Brands we heart

Christmas gifts I’m loving…

As I sit here and watch my kids play with their new toys ~ most popular were the trampoline-turned-ball-pit, plethora of baby doll stuff and the Razor scooters ~ I thought I’d share a few of my favorites that were under our tree this Christmas! Time with family, a week off work and celebrating baby Jesus are the real gifts (of course)… but a few running & fitness related items are always fun to head into the new year! Many thanks to Santa, my hubs and our parents for helping me prepare for another 365 days of merry miles & time on the mat. 🙂

My Top Five Fitness Gifts of 2017

1. lululemon “The Towel” – I seem to be one of the few at Harbor Yoga without one of these! With their 103 degree temps, having an extra layer to absorb the sweat seems like a great idea.

2. Training Journal – I’m big on journaling and recording my miles and workouts. To me, its super motivational, and can help with goal setting & planning out your week. This could be a blog post on its own! I’ve used several different types over the years ~ BELIEVE training journal, plain lined journal ~ and this year asked for an Erin Condren planner to try something new. It has spots for writing goals, motivational quotes (which I’m a sucker for), weekly planning and more!

3. Gift cards and a shopping trip with my mom – I’ll be heading to Dick’s & lululemon to start, searching for a new running coat. I am NOT a cold weather runner, so once it hits 20s or lower, I’m definitely in a jacket. I’ve been eyeing the luluemon Down for a Run and the Northface Thermoball Active Jacket. I currently have the lululemon Fleecy Keen run jacket that I’ve had for a few years… LOVE it and want a white or more reflective option as well. Let me know if you have any insight!

4. Destination trip details!! – Eeeek! One of my absolute favorite things is to travel! Isn’t it fun to explore new places, especially while running?! Stocking stuffers included…

Registration to the Knoxville Half Marathon in March – this will be my 10th state and we are excited to spend a few days in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina for our spring break this year.
Denver Running Tour – we are headed to Denver in July for our anniversary (my first time!) and we are scheduling a City Running Tour! I originally was hoping to do the half marathon while we were there, but since its a short trip, this is a good compromise. I’m hoping to run stairs or do yoga at Red Rocks as well, it’s come highly recommended!

5. Hubby running Cap City – so this one wasn’t wrapped up under the tree, but within the last few days he’s committed to running the Cap City half marathon! This has become one of my top five gifts this week. 🙂 He will train with me over the next few months and will start at least the first half of the race with me in the two hour pace group… then he may pull ahead and finish strong. This will be his second half marathon and compared to the Flying Pig, will be flat & fast. I look forward to the time we’ll spend during training miles, the race and the after-party!!

Other gifts this year included a NoxGear visibility vest, Honey Stinger fuel, some new water bottles, Nike running gloves, Nike running vest, oodles of running socks (which my husband will likely steal, even though they are pink), a renewed subscription to Runner’s World and a new book, Run Less, Run Faster. Runners are easy to shop for, in my opinion. Anything that helps us stay warm, stay focused or just look “put together” while we sweat gets an A+ from me!

Completely unrelated to running – my mom wrapped up a coupon for our first Disney Cruise on spring break of 2019! This will be our first and I’m super excited! More on this in the future. Can you turn a cruise into a running blog post?! Hee hee.

Hope your Christmas or holiday was a fun one! What great running, yoga or fitness gifts did you get (or give)?

Now time to put all this stuff to good use and start focusing on those 2018 fit goals!

Are you afraid of the dark? Tips for runner safety

Tips for runner safety before sunrise & beyond the sunset

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Running at sunrise or sunset can bring beautiful scenery and can be a great way to start or end your day. With daylight savings, however, its dark EARLY. Like way too early. Look outside, it’s not even 5PM and the sky is already going black! The days of sunset runs at 8:30PM are long gone and many of us must get our runs done in the morning before the sun is up or in the evening after the sun has set. Here are some quick tips our runners have discussed during these dark winter months.

