Fly-Fishing, Even with SportsBaby!

I wanted to share a wonderful blog one of our retail partner's (www.outdoorbabystore.com) posted about SportsBaby. Not only did she post a great write-up, she also included a fabulous picture of herself fly-fishing "with" her little guy in his very own SportsBaby carrier...

See, yet another perfect outdoor family activity you can do with your little one, thanks to SportsBaby!

http://blog.outdoorbabystore.com/2011/11/14/fly-fishing-mama.aspx

Take a few minutes to read Kati's blog in the link above. See SportsBaby in action as a must-have for yet another fun-filled, outdoor family activity - this time peaceful fly-fishing.

I took the photo of my son here this past summer fly-fishing, one of his favorite, most enjoyable outdoor activities. It's a sport you can do throughout your life. Not only does it take focus, skill and technique, but a true love for the outdoors and of course...lots of fish!

Let's add fly-fishing to our growing list of can-do's and must-do's with your SportsBaby...so much fun together. Keep on moving!

Fall Running, Marathons and the Like

This weekend I have followed the fantastic New York City Marathon closely. I've also been going down my own Memory Lane of good marathon times gone by. The weather in NYC today was spectacular; a perfect Fall day for a 26.2 mile run through every part of the Big Apple. I was wishing I was a part of this great event today.

I've mentioned before that the first marathon I trained for and ran was with my Mom and Dad; quite a cherished experience. Our weekday runs would start at 4:45am, so our small group would finish well before 6:30am. I loved our early morning runs, being finished with training before my work/school day had even begun.

Benefits of running are:

1. Increased energy

2. Endorphins putting me in a great, positive mood

3. Blood circulating well

4. Muscles and bones strengthened

5. Cardiovascular system strengthened

6. Having time to think and clear my head, etc.

We completed the St. George Marathon together, holding hands across the finish line. I even have the picture. It was a very special moment.

The next marathon I trained for and completed was the Chicago Marathon, three years later. I lived in Chicago at the time. It was a very different experience training and running this time around. I would either run very early in the morning with two of my good friends, or during the day pushing my toddler in his jogger stroller.

Once I was in my last month of training I ran alone. My friends were not running the marathon with me, so they did not need or wish to be running 12,16, 20, 22 miles. When marathon day came, I ran it alone, on my own. Let me just say that if you have a choice to run it with someone or run it alone, choose the later.

There is much to be said for cheering each other on, giving each other that extra boost of "you can do this," especially when you "hit the wall." Yes, everyone does "hit the wall" by mile 21-22..You then have to push through the last 4 miles or so to cross that line. I finished the Chicago Marathon alone, and appreciated the cheers from hundreds of strangers all along the way. My little family and neighbor friends were there to greet me as I came in, as well.

My third marathon was in San Diego, California. It was a beautiful winter day, and I loved running along the ocean and quaint beach town communities. This time I trained and ran it with a good friend, which was great. However, we did lose each other at mile 17, so we were not able to cheer each other on through our "hitting the wall" phase.

I must say the St. George Marathon is dear to my heart, because it's the one I ran and completed with my Mom and Dad. The scenery of the red rock canyons was completely magnificent. As far as cultural diversity and being able to run through every part of a great city, Chicago was phenomenal. San Diego was simply beautiful, aesthetically speaking. It doesn't get any better than running along side the ocean and small beach towns with perfect weather in the dead of winter.

As you can see, each location has it's highlights. This makes running a marathon adventurous and fun. Seeing new places that you may never have been before, meeting people from all walks of life, and testing your mental, physical, emotional strength is all a part of the Marathon experience. I highly recommend it.

Come on and join me in 2012 for a Marathon experience of a lifetime! I still have the dream and goal of running and completing the New York City Marathon, which was held today. I have 1 year to train. It is my fitness goal for this coming year. I intend to do all I can physically and mentally to prepare for it and be ready come November 7, 2012. Let's just say that it's on my Bucket List.

Let's keep sharing our love for fitness, healthy lifestyles with the world around us, our families and friends.

Fall Fitness and SportsBaby

Fall is upon us, and it is one of my favorite times of the year to workout outside. The Fall colors are brilliant, a breath-taking sight to see and be a part of as you run, walk, bike ride, hike among its beauty.

I'm going out on a good 1-2 hour bike ride later today, and I cannot wait! My exercise time is my most favorite time of day. It is my time to take care of myself, be good to myself, feed my soul with exercise, clearing my mind and taking time to look around me at the exquisite beauty I live in.

I am sure I will pass many on foot and on bikes. I also know that many will be pushing their jogging strollers, including their little ones in the pleasure of exercising outdoors together. I'll pass others on bikes with their bike trailers connected behind, again including their little ones in the experience of moving fast along the dirt and paved mountain paths, exercising with Mom or Dad.

I love to see Moms and Dads walking with their little ones in their SportsBaby, the best baby carrier on the market to exercise and take along on all your outdoor adventures, be it land or water. I've even seen a Dad mowing the lawn with his little one. Boy was his little guy happy!

I may see wildlife, birds, even harmless snakes; all a part of the beauty around me. I cannot wait to see the bright-colored leaves of gold, red, pink, yellow. I will hear the slow streams of water, cross over them and listen (much different than springtime). The mountains are majestic, no matter what time of the year. However, they are never more beautiful than right now with the painted colors of Fall stroked among them.

As I make my way back home at the end of my bike ride, my play time outside, I will again give thanks for this beautiful world, and it's majesty. I will also give thanks for being able to move, to exercise, to be healthier and stronger while in the presence of such beauty and peacefulness.

I hope you will also join in the outdoor beauty all around, move and include your children! Be healthier, stronger and filled with gratitude for being able to play and move outdoors together! See you out there!