Product Review: Tiux Compression Socks

I was recently contacted by a company called Tiux, asking me if I would be interested in testing out a pair of their compression socks.  I'm all for trying new things so I agreed and in a few short days, a new pair of compression socks arrived in the mail for me!  I was super excited to test these puppies out on my next long run.

I was quite impressed with the packaging.  They came in this really sleek black box and were wrapped in thick, protective plastic.  I immediately fell in love with the colors and knew exactly what I was going to wear with them.  Now, I am embarrassed to admit this, but I have very little fashion sense.  Come date night, I am struggling trying to find something to wear.  If the event doesn't allow for t shirts and flip flops, I typically don't even want to go.  Running gear, however, I am all over that!  From training runs to races, I am matching head to toe!  So you could imagine my excitement when I received these beautiful neon socks to match with my Nike compression shorts and neon sports bra.  Even my Moms Run This Town visor matched!

 

If you look good, you feel good, if you feel good, you have a good run!

Currently, I am about 4 weeks in training for my fourth marathon, the Space Coast Marathon in November.  I did this same marathon last year and was hoping to qualify for Boston then, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I came up short.  I am working very hard this year to turn my BQ dreams into a reality.  Everything from my training program to diet and of course gear is super important so that I can have optimal performance.  This past weekend, my training program called for an 11 mile run.  I have been having some great speed days but my tempo runs have been struggling for some reason, so it was imperative I have a good long run.

The heat and humidity here in Central Florida does not seem to want to leave us any time soon, so getting an early start on the trail is important.  I woke up early Saturday, incredibly excited for my outfit and to hit the trail.  Because of the heat, I'm typically on the fence about wearing compression for those shorter distance double digit runs.  Although I know how helpful they can be, I worry about getting too hot.  The Tiux socks, however, felt so light and breathable, I knew before even heading out it shouldn't be a problem.  Unlike other compression socks where I almost need an assistant and or some sort of special device to get them on, the Tiux socks slid right on effortlessly and immediately felt comfortable without any major adjustments.  I had my cute, comfy and breathable socks to match my outfit and I was ready to rock and roll!

I made it out to the trail a little before sun up and knocked out my first 4-5 miles during the sunrise.  The temperature gets up there pretty quickly once the sun is up, and by miles 6-7 I was already drenched in sweat.  But luckily, just as I suspected, the socks were not too hot at all and unlike other socks I've used in the past, they were not chaffing or causing my legs to itch when they got sweaty.  My legs felt great the whole run and I was able to go even faster than I had anticipated.  Also, another plus, my peroneal tendonitis did not flare up one bit out there nor the rest of the day.  The socks offered such great support, they seemed to be more helpful for that issue than the K-Tape I've worn in the past.  So that was a super awesome bonus!

Despite the heat and my lack of sleep from the night before (I got back late from my husband's football game and my kiddos would NOT sleep), I was able to knock out all 11 miles no problem and even felt like I could've gone longer!

Post run, I did some foam rolling and core work.  After that, I was on my feet the rest of the day keeping up with my kiddos (age 2 and 4).  My legs felt great the whole time, if it wasn't for the fact I was so "rungry" (run-hungry), I would have hardly known I ran 11 miles that morning!

All in all, I would rate these socks 9 out 10...
Pros
Great fit
Comfy, breathable material
Nice, vibrant colors
Provided good compression, support
Can't beat the price

Cons
A little long and lose in the feet (I have narrow, skinny feet though)
Wish there were a few more colors to chose from

These will most likely be a staple in my training from here on out.  Thanks again to Tiux for the opportunity to test this product.  I am excited to order some more socks and get some cute running outfits put together!

Freekeh Foods Recipe

I was given the opportunity through FitApproach to test out a delicious new product by Freekeh Foods.  Freekeh is an ancient roasted grain that has a really nice texture that is "nutty and chewy."  It's packed with protein and fiber, making it even more awesome than plain ole' brown rice and other grains.  What's also great about Freekeh Foods is that they have no GMO's, are USDA Organic and also vegan!  I was sent two flavors, Original and Rosemary & Sage.  I decided to keep it simple and go with Original.  Rather than using one of the several great recipes on their page, I decided to try my own.  Here is what I used:

1 cup warm kale, massaged in EVOO

1 cup prepared Original Freekeh

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup sliced almonds

2 tablespoons hemp seeds

It came out DELICIOUS!  I was actually surprised as to how flavorful it was and how great the texture was.  The combination of the sweetness from the cranberries along with the crunch the almonds and hemp seeds, on top of the hearty, nutty Freekeh and warm kale was perfection.  I will definitely be using this recipe again, and I look forward to trying the other two flavors and new recipes as well!

