The Runner Behind You: Frigid 5K Race Recap

One of my goals this year is to run at least one race every month. Obviously, the Chicago Marathon will be the biggest one of all. It will also be my toughest, and I don't want it to suck the running life out of me. Hence, the one-a-month goal. Running can and should always be fun. I'm hoping monthly races will remind me of that. And later this year, I'm hoping they will help me through some tougher training runs.

This past weekend, I ran my January race: The Frigid 5K in Niles, Michigan.

True to it's name, the race was very frigid. I ran it last year. It was equally frigid.

To get and keep myself in the right mindset to run, train and race, I've been using the Believe Training Journal. I wasn't sure if I'd really like it, but it's proving to be an absolutely wonderful tool.

This training journal is written specifically for runners. It's packed with info and plenty of pages, which makes it easy to log miles from week to week. It also provides the space to contemplate race-day plans:

For the Frigid 5K, I had three goals:

1) Win an age group award.
2) Run at a 7:15/mile pace.
3) Beat last year's time (23:55).

I accomplished two of those goals. I finished first in my age group with a time of 23:50. I didn't quite get to that 7:15/mile pace, but that's okay with me. The course itself was super slick and snow-covered. I did what I could.

I also learned a really hard lesson:

There will always be a runner behind you. Let them fuel you.

Here's the thing, with less than a quarter of a mile to go, I let someone pass me.
Literally slowed down to let someone pass me.

I should have pushed harder. I could have held her off.
I should have ignored her. I could have blocked her out.

She was on my shoulder, breathing down my neck and I just wanted her gone. So I gave in to my frustrations and let her pass just to get her away from me. Could I have held her off? Absolutely. But I gave in. Damn, I gave in.

I should have pushed harder.
I should have ignored her.

Thing is, no matter how hard you prepare for a race, whether you're in peak physical condition or not, it's your mental game that takes you above and beyond your physical abilities. Because if you believe in yourself, you and I both know that you will absolutely achieve for yourself.

But, I had a moment on Saturday. I gave in, and that's something I need to work on. But I'm not going to dwell on it. I came home from the race and this quote was on my calendar:

Forget the mistake, remember the lesson.

Next time, I'm going to hold her off.
Next time, I'm going to block her out.

What I've been up to...

Last time I wrote a post like this, I started it by saying something to the effect of "I have two jobs and I am busy." And so, that hasn't really changed, except now I have three jobs. How do I manage three jobs? At the expense of Daily Dose, apparently. But in all honesty, I manage it just fine. Life is crazy, it's always going to be, so I am embracing it all and taking each day as it comes. I love all of my jobs, and I love my family, too. So it's worth it. All of the hustle and bustle of our daily routines is absolutely worth it. Let me fill you in. Here's what I've been up to (in case you've been wondering):

1) I'm the new blog editor for Momentum Jewelry. 
I absolutely love this company. My collection of motivational wrist wraps is out of control! I've been an ambassador for a few years now, and proudly support what Amy and her team are doing.

I am also a part of that team now! I met Amy at IDEA World this Summer and we started talking about the blog on her website. Long story short, she asked me to help her grow it and I couldn't say no. Momentum blog editor, at your service. In addition to writing a few posts here and there, I've been curating content from some pretty awesome voices. We're getting ready to launch the BEYOUtiful campaign, which ties in to National Love Your Body Day. It's all going down on Wednesday, October 18th. You must check out the Momentum blog for some inspirational posts gearing up to the big day.

2) I'm running a half marathon on Sunday. 
What's a year without at least one half marathon?! I signed up this Summer after the Ironman 70.3 Steelhead rolled through town. I haven't been racing much this year, and all of the athletes inspired me to get my butt into gear for at least one half marathon. My training has been going well, and I'm really hoping for some cooler temps on Sunday. We've had such an unseasonably hot Fall up here in Michigan. The goal: Cross the finish in under two hours. I'm feeling good about it.

3) We renamed the running store.
When we took over the running store in the Spring, we were tasked with breathing new life into the place. We've been working really hard to bring in a few new brands, get out into the community, and bring back some of the customers that lost faith in the place. So we decided that a new name would reflect our new approach. And we've spent the last few weeks putting that into place. It went live last  Monday and the response has been overwhelming.

4) I'm studying to be an ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist.

As an ACE-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, I can't say enough about this organization. Over the summer, they offered me the ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist certification materials in exchange for an open and honest review. I'm currently working my way through it, and you'll hear more about it moving forward.

Speaking of books:

5) I can't stop reading the Outlander books.
You guys. This series is just so good and I'm only a few chapters into the second book.

