see me eating my weight in berries! I would come back with an empty quart container, a drippy red chin and a FULL belly!

strawberry_pick2Taking my own kids is a lot of fun too! They are excellent taste-testers! With 4 extra pickers, I usually come home with 10 million strawberries and then try to figure out what to do with them all!

strawberry_pick4strawberry_pick3strawberry_pick

 

I like to make my grandmother’s strawberry shortcake recipe. I’ll usually do some freezer jam. Of course, we eat them fresh too!

strawberry_summer_saladA tasty strawberry spinach salad is always a nice summer treat!

 

I made this one the other day, topped with some grilled chicken. But what made the salad was this AMAZING dressing! OMG! It was SO incredibly delicious. The kids were seriously trying to DRINK it! (Not kidding). When I told them they couldn’t drink the salad dressing, they poured it on their plates and licked it clean! Oy!

 

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You could also make this with thawed frozen berries – but FRESH is best!

Strawberry Vinaigrette 

Total Time: 10 min.

Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. white balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. raw honey
¼ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
1⅓ cups sliced fresh strawberries

Directions:
1. Place vinegar, oil, honey, salt, pepper, and strawberries in a blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

*21 Day Fix-Approved! 🙂 1 serving= 1/2 blue/orange

 

And here is the salad recipe I used for the above salad.

Spinach Salad w/Berriesspinach_salad_berries

Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
8 cups fresh baby spinach
1 medium orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh blueberries
½ cup sliced fresh strawberries
¼ cup slivered almonds
8 Tbsp. Strawberry Vinaigrette

Preparation:
1. Combine spinach, bell pepper, blueberries, strawberries, and almonds in a large serving bowl; toss gently to blend.
2. Drizzle salad evenly with Strawberry Vinaigrette; toss gently to blend.
3. Serve immediately.

*21 Day Fix-Approved! 🙂 1 serving= 1 green, 1/2 purple

WHAT’S ON SALE?

And, if you’re ready to get to work and want support and accountability to help you reach your goals…
purple-button-CHALLENGE
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What is Coaching? 3 Day Sneak Peek – YOLO

If you had told me 2 1/2 years ago that I would spend the afternoon taking professional fitness pictures with a friend, I would have died laughing…like really…fer real. DEAD from laughter!

YOLO

 

Instead, there I was, with a fellow coach-friend, who was also pinching herself and wondering how she came to be standing in front of a camera, dumbbell in hand, promoting her fitness business.

Sometimes our craziest ideas turn into our defining moments!

Had I not decided to sign up as a coach around 2.5 years ago, not only would I not have been planking poolside, but I would be at LEAST 25 pounds overweight, self-conscious, uncomfortable, depressed and not blessed by the many many amazing people that I have met through this business.

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I joined for selfish reasons. I wanted the discount. I was a huge fan of Beachbody products and programsShakeology_discount already, and I just wanted to save some $$ on Shakeology. But then I fell in love with helping other people find the same kind of success that I was experiencing! And SOMEBODY PINCH ME – because I get PAID to do this! As much, if not more than I did as a full-time teacher; working part-time hours, from home or wherever I happen to be each day: chillin’ poolside, under a blankie on the couch with my kids…

little_piggiesI get to be home with my kids!…instead of spending my days with other people’s kids. And that is worth MORE than anything to me!

I can go on family vacations for as long as I want and not have to worry about begging some jerky boss for time off – I am my OWN boss! Not only that…but the money I make is making it possible for us to do MORE travelling, take vacations we wouldn’t have been able to afford before, save money for college educations (x4!), and buy a new family vehicle!

If you’ve ever thought about doing this, or just want to know more…stop wondering! Join me for my upcoming 3 Day Sneak Peek! Hear my story, learn the basics and ask ANY questions you have!

No commitments.

NO pressure!Sneak_peek

The group will start on Monday, May 18. I’ll just share my story, explain the ‘basics’ of the business and answer ANY questions you might have!

Like….

 

  • How much time does it take?
  • Do you have to be a fitness professional?
  • Do you have to be a nutritionist?
  • Do you have to be in top physical condition?
  • How much money do you make?
  • How will I learn WHAT to do and HOW to do it?

Are you curious? Just a little? My biggest regret is that I didn’t start coaching sooner. I didn’t understand it, because I didn’t take the time to learn about it. That’s why I want to let you take a little peek, and decide if this is something that you might enjoy, too! Learn at your pace, be a fly on the wall…whatever floats your boat! 🙂 ‪

YOLO‬!

Ready to take a peek?

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Results (and Nickels) are POURING in!

If I had a nickel for every person I hear from who says that doing the 21 Day Fix is what FINALLY worked…

Nickels

well…I’d have a whole lotta nickels!