Be sure to like Freekeh Foods on Facebook and Instagram for more recipe inspirations today!

Hurdles, Highlights and High Fives: How I Prepare for Races

When I ran my first marathon back in 2010, I didn't put much thought into training other than following the beginner plan in Jeff Galloway's book, Marathon: You Can Do It.  At that time, I was working as a fitness manager in a ladies only gym, personal training and teaching up to four group exercise classes a day, leaving little time for much else other than running.  Despite being a fitness professional and knowing the importance of cross training, I simply ran.  Of course, having never done that type of distance before, my biggest goal was just to finish.  Eighteen weeks of training, several lost toenails, nagging knee and hip pain, a ten plus pound weight gain and a time of 4:42, I was officially a marathoner!  It certainly wasn't pretty but I accomplished my goal of finishing a marathon and that was all that matter...at that time!

Since then, I have learned so much.  I recognize I still have quite a bit to learn, but each event, from 5k's to marathons, I go in feeling much more confident because now I am much more healthy, physically stronger and mentally prepared.  Now I have much better finish times, experience much less pain/injuries during training and performance and I recover much quicker than I did when I first started.  Not to mention I also have a lot less anxiety and jitters race week and day.  Of course a lot of this comes with time and experience, learning how to train smarter and being better prepared over the years has helped tremendously.   It will continue to evolve, but here are a few key things I focus on to prepare for each race.

PHYSICALLY
Like I said above, in the beginning it was all about running and running only.  All that mattered was getting my miles in.  Pace was an afterthought, recovery was ice, pizza and a beer, and if anything hurt, I either rested it or just ran through the pain.  Over the years, I have learned the importance of better preparation and of listening to my body better.  I run events year round, but now I am selective about what distances I do when.  I also place a lot of emphasis on cross training, especially spending time in the weight room.  And last but not least, I recognize the importance of proper nutrition.

As gym owners and performance coaches who work with a variety of athletes ranging from youth to professional, my husband and I have designed a strength and conditioning program for me that revolves around my races.  I focus on increasing overall strength, power, speed and of course mobility and flexibility.  My programming involves a variety of exercises including Olympic lifts, functional movements, body weight exercises, power and plyometric movements.  I also incorporate Yoga into my training regimen at least once per week.  I love getting in the weight room and getting after it, pushing myself hard and seeing what my body can do.  I am the strongest I have ever been and it translates into my running performance.  And just like any good running program, as race day approaches, my workouts, especially in my lower body, begin to taper so that I will be ready to perform at optimal condition.  The days leading up to the race I spend much of my time in the gym foam rolling and focusing on mobility.

Hurdle Squat Jumps

Nutrition is an aspect of my training I am still learning quit a bit about, but I am much further along in my understanding that I have been in the past.  I use an app to make sure that I am taking in enough calories and the appropriate macro-nutrients.  I have always had a finicky stomach (I suffer from IBS), so the week leading up to an event, I keep my diet super simple and stick with foods I know and trust.  The day before the race and especially race day is not the time to try new foods, that's for sure!  I am a big fan of HoneyStinger products and LOVE their waffles as pre-race fuel.  Another must-have before a race is AdvoCare Slam.  The caffiene, aminos and B vitamins give me a great kick right before the gun goes off and throughout the race!

Race Week Essentials Recap: Tapper strength exercises to ensure muscles are rested and ready to go for the big day.  Focus on flexibility and mobility as well as rolling out any hotspots with a foam roller or lacrosse ball.  Keep my diet clean and simple, making sure I have enough protein, carbs and fats for optimal performance.  The day of the race, I am sure to have all my pre-race fuel ready to go.  NEVER try anything new the day of the race!

MENTALLY
I continue to struggle with my mental game.  I have a tendency to put a lot of unnecessary stress on myself for each race, regardless of the distance.  I try to get a good night's rest before, but anxiety not just for the run but for all the race day logistics keep me up.  I know what I am capable of, and I set my goals accordingly, but I still expect to push myself even harder the day of.  It is important that I remind myself that it is just running, and running is something that I am passionate about, but most importantly, it is something I truly enjoy!  So I always have a little talk with myself, reminding myself of my goals, and remind myself my most recent training runs and workouts.  And I always take a few moments to remind myself of how far I have come and how lucky and privileged I am to have the opportunity to go out and get to do what I do.  I am so lucky to physically be able to run, and to make the time to do so with my insane schedule.  I also feel lucky that I can afford this allegedly "free hobby" and am able to pay for the races, the running clothes, the fancy GPS watch, special running shoes, and so on!  Keeping all that in mind helps keep things in perspective and keep me focused.

