Birthday thoughts {turning 30}

Is 50 the new 30 or 30 the new 20? Or was it 40 is the new 20? Honestly, I can’t keep up! In honor of my 30^th birthday I thought I would write down a few thoughts.

Lets start with why 50 can’t just be 50 and 30 just be 30?  It may be a cliché but lets all be honest with ourselves and keep the numbers the way they are.  If  you keep yourself feeling good, then it doesn't matter what the number is.  Now that’s coming from a 30yr old…. Maybe when I’m 50 I will disagree with myself.  So far I have not hit an age that I was “freaking” out about, I have some friends that were scared of 25! Some 30 and a random 32! I don’t think It is the number they were afraid of, but more than likely where they were in their life at that time.  I loved being 25, it wasn’t the number that made that year great but the experiences I had that year.  I was more hesitant to turn 26 because I had had such a fabulous 2009. The “older” I get the more I don’t want to give up the prior year, I think I do a good job on making each year count and creating new experiences.  I see a birthday as a time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the next year and maybe even complete the goals from the prior year, but none the less move forward.  I definitely don’t want to move backward. 

Turning 30 did not scare me one bit, I feel like that is the age I should be.  In fact I tell my husband “I get better with age." He laughed, then he saw some photos from my late teen years, blonde hair, short hair, round face, red hair…. I’m sure you get it.  I feel like at 30, I have become comfortable enough with myself to know where my weakness may lie, definitely where my strengths are and where I still need a little work.  I also know what make up to wear, hair styles that look good and what types of clothes fit my body best (although, I can still make poor clothing choices). 

I have always had the thought process of no worries, it will all work out.  To back that up my high school senior quote was “hakuna matata” meaning no worries.  I did not realize at the time that I would try and live by that quote.  I feel blessed to have a supportive husband that has given me the opportunity to figure out what my passions are, find myself and make new career moves.  Needless to say he finds himself on his toes quite frequently and if you were to ask him what words scare him the most, he would likely say, “So I was thinking….” Knowing that following shortly after could be some very colorful thoughts.

I am happy to put 29 behind me and am curious about 30, I do not believe it is as harsh or horrible as people say.  In fact I feel like I have just hit the ground running, I have already signed up for my first half marathon (in my 30’s) in January and just this past month started a new career teaching Pilates, which I LOVE!!!

Lets pop some bubbly! 

Xo

Suz

Pilates for runners (Fitness Friday)

I have been practicing Pilates for over 7 years, I got hooked after seeing toning results from mat classes and then in natural progression moved into reformer classes and never looked back.  Being a runner, I was looking for another work out that would compliment the pounding of the pavement.

I feel like this post is important following last Fridays Fitness Friday post, training for a half marathon.  I, like may others during the training months came down with a head and chest cold.  The last thing I want to do or should do is go out on a 5 mile run.   Now I am stuck at home sick but cannot afford to give up a training day, why not do some Pilates! 

What does Pilates do?  The moves incorporate proper spinal alignment, which helps us move more efficiently.  A well-rounded work out will touch on every muscle group including your legs, and lets be honest what runner out there can’t use some good lengthening of the hamstrings.  Many Pilate moves trigger abdominal strength, like planking on one leg and oblique twists.  A strong abdomen helps protect the spine and prevent back injuries while pounding that pavement. 

Check out the moves below for some at home Mat Pilates moves that you can do on your down day or even incorporate before your daily run.  Enjoy

Corkscrew- lie with legs straight out and arms at side, engage the abs and lift the legs up roll them over head rounding out the spine, engage abs and bring legs back down (10 REPS)
Leg Swings- Arms down at sides, legs up to 90 degrees, engage obliques and swing legs right then left, make sure rib cage stay on mat (10 REPS each side)
Mountain climbers- Hold plank, gaze at mat.  Lift left knee to right elbow, replace foot, lift right knee to left elbow (8 REPS each side)
Bridge with glute dips- Arms long at sides, feet flat on the floor knees bent.  Lift hips up, pressing evenly through feet.  Lower the hips down a little and lift back up (3x) lower down and repeat (8 REPS).  Engage glutes and hamstrings.
Push up- Lower down into a push up, elbow in at sides.  3 count down and up (10 REPS).
Swimming- Engage glutes and quads, lift right arm and left leg then switch, keep legs and arms long and straight.  preform for 10 sec. 3 REPS
Scissor kicks- flex upper body and lift right leg, hold for 2 count lower and lift other leg.  Stay flexed up, sink the belly down keep legs straight and slightly lifted off mat (10 REPS each leg)

(These are all great pilates moves and I pulled photos from the below sites)