A post shared by Tara (@adailydoseoffit) on Oct 9, 2017 at 10:21am PDT

I've picked them up and put them down a million times at the library, but finally decided to roll with the first book. It's a television show now, and everyone is raving about it. I'm a stickler for reading the book first, so that's what I've been doing. This also means that I've been doing my best to provide myself with some extra "me" time. I haven't been very good at that these past few months. There are a ton of books in this series, so I hope they'll help me keep the "me" time flowing.

Question: What's one thing you've been doing lately or working hard on or generally just enjoying?

What I've been up to...

Crickets. They've taken over my website! Can you hear them chirping? Guys...I've been busy.  I've got two jobs, two kids and a life. So naturally, blogging took a backseat to all of that (as it should have, I believe). But here I sit, on a random Tuesday night, feeling creative and ready to share. So, if you've missed me, here's what I've been up to:

I ran two races.
I haven't really been training, per se. But I did tack on miles in order to complete the Soldier Field 10-Mile race in Chicago on May 27th. I held an 8:00/mile pace, and that made me smile. Note: I was also smiling because this race was a bucket list thing. I've been meaning to run it for years, and I finally made it happen:

A post shared by Tara (@adailydoseoffit) on May 27, 2017 at 7:46am PDT

I also did Alex's Duck Duck Run, which is a big local 5K where I live. It's typically a hot one, so I go into it with little to no expectations. I won my age group last year with a time of 22:36. I won my age group again this year with a time of 23:26.

A post shared by Tara (@adailydoseoffit) on Jun 17, 2017 at 11:34am PDT

I organized a beer run.

I don't even drink beer, but I manage a running store. So give the people what they want, right? We (the other managing partner and I) threw out the information hoping we'd get a handful of people—we ended up getting over 60 people to show up, which was great because all of the money we collected went to a local charity. We've got another beer run this Thursday night, so we'll see if we can keep the momentum going.

I got really busy at work.
Two jobs, y'all. Together, they equal one full-time job. I wouldn't trade these jobs for the world because, for the first time ever, I feel like I'm truly doing what I love and it's great. But, man. They keep me busy in the best way possible! From shoe orders and shoe rep meetings at the store, to personal training sessions, classes and admin work at the gym—I'm all systems go all the time. Again, it helps that I love my jobs, but there's little wiggle room for play. And most of that wiggle room is reserved for time with the family.

I read a book.
Guys, despite the crazy, I've been doing really well with my "read one book a month" goal for 2017. My latest page-turner was Present over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Neiquist. And it was really good. I'm sure you can imagine (based on this post alone) how it would speak to me on multiple levels. I highly suggest it.

I received another Ellie box.
I literally move from one fitness outfit to the next, and my wardrobe is embarrassingly heavy on the fitness fashion. But, it technically is my professional wardrobe. So I justify every new outfit. Super  grateful to Ellie for sending me the June box:

If you live in fitness clothing, you need to check out this fitness subscription service. I have not been disappointed yet...all three outfits have been awesome. $50/month gets you a top, bottom, sports bra and two accessories. This month's accessories (not pictured) were a hat and running belt. $50 might seem like a lot, but you definitely get your money's worth. See the May box HERE.

I spent time at the beach.
Because #summer. I am so fortunate to live along the shores of Lake Michigan. We made a vow to visit the beach at least once a week this Summer because, well...because we can! Twist my arm, I'm down with beach time anytime.

I was featured on two different websites.
• Our Favorite 25 Fitness Bloggers of 2017
• Motivating Mom Tara

I feel like there's so much more to tell, but at the risk of boring you, I'll stop right here with a promise to keep sharing. So many post ideas in my head! So little time. Boo.

Question: What's one exciting thing you've done so far this month?

6 Things I'm Loving Right Now, January 2017

Wow, so it's been awhile since I've A) checked in, and B) shared a few things that I am loving. True testament to life and all that it's throwing at me right now. Needless to say, 2017 did not start slow. Case and point: February is right around the corner. So I'm taking a break from the mayhem to reflect on a few of the thing I am loving right now. Maybe you'll love them, too.

1) The January POPSUGAR Must Have Box
My friends at POPSUGAR sent me another free box to review. But you should know, I would absolutely fork over my own money for this monthly subscription service. I am obsessed with everything they always send me. And on the off chance they send me something I can't use, I can usually find someone that will. For example, there's a peppermint tea in this month's box that I'll never drink (because coffee).

A video posted by Tara (@adailydoseoffit) on Jan 30, 2017 at 2:18pm PST

But everything else, you know I'll use it. If you'd like to get a box for yourself (you totally should!), you can use SHOP5 at checkout to save $5. I promise you'll get your money's worth. This month's box adds up to about $200, but a monthly subscription costs $39/month. For real.

