Mizuno Running Shoe Review

I decided to do a review on my favorite brand of running shoes: MIZUNO! I have been wearing these for the past 4 years. I used to be a NIKE girl until I was properly fitted for my running shoes. I have never looked back! NIKE might have cuter styles, but I am older and wiser now and get my shoes for performance- not style.

My feet are on the normal side. I over pronate mildly so I was fitted with the Wave Inspire . It's so comfortable, light and cushiony! I have tried to veer from my Mizunos, but always end up going back to them!

I recommend going to a specialty running store to get fitted for your running shoes ( or walking shoes). I can't count how many people that claim to "hate" running ( gasp) or are always injured that I have sent to get fitted. They are now injury free runner's!

A great fit can make all the difference in your training experience!

Misson Monday

My Misison training is going.....not sure if it's going well or not since I am doing it on my own for the most part. I count my race and my running in general as training. I am just not so sure about the bike training. I was able to get on the bike yesterday for almost an hour. I rode for about 57 minutes and did 16 miles. I wanted to go for 65 minutes ( don't ask why), but then made it back to my destination too soon. My original plan was to go at a nice leisurely pace and concentrate on learning to shift gears and settle into the areobars. I need to spend time on the road getting used to riding. My competitive nature got the best of me ( as usual--I think I am getting better....ha). I wanted to see how fast I could ride a mile in- I cleared out my laps on my watch, but I was doing them in under 4 minutes. I had a 3:33 in there and the rest were around 3:45. I am not even sure what is considered good or average, but I was pleased with what that. I wonder how long I can keep up those times for 18 miles with more hills in the ride?? Eeek. It was fun though. I think that riding is a lot easier to do alone then running long distances alone. That is not fun AT ALL. I rode the bike on the same trails that I run on, but it was just a different feeling all together. The wind in my face ( and bugs), giving the friendly nod to fellow bikers and just pedaling effortlessly ( at times), was just an awesome feeling to have on a Sunday afternoon with beautiful weather!

Day at the Races--A pictorial.

Today my family was able to race! Amara did a 220 meter fun run. Matt's uncle ran the 5k. Matt ran his fastest ever 5k to date and I completed my 3rd 10k. Not a PR today, but I can only say i did not run fast enough! I felt great. The weather was perfect. No excuses. I ran and finished a great race! Here are some snapshots of our fun filled day!

Friday Fitness Fun!

Did you ever wonder how strong your legs were?? Or your butt? Or your lower body in general for that matter. I am wondering because I always though my lower body was stronger than most, but yesterdays Cardio Kick class really has me feeling sore, sore, sore! The class choreography was not too tough this time; it was what the insane instructor had us do between every song. There were 6 songs total I believe. We had to do 20 jump lunges. It was complete craziness. I loved it. Today I am totally feeling it today too. I guess I need to do 100 jump lunges a few times a week--or not.

A good way to test your lower body strength in the privacy of your own home is by doing a timed wall sit. All you have to do is stand with your back to a wall, feet hip-width apart. Be sure to press your head, back, shoulders and hips against the wall. Lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Hold as long as possible!!

This is a great test of muscular endurance-the amount of time yur muscles can keep going full force.

Wishful: 30 to 59 seconds ( keep practicing!)

Sturdy: 1 minute to 1:59 ( WOW!)

Tough: 2:00 plus ( Mission Possible!)

Where do you fall on the rating scale? I would love to hear from you!

Mission Possible Interview with Ali

How many children do you have?
4
How long have you lead an active lifestyle?
For as long as I can remember. I’ve always been active.
What is your favorite type of exercise?
Lifting weights.
What have you taught your children about exercise?
I think they are learning by example. They know it’s good for them. They know how to do basic exercises, but I prefer to have them moving around outside. They like to be fast and strong. I also like them to love whatever sport they are doing.
How do you stay motivated to keep fit?
It’s just my nature. I always want to look ‘different’. Unfortunately, different these days is to be in shape. I don’t want to not want to go out or go to the beach or be sexy because I don’t feel good about my body. I am trying to defy the aging process the best I can.
Do you have a blog?
Yes. www.aliswanson.com/blog
What do you blog about?
Contest prep, or just whatever comes to mind about diet and exercise. I try to stay up on it, but I’ve become very busy with online training and kids!!
One tip or piece of advice you can offer other moms to get their kids moving?
Don’t make it work. It’s something that comes natural to kids. Just get them outside and have fun!! If you go…they will follow. ;-)

Kid Stuff!

My 5 year old started Track and Field class at our YMCA last week. I was in track and field from middle school to high school so I think this is pretty neat. She seems to enjoy it, but she is easy to please for the most part. So far they have learned to sprint, long jump, hurdles ( high and low) and tomorrow is relay day! My little Energizer Bunny also has swim lessons on the same day. She is totally wiped out by the end of the day and sleeps like a log 2 nights a week!

Miles is starting to be a handful. He is so active and never sits still. Probably nothing out of the ordinary for an almost 2 year old boy! He dances, runs, jumps, gallops, climbs and jumps off of the couch, chairs, the dog and his sister. The boy is a maniac!

It's a good thing Matt and I are all for being active. We have really started to monitor the kids TV time. I know it's a hard thing to do. Lately we turn on our cable stations music channel ( no videos-just music) and just have that on most of the day. My kids do watch TV too, but we try to limit it to just a few shows a day.

We don't want them to be another statistic in America. Children and adolescence should be getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day! Encourage them to do things they enjoy and offer a variety of activities for them. Going for walks, jumping rope and riding bikes are easy ways to fit in the 60 minutes.

What are some ways you get your kids up and moving? I would love to hear from you!

Secret Clinical Strength Review.

I have a secret for ya. I sweat profusely! Yea, I know, we all sweat. But when I say I sweat I mean I SWEAT!!! It can be quite annoying, embarrassing and gross. I can look at the positive though. My body is VERY efficient at cooling itself off. Maybe too efficient if you as me, I even self-diagnosed myself with hyperhidrosis- over active sweat glands! Lovely.

I think I have tried every over the counter deodorant that claims to stop sweat in its tracks. I had not really found any that I wanted to write home about until I tried Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof! I noticed a difference almost immediately. You are to put the deodorant on before bed to let it work it's magic. I still sweat of course, but in my everyday activities I don't end up with a nice damp underarm mark on my non-black shirts! It smells pleasant and my underarms are actually dry! It's a different story during my workouts, but I am fine with that since it's an appropriate time to sweat like a dude! All in al,l this is my favorite OTC deodorant and would recommend it to anyone that needs a little bit more from their deodorant.