 

In January, Nancy lost 10.4 pounds and 9 inches and Jenny lost 11 pounds and 3 inches! Among others!

Last week alone, Fawn lost 5 pounds and 3.5 inches!!! In one week people!

UPDATE: And take a look at Michelle’s results after almost 3 full rounds of the 21 Day Fix & Shakeology.

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And check out Ashley’s results:

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Ashley has completed 3 rounds of The 21 Day Fix.
She has lost 22 pounds and about 18 inches! And she has gained a BIG beautiful smile and a TON of self-confidence!

And some fellow coaches and I are joining our challengers this month with the NEW 21 Day Fix Extreme and getting some amazing results with it!

Kristin is a week ahead of me, but check out her 2 week results.

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In just 2 weeks she’s down 6.4 pounds and 6 inches! And I seriously can’t WAIT to see how she finishes!

In one week of dialed-in nutrition and 30 minute workouts I was able to drop 3 pounds and 1.5 inches!

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This program WORKS!!! You know what else works? Challenge Groups.

Here is what Jennifer says: “Feeling stronger (mentally) everyday. I chose to eat a salad with balsamic vinegar instead of the pancakes that my kids wanted last night for dinner. And I’m getting my workout in everyday even when I am exhausted from getting up with a teething 10 month old . Loving this program and the motivation from all of you ladies!”

“I love your positivity. I wish I could print out all your posts and hang them on my wall! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”

FITNESS + NUTRITION + SUPPORT = SUCCESS!

In our private group on Facebook, we’ll support each other and keep each other accountable. I’ll share daily tips, recipes and motivation and be available to help you 24/7. Are you going to get that kind of support in the gym? Nah…don’t think so.

Check out these videos for more information.

21 Day Fix

21 Day Fix Extreme

Get your hands on one of these programs – see the buttons below – and hop into my next Challenge Group, and we’ll get to work on reaching YOUR goals! Fill out the information below and let’s get to work!

 

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21 Day Fix Extreme is HERE!

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21 DAYS – EXTREME RESULTS

The 21 Day Fix was an absolute game-changer! I’ve seen amazing results over and over again! People losing 10-15 pounds in just 21 days. AND nobody is starving, OR killing themselves at the gym for 1-2 hours a day!

Well NOW you can kick it up a notch and get seriously shredded in the shortest time possible with 21 Day Fix EXTREME, created by Autumn Calabrese. This breakthrough 21-day fitness and nutrition program combines simple portion control, clean eating, and extreme 30-minute workouts to deliver a body that is hard, lean, and defined.

What is 21 Day Fix EXTREME?
• A 21-day program that features simple portion control, clean eating, and extreme
30-minute workouts.
• The portion-control containers take all the guesswork out of how much you should eat.
• The Eating Plan will tell you exactly what to eat and when—and how to eat cleaner than ever.
• This is how you get seriously shredded in 21 days.

What makes this program different?
• No other program has you eating this well and working this hard. It’s going to take guts, intensity,
and drive. But it’s only 21 days.
• The 30-minute workouts are extreme. They combine steady-state aerobics, resistance training, and
explosive power moves that target every muscle in the body—to help you get shredded in a short
amount of time.
• Seven workouts; one for every day of the week so your mind never gets bored and your body
never adapts.
• For your nutrition, you’ll not only be practicing portion control—you’ll be eating ONLY clean foods.
No treats. No cheats. No excuses.
• Autumn has included her own competition nutrition plan, which she uses to get stage-ready and
ripped in 21 days.

Who should do the 21 Day Fix EXTREME?
Women and men who:
• Are impatient to get serious results.
• Don’t want to make longtime commitments or have tried and failed at longer, more complicated
diet plans.
• Are serious with a “No BS” attitude toward workouts and nutrition.
• Have a dramatic short-term weight-loss deadline, or need a final push to achieve the hardbody
they’ve always wanted.
• Don’t have much weight to lose, but want to get shredded and have defined abs.
*See info below about my test group!

Check out a quick preview:

This month you can get EXTREME results and $AVE some cash too! And of course…you have options!

1) BASE Kit: comes with all 7 workouts: Plyo Fix Extreme, Upper Fix Extreme, Lower Fix Extreme, Pilates Fix Extreme, Cardio Fix Extreme, Dirty 30 Extreme, & Yoga Extreme + a BONUS workout: The Fix Challenge. You’ll also recive 2 sets of the color-coded portion control containers and a Shakeology shaker cup.*The Base Kit does NOT come with Shakeology. PLUS 3 FREE GIFTS! The 21 Day Fix Extreme Eating Plan, Countdown to Competition and 24/7 support! AND FREE SHIPPING! (this month only)

2) CHALLENGE PACK – Save $70: Challenge Packs are the complete package, offering total support for achieving health and fitness goals. The formula? Fitness + Nutrition + Support = Success. With the Challenge Pack, customers will receive:

  • EVERYTHING in the Base Kit
  • Shakeology (Choice of 30-day supply on Home Direct)
  • Team Beachbody Club (30-day FREE trial membership)
  • OPTIONAL: Sign up as a coach and receive your free Business Starter Kit & have your first Business Service Fee waived. And start earning money!

