5 Ways to Stay Motivated

March is here but where is Spring?

It is hard to stay motivated to our fitness goals during these cold days.  Don’t let this weather set you back.  Spring will be here in no time!

There are many ways to stay motivated and have fun while you do it. Here are some ideas for sticking with it!

1. Try Something New – Find a new workout that sounds fun!  You may actually enjoy it and your body will be thanking you for using muscles you never knew you had.

2. Workout with a Friend – Make a date with a friend to go on a run or hike. Your mind will be happy to think about something new rather than the trail ahead.

3. Change up your Schedule – Switch up your regular routine.  If you typically workout in the evening, try a morning or lunch-time workout or if you typically go for a long run, try a long bike ride instead.

4. Set Mini Goals – Setting fitness goals are motivational although the end may seem far away.  Try setting a mini goal for the week to increase your drive. Your goal can be based on distance, time, frequency or strength, so find something to achieve now!

5. Find a Group Fitness Class – Planning your own workouts can be overwhelming. Find a group fitness class and set a date to look forward to.  The best part is just showing up is half the battle, the instructor will motivate you and kick your butt!

More to Aspen than just Snowboarding

We had a day in between our snowboarding adventures to just relax and enjoy Aspen. Our day started with a cup of coffee and breakfast overlooking the beautiful snow-covered mountains from our house. I found myself staring at these mountains in awe of their beauty. We do not have views like this in Bethesda.

Shortly after breakfast, Ryan and I headed to Downtown Aspen to shop and walk around. There were lots of high-end retail stores, ski shops, antique stores, and restaurants. I enjoyed the brick roads, cute store fronts, and vintage bikes. Once again, the snow-covered mountains set as a beautiful backdrop.

   

For Ryan and I, relaxation means fresh air, exploration, and activity so when we got back from shopping, we bundled up for a hike of the National Forests, a trail just a few miles from where we were staying.

We hiked along snow-packed trails passing cross-country skiers and snowmobilers along the way.  We opted to follow the snowmobile tracks as those were the most packed down yet extremely steep. The hike was tough due to the higher elevations (causing us to get out of breath a lot quicker) and lack of traction on our shoes (amateur mistake).

  After hiking up the mountain for 3 miles we reached the top to enjoy the breathtaking view. I was surprised to find my heart rate on the hike was similar to a jog at home.  This was primarily due to the elevation and incline. Wow!

Our way back down the mountain was a bit more difficult as we had to dig our heels into the snow to avoid a fall, if only we had a sled.  Once we reached the flat trail we “snow ran” the remainder of the trail as local hikers gave us a stare. Maybe we could teach them a thing or two.

That evening we enjoyed a fancy dinner at Krabloonik, a restaurant known for their fine dining & dogsledding.  Weird combination right? Although we skipped the dogsledding this go-around, we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience. The restaurant is located on the top of a mountain in a rustic log cabin.  We sampled an arrangement of locally hunted game meats such as elk, boar, buffalo and pheasant as well as locally caught bass.  We could not have asked for a better meal to get the real taste Colorado.

I was happy to find that all the awesome things I had heard about Colorado were true!  The people were friendly, the food was healthy, the views were beautiful, and the adventures were endless.  There is so much to do in Colorado that I know we will be back some time soon!

Have you ever been to Colorado? What did you do there?

Snowboarding in Aspen, Colorado

Ryan and I just got back from a 5 day vacation in Aspen, Colorado!

“I’m talkin’ about a place where the beer flows like wine. Where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. I’m talkin’ about a little place called Aspen.” I could not resist a little Dumb & Dumber reference.

I have always heard amazing things about Colorado’s beauty and adventure that when our friends invited us to join them in Aspen for a snowboarding weekend we jumped on the invitation!

We spent two days snowboarding at Snowmass Ski Resort which is the largest of the four Aspen mountains. Snowmass has the most vertical feet of skiing of any ski area in the United States covering 4,400 feet in elevation.  We hit the slopes early as we had lots of mountain to cover!

Our first day on the mountain we were blessed to wake up to 5 inches of fresh snow which continued to accumulate throughout the morning.  I was super psyched as I am not a very confident snowboarder but when there is a nice cushion of powder to break my fall, I am one happy girl.  We hit the trails for 5 1/2 hours stopping once for a much-needed lunch break – southwestern chicken wrap with a side of kale salad and a coconut water. I was pleasantly surprised at the healthy options the resort had to offer.

Our second day on the mountain was a bit slicker then the first, as that nice cushion was well packed down.  Knowing my mind is a powerful thing, I shook off the fear of falling and took the mountain head on.  We tackled the longest and highest trails on the mountain that day.  We began by hiking up to Long Shot Trail followed by a fun photo session to catch our breaths and soak in the view.

We hit the trail which extended nearly 5 miles long and took us about 45 minutes to complete.  I love the long runs. Next we went straight up to 11,775 feet in elevation to take Green Cabin trail down to lunch – gluten-free cheese pizza and trail mix.  Once again, the healthy options were amazing.

After just 3 hours of snowboarding those two long runs, us girls were mentally worn out. We battled our way back down the mountain, accidentally hitting a black diamond trail (pretty hilarious), to enjoy a warm Chi Latte over a bonfire, as the boys finished out a few final runs. It was well deserved!

After two days of snowboarding I was quickly reminded of how great of a body and mind workout snowboarding is in the winter.  I was left physically and mentally drained after our long days on the mountain.  Nothing a nap, hot tub and a cocktail couldn’t fix.

