What are you riding for today? In many spin classes, the instructor asks us to set an intention for class when we start. After trying my first spin class years ago, I wasn’t sure if I liked it, but years of classes later, I am hooked. It’s a fun and sweaty workout that challenges me. This post will give you details about studio options in Austin.

What is Spin Class?

• Spin class is an indoor cycling workout led by an instructor and set to music. This cardio workout challenges your pedal speed and resistance.
• In the class, you’ll work out your legs, core, and sometimes arms.
• Classes are usually 45 minutes or an hour.
• You wear cycling shoes that clip into the pedals of the bike. You can buy your own and bring them to each class (about $100), studios will have them available to rent ($1-3), or they are included in the class pricing.
• The bikes have a knob or lever that allows you to add or subtract resistance, making it easier or harder to pedal.
• Most spin studios will include an arm workout with hand weights during the spin class. You’ll have weights on your bike or pick your weights before class. Be ready to work out your biceps, triceps, and shoulders.

What To Do at Your First Class

Don’t be scared, beginners! The instructor will guide you on how much resistance to add and what numbers to hit but always listen to your body. Challenge yourself but take it slow. Here are some tips.

• Bring a water bottle!
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to prepare for class.
• Staff will be available to help you adjust your bike to your height and comfort. This is very important to make sure you don’t hurt yourself during the workout and to get the most out of your workout.
• Some studios will have hand weights of varying weights to choose from, so make sure you have dumbells of your desired weight on your bike and know where they are stored.
• Instructors will explain hand positions, the resistance knob, and any tech at the beginning of class.

Spin Studio Amenities

All of Austin’s spin studios include these amenities to make your experience better:

• Lockers with built-in locks or areas to keep your stuff
• Showers
• Filtered water dispenser
• Towel for class

Quick Notes

• RPM = revolutions per minute. This tracks your speed. You’ll see this number on bikes with electronics.
• Why Electronics: I’ve found the classes with electronics are harder. Instructors will tell you what numbers to set your resistance to or aim for during each song. The electronics seem to be more accurate than “two turns on,” though you should adjust the resistance and numbers to your capabilities and the strength of your body. In other words, make your workout a challenge!
• Why Buy Shoes: After a month of classes, I realized it would save me money to invest in spin shoes. I got mine (Shimano brand for about $100) at REI because I wanted to try them on. You also need to buy the clip-ins, SPD (two holes), or Delta (three holes and easier to clip in).
• Safety: In some classes, you’ll be instructed to do crunches and push-ups. For your safety, if you don’t keep up with the speed, opt out of the choreography.
• The pricing listed is what is advertised as of October 2022. I recommend joining a studio’s email list and social media accounts to get notifications about special pricing packages.

Austin, Texas Spin Studios

Ok, now that you know all the basics about spinning, here’s information about spin studios in Austin. (listed alphabetically)

CycleBar

• What I Love: The only studio on this list with stats! You’ll be able to track your output on the center console, and there may be “races” where your stats are on the screen. If you’re competitive, you’ll like taking this spin class.
• Location: Cedar Park: 4701 183A Frontage Road, Suite E, Cedar Park, TX 78613
• Parking: Free Parking Lot
• Electronics: Yes
• Single Class Pricing: $25
• Package Pricing: 5 classes for $109, 10 classes for $209
• Unlimited Month Pricing: $159
• Monthly Membership Pricing: 4 classs for $69, 8 classes for $119
• First-Timer Special: 3 classes for $29
• Website: https://www.cyclebar.com/

Mōtiv Fitness

• What I Love: This rhythm-based class perfectly combines speed and resistance.
• Locations: South Austin: 809 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
• Parking: Free Parking Lot
• Electronics: None
• Single Class Pricing: $28
• Best Package Pricing: 5 classes for $135, 15 classes for $375
• Unlimited Month Pricing: $195
• First-Timer Special: First Class $15; First Unlimited Month for $135
• Not Only Spin: Motiv also has barre classes
• Website: https://motivfitness.com/

RIDE Indoor Cycling

• What I Love: If you like cycling fast, you will find your place at RIDE. The rhythm-based classes are guided, but you are responsible for pushing yourself. The majority of the songs are fast-paced, and they don’t put emphasis on heavy resistance.
• Location: Westlake: 3201 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78746
• Parking: Validated Parking Garage or Free Parking Lot
• Electronics: No
• Single Class Pricing: $26
• Package Pricing: 5 classes for $125, 10 classes for $235, 20 classes for $440
• Monthly Pricing: 12 classes for $235
• First-Timer Special: First ride $15
• Website: http://www.ride-indoorcycling.com

SoulCycle

• What I Love: This is the ultimate “dance party on a bike.” The instructors here are encouraging, and they always have great playlists. This workout is always accompanied by a pep talk throughout the class about finding your soul, community, and strength.
• Locations: Downtown: Frost Bank Tower, 401 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
• Parking: Free Garage Parking. Get validation for the downtown garage.
• Electronics: No
• Single Class Pricing: $35
• Package Pricing: 5 classes for $165, 10 classes for $325, 20 classes for $625
• Monthly Pricing: 4 classes for $113, 8 classes for $218, 12 classes for $315
• First-Timer Special: $20 first class, 3 classes for $60
• Website: https://www.soul-cycle.com/studios/tx-austin-downtown/

Conclusion

Which studio you choose depends on what factors are important to you and how you feel in the class. Consider the instructors, the class, the bike quality, and the overall experience. The spin studios don’t differ by much, but finding one that fits perfectly with you is key. You’ll find encouraging instructors who will push you at each studio. Try a few studios and see the differences for yourself.