1.Wear bright and/or reflective clothing and gear. Why not add a cute white puffer vest to your collection? If you don’t own white or bright outer layers or want to add advanced visibility, consider products like headlamps or lights & reflective apparel from noxgear. Bonus, they are local, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio! If all else fails, use your trusty iPhone flashlight app.

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2. Stay on sidewalks as much as possible. We admit, we prefer blacktop paths and will sometimes run in the road if the only other option is a hard, possibly uneven, sidewalk. But when its dark, cars are less likely to see you (duh) so keep off the roads as best you can. Your knees can handle a few sidewalk runs, here and there. Even better, head to the track for some speed work – then you don’t have to worry about tripping over un-level concrete (believe us, we’ve had our fair share of slips & falls!)

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3. Run with a buddy… or maybe a group! There is safety in numbers. Check out local running groups to find training partners that may be nearby and within your ideal pace. Columbus has many resources to connect you including MRTT Columbus and Columbus Running Co’s Facebook pages & groups.

4. Carry safety items with you including phone and perhaps even a whistle (we have one by GracedByGrit) or mace. Better safe than sorry.

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5. If you can’t manage to run outside – perhaps check out a new studio (maybe you’ll make a new friend or find a new ‘fitness’ home!) or hit up the ~~dreadmill~~ treadmill for a few months. Many local Cbus studios offer early AM classes, including OTF’s 5AMer. We dare you to set your alarm for 4:30AM and check it out! 🙂

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Are YOU afraid of the dark? Send us your tips, favorite products & more!

Sunday Shoutout // Taste of Fitness & The Beauty Barre

“A day late and a dollar short” they say. These images and this recap are long overdue, but better late than never! We had a blast at the Taste of Fitness event a few weeks ago. Rachel Kerr of The Beauty Boost organized this Cbus fit day and if you know her, you know she does FIT very well! We have worked with Rachel on many events including our somewhat annual RUN+YOGA event and interviewed her a couple years ago for the blog –> check that out HERE. We just adore her! These next two pics are from a Bend Active event a while back…

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The Taste of Fitness 2017 event was well planned and our only regret was not going a bit earlier. Some fit enthusiasts were there for just a quick taste, while others were there for hours. There were two components to it…

In one space, instructors from studios all over Columbus were leading 20 min “tastes” of their regular fitness routines. Various yoga & HIIT workouts were common, including an arm balance session with Studio 543. We got sweaty, saw lots of friends, met some new faces and of course, snapped a couple pictures.

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In the other space, various fit-minded brands were set up, offering samples of whatever it was they offer. Juices, clothing, massages, snacks, coffee… you name it and it was there!

There were tons of local brands in attendance, but some of our personal favorites included Thank Yoga, Zest & Native juices, Orange Theory Fitness & Bend Active. On the way out, we chatted with the barista from The Roosevelt CoffeeHouse and learned a few tips about “acquiring a taste for drinking your coffee black.” The Taste of Fitness event was crazy amazing and we hope Rachel brings it back each year!

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Ohio State Four Miler / “Finish On The 50” takes place tomorrow morning!

The 4^th Annual Ohio State Four Miler takes place tomorrow, Sunday, Oct 23! The event is a celebration of football and fitness that “finishes on the 50” of Ohio Stadium. This race sold out for the fourth straight year and is the largest 4-mile run / walk in the nation with 15,000 participants, up from its debut in 2013 of 10,000.

The race takes place at 10 AM at Ohio Stadium. It begins in the parking lot on the Southwest Side of Ohio Stadium and finishes on the 50-yard line. The Start Stage will be located adjacent to Cannon Drive. The FREE Race Day Tailgate Party will also be held in the parking lot on the Southwest Side of Ohio Stadium from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Special guests include Buckeye Greats such as Anthony Schlegel, Bobby Carpenter, Matt Finkes, JJ Sullinger, Ryan Miller, Lauren Shenk Miller, Terrence Dials, Jake Ballard, Scoonie Penn, Justin Zwick and Brutus Buckeye. Shelley Meyer will serve as the event’s Honorary Race Director.