2) The Five Minute Journal
This year, I am trying to spend more time on my mental health. I think we all need to do more of this. Physical fitness is a total thing right now, and as we strive for strength, we often forget that mental strength is just as important. Journals help, but I suck at keeping them. So I hunted down something that would guide my thoughts, and I ended up with The Five Minute Journal:

It's literally a gratitude adventure in five minutes. They call it a "secret weapon to focus on the good in your life, become more mindful, and live with intention." You get one page every day, and it literally takes five minutes to fill out at the start and end of each day. You write down things that you are grateful for, things that would make your day great, and then you reflect on that at the end of the day.

3) Angels on Bare Skin from Lush Cosmetics
I feel like I've been in a skincare funk. I haven't been able to find a face soap or lotion that I like, so maybe that means my skin is changing? I've always thought it to be sensitive, and it's got a hint of redness to it that can totally be covered by makeup, so that's good. But still. I just want a soap that works. Currently, I'm using two. One is cream-based and I use it regularly. The other is this gentle scrub from Lush.

It's not cheap, but it's worth it. My sister gave me a sample and one use convinced me to buy some. Plus, if you're not familiar with Lush, I'll tell you that almost all of the ingredients are natural and the products themselves are essentially homemade. My skin feels so soft and clean when I use this stuff. I probably use it three times a week.

I'm headed to Chicago in a few weeks and I think I'm going to splurge on some face lotion from Lush since I'm having such good luck with the brand. Also, their Rose Jam body wash is to die for, too.

4) Cascara Lattes from Starbucks
Now, full disclosure, I get non-fat milk and only one pump of the syrup...but, dang. This latte tastes good because it's subtly sweet. I'm over the super sweet coffee concoctions.

(Have you guys seen all the cute Valentine's Day stuff yet? So much pink!)

5) Planks
I go through phases with exercises. Right now, I'm in a plank phase. I was invited to participate in a fitness challenge at the gym, and it involved doing as many planks as possible each day. My longest plank so far was 25 minutes...and by "longest," I mean that I held 25 minutes of planks throughout one single day. Do planks, you'll notice a difference. I promise.

A photo posted by Tara (@adailydoseoffit) on Jan 26, 2017 at 8:49am PST

6) Momentum Jewelry
I've been an ambassador for Momentum Jewelry for a few years now. Amy is wonderful and it shows through every single product she puts out. Each piece is handmade, highly motivational and absolutely fun to wear. My collection of Wrist Wraps is out of control, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Literally, a color for any outfit:

In addition to the Wraps, Momentum also makes something they call a Sparklet. A smaller bracelet that's equally full of motivation.

You can totally use these bracelets as hair ties, or maybe they go around your water bottle. Endless options, and endless motivation. (PS: If you have a local running store, tell them about Momentum Jewelry. I was able to bring Momentum to my local running store and the locals are loving it.)

Question: What's one thing you are loving right now?
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ACE Group Fitness Exam Review and Study Tips

Back in January, I sat down and made a list of fitness, health and happiness goals.  On the fitness list: Get my ACE Group Fitness Certification. I got my ACE Personal Trainer Certification in 2013 when I switched over from a lesser known certification, and have been teaching group fitness since 2010, so it only seemed right that I become an ACE-certified group fitness instructor.

Make it official, right?

I chose to stick with the American Council on Exercise because 1) loyalty, and 2) ACE professional certifications are widely accepted and respected within the fitness industry.

Before you decided what route to go, I highly suggest you do some research: If you currently work at a fitness facility, ask the fitness director which group fitness certifications they accept. Then, look into  each individual certification and pick the one that speaks to you. If the certification is nationally accredited and/or accepted by your employer, you can't go wrong.

All of my group fitness instructors are certified by either ACE or AFAA. I don't have much inside info on the AFAA exam, but I can give you some tips on taking the ACE group fitness exam.

I studied for my group fitness exam the way I studied for my personal training exam, my unofficial first tip for you would be to review those study tips. The following will focus more specifically on the group fitness exam.

Note: ACE unveiled a new Group Fitness Certification Study Program almost immediately after I received my books. Because of this, they gave me access to the new program. I spent some time with it, and will do my best to address both as some of you may still be using the old books.

1) If you are an ACE-certified personal trainer, trust your knowledge of exercise science. 
My bundle of study materials included the Essentials of Exercise Science book, which I already had. I contacted ACE and they agreed to send me the corresponding flash cards in place of the book. The cards helped me review key concepts like slow versus fast twitch muscles, muscle names and corresponding functions, caloric expenditure, blood flow, planes of motion and more. And yes, all of these key concepts appeared on the exam.

