Monday Motivation- Healthier Turkey Day

This Thursday is Thanksgiving and the kick off to the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year". So true and in so many ways, but not for your waistline. For some reason, we have gotten it in our heads that Turkey Day equals a day to binge on all of our favorite foods and regret it later. 

Here is some serious food for thought: People probably consume 3,000 to 5,000 calories around the Thanksgiving dinner table — yikes. While eating often takes center stage during the holidays, that doesn't mean we have to give up on good health. Check out these tips for a fit and healthy Thanksgiving without sacrificing any flavor or fun.

1. Exercise Early. I'm a huge fan of morning workouts and Thanksgiving morning is a key day to get it in early. Not only will it give your metabolism a boost, increase your energy for all the days events, but you will fell a little less guilty for eating an extra slice of  pie.

2. Be Choosy. Indulge only on the really special foods that you normally wouldn't see. Don't munch of something that you can make yourself any time of the year. Thanksgiving is my day each year to eat sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie!   

3. Make Good Choices. Pace yourself if you decided to drink alcohol, keeping in mind there are fewer calories in wine than most cocktails. Try to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.  

4. Start a Healthy Family Tradition not Based on Food. Run a Turkey Trot, organize a sports game, trivia or board games, viewing Christmas lights, or a walk around the neighborhood. 

5. Avoid the Sugar Pushers. We all know who they are, whether its your Grandma or Aunt Sue everybody has a relative that thinks you are withering away. Just say NO! 

This Saturday the family and I started off our Thanksgiving holiday with me running in our local Turkey 10k. It was a beautiful morning to run, which was made even better when I crossed the finish line to find out that I placed 1st in my age division and 2nd overall female. 

With the girls out of school this week, we plan to take advantage of our time together. On the agenda is a ton of yard work (little hands are great for weed picking), Girl Scout meeting, and continuing my training. 

How are you planning to have a healthier Thanksgiving?

Run Hard, 

Ashley 

Monday Motivation- Official Crescent City Classic Blogger

 I am so excited to announce that I have been asked to join an inspirational group of bloggers for next years Crescent City Classic.

What is the Crescent City Classic? 

Since 1979 New Orleans has been host to one of the nations largest 10k's. With over 20,000 people gathering in Downtown New Orleans, it's an event that attracts everyone from international Elite Athletes to those who walk the entire route carrying cocktails or wearing bunny suits. Young, old, fit and not so, the Crescent City Classic was the first 10k to be televised nationally, and is, to this day, perhaps the most fun you can have over 6.2 miles.  The Classic has been praised in every major running publication as “one of America’s fastest 10k’s”, “the originator of the party race”, “an Easter Weekend tradition that should never be missed” and “a great race, on a beautiful course in America’s most unique city”.

This year is going to be first time attending the event and I'm so honored to be included with such a great group of bloggers. There's nothing like running a race with friends. I'm sure we are all going to have a weekend to remember in the "big easy". Make sure to check out all of there blogs and get inspired. 

Larisa @ www.larisadixon.com

Mindy @ www.roadrunnergirl.com

Kristin @ www.bamagirlruns.com

Nicole @ www.ndeckerrunner.wordpress.com

Lisa @ www.triouradventure.com

AMP @ www.ampruns.blogspot.com

Megan @ www.runninmysouthernmouth.blogspot.com

Holly @ www.Runninginfastforward.com

Cindy @ www.fattofitwithcindylaneross.com

Jen @ www.jenzenator.com/

Fred @ www.NOLArunner.com

This is my first Monday Motivation (on this blog) with the cold Winter weather working its way down South. The chilly air has been my motivation to get outside and get in the miles. I've quickly learned that I need to ask Santa for some warmer running gear (gloves, hat, full length pants, & thicker socks), but it wasn't too bad after I got going. I'm going to try sticking to my road miles and avoid the gym at all costs. Unless we have ice and snow again like last year, which is crazy considering I live in South Alabama.  

What's motivating you this week?

Run Fast,

Ashley

Keep Running During the Holidays

It's that time of the year again....the Holiday Season! Somehow it happens without me even realizing it. The days are shorter, the weather is cooler, and there is less than 45 days until CHRISTMAS! Where does the time go?

I blame my lapse in time to my busy new schedule and additional roles as Working Mom, 1st Grade Room Mother, Girl Scout Leader, Running Beast, and as you can see I'm also working on getting back to blogging.

Whatever the reasons one thing has stayed true....I haven't stopped running. With one half behind me and several more races to go before May, including a 10 miler before Thanksgiving and a half marathon a few days before my 30th birthday, training doesn't stop for me this year.

Finished my 4th half on Nov. 9th with a PR of 2:12:42

With all that in mind, I've put together a list to keep me motivated through the Holiday Season:

1. Keep a schedule
I have my training plan written on several calendars throughout my house and reminders set on my phone. For added accountability and support, I like to include my friends and family. It's now become common knowledge to everyone that on Saturday mornings I can be found pounding the pavement on a long run.

2. Holiday Race Shirts.
Who doesn't love a cute race shirt and some of the best come during the Holiday season. Whether it be a Turkey Trot, Jingle Bell Jam, Rudolph Race, or Holiday half everyone can be motivated by a cute t-shirt.

3. Indulge
What more motivation do you need than knowing you can eat a few of your favorite Thanksgiving foods guilt free. I know that I will be running a little longer and faster to enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie.

4. Ask for Gear for Christmas
We all have a list of things we would love to add to our running swag. The Holidays is a perfect time to ask Santa for a few things. On my Christmas list: new shoes, hat, socks, clothes, and a stock pile of GU.

5. Swimsuit Season!
Do I have to explain this one? It may not fill like it right own when its thirty degrees outside, but before you know it, it will be time to shed the layers for a bathing suit. Staying fit in the winter makes sure you are ready to hit the beach!

What keeps you motivated to run during the Holiday Season?

Run Hard, 

Ashley