3) KICKSTART CHALLENGE PACK – Save $95 

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  •  EVERYTHING in the Challenge Pack PLUS the 3 Day Refresh to ‘kickstart’ your results!

JOIN MY TEST GROUP!
Starting on the 16th, I will be running a Test Group for anyone doing the 21 Day Fix Extreme, or The 21 Day Fix. We’ll do the programs together! You’ll get the daily support and accountability you need to dig deep and get results! I’ll provide motivation and recipes and be available to help you reach your goals – 24/7!

Choose your option(s) below!DEADLINE to commit is Friday, Feb. 6

Be patient – the site is bound to be overloaded today!

21 Day Fix Extreme – Base Kit

21 Day Fix Extreme – Challenge Pack

21 Day Fix Extreme – Kickstart Challenge Pack

Shop for other 21 Day Fix AND 21 Day Fix Extreme options

To Join my Test Group, sign up below:

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Clean E̶a̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ Playdough

Clean eating playdough? I don’t actually suggest EATING it, but the point is that you COULD! 

playdough

Now I know that Playdoh (from the store), is labeled as non-toxic, but I wouldn’t suggest eating it! Would you?  A United States patent indicates it is composed of water, a starch-based binder, a retrogradation inhibitor, salt, lubricant, surfactant, preservative, hardener, humectant, fragrance, and color. A petroleumadditive gives the compound a smooth feel, and borax prevents mold from developing. That does NOT sound delicious, or consumable at all! Not to mention, if you leave the cap off, or even just cracked a smidge…it’s garbage. Instant odd-shaped marbles!

*Fun Fact: When the original inventors designed the Playdoh modeling clay it was intended to be used as wallpaper cleaner.

Homemade playdough, on the other hand, is made with just a few basic ingredients that you most likely have in your kitchen. The only thing you might not have is cream of tartar. You can get it in the spice aisle, and I make enough homemade playdough that I just make sure to have some on-hand. My kids LOVE playing with it! Even my older kids! HECK! Even I like to sit down and play when they get it out! It’s kind of soothing and mesmerizing! Don’t believe me? Try it!

So what does playdough have to do with health and/or fitness? Well, here is how I’m tying this all together! I have made an observation throughout the years that sometimes in order for me to find some ME time, I have to set the kids up with something FUN for them to do that will keep them busy for 30-60 minutes – just enough time for me to get in my workout! Homemade playdough is one of those things that keeps them occupied long enough for me to do my workout. I get out all of the cutting tools, rollers and toys, spread it all out on the table and let them go to work. So THERE…that’s how playdough is health/fitness related! Works for me!

playdough_toys

This is my go-to recipe! And even though it feels like winter, it’s still technically fall, so a pumpkin-spiced dough recipe works just fine! But feel free to experiment and try other varieties! Christmas cookie (vanilla/nutmeg)? Peppermint candy (peppermint extract & red food coloring)?

To store, just pop it into a ziploc bag, and keep in the refrigerator for MONTHS! 🙂

Pumpkin Spice Playdough Recipe 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup of salt (a little more if you use kosher)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil*
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon/nutmeg/cloves)
  • optional: food coloring or natural food based dyes (such as beet juice and turmeric)

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients (except food coloring) in a large pot.
  2. Stir over medium heat until a big ball forms. (It should be smooth and no longer sticky.)
  3. Remove from the pot and allow to cool until the dough can be worked by hand.
  4. Divide the dough into however many different colors you want.
  5. Work the colors into the dough by adding a few drops at a time and kneading. (We used red and yellow to make orange but you can just leave it as is.  Other colors could be achieved with natural juices: beet, carrot, turmeric.)
  6. Enjoy!

* Coconut oil is the secret ingredient.  It makes the best play dough EVER!  If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it.

HAVE FUN!!!

What’s on SALE?

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Take THAT!

I am always SO inspired by the pretty food pictures and delicious sounding recipes on Pinterest. But let’s be real…they NEVER really turn out as pretty as the picture, RIGHT?!

Well…not this time bub! I was so pleased with how pretty this dish was when I made it last week…I had to take a picture of it. In my opinion…it is a work of art! But was it worth ALL of the effort…

take_that

I do believe it WAS!