It’s hard to choose a favorite spin studio because I like each for different reasons. It depends on my mood and what kind of workout I hope to have.

• If I need a little more love and good vibes, I would opt for SoulCycle.
• If I feel like going fast, I’d consider RIDE or Motiv.
• If I need that stat motivation, I turn to CycleBar.

No matter where I go, I know I’ll get a sweaty workout. I encourage you to try spinning and see why it has become one of my favorite workouts!

Have you tried a spin class? Where do you go and what do you like about it?

P.S. Not into spin? Check out some of this list of my favorite workout studios in Austin.

The post Best Indoor Cycling Studios in Austin, Texas appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

I put together this list to give myself some volunteer options and I look forward to joining in the fun. I encourage you to sign up and give back, too.

If you’re unable to support an organization immediately, I encourage you to sign up for their emails and follow them on social so you stay informed. You never know when an opportunity will find you.

Volunteer for These Austin Organizations

Bake A Wish

This organization creates birthday magic with the help of volunteers. They support Austin-area organizations serving children, the elderly, and the disabled by donating birthday cakes. If you like to bake, this one is for you!

Capital Area Food Bank of Texas

Capital Area Food Bank of Texas provides about 26 million meals every year. Volunteers sort donations in their warehouse, interact with the organization’s clients through the mobile food pantries and educate families about healthier eating options.

Farmshare Austin

Get your hands dirty! Farmshare Austin is educating those who want to learn about farming practices and techniques. As a volunteer, you’ll be right alongside them on the farm, harvesting, washing, and packing produce.

Generation Serve

Have kids? Teach them about giving back with the organization Generation Serve. The nonprofit facilitates volunteer opportunities for families. Ages 3 and up can learn about gardening, cooking, and organizing, depending on the volunteer task you choose.

Good Work Austin

This organization supports local small businesses while feeding the community. Their programs include educating restaurant workers and paying businesses to provide meals to the community. While there aren’t volunteer opportunities with the public, they take donations.

Keep Austin Fed

Keep Austin Fed serves the community by redistributing food to those who need it. On average, 30% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten while people go hungry. Volunteers are food runners who pick up excess food from businesses like grocery stores and restaurants and take them to partner organizations.

Sustainable Food Center

The Sustainable Food Center aims to transform the food system by supporting local farmers, increasing food access, and more. You can support them by donating money or hosting your own fundraising event.

Texas Food & Wine Alliance

This nonprofit is focused on fostering awareness and innovation in our culinary community. They host several foodie and educational events every year, which require the help of friendly faces to make a success.

Urban Roots

Urban Roots transforms the lives of young people by teaching them about food and farming. While young people have hands-on experience in the farms, volunteers are needed to interact with the young people and help with the farm tasks.

I hope this list inspires you to give back to your community!

The post Food-Related Volunteer Opportunities in Austin, Texas appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

“The world doesn’t need a few people doing zero-waste perfectly. The world needs millions of people doing it imperfectly.” – Anne Marie Bonneau

It’s overwhelming to me to think about the many necessary steps to preserve the state of the environment. The detrimental consumption around the world continues to increase. So, I like to think that many small changes add up to a big impact, just as the quote above illustrates.

Reduce waste, reuse what you can, and recycle the rest. The ideal goal is buying things that are not packaged or packaged in something that is reusable, like glass, or recyclable. This results in consuming less plastic and creating less waste. It’s a bonus if the product is made with compostable and sustainable ingredients and cruelty-free.

Following these guidelines, I’ve tried to implement small changes around the house to make my habits more eco-friendly and low-waste. Finding companies to help me form low-waste habits makes following my values easier. 

Here are 10 household areas you can shift to become more low-waste and eco-friendly.

1. Grocery Bags

You’re likely using reusable grocery bags already! While grocery stores in Austin are able to provide bags, using reusable grocery bags is an easy way to reduce waste. We’ve collected so many reusable bags since it’s a common swag item. Bonus points if you’re using reusable produce bags.

Brand: Your local grocery store will have reusable bags. For reusable produce bags, see PurifYou or the Package Free Shop. 

Cost: 9 bags in a variety of sizes for $30

2. Toilet Paper

What makes this toilet paper eco-friendly? It’s made from 100% recycled paper (less waste) or 100% bamboo (reducing deforestation) and packaged in paper wrapping and boxes instead of plastic. The company – Who Gives A Crap – also donates 50% of its profits to sanitation projects (like providing clean water and toilets) in developing countries. They’ve donated $8 million so far!