Pilates for runners by modernlyfeblog on Polyvore

Calorie-Blasting Moves From The Big Book Of Pilates
prevention.com

Best Pilates Moves For Runners
fitsugar.com

Best Pilates Moves For Runners
fitsugar.com

Pilates Arm Workout you can do Anywhere & Anytime
kristinmcgee.com

Adrianne Pelt
mastertraineradriannepelt.com

Core Integrity with Cat: Essential Yoga Moves
catcore.blogspot.com

Adrianne Pelt
mastertraineradriannepelt.com

Black on Black {Polka Dots}

The more pregnant I get, the more black I want to wear.  Maybe because my wardrobe options are starting to diminish even more now that I'm close to the finish line.  I love having this bump as an accessory, but gosh, I am so ready to fit in regular clothes again.

I wore this outfit to work today!  The classic black pumps add a more dressy, professional look, although they only lasted through my first morning meeting and then the flats came on! Usually, my number one rule for maternity dressing is good fitted clothes - basically showcase the bump! Otherwise, you'll just look extra round and frumpy.  But seriously, being 8 months preggo in this crazy SoCal heat, anything goes. This black cotton poka dot Zara top is not quite so fitted (even though its non-maternity), but its super comfy!  It is still flowy around my bump which is amazing.

What I'm wearing:
Zara top (Old) // Zara Leggings // YSL Cabas Chyc (Old) // Alice + Olivia Suede Pumps // Ray Ban Mirrored Aviator sunglasses // Forever 21 Necklace (Old)

Have a great Thursday!  Its almost the weekend...

Sunday Style

One of the most annoying pregnancy symptom is swollen feet; especially if you're like me and love to wear high heels, and well...cute shoes in general.  But sometimes, you gotta give in to your body and give those little piggies a rest!  I don't own a lot of flats so these Zara beauties are currently on repeat.

I had a lot of business meetings last week which requires a bit more effort in stylish corporate dressing, so this weekend I opted for a demure and comfy look.  You'll soon notice I'm totally obsessed with white blazers.  Dress them up, dress them down, it seriously works all around!!  I love this one from H&M - the buttons and and collarless structure makes it casual and nautical feeling.  Its perfect for a low key Sunday!  And I don't care - whether its appropriate or not, I will totally continue to wear white through Fall.

What's your Sunday Style?

Maternity Stripes & 32 Weeks Babybump Update

Hello friends.  Happy Monday!  I spent most of my weekend doing what else...prepping the home for baby!  Also, I caught glimpses of NYFW updates all over Instagram and Pinterest.  Wish I was there!

I had hoped to post weekly pregnancy updates in my Third trimester, but with such a busy summer, it was definitely hard to pull off.  So here is the latest: 32 weeks, and wearing stripes to showcase my massively growing bump.  I've noticed that maternity basics comes in either black, grey or stripes. Nothing else.  You would think the bigger you get, the more you stay away from unflattering horizontal stripes.  But stripes pretty much goes with everything so its hard to avoid.  Stripes is the new black!

Old Nay Maternity dress {now on sale} // Halogen Booties {now on sale} // Chanel Classic Flap bag // F21 Necklace {old}

Speaking of getting bigger, I've been meaning to talk about pregnancy weight gain.

People often tell me I'm so still so small, even though at times I feel so big looking in the mirror.  I get questions about how I've kept my weight gain in check, and honestly, I think it’s important to talk about so people don't think I'm starving myself or over-exercising to stay slim.  My main rule for eating is pretty much the same pregnant or not: I try to indulge in moderation, I listen to my body and really try not to focus on it as long as I feel good and not overdoing it in either extremes.  This means that if I want a burger and cupcake or two, I eat them.  It means that when all I wanted was fried foods because literally EVERYTHING else sounded disgusting, I eat it. I love food so having an excuse to eat more is like a dream come true. But I know nutrition is the most important thing now since I have to think beyond my own needs.

Of course, I don’t eat junk food all the time.  I make sure to eat tons of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy foods — overall, I think I'm much healthier now than pre-pregnancy, especially with the complete elimination of booze.  On top of that, I've been really good about maintaining a good workout regimen.

At the end of my first trimester, I was a little nervous about my weight gain.  I wasn't gaining any substantial weight even though I was eating so much more.  My Dr. said it was fine and was still "within healthy range" but still...it makes you wonder {and worry} if everything you're doing is sufficient for the baby.  I tried not to worry about it because your body is pretty amazing and it just does what it needs to do.  I guess my body didn't really need extra weight in the beginning; in fact, I probably could have afforded to lose a few lbs. pre-pregnacy.  Anyway, when I needed it, my weight gain sped up quite a bit towards the end of the my 2nd trimester.  Now, I'm on track to gain the total recommended of 25-30 pounds.