In the week or so leading up to an event, especially a long distance one like a marathon or half marathon, I spend time figuring out the logistics of race day, making sure I know where to pick up my packet, where to park race day, what time to get there, etc.  A couple of days before the race, I start getting my gear together, making sure I have everything I want and need before, during and after the race.  The afternoon/evening before race day, I double check my "race bag" (the backpack I always keep my race gear in), take a flat mama picture to post for my Moms Run This Town page, and make sure my alarm is set for the first of many times before I go to bed!

The night before the race, I like to watch football highlights with my husband, who is the strength and conditioning coach for Apopka High School.  The Blue Darters of Apopka have been to the State Championship game for the past three years and have one it twice.  This football program is nothing short of amazing and is a true inspiration.  Despite facing so much adversity, these young men come together and put EVERYTHING out on the field each and every time they play.  Witnessing the relentlessness, undying will, determination, drive and heart these boys play with each and every game truly inspires me to go out and perform.  I know me running a half marathon pales in comparison to what these guys have accomplished, but getting to watch highlights of their amazing victories over the years certainly gets me so freaking fired up and ready for race day!

When the alarm goes off race morning, everyone is still asleep so I am careful not to disturb them.  I like to look in on my peaceful boys knowing that no matter how the race goes, they are still so proud of their mommy.  Coming home from an event and hearing them shout "Mommy, mommy, mommy!  Did you win, did you run really fast, can we see your medal!?!" always melts my heart.  They are my motivation and inspiration.  I continue to work hard and push myself in hopes to motivate and inspire them too!

Last, but certainly not least, one of my most absolute favorite things to do before a race is meet up with my lovely Moms Run This Town ladies.  I love the hugs, high fives and well wishes everyone has for one another.  My MRTT ladies are the most encouraging and awesome group I have ever been a part of.  Since joining MRTT two years ago, I have made so many amazing running friends and have learned so much about how amazing and supportive the running community truly is.  Our goals and paces all differ, but we all share a passion not just for running but a love for encouraging and cheering on fellow running mamas.  Once I get a high five and good luck from someone, I am officially ready to take on the race!

MRTT Seminole Co. Chapter before the Winter Park Road Race 10k and 2 miler

Pre-Race Essentials Recap: It's super important that I have everything prepared, if you plan to fail you fail to plan and that jacks up the pre-race jitters!  I remind myself that I am physically prepared, that everything I have done in the weight room, out on the trail and on the treadmill has prepared me for this event and I have to trust in my training and my abilities.  I remind myself how lucky I am to even be able to do this and that I actually enjoy doing this!  I remember all the greatness from my highlight watching and make sure several of those songs are ready to rock on my iPod!  And of course I have to get up with my MRTT gals for some pre-race pep talks and high fives!

We all have different ways of preparing for a race and it evolves over time.  The important thing is finding what works best for you, both physically and mentally.   Find the things that you know are going to help you preform at your absolute best, what is going to give you the confidence going into race day and what keeps you going when things may not go your way.  Recognize that we are lucky enough to get to run and embrace each run as a special gift we are giving to ourselves.  Happy running everyone!

Recipe: Protein Frappuccino

Who doesn't love some Starbucks!?!  Especially late in the afternoon when your energy levels start taking a nose dive.  The problem with making an afternoon coffee run is that those delicious drinks we crave are full of sugar and empty calories, not to mention they're ridiculously expensive.  Below is a super yummy and easy recipe to make your very own frappuccino that is not only tasty but it is also packed full of protein, low in sugar and half the price!

Place the following ingredients into your Ninja blender:

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup brewed coffee
1/2 ripe banana
1 serving (2 scoops) Tera's Whey unsweetened protein powder
1 tsp Stevia
5 cubes of ice

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!

Race Recap: USA Beach Running Championships

This past weekend was Mother's Day, and I had the pleasure of kicking off the special day with a great event in Cocoa Beach, then coming home to spend the day with the special little people who made me a mom.  I wanted to take a moment to recap this event and share my own experience from the race.