Brand: Who Gives A Crap. They provided me with complimentary products to try (love them!) and a discount for you – get $10 off when you use the code “TP4EVA” and purchase through this link.

Cost: $10 off the price of your first subscription order means it costs:

• $28 for 24 recycled rolls ($1.16 a roll)
• $52 for 48 recycled rolls ($1.08 a roll)
• $34 for 24 bamboo rolls ($1.41 a roll)
• $58 for 48 bamboo rolls ($1.21 a roll)

3. Glass Containers

A set of glass containers in a variety of sizes with lids will last for years. Kitchen brands like Pyrex, Rubbermaid, and OXO produce them and they are sold everywhere, so they’re easy to find. Mason jars are also good for storing leftovers, especially liquids. Instead of buying jars, reuse jars from products like spaghetti sauce or pickles. I also recommend saving plastic take-out containers for re-use until they need to be recycled.

Brand: We have a set from Pyrex.

Cost: 7 containers in a variety of sizes for $22

4. Laundry Dryer Balls

Dryer balls have the same effects as dryer sheets – it reduces static cling and softens clothes but without the chemicals in dryer sheets. It is also said to help dry your clothes faster, which means reducing the time your machine is on. If you like the smell of dryer sheets, add a few drops of essential oil to your dryer balls.

Brand: I’m not sure where I got mine but you can find these easily. I’ve seen them stocked at our grocery store and Tru Earth sells dryer balls.

Cost: 4-pack for $22.95

5. Laundry Detergent

One of my favorite swaps is our laundry detergent. Instead of a plastic jug or a bulky box of detergent, we have a box of detergent strips. One strip per load (sometimes two if the clothes are really dirty) is what’s needed and the strip dissolves in the water. We bought in bulk, so we are set for a few years!

Brand: We’ve only tried Tru Earth, but we like it. Blueland sells a powder detergent packaged in compostable paper.

Cost: $104 for 384 loads ($0.27 per load)

6. Dish Sponges

Sponges are typically made from plastic, but there are good alternatives. There are several types of natural fibers that can be used as a sponge, like a loofah. Loofahs are dried vegetables from the luffa plant. Look for plant-based fiber scrubbers with wood handles. Another alternative we use, though not zero-waste, is a washable sponge. These sponges are made with 100% cotton and can be thrown in the washing machine or dishwasher.

Brand: Our luffa sponges were gifted by a friend who grew them in her garden. Luffa Gardens, a U.S. company, offers several loofah products. We get our washable sponges from Marley’s Monsters.

Cost: Pack of 3 washable sponges for $28 from Marley’s Monsters

7. Hand Soap

If your house is like mine, you have a hand soap dispenser at every sink that needs to be refilled every other month or so. We used to buy a big bulk plastic soap jug to refill all of these containers but have found a different type of refill. We fill the containers with water and drop in a soap tablet. (They are foaming soaps.) The soap tablets are also packaged in compostable paper, so it’s zero waste.

Brand: Blueland

Cost: 9 tablets for $14 (about $1.56 per tablet)

8. Dish Soap

We always have things to wash that don’t go in the dishwasher, so dish soap is a necessity. We’ve been using soap powder sprinkled through an old container. The soap comes in compostable paper, so it’s also zero waste. The cleaning process is the same as other dish soap and it foams up when you start scrubbing.

Brand: Blueland

Cost: 48 oz for $24

9. Toothpaste

There are a few companies that sell toothpaste tabs. They look like mints and you crush them in your mouth before brushing. I’m also glad to see toothpaste companies, like Tom’s of Maine, now packaging in recyclable tubes. https://www.tomsofmaine.com/

Brand: Bite or Unpaste Tooth Tabs. I’ve tried both and would use Bite again. I wish you could order only the compostable paper refills instead of having to buy the glass jar, but this only happens with the subscriptions.

Cost: $12 for 62 bits or $30 for 248 bits (Bite) or $8 for 125 tablets (Unpaste Tooth Tabs)

10. Shampoo 

How do we get rid of plastic bottles of shampoo? Shampoo bars! Imagine rubbing a bar of soap in your hair. It might be a slightly slower process than pouring shampoo but the effect is the same. Also, most shampoo bars come in paper packaging, making this alternative zero waste. The bars should last as long as one to three 16oz bottles do. One company estimates about 80-100 washes.

Brand: HiBar and Lush

Cost: $12-14 per bar

Next Steps

If you’re looking for an easy-to-find product with many uses, baking soda can be used as a household cleaner, toothpaste, and more!

I know there are also eco-friendly alternatives for razors and storage bags, among many other ways to make your home low-waste. See this great post for more ideas.

Any zero-waste alternatives you’ve tried and would recommend?

The post 10 Low-Waste Household Products to Help Create Eco-Friendly Habits appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Half Marathon Training

Let’s start at the beginning, which is two years ago! Remember when I ran my first marathon in February 2020? In the recap post, I was ready to jump into long-term training for future races. I said “I’m currently in the best shape of my life. Why stop now?” Well, a month later, the pandemic started, and gone was most of my motivation for working out and the ability to go to the gym. I spent the rest of the year doing the least – a short run or bike ride here and there and lots of walks.