2) Focus on class design, structure, music, teaching styles, learning methods, etc. 
These concepts were new to me, as they were not presented in the personal training course materials. You should know how to build and lead a class, and know how to problem-solve your way through classes that have participants with different learning styles. Obviously, this will be a large portion of the exam.

3) Continue to take or teach group fitness classes while you study. 
Immersing yourself in the culture of group fitness while you are learning about it is the best way to absorb the information you are studying. I've been a group fitness instructor since 2010, but I can tell you with absolute certainly that I still learned a thing or two. Essentially, I was able to observe myself in action, and consequently made note of the different concepts I was learning about in my books. If you are not currently teaching, being a part of a live class will give you the chance to observe seasoned instructors at work. And to become one yourself, because #handsonexperience.

4) Be prepared to apply the concepts you are reading about in your manual. 
I know that ACE is phasing out the exam that I took in favor of one that's more in line with the new course materials, but I don't forsee the changes to the exam itself to be that drastic. Multiple choice questions will come firing at you, so problem-solve your way through those by trusting in the knowledge you have gained. Additionally, be prepared to work with visuals—some of the multiple choice questions had corresponding photos and videos from which I was asked to identify what was going wrong and/or how I could modify the exercises shown.

5) Don't skim over the safety and liability mumbo-jumbo. 
...because it's not really mumbo-jumbo. It might not be the longest section in the book, but it might very well be the most important. You'll see a few questions on the exam pertaining to these topics, but you'll spend a lifetime of group fitness instruction making sure that your participants are safe.

Generally speaking, I thought the ACE Group Fitness Exam was quite manageable. It took me six months to prepare. I could have done it sooner, but a part-time job and two kids really sucked the life out of my study time.

For those of you who are already certified fitness professionals, it will refresh your understanding of key fitness concepts while enhancing your ability to lead more than one person through a workout.

For those of you that are not already certified fitness professionals, fear not the need to study exercise science and group fit instruction! ACE excels at the user-friendly approach. The course materials (new and old) are very approachable, and the study guides will truly assist you.

And from my perspective, I've had nothing but great experiences with ACE. They're easy to interact with and certainly affordable...fair warning, maintaining professional fitness certification can get quite expensive! Additionally, ACE presents a general group fitness certification. Many formats (like PiYO Live and Spinning) require additional certifications in order to teach. And even though you can get those certifications without being a certified group fitness instructor, I highly recommend that you pursue your general group fitness certification first.

You really will learn almost everything you need to know about leading a group through their workouts. It's worth all the time, money and effort. I promise.

Any questions? I'd be happy to answer them. Leave a comment below, or reach out to me directly: tara (at) adailydoseoffit (dot) com. These posts might be helpful, too:

• Teaching Group Fitness
• 8 Tips for Group Fitness Instructors
• Want a career in the fitness industry? What you need to know.
• How to Get a Job in the #Fitness Industry

Question: Group fitness professionals, tell me about your certifications! I want to know what you're doing! Not certified? If you could teach one group fitness class, which would you choose and why?

My 2016 Fitness, Health and Happiness Goals

2016 is here and it's that time of year. Time to sit down and reflect on our hopes and dreams for the days, months and weeks ahead of us. I take my time with this, don't you? And I'm not so much about the resolutions, per se. I prefer to make goals. SMART goals that I can achieve—and enjoy achieving. And I don't place too much emphasis on the end goal itself, because I believe that it's the journey toward that goal that really teaches me and changes me.

So, here:

Fitness

1) Do more yoga.

We have a Power Yoga class at my gym that's pretty awesome, and I've been doing my best to attend it regularly. It fits nicely into my schedule, and compliments my existing teaching and running workouts. But this year's yoga goal goes beyond class attendance. I want to work on some arm balances. I had so much fun practicing, and finally nailing Bakasana and Eke Pada Koundinyanasana II, that I'm totally hooked. And then there's this for the list:

Cause sometimes, you just need to be upside down. Don't be scared to take risks, to do things outside your comfort zone. That is where we experience the greatest rewards.
Posted by Chalene Johnson on Wednesday, January 6, 2016

2) Run the Fifth Third Riverbank Run 25K.
I wanted to run this race last year, then illness and life got in the way and my training got off schedule. It's a 15-mile run, which would be my longest. Right now, it's the only race (except for a local 5K) that's really on my mind. I'm sort of in a funk when it comes to training because I'm really enjoying running without all the pressure. My body feels great when I lace up, which was not the case at the end of my last bout of training. Ugh. So if I want to actually run this 25K, according to the plan I've been looking at, I should really start focusing by at least February 1. So we'll see. Regardless, main goal: Make every run fun.