USA Beach Running Championships

I first heard about this event through my Mom's Run This Town chapter.  One of our moms posted a picture of the medal several months ago asking if any of us would be interested in participating with her.  After seeing the beautiful sand dollar medal, I immediately jumped online to sign up.  They offered two distances, a half marathon (13.1 miles) and a 10k (6.2 miles).  Now, typically I am a huge fan of half marathons and figured I would sign up for that distance.  However, despite running several off road events, I wasn't quite sure if I would be up for the whole 13.1 on the beach.  I knew the terrain would be a bit of a challenge but honestly, my biggest concern with the half marathon was my attention span, or lack thereof, hehe.  I feared that I the out and back shore line course would quickly become daunting, and so I went ahead and signed up for the 10k.  I am grateful I made that decision for multiple reasons I will get to soon.

In the weeks leading up to the event, I suffered from some serious allergies and a sinus infection.  I thought I finally kicked the sinus issues until about 3 days before the race when I began to feel bad again.  The night before the race I felt horrible and even considered not running.  But I figured I could still go and just do the best I can.  Cocoa Beach is about an hour and twenty minutes from Altamonte Springs, so I had to wake up around 4:30am and hit to hit the road by 5am.  Other than several dollars in tolls, the ride was relatively easy and quick and I arrived with enough time to pick up my packet, use the ladies room and even see the sunrise!  Fortunately, a member of MRTT had picked up my packet for me the Friday before, but from the looks of it, packet pick up seemed to be quick and easy.  There were quite a few port-a-potties as well as indoor restroom facilities, so the typical insanely long pre-race bathroom lines were actually not too bad!

Pre-Race Sunrise on Cocoa Beach

The half marathoners were the first to go out around 6:40am.  The sun was well on it's way up so the air was really starting to warm up by the time us 10k'ers make our way to the start line.  I headed up to the front as I usually do, even though I figured this one would be a rough one for me because of my sinus/allergy issues, I still hoped to hang with the front of the pack.  Upbeat music played over the speakers while we waiting for them to set the clock.  It took several minutes for them to get it going but we were soon heading out.  As I expected, the course was flat straight ahead but we were at a bit of a slant on the shoreline.  Runners were asked to stay to the right and for the most part, everyone did so.  The first water stop was shortly after the first mile mark.  They had asked us not to litter on the beach, but with only one trash bag right next to the stop, that seemed to be difficult for many of the runners who wanted to quickly drink and keep running.  Maybe placing a bag or two a several yards down would help eliminate that issues.  The second water stop was at the 5k turn around.

On the run back, the sun was fully up and the temperature had significantly increased.  The ocean breeze helped a little but the sun was really hot on our shoulders.  Since the beach cannot be closed off, having to dodge a few beach combers and fishing polls was slightly annoying but not too terrible.  The course was well marked, so even though it was difficult to see the finish line down the beach, the markers helped keep us aware how much distance we had left.

The finish line was lined with large, beautiful conch shells.  Several spectators lined the finish line and were cheering very excitedly for us runners.  As soon as I crossed the finish line at a little over 47 minutes (unfortunately not a PR but I didn't expect one that day) I received not only my big sand dollar medal but also a lay!  There was, however, not water at the finish line which was a little disappointing.  I had to walk about 20 yards up sugar soft sand to get a small cup of water.  But where the water was located was also donuts, coffee, OJ and even mimosas.

My girl Meagan and I right after the race

Many of my friends from MRTT were crossing the finish line at this time so I went back down there to cheer them on and meet up with them to recap the race.  They all enjoyed the race too but agreed the sand and sun made it a difficult one for them.  Like me, they all were grateful to have only done the 10k.  We took a few pictures there at the water and then we headed up to the post race festivities.  We enjoyed the mimosas and brunch they had available for the runners and the live Calypso music continued to offer a great beach vibe.

Some of my MRTT ladies and I enjoying the post-race mimosas

They got to the awards pretty quickly after races were complete.  Despite my sinus/allergy issues, I still managed to be the 3rd female to finish and place first in my division.  They only awarded the top male and female finisher but did go 3 deep in each division.  I received a large, beautiful clear plaque as my award for placing first in female 30-34, so I was pretty excited about that.  One of our MRTT mama's sons actually placed in his division so of course we had to get a picture together!

I placed 1st in my division

John, my MRTT mama's son, and I posing with our awards

So, To Sum It All Up...