At the end of April 2021, I woke up from the slumber. My ClassPass membership was un-paused by the company and I went to a few studios before canceling my membership (the quality of offerings had declined significantly) and joining OrangeTheory Fitness. I spent the next nine months going to eight classes monthly and it has been the physical and mental reset I needed. It’s proof to me that regular exercise/cardio has a major effect on my overall wellness. 

I guess this is where I tell you I’m terrible at training and my farthest run was six miles in early December. A month out, I took a three-week somewhat unintentional break for the holidays and vacation. So, somehow, my regular cardio for the past nine months helped me get through the race!

3M Half-Marathon Recap

The weather was perfect! I think it was about 45-50 degrees the whole time with no rain or wind. The weather has been tricky the last couple of races this time of year, so it was a big factor in a good run.

There were about 6,000 runners and safety protocols required a rolling start from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. We (I ran with my friend Melanie!) took off at 7:40 a.m. Can you believe the male winner ran a 4:56 mile and the female winner ran a 5:47 mile?! 

They call the 3M Half-Marathon the fastest, downhill race for a reason. I got a PR (personal record)! My time was 2:12:56 with an average 10:09 mile. My last PR was 2:17:31 at the Austin Half-Marathon in 2019 and my other 3M Half time was 2:35:15 in 2017.

Here are some of my paces:

• 5K: 9:38
• 10K: 9:49
• 15K: 10:01

I had run the 3M once before, five years ago, so I was somewhat familiar with the course. It starts west of Mopac off Capital of Texas Hwy (Gateway/Arboretum area) and ends at the Texas Capitol. It is fairly flat with a handful of small “hills.” Overall, it is downhill elevation, though it’s hard to feel that during the run.

Running with someone and the race environment (seeing other runners and supporters along the route) helps with maintaining speed. I think this was the first race where I ran the whole time! I stopped for hydration three or four times and ate a caffeine Gu gel between mile nine and ten.

Based on how much (err…how little) I prepared for the race, I’m surprised that recovery has been smooth. The first five hours post-race were terrible (usual cold symptoms) but after that, my legs and body have not been very sore.

What’s Next?

My next race is already on the calendar – Austin Half-Marathon on February 20th! (If you want to sign up to run the 5k, half, or full, my ambassador discount code is AnitaAM2022 for $10 off.) I’m looking forward to this next month of training.

Then after, who knows? I’m planning to continue working out at a gym, doing yoga, and taking walks. Keeping it fun and consistent.

Quick Tips about the 3M Half Marathon

• For local Austinites, it’s a no-brainer. It’s a fun race where you will likely get a PR
• For out-of-towners, it’s a less expensive time to visit Austin and you’ll get to explore Austin
• The weather can be a toss-up but expect colder weather, usually below 50 degrees
• Well-managed race by High Five Events. Plenty of portopots at the start and water stations/energy gel along the way
• “Downhill to Downtown” but there are slight but manageable hills throughout the course
• It starts in North Austin and ends downtown at the Texas Capitol. If it’s your first time in Austin, I recommend staying downtown and getting a ride to the start. If you’re renting a car, you can drive to the start and there are shuttles to take you back to the start.
• Book your trip with extra days after the race to eat through Austin
• Usually a good swag bag with useful items since 3M is the sponsor. Expect office supplies and sticky notes (see photo below)
• Registration is always cheapest right after the race ($89) with price increases throughout the year. It goes up to $139. Look for discount codes from race ambassadors
• See more details on the website here

Are you a runner? What’s your favorite race?

The post 3M Half Marathon: Austin’s Fastest Race + A PR! appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

If you want to start running, you need clothes you can move comfortably in and cushioned sneakers. That’s it. Everything else is mental. You need strength and determination to keep going, you need discipline to get out there day after day, and you need humility to accept that you won’t look or feel like an expert.

I’m currently training for the Austin Half-Marathon, my ninth half-marathon and my fourth Austin Marathon run. This is my favorite run in Austin! It’s got just enough challenge and you get to run around scenic Austin.

Now, if you need some fancy tools to encourage you to run, invest in, and make the sport easier, here’s my list of recommendations. I’m not a super competitive runner (I’m not too picky about gear), but these are the things I’ve used to get myself past the marathon finish line.

Running Tops & Bottoms for the Season

I am not so picky about my brands for summer running. I still have Nike shorts from my college days that I rotate through and I have a handful of tanks and shirts from races and miscellaneous shopping.

For winter running, I’ve been loyal to UnderArmour ColdGear leggings. They keep me warm enough for those Texas winter days. On top, I pile on a few layers and usually a sweatshirt, though I do have an UnderArmour ColdGear top also. (UnderArmour also has HeatGear, which is supposed to keep you cool, but I’ve always had plenty of warm weather running options so I haven’t tried them.)

GPS Watch

I like seeing the stats on a watch. I can track all my runs and run my playlist through my Garmin vívoactive 3 Music watch. It syncs to a Spotify playlist I created. While running, I can monitor my pace and distance, though sometimes they can be a distractor! Sometimes the watch takes a lot of time detecting my GPS location before the run, but overall, I love it.