More so than any other point in your life, you have little control over your body during pregnancy. Your body is going to do what it needs to for you and the baby, and that is something you can’t and shouldn't control or micromanage.  So my advice: Just enjoy the journey while it lasts!  Focus on your body and reward it for the amazing work that it’s doing every day.  You'll be in your pre-pregnancy clothes soon enough!

{Scroll down for my 32 Weeks Update}

How far along? 32 Weeks

Baby Size: Squash!  He's about 17 inches long and weighs approximately 3 to 3 3/4 pounds!! He's getting ready now for the big day, in the head-down position now. And probably feeling even more cramped day by day!

Total weight gain/loss: 22 pounds

Maternity clothes? Still a few dresses and comfortable tees.  I've resorted to buying a bigger size in regular clothes in hopes I can still use it post-baby.  

Stretch marks? Nope. 

Symptoms:  Swollen feet and hands.  I've been lucky to have had no other bad symptoms thus far.

Sleep: Enjoying 7-8 hours of sleep. I could sleep for days!

Best moment this week: More progress on the nursery!  And other non-baby related news, I got to host a bridal shower for one of my good friends in Malibu.  It was beautiful and fun.  I love parties!

Worst moment of the week:  Super busy days at work!

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? Cooler temperatures. Its been so hot which doesn't go well with pregnancy.

Movement: YES, tons!

Food cravings: Same story - ice cream, ice cream, ice cream!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet:  Definitely!

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? In betweenie.  I don't think that thing will ever completely pop out.  

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.  I seriously can't think of anything to complain about.  God is good!

Looking forward to: Baby shower #1 in a couple weeks!


xoxo,
Lydia

Motivation Monday {half marathon training}

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We celebrated a friends 40th birthday with many good friends we had not seen in a while.  That being said with left over endorphins from a great saturday workout and some liquid courage.. wine ;) a friend and I decided to sign up for a half marathon.  This will not be my first but it has been about 2 years since I ran my last one.  It took that long to decide I was ready to put in the time and energy to start training again.  I wouldn't necessarily call myself a runner, at least not right now, but I do hit the pavement or treadmill about 3-4 times a week.  I love the feeling of heading out for a long run and seeing where my mind and at times feet take me.  I started to crave that feeling again and decided it was time to "lace up the sneakers".  To be honest I don't take training for a half marathon lightly, I am very competitive with myself and always set out to beat my fastest time.  

So... no better time then now to start training for the Tri City Carlsbad half marathon find info here.

I have used this training plan for the last 3 half marathons I ran, and plan on using it again.  If you are looking for a running program I highly suggest it.  You can find the full site here.

Week	Mon.	Tue.	Wed.	Thu.	Fri.	Sat.	Sun.
1	Off	Fartlek (4M)	4M	4M	Off	3M	6M
2	Off	Fartlek (4M)	5M	3M	Off	3M	7M
3	Off	4-5 Hills 5K-10K pace	5M	3M	Off	3M	6M
4	Off	3-4 Long Hills 5K-10K pace	3M	4M	Off	3M	8M
5	Off	5-6 Hills 5K-10K pace	3M	4M	Off	3M	7M
6	Off	3 x Mile 5K-10K pace	4M	6M	Off	5M	9M
7	Off	3 x Mile 5K-10K pace	3M	5M	Off	3M	7M
8	Off	6 x 880s 5K-10K pace	5M	6M	Off	5M	10M
9	Off	6 x 880s 5K-10K pace	4M	7M	Off	3M	10K Race (Or 8M run)
10M	Off	4 x Mile 5K-10K pace	6M	7M	Off	6M	12M
11	Off	5M	5M	8M	Off	3M	8M
12	Off	5M	5M	8M	Off	3M	RACE DAY

Fitness Friday!!

Fitness Friday- The summer is coming to an end and our workouts may have suffered due to the busy summer schedules. Here are a few tips to get you moving again.

Buy a new pair of sneakers – many of us run in the same old sneakers we have had for years.  Did you know sneakers usually last only about 1 year when running 7 miles a week?  Go to a local running store to get a foot analyses, choose a shoe that fits your foot and running style, they may not be pink…

Make a plan and set a goal- Make a weekly plan to move.  I will run 2 miles three times this week, or maybe try out a new class or studio in your area.  Goals should change every week or two to mix it up.

Start a challenge- many work out studios and even gyms have started offering challenges.  Whether it’s completing a certain number of classes a week or a challenge of the day, participate in it.  

Join a group- Want to meet new people and work out? Join a running group or attend a group class consistently at the same time every week/day this will have you looking forward to seeing the same people and maybe even making a new friend. 

 

Find a new path and take it