The Ohio State Four-Miler is a partnership between Ohio State Sports Marketing/IMG, the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer and M3S Sports. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer and the Urban and Shelley Meyer Fund For Cancer Research.

Photo credit: Terry Gilliam

Peggy, Deedra, Teresa, Joey ; LF Cbus Run Club Crew

Peggy, Deedra, Teresa, Joey ; LF Cbus Run Crew @ the inaugural “Finish on the 50” 2013

Good luck to all the runners, walkers & participants. Send us your pictures, we’d love to feature them!

Running Field Trip // Columbus Running Co Short North

As we gear up training for some of our fall races (Gildan Esprit de She 5k/10k is next week!), we met up with Columbus Running Co‘s crew last Saturday AM. CRC offers free group runs at their various locations throughout Cbus and although we’ve joined in on CRC Dublin’s runs a few times, this was our first visit to the Short North location. Everyone was super friendly and the route was a breath of fresh air, a nice change from our usual out & back up Dublin Rd. We ventured out of the store, north on High St and jutted over to the Olentangy Trail, turning around at Lane Ave to make the loop back.

It was great seeing new faces, perusing some favorite local brands (CRC carries BEND leggings, and is next door to NATIVE juice bar!) and of course, logging some miles with friends. Here are a few quick iphone memories from the morning…

We leave you with this quote (pictured above)… “There are no benches in running.” See you on the trails soon!

Sweat Local Columbus Event

We had a great time last Saturday morning at the Sweat Local Columbus 5K & fitness expo. Many of our local favorites were in attendance and there were plenty of opportunities to ‘get your sweat on!’ Thanks to Kelly and all those who helped put on this event. We hope to see all of you as we continue our Tour of Columbus! Living Fit Columbus-1 Living Fit Columbus-2 Living Fit Columbus-3 Living Fit Columbus-4 Living Fit Columbus-5 Living Fit Columbus-6 Living Fit Columbus-7 Living Fit Columbus-8 Living Fit Columbus-9 Living Fit Columbus-10 Living Fit Columbus-11 Living Fit Columbus-12 Living Fit Columbus-13 Living Fit Columbus-14 Living Fit Columbus-15 Living Fit Columbus-16 Living Fit Columbus-17 Living Fit Columbus-18 Living Fit Columbus-19 Living Fit Columbus-25 Living Fit Columbus-20 Living Fit Columbus-21 Living Fit Columbus-22

FORE! Miler race recap – M3S Sports & Ohio Health

Wow, its been too long! Between learning to juggle two kids, going back to work after maternity leave and then a much needed vacation in Florida, life has been crazy and chaotic (in a good way, just doesn’t leave much time for blogging!)

Recently a bunch of Living Fit gals, along with tons of other Cbus runners, participated in the FORE! Miler race. It was the second year for the event and we hope to run it every year. M3S always puts on awesome events and this one was no exception! It was a great run and a superb after party which included a live band, a drink ticket and of course, lots of photos (download yours for free HERE).

My personal goal was just to finish and have fun as this was my first four mile run post-baby. We also had three pregnant mommas with us ~ Christine, Lauren and Gretchen ~ who brought their bumps along for the run. Below is a photo recap of this fantastic event. The first few are courtesy of Cap City Sports Media and the rest are from a trusty iPhone 5. 🙂

View, Share and Download your FREE image at www.capcitysportsmedia.com

Photo by http://www.capcitysportsmedia.com

Loved that my bib was 614, representing Cbus!

Hope to see you all there each year!