Running Playlist

Up until two years ago, I was using an iPod shuffle with music I bought on iTunes and attached headphones! It worked but I’ve since upgraded and I’m not sure why I waiting so long. I’ve tried a few podcasts, but I gravitate towards upbeat music while working out. Some people can run without listening to anything but I need that outside motivator! Here are some of the songs that pump me up:

• Falling to Pieces by Marshmello and Crank Dat
• People You Know by Selena Gomez
• Higher Love by Kygo and Whitney Houston
• Cut to the Feeling by Carly Rae Jepsen

Running Headphones

I updated my watch and headphones when I was training for my marathon, and it was a big improvement! I had used old iPod headphones until then, so these Soundcore bluetooth headphones by Anker have been great! I asked for running headphones as a birthday present a few years ago, so I haven’t done much research on workout headphones. I love these because they sync with my watch quickly, have good suction, and don’t fall out of my ears while running, and the sound quality is good. Not to mention, they are very affordable!

Running Socks

I’m particular about my running socks. I like lightweight socks so my feet don’t overheat and you want socks that fit well to avoid blisters. I started out with Swiftwick socks, which I still like, but I’ve found Feetures has a better fit and is more advanced. They have different compression types and socks for feet that are prone to plantar fasciitis (me!).

Running Shoes

Out of all the gear, shoes are the most important! You want your foot to move seamlessly and for your legs and knees to be supported. Running is a tough sport on your body and good support will help. I recommend going to a reputable running shop to get fitted for a good shoe. You’ll be able to voice your concerns and try on different shoes to feel what type of support is most comfortable.

I am a Brooks runner. I’ve tried a few other brands but I come back to Brooks. They specialize in running gear, so they are always improving. I’m a fan of their Adrenaline GTS shoe line. The shoes give me support while keeping my feet cushioned. I always get pairs that are crazy bright colors but my current pair is toned down with neon accents.

Headband and Gloves

In winter weather (usually under 50 degrees to me), I have to have a fleece headband to cover my ears or they start to hurt! I don’t have a particular brand, since it was something I picked up randomly and I’m not picky about it. I use a thinner one or a thicker one, depending on the weather. Gloves are also good for freezing fingers! This pair was an ambassador gift from Austin Marathon.

Supplements and Nutrition

There is science behind when, what, and how much to take before, during, and after you run. Caffeine, electrolytes, and carbohydrates are the supplements to help you perform and recover better. Test out what you take before a race so you know how your stomach takes it.

For the marathon, I carried and used a few things to give me a boost. I timed my consumption out for my marathon and I usually only take a supplement during my run if I’m running 10 or more miles. I’ve used CLIF Blocks, Gu Chews, and Gu Energy Gels.

Before a long run, I usually eat a banana and/or a CLIF bar and hydrate well, especially on hot days. After long runs, I rehydrate with a Nuun tablet.

Belt Pouch

I use a belt on occasion to hold my phone or keys. I’ve used two different brands, and I love the Spibelt one because it doesn’t bounce and stretches to the size of the object you’re carrying.

Hand-held Water Bottle

For those long runs, hydration helps give a boost! I’ve filled my 9oz Nathan handheld water bottle with Nuun water and kept gel in the pouch. This lightweight water bottle fits over your hand and the water bottle is curved. I filled it up at water stops along the marathon route.

If you asked me about my running gear 10 years ago, it would have differed a lot! It has definitely been a learning process to figure out what works best for me on my runs. If you’re getting into running or wanting to improve, maybe this gear list can help.

What are your recommendations for running gear?

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The post My Must-Have Running Gear appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

I had three work days off for the holidays, and when this long break finally arrived, I was simultaneously cheering and ready to fall into a deep sleep. I was so tired.

The holidays come with their own set of tasks, including decorating, buying presents, and going to parties. They’re all fun and a big privilege, but this year, my thought was I am so tired.

And after several days of relaxing and the holidays come and gone, I’m still finding myself saying I am so tired. Why do I constantly feel behind?

I saw this quote by Juliana Finch and it helped me realize what was wrong: “You’re burned out because this culture has messed up priorities, not because there’s something wrong with you.”

I want too much.

I want to be excellent at my day job, to have a thriving blog and engaging social platforms, to be a thoughtful wife and an attentive dog mom, a devoted daughter, a caring friend, and a proactive human being. I want to make more money while inspiring and saving the world. When I get home after a workday and long commute, I want to go for a run, make dinner with Will, feed my dog, clean the kitchen, finish a blog post, get ready for the next day, and read before bed. Don’t get me started on my weekends. Those days would be super productive.

I want to have the time and energy to excel at all possible responsibilities and passions.

(Yes, I think social media and our picture-perfect social lives where we are all superhumans have a lot to do with this.)