3) Get my ACE Group Fitness Certification.
I am an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, and have been teaching group fitness for 6 years, and I figured it was time to make things official because #whynot. So let the studying begin.

Health
1) Get back to prepping meals and snacks.
We've been in a funk with food lately, relying on basically the same meals and snacks from week to week. So it's getting quite boring. Before kids—and really, before Evan was born—I was pretty good at planning meals and making things ahead of time. But I've gotten away from that, so I want to place emphasis on making a good grocery list, sticking to it, and prepping things ahead of time whenever possible. Because the "here and there" approach isn't really working for me. Consistency is key, right?

2) Get my eyes checked.
Seriously, it's been years. I don't think I have any problems, but it's been so long that I can't really say for sure. Maybe I do and I don't even realize it. Plus, if I do have issues, that just means I get to shop for cute glasses. Ha!

3) Explore essential oils. 

I have a few blends and a bottle of peppermint that I've been playing with, but everyone (seriously, everyone) swears by them. So I want to learn more because (again) #whynot. Oh, and—I want to finally make that yoga mat spray that I've been talking about forever. Must buy tea tree oil and lavender.

Happiness
1) Return to my faith. 
I grew up Catholic. I went to a Catholic grade school, high school and college. I got married in the Catholic church, and both my children were baptized Catholic. And yet, I feel so far away from my faith. So this is the year I want to get back to it. To help, I purchased a journaling Bible, and I have some daily devotionals to work through, too:

2) Take time to relax—with and without my children.
I don't sit and relax. I feel like I always have to be doing something productive, like cleaning or picking up toys (or whatever else is out of place). So this year, I want to place emphasis on letting some of that need to perfect the house or the day (or even the blog) go. My kids are growing up fast. My husband and I only get so much time together each day. And I need to take mental breaks for myself. So this is the year for that. For perfecting my ability to relax. I think these will help with the "me time" portion of that:

3) Spend less money on things, so I can spend more money on experiences.
Let's be honest, my kids have a ton of toys. And I've got a closet full of clothes and shoes. So I want to shift away from buying mindlessly. From buy things we don't really need. I want to focus on spending that money on things my little family can do. Lunch dates, outdoor adventures, plays...whatever. Things that create experiences and memories, because that stuff really lasts a lifetime, right?

Here's the thing: It's only January. I'm sure this list will grow and change as I go. There are twelve months ahead of me and I intend to make the most of them. Watch me go!

Question: Do you play with essential oils? What oils or blends are on your must-have list and why? What brands do you use? I know that can be important, too. Educate me, friends!

Thoughts on 2015...

Blogging around the holidays. It's always a challenge. There is so much to get done, so much to do, so many people to see....something has to give, hence the weeklong hiatus. When things go silent on A Daily Dose of Fit, you can always keep track of me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram because #socialmedia. It's always hopping.

But, here I am today.
Somehow finding time.

I want to reflect on 2015 out loud, right here. I know it's not over yet, but that's not stopping me from thinking about all that is and was this year. Normally at this time, I'm knee deep in thoughts about the upcoming year: What are my goals? Do I need to change anything? Should I make resolutions? I tend to forget about all that was in favor of all that could be. But my BlogFest buddy is putting a pause on that. Tiffany recently posted her template for year-end reflections, and it's pretty good.

So I'm not thinking about 2016 just yet.

I'm grateful for each and every year I get to celebrate.
I'm grateful for the highs AND the lows.
I'm grateful for every moment and minute.

I'm grateful for all of 2015.
Even the few days it still owes me.

10 Highlights
1) I finished first in my age group at a 5K.
2) We spent a week in Mexico.
3) I set a new half marathon PR.

4) My little man turned one.
5) I set a new 5K PR.
6) I went to BlogFest and IDEA World, and it was awesome.

7) I fell in love with Spinning again.
8) I started writing a monthly column in one of my local papers.
9) My daughter ran her first 5K...
10)...she also started going to school.

3 Disappointments
1) I didn't run my goal race.
2) I had to run/walk the last three miles of a half marathon.
3) I volunteered to coach Girls on the Run, but was ultimately told that I couldn't because my kids wouldn't be allowed to come with me to the practices.

2 Game Changers
1) I suffered major IT band issues in a half marathon, which ultimately forced me to reassess my running plans. I stopped training, and started running for the love of it. And now, I feel stronger and mentally ready to get back into training mode again. For what, I don't know yet.