Running on the beach was harder as well as easier than I had anticipated.  I wasn't sure how much if any of the course would be on the soft sand so I was preparing myself for some ultra challenging terrain.  Fortunately, no part of the course went on that part of the beach.  Though the area where we ran was hard packed sand, it was wet from the tide making it sponge-y and sunction-y.  I'm aware neither of those two descriptions are actual words but that is the best way I can describe it and I did feel like it had a part in my slower pace.  Also, even though it was straight and flat, the beach does decline towards the water so we were running on a bit of a slat on the way out.  Luckily it was much flatter on the way back since we were much closer to the water.  Since you're on the beach, there is absolutely NO shade whatsoever, so it did get hot quick, but like I said, the breeze did help some.

Pros: It's a well organized and put on event.  The medals and awards are super.  Beautiful scenery, who doesn't love the beach!?!  Awesome post race party.  Quick turn around from race to awards.  Great event for Mother's Day!

Cons: Beach running is tough, lol.  No shade made it a scorcher.  Starts early, so it's a loooong day for those of us with a drive.  Ugly race shirt (it's like mint chocolate or nursing home green).  Needs to have water at finish line.  No race photographer.  As event grows, consider giving overall awards three deep as opposed to just first place.

All in all it was a great event and myself and several of my buddies want to do it again.  Next year, I think I would prefer making a little vacay out of the event, staying at least the night before if not two nights, so I do not have to do the hour plus drive there and back that day.  If anything though, I would definitely like to have my family there next year, I know my husband and kids would have enjoyed watching me cross the finish line for this one.  And it would have been great to have my very own cheering section during awards, especially since it was Mother's Day!

Mother's Day fun!

Oh, and in case if anyone was wondering about the rest of my Mother's Day, it was great spending a relaxing afternoon at the pool with my husband and two precious boys.  And as far as my sinus/allergies go, I finally went to the doctor the day after the race and was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection, sinus infection and allergies.  I was given 3 medications and as of today (Wednesday) I'm finally starting to feel a little better!

Let's hope this medicine and rest helps, I'm so over being sick because it's interfering my running!!!

For more information on the USA Beach Running Championships, visit their website at http://www.runonthebeach.com.  I highly recommend checking this event out next year, you won't regret it!!!

Favorite Recipe: Protein Pancakes

I started experimenting with protein pancakes several months ago.  After trying, and modifying, several recipes, I finally came up with one our family loves!  We love protein pancakes so much not only because they are low fat and gluten free, but they are absolutely delicious and very filling!  They are great for a pre-workout meal or are perfect for a "cheat clean" weekend breakfast.  Here is my favorite recipe, I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients
2 very ripe bananas
2 egg whites
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I used AdvoCare Meal Replacement)
2 tablespoons ground flax seed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Toppings
Maple syrup
Strawberries (or any other fruit)

Directions
Warm skillet to medium heat.  Poor 1-2 spoonfuls of batter into skillet.  Cook until golden on each side.  Top with favorite toppings and enjoy!

Finding Balance: The Life of a Working Fit Mom

When I was pregnant with my first son in 2011, my husband and I made the decision for me to stay home with him until he was at least old enough for preschool.  I couldn't have been more excited to leave the job that I was terribly unhappy with, to get to be home with my bundle of joy.  I had envisioned my home being perfectly clean at all times, laundry always done, and a new recipe to make every day.  I would work from home, and of course be able to work out often because I would have all this time in the world to accomplish all these things.  Boy oh boy was I ever WRONG!!!  Little did I know this whole parenting thing wasn't as effortless as initially thought.  Not to mention I had the world's most colic-y baby who screamed all hours of the day and night for the first six months of his life, and around the time he stopped crying all the time, I found out I was pregnant again!  Life with a toddler and a newborn was even more hectic than I could have ever imagined!  I could barely find time to exercise, let alone cook, clean or get any work done.  Trying to do it all left me with little accomplished and a lot of headache.  For the first several months after my second son was born, I did not care one bit about work, my house was sanitary but not immaculate by any means, dinner was edible, and if you didn't mind rummaging through a hamper there were clean clothes to wear in it.  My focus was on my babies and I will never regret that time in my life for one second!

One thing I did for myself after my second was born though, was I got back to running.  I was far from my marathon running days, but I knew getting out on the trail, even if I slow as molasses, but just being out there, I would find Christina again.  I know that may sound a little silly, but it's so easy to lose yourself craziness as well as loneliness of being a stay at home mom.  Being a healthy and happy person, in my opinion, was one of the best things I could do not just for me, but for my whole family.  Having 30 or 45 minutes to myself just a couple of times a week was, at the time, all I needed to feel refreshed and energized, to be the best version of myself.