OrangeTheory Fitness – Six Week Challenge Update

We’ve been following Living Fit runners, Peggy and Jen, on their journey to conquer the “Orange Effect” workouts at OrangeTheory Fitness. They both took on a six week challenge to push their bodies to the limits and each saw varying benefits. Jen noticed an improvement in her strength, stamina and overall athletic performance, while Peggy worked tirelessly to achieve a 10 pound weight loss!

Here is what the ladies had to say after putting OTF to the test for six weeks…

Peggy…

OK, so I’m hooked! I was excited and nervous when I started out on this OTF journey. Now I’m just plain excited! During the 6 week Weight Loss Challenge I’m happy to say that I lost 10 pounds. I didn’t win any cash or swag awards, but the changes in my body, stamina, and overall feeling of well being are reward enough. I even completed three of the 90 minute sessions. Yes, me – at 59! Who knew?!

Jen (another Living Fit runner that took the OTF challenge) and I went to the beautiful gala at the end of the challenge held at Scioto Reserve Country Club. What an outstanding venue for the grand finale. It was fun to see everyone all dressed up – even hard to recognize some of the people without their workout garb and blood, sweat and tears! We enjoyed cheering for our home studios (Jen/Dublin, me/Hilliard). And we were very happy for all of those that did win the big cash awards and prizes. Congratulations to all!!

Our Living Fit Columbus group runs are starting up again for the season and I’m so glad to know that I’m in such better shape to start out than I was last year. Did I mention I’m hooked? Well, I definitely am. I’ve signed up to continue these challenging, fat-burning workouts, even now that the challenge is over.

Thank you OTF! I plan to keep pushing, keep burning and keep going ALL OUT for many more years to come.

Here are Peggy’s before and after photos… 10 pounds lighter on the right!

Peggy ‘before’

Peggy ‘after’ losing 10 pounds!

Jen…

With long work days last summer, I slipped back into some lazy habits of not working out regularly, and I had been lacking motivation. So, I was excited for this opportunity to participate in OTF’s 6 week Challenge.

Orangetheory Fitness is broken into intervals of cardio and strength training using treadmills, rowing machines, weights, TRX suspension trainers and free weights. Each class includes up to 36 people. It is heart rate monitored training that is designed to target a specific heart rate that will stimulate metabolism and increase energy. The result they are looking for is known as the “orange effect” which allows you to burn calories for up to 36 hours after the workout. Hence the Orangetheory! Makes sense right?!

According to their website: The physiological theory behind the Orangetheory workout is known as “Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption,” or EPOC. By providing you with a heart-rate monitor and POD, we can monitor your 5-zone interval training sessions that we call the Orange 60. During the 60-minute workout, you will perform multiple intervals designed to produce 12 to 20 minutes of training at 84% or higher of your maximum heart rate, which translates to Zones 4/5. This program design produces workout “afterburn” effect, which is an increased metabolic rate for 24 to 36 hours after the workout. When combining the amazing workout with EPOC, our clients burn an average of 500 to 1000 calories.

At OTF, the workouts change every day, so there is always something new and you don’t know what to expect until the trainer tells you what to do. You can make it as easy or as hard as you want…but the point it to get in that “orange” zone. The trainers motivate you to get there; yet on an individual basis spanning all fitness levels.

Not only have I found my motivation again, but my increase of muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness is truly incredible. For example, at the beginning of the challenge, I struggled to run a 60 second “all out” at 7.0 speed, and by the end of the challenge, I was running the same all out at 8.7.

The great thing about Orangetheory Fitness is that your first class is FREE! They give you the opportunity to try it out and test the product before committing to a membership. Columbus currently has three studios, in Hilliard, Dublin and New Albany, with several more studios planned.

Both ladies seemed to really enjoy OTF… enough that they are both regular members. Contact your local OTF today, start burning and keep burning!