But the reality is I get tired when I try to do it all at once, and I’ve realized that I can’t have it all. Actually, maybe my definition of “all” is twisted. I think that accomplishing my big list will make me feel loved and accomplished. But to feel loved and accomplished, I can do less to make that happen and not leave myself feeling ragged. I’m constantly learning and reminding myself to slow down because my mental health depends on it, and my family depends on me.

These are five of the things I’m going to do to not only make sure I don’t constantly feel behind but to have a happier and healthier self.

1. Lower my expectations and build in flexibility.

Lowering my expectations sounds like a terrible thing, but it isn’t. I have high expectations, and I set myself up to fail. I need to be more realistic about what I can accomplish. Some tasks will take longer than others. For example, getting a blog post ready to publish always takes longer than I think, especially when there are photos to edit. It can easily take five hours. When I limit myself to accomplish fewer tasks, I won’t be looking at a long list I didn’t accomplish and beating myself up for it.

2. Give myself grace.

Overnight successes are rarely a thing, and life will always have challenges. When I get discouraged, I need to remember that progress takes time and practice. There will be good and bad days. 

A past training run comes to mind. In my marathon training, I pushed my body farther than it’s ever gone. When I didn’t have the energy to finish a 20-mile training run (I think I finished 14 miles), I was distraught. I said some mean things to myself (things like why did I think I could do this?), and I was seriously ready to quit my goal of running a marathon. Maybe I could try running a marathon another year. But it was just a bad day. Six days later, I finished a 20-mile run with flying colors.

Whether it’s practicing an instrument, practicing a sport, or practicing a habit, we keep at it because we want to improve. I won’t ace it every time I try, but I can show up, work hard, and give myself grace if and when I fall short. With practice, my body and mind evolve to accomplish the challenge. That’s why things get better and easier.

3. Create routines and structure.

I can simplify my life by creating more structure through routines. I can journal daily, review my schedule at the beginning of the week, and do a big goal review monthly. If I plan out my days, I know what’s coming, what I’m working towards, and what to expect. With some flexibility built in for those unexpected things, having a structure can prevent me from spiraling when one unexpected thing pops up or from feeling directionless. Making a schedule also ensures I’m carving out time for the things I want to accomplish, such as having time each week to write blog posts and edit photos. It might sound boring to have the same routine week after week, but it is necessary for my sanity!

4. Remember my purpose.

It’s cheesy but true: my purpose is love. Love myself, love others.

Ultimately, when all other responsibilities are stripped away, my priorities are the wellness of myself, my marriage, and my pup. When life and to-do lists overwhelm me, I make sure these three priorities are ok or figure out how to make them ok. Sometimes, that means putting other tasks aside and making time. When I have flexibility and structure, it makes this easier!

Similarly, if what I’m doing starts becoming more about vanity or keeping up with others instead of love and kindness, it’s time to stop and come back to my purpose.

5. Give thanks always.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” I often forget about what I am blessed with. Food, shelter, family, friends, a job, this blog, and an abundance of other things. I’m thankful for how I’ve grown emotionally and professionally and for all the things that make my life easier. I might not have accomplished my highest goals (yet), but there are so many small steps underneath them that I have accomplished. That’s something to be thankful for and proud of! Noticing and remembering all the things I’m grateful for reminds me I’m ok and I have everything I need.

6. Focus on my own journey.

“Comparison is the thief of joy” is a saying that is repeated over and over again these days. Because of social media, we are face-to-face with the “perfect” lives of others and it’s easy to get discouraged when we compare our real lives with that. I forget that I can do things another way. I forget I don’t have to do something someone else does. I don’t have to be trendy, buzz-worthy, and put-together. This is MY life. I get to decide what it looks like and what’s important to me. My metric of success can and will look different from someone else’s.

What do you think?

I think we put too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect and successful. It’s good to accomplish goals, but sometimes we do so much that we forget to enjoy the journey. Yes, hard work can bring success and more opportunities, and it’s awesome to grow and accomplish new things. But there’s no reward for getting the most stuff done. When pretending takes more work and stress than necessary, it’s time to evaluate what you’re doing. Life should feel good.

So, ask yourself (I’m doing this, too!): What feelings are you trying to achieve with everything you’re doing, and what can you do to feel that way while not burning out?

Have you ever felt burnt out? Do you have any tips for a happier life?

The post Why Do I Constantly Feel Behind? appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

I’ve run eight half-marathons and I’ve run the Austin race twice. Last year, I signed up for my FIRST marathon because I didn’t have a good reason not to (though I did have lots of fears). The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon was this past weekend and if you missed it in the title – I did it!

As an Austin Marathon Ambassador, I helped promote the event and volunteered at several expos while receiving free race entries and gear. It was my second year being an ambassador and it was lots of fun! This race has been a big part of my life for the last seven months, and I loved convincing my friends to run the race, training and sharing my journey, and being a part of the race day.

This post will tell you all about my marathon training, how the race went, and what I’m planning on doing next!

Marathon Training

I started training for the marathon last summer as I was preparing for the wedding. My training schedule started on August 31st but with the wedding and honeymoon, I knew official training would be slightly delayed. I re-started training about a week after we got back in October. I ran about two to three times a week and did a cardio workout, usually spin, once a week.