2) The KonMari Method. Seriously, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up changed me way more than I thought it would. Printed words inspired me to act, and were wonderful. I had boxes and shelves and closets full of things that I didn't need, and it was all weighing me (and my family) down. This book is not about organizing or getting rid of things, it's about changing your perspective. It's about appreciating the things you have that you really, truly do need in your life—and letting go of the things you don't. I'm not done implementing what I have learned (ahem, basement). But I am working on it and it feels so good to be getting rid of clutter and junk. See bags below, and imagine a giant pile of boxes that were equal parts donated and trashed.

3 Areas of Focus
1) We recently rebranded the gym I work at, which has instilled new life into the place. As a result, I've been hell bent on extending that life into every corner of the fitness department. Staying current, staying ahead of our competition...giving our members everything they want...it's been a huge priority for me, and I get the sense that it's paying off. I'm blessed to have a wonderful, talented and very willing team. And our members are equally wonderful, which makes my job worth focusing on.

2) I've been really zoned in on the essence of Daily Dose. I want to grow. I want to share my message. But I don't want to get lost in the shuffle or the pressure to conform to certain blogging standards. It's who I am and what I do with my space on the Internet that matters most. It's how I will ultimately stand out as unique and informative, right? So when I sit down to write, it's fueled by a pure and honest focus on being me. Always.

3) Motherhood. I tend to focus on things that don't matter, or ultimately don't need my attention. And the bigger my son gets, the more I am reminded that these early years, these precious sweet years can't come back. Babies aren't babies forever. My kids are definitely not babies anymore, but they're little and I need to be there for them. I need to be present and loving, and I need to enjoy them even when they annoy the you-know-what out of me. Motherhood is not easy, but I am a mother. And I am focused on being the best mother (and wife) that I can be.

3 Things I Forgot
1) I didn't start studying for my group fitness certification.
2) I didn't read as much as I wanted to (hence, the giant pile of magazines in my nightstand).
3) I totally didn't do the HeartMiRun virtual race for Michigan parks. Boo.

Reflection
What does this mean for 2016? I'm still processing it, but this I know for sure: I'm thinking about that goal race again. And I'm hoping to purchase my group fitness materials after the first of the year. Beyond that, it remains to be seen. I feel like I've paid homage to 2015, and will probably spend the next few days pondering what it all means in terms of 2016. Expect a goal post soon. In the meantime, I'm going to sit back and relax...and be grateful for all that I have, have done and will do.

Question: What's one thing you forgot to do this year?

35 Things I Am Thankful For

Today is my birthday. I am 35 years old. I accept this age wholeheartedly. I know it sounds cliche, but age is just a number. I don't feel 35. What is 35 supposed to feel like? Can it really be defined? I just feel happy, healthy and thankful for every single one of my years and the promise of more to come.

To start the day off right, I woke up early to run at the gym. I normally snag three miles during the week. But today, since I am 35 now, I pushed it to 3.5 miles:

And then I snuck into a Power Yoga class for some flow. I can't normally get into any of the yoga classes because I'm either training, teaching or meeting with people. But today, my schedule was wide open so I made it happen. With elements of yoga in my beloved PiYo Live class, and my recent adventure doing yoga at a winery, I'm newly energized to keep practicing. We'll see how that goes.

Did I mention it's my birthday? #ilovebirthdays
Who is gearing up for Thanksgiving? #wantallthestuffing

To honor both events (because every birthday is an event, no matter what you think), I thought it would be fun to reflect on 35 things that I am extremely thankful for. Some are completely serious, others are a bit light-hearted. They all make me happy.

1) My husband
2) My daughter 
3) My son

Top three. Needs no explanation.

4) My mother and father
5) My mother-in-law and my father-in-law

We are lucky to have four people in our lives that support us no matter what. They are our rocks from which we've learned so much that has and will continue to propel us through life.

6) My sister and her little family
7) My brother-in-law, my sisters-in-law and their little families

The best. All of them. Because never a dull moment.

8) My best friend
9) My girls from college

Sisters from other mothers, for real.

10) The gym
11) My job
12) My clients
13) My classes
14) My employees

Seriously, fitness has given me so much more than good health. It's given me a career, a work family and a home away from home. Every time I show up to work, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I get to share my passion with others on a daily basis. I get to help change lives, and in turn, my life is changed, too. I get to share smiles, jokes, laughs and sometimes even tears with people pretty regularly. It's incredible, this industry (and this gym) that I am a part of.

15) The blog
16) My readers
17) My blog friends

This year was super great for A Daily Dose of Fit. I worked with some really awesome brands, attended BlogFest and IDEA World (dream come true), and met some fantastic people along the way. I don't write for the money or the free products, both of which are an added bonus that I am extremely appreciative of. I write because I love to write. And I love to write about fitness. Bringing the two together in one creative place has been an enjoyable adventure that I never take for granted.

