Fitness Survey

Hey everyone!  I meant to come chat with you people earlier in the week, but vacation got in the way.

We are at the beach with my family and enjoying every minute!

While we go soak up some sun, I have a fun survey for you today!  I saw this posted on Chelsea's blog a few weeks ago and thought it was the perfect thing to share with you while I'm on vacation.  Enjoy!

1. Five fitness items I can't live without

• A good pair of running shoes
• Cute workout clothes
• A non-leaking water bottle (preferably with a straw!)
• My FitBit
• A BAMR Band in my hair

2. On my fitness bucket list
A few items on my fitness bucket list include running a marathon and becoming a fitness instructor.  Ultimately, I'd really just like to get in to a good fitness routine and eliminate the excuses I make for not exercising.

3. Must-have tech tools
I have two favorites.  I love using the RunKeeper app on my phone.  I like all of the statistics it gives you, particularly when completing training runs.  It's a great place to log all of your runs (using the app or just entering them online) for monthly mileage and pace data, too!

My other favorite tech tool is my Garmin Forerunner 110 watch.  I wear this most often during races so that I have easy-to-access time and pace information.

Either way, I rarely run without some sort of distance and time tracking device!

4. Top exercise gear
I am a big fan of Sparkle Skirts for running.

Also, I recently discovered Fabletics (affiliate link) workout gear and love it!  They have clothing for every kind of exercise, and I love all the colors and patterns!

Asics is my preferred brand of running shoes.

5. Motivational Mantra
This isn't necessarily a mantra, but I do the "just go this far, then you can take a break" game with myself.  For example, if I'm getting tired during a run, I'll set a place to run to, then give myself a walking break.  What's funny is that once I get to that point, I'm normally good to go and keep running!  I use this game while doing other exercises by setting a number of reps or seconds to get to before taking a break.  It's really a mind game to keep pushing myself.  It definitely is motivating!

6. Next big exercise goal
Right now, my big exercise goal is to get back to my pre-pregnancy fitness level.  I'm working on doing that by committing to another round of the 21-Day Fix, as well as following a training plan for a fall race.

If all goes well this month, my big goal would be running the Richmond Marathon in November.  I'm still undecided but hope to make a decision soon!

7. Favorite Cardio Exercise

(I am going to buy this picture now b/c it's so good!)

I think my answer to this is pretty obvious--running!  I will say, though, I was quite the Zumba-er before moving to Florida.  The instructor at my gym was AWESOME, and going there was more like a party than exercise.  If I can find a good Zumba instructor, I will definitely be adding that back in to my life!

8. Favorite Strength Move
I love all sorts of core strengthening moves, but my two overall favorite strength moves are squats and planks!  Call me crazy, but I feel super accomplished after holding a plank for a while!

Question for you: Pick a question and answer it in the comments!!