Giveaway! [FORE miler race via M3S Sports]

For the love of running, golf and of course Dublin, we are excited to announce that we have Screen Shot 2016-03-11 at 11.20.07 AM
two race entries to give away! The second annual FORE! Miler is right around the corner, happening right here in Dublin on Thursday, May 28th. Several of our runners participated in it last year and decided to make it one of our annual races… check out our post-race recap HERE.

We’ve participated in several M3S races over the years, Cap City being another favorite. We’ve also previously interviewed race director David Babner, and discovered his love for the four mile distance he is known for.

There will be two separate drawings…

Drawing for entry #1 – Group Run

Attend a group run! Runners that attended last Saturday’s group run or tomorrow morning’s run will be eligible for one free race entry. Tomorrow we are meeting at an alternate location due to the St Patty’s Day parade. Meet us at Llewellyn Farms Park off Tuttle Crossing (across from Thomas Elementary) at 8:30AM. We will do a 2.5-3 mile loop as we ease into spring training season. Walkers, runners, strollers and even furry friends are welcome! **Wear green for a group photo!**

Drawing for entry #2 – Social Media challenge

Participants that complete the following steps will be eligible for one free race entry.

LIKE Living Fit Columbus and M3S Sports on Facebook
Follow @LivingFitColumbus & @M3S Sports on Instagram
Follow instructions on the giveaway post on Instagram (updated 3/11 at 11:45AM)

Deadline to enter is March 14th at midnight. Winners will be randomly selected and announced on March 15.

Disclaimer: contest is only open to readers within the United States. Living Fit [Columbus] has not earned commission on this giveaway item.

As 2015 becomes 2016…

[by T Gellenbeck]

Happy almost new year! Hope you survived the holiday cookies and meals and are still on track with your fitness regime!

I am safely into my third trimester and anticipating 2016 very much, due to both a new addition to our family (late Feb!) and getting back to the fitness scene this spring/summer. I have had some previous pregnancy complications and medically am considered ‘high risk’ so I’ve been taking it easy the last few months. I try to take walk dates with my FitBit or do some slow flow yoga or light weights here and there, but for the most part my main source of exercise has been chasing around our almost-three-year-old. He will keep you active, you can borrow him anytime to see ~ toddlers NEVER seem to run out of energy! Although I’ve been enjoying some rest from running & hot yoga, I definitely miss the fitness scene and all my cbus pals. I see fitness posts all over my social media feeds… friends checking into yoga classes, raising money and participating in road races for a cause and volunteering at local fitness events. I feel like I’m living vicariously through them and inspired by them daily, in awe of their motivation and commitment to living a fit lifestyle.

I’m not a huge resolution maker, but I do like to set fitness goals each year, so its time to start thinking about it! Last year our runners set MILES & MATS goals… check them out to get some inspiration.

–> 2015 Miles & Mats <–

Although I won’t be making any personal goals until after we settle in with the new little one, I certainly plan to be more active in 2016 and tackle some of my 2015 Miles & Mats goals.

So what are your plans for 2016?

Here are some ideas to get your brain and body moving…

Kick off the year with a juice cleanse from Native or your favorite juice bar (been wanting to check out Vitality right here in Dublin)
Participate in the Ohio Health First on the First 5K or sign up for a future race to train for
Check out a different yoga studio or return to your favorite one… some of our regular spots are Harbor, Thank & VPower
Try a new fitness routine, something to get that body moving! Orange Theory Fitness has locations all over Columbus and will be starting a Columbus Weight Loss Challenge on Jan 11. I personally can’t wait to try System of Strength once I’m back on the wagon!
Buy some snazzy gear – we love lululemon, Bend Active and Columbus Running Company
Try a new healthy recipe – some of our go-to sources are Cbus local WholeLivingLauren.com and also HeAndSheEatClean.com
Get inspired by following other fit lovers’ blogs (see our fav list HERE) or Instagram feeds

Whatever your goals & resolutions are, be sure to make time to “fill your bucket” with things that give you a positive outlook, balance and renewed energy. Hope to see you on the mat or trails in the new year!