When my second son, was about 4 months old, I ran my first long distance race is almost 3 years!  It was the slowest half marathon I had ever ran, but crossing that finish line was such an accomplishment.  I felt so alive, proud and humbled all at the same time!  I knew I was a long ways away from where I wanted to be with my fitness, body and running goals, and I knew I no longer had the luxury of time and energy I once had.  But crossing the finish line that day made me realize that with dedication, determination and most importantly, some balance, anything is possible!

Fast forward 2 years, several half marathons, a pair of marathons and countless workouts later, my life has evolved so much.  I am still a stay at home mom three days a week (I work two full days at our gym now), an entrepreneur, self proclaimed fit mom and of course, a runner.  Unfortunately though, I have to admit my house is still a mess, but I'm tackling the laundry and recipes a little better now.  An average "work day" for me typically starts a little after 5am and doesn't end until around 9:30pm or so.  Finding time to get everything done in the day is quite a challenge, so finding balance is so incredibly important in my life.  Below are a few things I've picked up along the way to help me keep my sanity as a working fit mom of two that will hopefully help some of you out as well.

1. Prioritize
With a business to run, kids to feed, a house to clean and of course getting my training in, it's hard to get all that done in a 24 hour period.  Everything seems so important and yet it never fails, something always ends up neglected (though not my kids of course).  We all have our own different responsibilities in life, but one thing can remain constant in any busy mom's life, it can get overwhelming!  Prioritizing your responsibilities is incredibly important to find balance in your days.  Determine what responsibilities must always come first, for me it's family, work and health.  Next, what can wait until the important things are complete and that is laundry and housekeeping.  And last are the things that I enjoy doing and can even be helpful, but must wait until all the other important things have been completed, this includes things like social media and finding new recipes.  Of course your priorities may differ from mine, the important thing to remember here is that your responsibilities must be prioritized.  Prioritizing will save you time, headache and stress and allow you to be much more productive.

2. Schedule 
Now that you have established your priorities, consider making a schedule of your day, week and month.  Even the days I do not work at the gym, I still have a schedule I (mostly) follow.  I know when I will write my blogs, follow up emails, workout, meal prep, fold laundry and of course plan activities with the kiddos.  Having a routine has helped not just me, but my family as well.  Plan your days according to your priorities.  Keep in mind that unexpected things can and do pop up, but having a schedule to follow will help most of your days run much more smoothly.

3. You Time
Taking time for yourself every now and then, especially when that time is used for your health and fitness, is by no means being selfish.  It is very important that as busy moms, we engage in activities that bring us joy and improve our well being.  This gives us the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, strengthening our bodies, and refreshing minds and souls.  Whatever it is you enjoy doing, make sure to carve out some time consistently to have some you time.  It may take a little ingenuity and the help of your spouse (and other family members), but trust me, you will be so appreciative for this time alone! 

4. Recruit Help
I used to stress out so much for my long runs during marathon training because I worried my husband wouldn't be able to handle the boys himself.  Even though he is perfectly capable of watching his children, I would always get nervous when I wasn't there.  Letting go of that irrational fear and appreciating his willingness to take on that task made my runs so much more enjoyable! One of my biggest struggles in the beginning was realizing I could not do it all, especially not alone.  If you're anything like me, you find it hard to let go of the reigns, no body can do it better, right!?!  So, though maybe no one can do it better than mama, letting people help will help keep mama sane!  It has taken some time but I have learned to let people help, not just so that things can get done at work and home, but so I can have that "me time" we busy moms desperately need.  So don't be afraid, or too proud to ask for help whenever needed.

5. RELAX 
Some nights, after I get the kids down for the night, I come downstairs and trip over the toys that need to be put away, look at the dishes piled up in the sink and hear the buzzing on my phone reminding me how many emails I need to respond to, I just want to cry.  But then I turn on the monitor and see my sweet babies sleeping safe and sound, I am reminded how precious and special life truly is.  Even though the days are long and hectic, I have a beautiful family, am fortunate to love what I do for a living and I get to engage in activities that bring me such a joy.  It's easier said than done to sit back and relax during our crazy busy days, but it is so incredibly important to take some time to reflect on all the wonderful things we do have to be grateful for.  When times get stressful, take a moment to breathe and think about at least three things you have to be grateful for.  This should help you keep perspective and keep moving forward.