For my long runs, I ran around my neighborhood and with my friend Ashley who trained for the half-marathon. I started dropping into Rogue Running’s Saturday runs and sometimes ran with my friend Sarah who’s in one of their running groups. The farthest long runs I did were 18, 20, and 22. They were all tough but I felt energized by them. I ran a big range, from a 9:50-minute mile on a short run to a 12-minute mile on a long run.

In Texas, running in the winter is more enjoyable than in the summer. After a while, I got used to the cold and even ran better in it. When I say cold, I mean in the 40s. Doing cryotherapy during my training helped with the cold too. But, there were plenty of mornings I chose to stay in bed than go run in the cold!

After every long run, especially farther than my previous farthest distance of 13.1, I was in awe of what my body was doing. Running started becoming easier and my endurance grew. From August to before my marathon, I ran about 302 miles of practice!

As for diet, I didn’t really have a set one, though I moderated my consumption of sweets and alcohol a little more. You can probably gather from my post about what I ate for dinner that I typically make healthier choices and avoid processed and fast foods. Some days I felt like my hunger was insatiable!

Austin Marathon Recap

It was good, strong, hot, and terrible.

My first goal for this race was to finish. If I was running strong, I wanted to finish in under five hours. If I was running very strong, maybe I could keep a 10:30-11 minute pace.  

First, the numbers! Here are my splits from my bib chip:

• 5K: 32:26.2
• 10K: 1:03:31.0
• 15K: 1:37:15.7
• 20K: 2:10:45.2
• 13.1M: 2:18:36.9
• 25K: 2:48:26.9
• 30K: 3:25:58.6
• 35K: 4:10:59.7
• 22.5M: 4:21:30.7
• 40K: 4:56:13.1

• My chip time was 5:12:11.6, an 11:55/mile average.
• I was number 1969 out of 2867 marathon finishers.
• The average marathon time for 958 women was 6:46:23.14. The men’s average was 7:30:18.57 for 1909 people. (The men’s marathon winner ran a 2:28:11 while the women’s winner ran a 2:55:17. Wow!)
• There were 165 females in the 30-34 age range.
• My watch says my pace ranged from 9:51 (mile 5) to 16 (mile 21, I think I had a restroom break?).

Now, my race recap.

I started the race with Ashley. (Remember we ran the half together last year too.) She was doing the half, so she was going to run much faster while I needed to pace myself. That was hard! She flew off around mile five or six. I ran a solid and a bit fast 11 miles. After that terrible hill around mile 12 and breaking off from the half-marathoners about to finish, that’s when the dread set in and I thought wow, this is really happening!

I can’t remember a lot of the run because it was mostly mundane and all I was thinking about was moving forward. BUT I do remember seeing friends along the course and it made a big difference in motivation. Will and my friend Abby scootered around the city with their signs and I saw them at miles 7, 12, and 19. My friends Brooke and Scott (and their two-year-old Hazel!) were a nice surprise around mile 9.5. Ashley finished her half and met me in miles 21 and 25 to walk/run with me.

My mental game was strong throughout but my body started breaking down around mile 20 after struggling since mile 18. I had run the second half of the marathon at least three times before, so I knew the route and I remembered how strong those practice runs were then. But no matter how much I wanted to run, my legs hurt incredibly and my knee felt like it was about to pop off, something I hadn’t felt before. I ended up walking a lot of miles 20-25. I think now a lot of the struggle was I was becoming dehydrated because it was much warmer than I was used to.

From miles 24 to the finish line, the spectators were in full force with plenty of water and encouragement! I found a second wind and my body was ready after the walking break, so I sprinted to the finish line!

Some things that might have affected my race:

• I didn’t work-out the week before because I didn’t make time for it.
• I started antibiotics three days before the race. (Kaira nipped my lip and I had to get five stitches. The doctor said running would be ok.)
• I hadn’t been sleeping well three days before the race.
• I was running 2-3 times a week instead of the recommended 4-5.
• The temperature at the start was 52 and by the time I finished, it was in the 70s.
• The stitches were sore during the race.
• I knew I needed to keep a 10:30 pace to have enough energy at the end, but I did a few of the early miles at 9:50-10 pace, which was maybe too fast to have the endurance at the end.

I ran a marathon! That is a really cool accomplishment to me. (Updated the life list!) I also wish I had run a stronger race and it’s the competitive side of me knowing I could have. I over-analyzed the race above so that if I want to run another marathon one day, I can remember what I need to do and plan for to make it the best race possible! I spent the first few days after the race bummed, but I’ve stopped beating myself up about my performance. I’m proud to be a marathon finisher!

Marathon Recovery

After the race and the day after the race, I wore compression socks and did a lot of laying on the couch. My feet were swollen, my legs were sore, I was trying not to be dehydrated, and my lip/stitches were sore. But I have all my toenails and I didn’t get seriously injured, so that’s a plus.

The good thing about my slower race is that I wasn’t as sore as I could have been! Recovery went a lot faster and I felt “normal” again after three days. This was very different from my original recovery plan that included an ice bath, whole body cryotherapy, and compression therapy.