Physically, snowboarding improves your body’s cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and balance. The average person can expect to burn between 250 and 630 calories per hour, depending on the difficulty of the terrain.   Snowboarding helps strengthen nearly all the muscles of your body, including quads, calves, hamstrings, feet and ankles.  Snowboarding requires good balance, so you’ll develop stronger core muscles. You’ll also tone your upper body as you use your arms for balance and to pick you up when you fall.  I typically feel it most in my calves and hamstrings the morning after.

Mentally, snowboarding improves your concentration and focus. It requires rapid changes in pace and direction as you navigate the terrain.  I could feel the mental exhaustion as I would wipe out more and more as our day came to a close.

Overall this snowboarding adventure was a great success as no one was rushed to the emergency room.  That is normally a good sign, right? I improved a lot on this trip as I found myself truly enjoying myself as normally I would be tense and fearing a bad fall. I was happy to know I am greater than what my mind tells me I am.

Have you been Snowboarding or Skiing this Winter? Where did you go?

Pulse Fitness Virtual Spin Class

Last week I was invited to my first virtual spin class at Pulse Fitness!

I had no idea what to expect. I have taken spin class for years and last summer upgraded to a road bike which I enjoy when the weather is nice. How could a stationary bike simulate a road ride?  I was intrigued!

I arrived with my normal spin get up, clip-in shoes, a water bottle, and towel.  All the bikes faced forward toward a large projector screen.  When I clipped in, the bike moved. “This will be fun!”

Virtual Spin is not your traditional spin class for a few reasons:

1. You are on a RealRyder bike that allows you to steer, turn, and feel like you are on a road bike. It stimulates a road ride as you use your core to stabilize movement on climbing hills, taking sharp turns, and sprinting straight-a-ways.

2. A road ride simulation is projected onto a large screen in the front of the class.  The video is taken from a cyclists point of view so you feel you are racing along beautiful country sides, against some top competitors, up steep hill climbs, and around an indoor track.

3. A professional cyclist’s training program is incorporated into each ride.  Each class focuses on a specific purposes such as speed, endurance, power, etc.  The program is identified on the projected screen to remind you of the duration & intensity of each interval so you know when to push it and when to pace yourself.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that virtual spin was in fact a unique combination of indoor and road riding.  My first class had us doing 15 intervals where we pushed hard for one minute followed by a recovery for one minute.  We traveled the country sides of Europe on a beautiful Saturday morning.  I was surprised how real this virtual spin class felt.  I definitely need to go again as my hill climbs felt wobbly, reminding myself to use my core. Virtual Spin is a great solution for keeping up on my road biking while in the dead of winter.

Thanks to Kristen & Lisa at Pulse Fitness for a fantastic ride.

Have you tried a virtual spin class, what did you think?

Favorite Winter Running Gear

I find myself really enjoying winter runs this year. The crisp air is refreshing, the quiet trails are relaxing, and the scenery is better than any gym treadmill gets to see. The secret to an enjoyable winter run, is the proper gear.  You want to make sure you stay warm yet allow yourself movement. Here is a list of my favorite winter running gear, I rarely hit the trails without them.

1. Neck Warmer – Lululemon Brisk Run Neck Warmer

This is the perfect winter accessory.  The lululemon neck warm keeps your neck warm but also transforms into a face mask or hat to help keep your whole head warm too.  Often times the start of your run is much colder than the finish so this neck warmer can keep up.

2. Puff Vest

It is important to keep your core warm by retaining the heat it generates.  A puff vest is perfect for blocking wind, staying dry, and keeping you toasty while still allowing for easy movement.

3. Long-Sleeve – GapFit Motion Long-Sleeve T

Gap makes workout gear? Yup and some of my favorites too.  Their long-sleeve T is great for keeping you dry by pulling sweaty moisture off your skin. My favorite part of this T is the thumb openings providing extra coverage on your wrists.

4. Tank Top

A tank top in winter? I love using workout gear year round.  Your base layer should be sweat resistant and tight to your skin to keep you dry and warm. Just make sure you cover up with layers.  Do avoid cotton base layers as you will find yourself wet and freezing from your sweat.

5. Gloves – Nathan TEC Gloves 

My fingers are the first things to get cold in the winter.  A proper pair of gloves will keep you happy.  I love these Nathan gloves which can be worn as gloves or mittens to add extra warmth.  They also have TruTouch technology which allows you to use your phone, ipod, or camera without removing. Perfect for a blogger on the run.

6. Leggings – Under Armour ColdGear Fitted Leggings

These leggings are great for a cold day as they are lined with a soft material yet flexible enough for movement.  The compression allows blood to flow through your legs easily and keep you warm.  They are also thin enough to wear under ski pants if needed in other wintery sports.

Do you like winter runs?  What is your favorite part? 

Ice Skating in the Garden

Looking for something to DO this winter season?

With these cold winter days it is hard to find anything enjoyable outdoors and active.  Ice skating is a fun way to enjoy the season and get a little excercise while you do it.

We headed into the city this weekend to ice skate at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden Ice Rink.  I cannot remember the last time I went ice skating.  I use to go as a kid for birthday parties or a day out with the family.  I was surprised to find how quickly it came back to me.  There is a range of skills out on the ice, from people holding onto the side railing and gliding with no breaks to season pass members showing off their double axel jumps.  If you have not gone in a while, go, it is a lot of fun!