18) Running
19) Sunset Coast Striders
20) Runner's World Magazine

I used to hate running, and now, it's my therapy. Running is so much more than clocking miles or getting medals. It's about perseverance. Proving to yourself that you can and you will. It's about making friends, and joining a team...runners band together, even when they're running against each other. I see it when I run with my club, and I see it when I read Runner's World (which is my trusty go-to for inspiration when I don't feel like running).

21) PiYo Live

I had no idea how much this class would change me. I took the certification course just two months after I had Evan. I was weak and full of baby weight. PiYo Live literally whipped me back into shape. Not immediately, of course. But over time, I noticed a huge difference in terms of muscle tone, general strength and flexibility. It's also given me a huge confidence boost—trust me, memorizing 60 minutes of activity and delivering it in front of a huge class is no small task. I wasn't sure if I could do it, but I did...and I do...and I'm better because of it.

22) Wine
23) Starbucks Coffee

24) The KonMarie Method

Pretty sure my husband is thankful he bought this book for me because I am finally weeding through all the crap that's been collecting dust. So much stuff I don't need! The more I get rid of, the lighter and happier I feel. Go buy the book. Just do it.

25) TJ Maxx

Who ISN'T thankful for T.J. Maxx?

26) Facetime
27) My MacBook Air

28) My safe community
29) My beautiful town

I live where people take vacations. #spoiled

30) Scandal
31) Madame Secretary

Because we all need guilty pleasures

32) Food
33) Clothing
34) Shelter

I won't let a day go by without giving thanks for these three things. Because out there, people don't have these things. These common things we should all have.

35) Good health

Because without it, the things above wouldn't be nearly as joyful as they are.
Me, I'm blessed. And I remind myself of this every single day.

To see what my friends are thankful for, visit #thefitdish linkup.

Question: Tell me one thing you are extremely thankful for today.

5 Different Plank Exercises

I've been a certified personal trainer for almost six years, but my personal experience with exercise goes way back to college, really. That's when I first got into it. And when I think back to all of the workouts I've done, there is clearly a short list of go-to exercises that always get the job done. Today, we'll talk about one of them: Planks.

Who doesn't love a good plank? We do them in every single one of my classes...with the exception of Spinning, obviously...and I make every single one of my clients do them, too. In fact, one of my clients is inspiring this post and she doesn't even know it.

A few weeks ago, she was telling me about an article she read in Muscle and Fitness Hers. (Good choice, lady! A shout-out because I know she reads Daily Dose.) It was a 30-day plank challenge that provided, you guessed it, 30 different planks. She brought the article in and I photocopied it.

I told her she might regret sharing the article with me. *Insert evil laugh (and a smile) here.* But I'm so glad she did because it reminded me of so many planks that I had forgotten about, and it also taught me a few new planks, too.

Seriously, if you're not doing planks, you should! They literally engage almost every muscle in your body. And no, it doesn't matter how long you can hold it. What matters more is that you try, and that you're doing so with the right form.

Here's what you need to remember: Keep your head, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles in one straight line. Tighten your abs and breathe deeply. Spread your fingertips apart to create a nice, solid base below your wrists. And finally, do your best to relax into the position without losing form.

10 seconds, 10 minutes...start where you can and build from there.
I promise you can do it, unless you have one of these contradictions:

• Wrist, shoulder , elbow or toe issues
• Low back pain
• Pregnancy in the second or third trimester
• Vertigo

Should any of the above apply to you, you'll need to proceed with caution. I'm not saying you CAN'T do planks, but you might want to ask for guidance before you try. Consult with your physician or a certified personal trainer. Both will be full of information.

If you don't have any of the aforementioned contraindications and you want to give planks a try, start with the basic plank position (shown above). Once you've mastered that pose, consider one of the following plank exercises:

1) Balancing Plank
It's as easy as lifting the opposite arm and leg at the same time. But it's not so easy to hold. Too much? Start with one arm. Or one leg. Gradually build up to both at the same time.

2) Tree Plank
Essentially, it's a side plank with your knee up in tree pose. You can also grab your leg. This, however, would be an advanced move that requires strength and flexibility. It's also known as a star side plank:

3) Stir the Pot
Oh, the exercise ball! Such a simple piece of equipment, and yet, it makes core exercises so evil! If you reference the picture above, it looks like a simple forearm plank on an exercise ball. But really, you're in motion as you "stir the pot." Translation: You move your forearms in a small circle.

4) Full Plank on Ball
So much harder than it looks! To progress, start with a BOSU (dome side down). Or maybe a medicine ball. Both of which put you closer to the ground and give you a slightly more stable surface on which to rest your hands.

