carter loves to run

At the beginning of the school year, Carter signed up for Athletics.  It's like a PE class on steroids.  All the kids who want to play a sport during the school year are required to take Athletics.  Carter's intended on trying out for the soccer team in the spring so he had to take the class the entire school year.  Shortly after school started, Carter's Athletics coach asked him to participate on the cross country team.  He was on the B team for the first race and by the end of that race, he had earned a spot on the A team (which was mostly 8th graders).

All of his races were 2 miles long and he always placed somewhere in the middle, which is quite an accomplishment considering the sea of boys that ran in each race.  The cross country season is hot and most days he was training in 100+ degree weather.  I half expected to get a call from the his coach to tell me he had passed out on the side of the road from heat exhaustion while training.  That never did happen, thank goodness.  Carter even qualified for the final race (he was one of two boys from his school to qualify).  And again, he finished somewhere in the middle.

I know that it can be hard to fit in or find your niche when you move and have to go to a new school.  It's even harder when you are shy.  He found his bearings pretty quickly and LOVES to run.  Now we can't keep him from running.  It's become a part of him.  I hope it stays that way.

holiday gift guide: affordable workout gear

In between all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I have to remind myself to take some time out  just for me.  Keeping a regular exercise routine is important for my sanity - especially when life gets a little crazy.  My go-to workouts are pilates, walking and kettle bell exercises.  I find these workouts challenge me (and make me sore in places I never knew I could be) and vary enough to keep my body on its toes.  

If you're like me, splurging for pricey exercise equipment is just not in the budget.  But you really don't have to shell out big bucks to get quality items.  I put together a fun little gift guide for you that won't break the bank.  In fact, everything you see is just $60 or less!

Items going clockwise:
1. Active Mesh Top:  These Old Navy tops are perfect for working out - stylish, cute & cheap!
2. Puma Rio Speed tennis shoes: These Pumas are perfect for that cute, I-just-worked-out look.
3. GoFit contoured kettle bell: Kettle bells great for working your whole body and the contoured design doesn't hurt your arms.  They come in various weight amounts.  (I used this kind along with Bob Harper workout DVD's and LOVE it!)
4. Fitbit Zip: This is a super cute pedometer for the walker/calorie counter in your life that syncs to your phone (I really want this to make it into my stocking this year.  Hint hint.)
5. Gaiam Pilates Mat: This mat from Yogaoutlet  is sooooo good for pilates.  I was doing pilates on my plain old carpet for years and this mat has changed my life.  It's thick and fabulous.  If you do pilates and don't have one - get one!)
6. Marika Kitcket Legging:  I wear these cute pants from Yogaoutlet for my pilates workouts.  They give the right amount of stretch and come at a great price - a perfect piece to add to your workout attire. Yogaoutlet.com has a fabulous selection of workout clothing and gear for all budgets.  Give them a look see!


**This post was done in collaboration with Yogaoutlet.com, however, all opinions are my own.