It really wasn’t ALL that difficult. Just a little time consuming to slice and place all of the veggies just so. So here is what I did for a 9 x 13 inch dish:

Take That Pinterest

  • 1/2 medium sweet onion – diced
  • 3-4 garlic cloves – minced
  • 2-3 zucchinis
  • 2-3 yellow squash
  • 5-6 roma tomatoes (Or adjust depending on the size tomato you want to use.)
  • olive oil
  • 3 T. chopped fresh basil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese (Or a little sharp cheddar would be good, too.)

Directions: Preheat oven to 400°. Drizzle the bottom of a glass pan with a little olive oil. Saute onions and garlic in a little olive oil for 3-4 minutes. Meanwhile, slice up all of the veggies! I used a knife, I didn’t want them to be paper thin (using a mandolin would be ok…but just don’t use the thinnest setting). Place the slices int the pan in an alternating pattern. Sprinkle the top with sea salt, pepper and the fresh basil. Cover with foil and cook for 30 minutes. Take out, remove foil and sprinkle on a little freshly grated parmesan cheese!

TA Die For!

Take a picture of YOUR masterpiece and share it with me HERE!

Like this recipe? Want MORE?! Join me on Monday, August 18 for my FREE 7 Day Slim Down group on Facebook! Past groups have lost an average of 5-7 pounds…in one week! You won’t be starving either! We’re eating 5-6 meals/day of good, clean foods!

What’s Included?
✔Daily Meal Plan
✔Shopping List
✔Daily Support
✔Accountability (in a private Facebook group)
✔Daily workout suggestions (or just commit to 30 minutes/day!)

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP Friday August 15th!

Click here for more information and get signed up ➡ CLICK HERE

 

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FREE 7-Day Slim Down!

 

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! slim_down-pic

If you’ve missed out on previous FREE 7-Day groups, now is your chance! Or…maybe you saw such GREAT results the first time, you want to do it again!? FANTASTIC!

The last time we did this, participants lost an average of 5-7 pounds!

FREE Clean Eating 7 Day Slim down!

What’s Included?
✔Daily Meal Plan w/recipes!
✔Shopping List
✔Daily Support
✔Accountability (in a private Facebook group)
✔Daily workout suggestions (or just commit to 30 minutes/day!)

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP – Saturday July 12th!

Fill out the information below and you will receive an email with additional information and sign up details!

 

*Only non-coaches, and those not already working with a coach.

Challenge Application

* indicates required





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The Stuff NIGHTMARES are Made Of

So, I had my first (of MANY, I’m sure) marathon nightmares. This one was relatively tame compared to some that I’ve had in the past.

First of all, I’m training for the 2014 Chicago Marathon! Ah! What was Irun_girl_Collage thinking? Yes, I’ve completed 4 marathons, but it’s been 4 years, so I’m feeling pretty nervous about it. My OFFICIAL training hasn’t quite begun yet. I’m in the PRE-training stage of my training. Does that make sense? I’m just trying to get my legs, heart and lungs used to pounding the pavement again. I’m doing about 3-4 runs per week, with a maximum distance SO FAR of 6 miles. That mileage will begin to jump up very soon! It’s going to be a looonng summer!

So anyway…back to my nightmare.

Previous nightmares have been things like, suddenly I get lost in the middle of the race! Or that they’ve decided to throw in some obstacles, like running through buildings, along tight spaces, climbing things, etc… One of my nightmares actually came true! In 2010 (my last marathon), I showed up late and had to sprint across downtown Chicago BEFORE starting my marathon. I was also attempting to pin my bib on myself at the same time. This is not the way you really want to start your marathon. I had to run 26.2 miles after that nonsense!

So last night I had a similar dream. I showed up on time, but realized I hadn’t gone to the Expo the day before to pick up my bib and microchip. The race organizers directed me to a building where I had to stand in line to get my bag, quickly try to attach my microchip and bib, find a place to put my belongings and make my way back to the start. At that point I of course experienced the dreaded ‘running through quick sand’ feeling, where no matter how hard I tried… I couldn’t seem to run! UGH! Thankfully at that point, I woke up and all was well. Crisis averted…for now!

Now…only 138 more sleeps until the race.

I’ve decided to attempt a weekly blog entry to chronicle my training. I’m hoping for lots of nice weather, no injuries and a mild year of asthma symptoms! Is that too much to wish for?

running_momAlso, I started a super cool running group just for moms – or people who have moms – who like to run, or walk, or move briskly from one spot to another! We talk about things like chaffing and running bras and just encourage each other to be awesome! Sounds fun doesn’t it?!


If you’re interested, send a request to join to HERE!

 

PS – I don’t run that fast. It wouldn’t be that hard to “keep up”! 😉