5) Toe Tap Plank
Planking with your feet on the exercises ball can be a challenge in and of itself. But if you've mastered it, you might start toe-tapping the ground. Alternating sides, of course. Again, much harder than it looks because you can't lose control of the ball. You can do these without the ball to start, then move up to a BOSU (dome side up), then finally move up to the exercise ball.

Seriously, though...there are so many plank variations out there. More than 30, for sure. Some of them get tricky, so you need to be careful. Never work beyond your fitness level—that's where injuries happen. Push yourself, but don't push yourself over the edge.

Oh, and—don't forget that it's #wildworkoutwednesday!
Click the hashtag for more fitness inspiration.

Question: What's your favorite plank variation? What do you think is harder: Forearms or straight arms?

10 Books That Will Inspire You

The purging continues, friends. This weekend, I used the KonMari Method to organize my book collection. This method helped me organize my clothing, so I knew it would work on my beloved page-turners, too. I hoard books so badly, but so many of them needed to go because:

1) I know I will never read them again. Ever.
2) We need to make room in the basement for toys. End goal: Playroom.

The KonMari method urges you to discover that which sparks joy, and to essentially shop what you have. Meaning, you pile everything up and keep what you want. And since I want all books everywhere, well...you get how difficult this task was for me. But, I somehow managed to get it done.

So what's left in my collection?

Classics, like Gone with the Wind. I have three copies (and need all of them).
Favorites, like Sweet Valley High #1. Because I loved this series when I was little.

Also, a ton of books that inspire me.

Let's take a closer look at that stack:

1) It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be (Paul Arden) This book will absolutely light a fire underneath you. It will drive you to pursue your version of success. It's concise, easy to read and light on words. The type of page-turner you can get through in a day if you've got that kind of time. And it will ultimately motivate you for days to come. Take, for example, this page:

2) The Eat Clean Diet Presents: Just the Rules! (Tosca Reno) Much like the first book, this one is quick and concise, too. And yet, it's full of information. I recommend it to my clients when they express frustration with their diet. I tell them to stop dieting, to start eating right...and I tell them that this book is a great way to understand what those two things mean. I flip through it every once in a while when I feel like I need a friendly reminder. Note: There are a ton of pictures and graphics (things that always make reading fun).

3) In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto (Michael Pollan) This book is crazy good. Pollen is a fantastic writer, very descriptive (even when he's talking about scientific things). His main goal? To show us that "thoughtful food choices will enrich our lives, enlarge our sense of what it means to be healthy, and bring pleasure back to eating." It all boils down to this: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

4) The Shack (William P. Young) This book is for those of you that think about God. It's a work of fiction, and you won't be able to put it down. Through a tragic story, it compels the reader to ask where God is in a world filled with pain. According to one review written on the back cover, "The Shack will leave you craving for the presence of God." And it does.

5) Wild (Cheryl Strayed) I always prefer books over movies, so I will (of course) urge you to read this one before you see the flick. It's a most excellent story about a woman that overcomes herself to achieve something so awesome. She literally proves to herself that her hopes and dreams are possible and, thankfully, she wrote about it along the way. Read this if there's something you've always wanted to do, but haven't yet mustered up enough belief in yourself.

6) The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises (Adam Campbell) I've had this book for years and I reference it all the time. It's a great resource for modifications and exercise advancements, plus a few cookie-cutter workouts that target both muscle groups and body types. There are also men's, abs and yoga versions, too. (I haven't checked those out yet, though.)

7) Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving—and Not Lose Your Family, Job or Sanity (Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea) These women rock. Their writing is full of equal parts humor and valuable information. If you run, and if you want something to read that will educate and inspire, then you should snag this book. And this one, too:

8) Train Like a Mother: How to Get Across Any Finish Line—and Not Lose Your Family, Job or Sanity (Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea) Obviously an extension of the first, it takes all the aforementioned information about running and expands on it by giving the reader multiple training plans well-suited to all the popular distances. I did a combination of the two half marathon plans this Summer and completely enjoyed the workouts. I will definitely be referencing these books again when I start to train for my next race.

9) You Are An Ironman (Jacques Steinberg) Let's be clear on one thing: I am NOT an Ironman. And I have no goals to become one, no thanks. But that didn't stop me from getting totally engulfed in this book. It's much like Wild in that it will make you want to achieve your goals and make your dreams come true. It follows six "weekend warriors" and details their road to the finish line of an Ironman. So good.

10) Born to Run (Christopher McDougall) If you run, no matter the distance, then you need to read this book. For real. It's a non-fiction book that reads like fiction, it's that good. And even though I generally prefer the book over the movie (see above), I'll probably head to the theatre for this one because #matthewmcconaughey.

Question: What book are you reading right now? You can click HERE to see what all my friends are reading.