(The below photos are from the Austin Marathon Expo. They had some really cool photo opportunities, including neon backdrops and a wall with every runner’s name.)

What’s Next?

Even before I ran the marathon I was thinking about what was next. That’s what happens when your big fitness goal is accomplished in the second month of the year! (My other fitness goal is to do yoga twice a month.) I want to continue running and even with how tough it was, this race didn’t scare me away from doing another marathon!

Should I start training for next year’s Austin Marathon? Should I start training to PR a half (PR right now is 2:17) or run a sub two hour half this year? Should I sign up for the next Austin Distance Challenge (five races in five months)? I’ve already run more than 13.1 miles two months this year; should I do it every month this year?

During a long run, I was talking to my friend Sarah, who has big running goals in the next year, about running and she warned me that it gets addictive. How do I know? I could easily say yes to all of the goals in the previous paragraph. I’m currently in the best shape of my life. Why stop now?

ARE YOU IN? If you want to join next year’s Austin Marathon (5K, half-marathon, or marathon), the prices are at their lowest right now! Sign up now and make it happen!

P.S.  I’ve had a complicated relationship with running. Take a look at all my running posts here!

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post I Ran a Marathon! + My Austin Marathon Recap appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

That’s right. I’m doing it. I’m going to run a full marathon. The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour in February 2020 to be exact.

I felt great training for and running the Austin Half-Marathon this year. I earned a PR (personal record), my fastest half-marathon out of the eight I’ve run. See the full recap of the race here. Even after that run, I questioned the possibility of running a marathon. I talked to a handful of people who had run one and realized the only thing holding me back was my fear.

What was/am I afraid of?

• That I won’t be physically able to finish the race
• All the hours that will be dedicated to training
• Having to become a morning person for early morning runs
• What if I hurt myself during training or at the race?
• Sore muscles all the time
• Will my toenails turn black and fall off?
• What you would think of me if I don’t finish the race

I remember those tough days of training for this year’s half-marathon. I had a few miles left to run, it was cold, I was tired, and I hated running at that moment. I cursed myself for believing I could do it and for signing on to such a big task. Fear can keep you safe but it can also hold you back. The training was tough but the practice made my half-marathon experience better. Run after run, I grew to enjoy it. On race day, I learned I was stronger than I thought.

A marathon seems impossible because I have never tried it. Sometimes accomplishing a goal isn’t a matter of doing the impossible, it’s a matter of redefining the possible. I have a lot of fear but I also have ambition and dedication. I might fail but I also might cross that finish line. This will be the toughest physical challenge I endure, but with high stakes come high rewards. I’d rather fail when I try than not try at all.

I picked the Austin Marathon, especially for my first time, because

• I don’t need to travel out of town (this can add more anxiety to the whole thing)
• I won’t need to spend money on a hotel stay, transportation, etc.
• I can recover afterward in my own home
• I’m familiar with the course (I’ve run the Austin Half-Marathon twice) and the logistics of getting to the race
• There’s a big chance the weather will be perfect because of mild Texas winters
• I love Austin!

In addition to the pride and joy of completing a marathon, here are some of the perks for Austin Marathon runners:

• 2020 Under Armour Participant Shirt (I’m wearing last year’s cool shirt in these photos)
• Under Armour Swag Bag
• Belt Buckle Finisher Medal
• Professional Timing & Photography
• Live Athlete Tracking
• Live Music on Course
• 3 Block Long Finisher Festival complete with Live Music
• Access to the Oskar Blues Beer Garden (21+)

Want to run with me?

Do I have you convinced? I’m an Austin Marathon ambassador, which means I’ve got a discount code “ANITA2020” if you want to run the 5K, half-marathon, or marathon. No matter the distance, running this race is a lot of fun. Let me know if you’re up for the challenge!

Register here!

Have you ever run a marathon? What tips could you give me?
Or what intense challenge have you accomplished?

Follow my training! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Austin Marathon (My First Marathon!), Here I Come! appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

As I get older, I’ve gotten more passionate about living a more sustainable lifestyle. That means I make sure what I do and the products I use daily have a smaller impact on our environment. Impact is unavoidable in the way we live. For example, we drive cars, which uses fuel, and we shop at grocery stores, which ship products around the world. I can make small changes to help reduce the use of natural resources and hopefully, make our world a safer and healthier place to live for me, others, and future generations.

Slowly, I’m finding ways to incorporate better habits into my life. It takes time, especially when the alternative is more convenient, but I think the long-term effects are worth it.

Here are four ways I’ve changed my habits to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

1. Lessen My Impact

The easiest way to live a more sustainable lifestyle is to lessen my impact. That means buying fewer things from the beginning. For the items I buy, I try to choose brands that are high quality, so they last longer, and that are sustainable, so I know how they are made and the impact that made on the environment. I also use reusable items like water bottles, dryer balls, and food storage containers. When I’m done with items, like appliances or clothes, they’re donated so maybe they get additional use before it makes it into a landfill. Our trash might disappear from our house, but all our waste goes to a landfill where it decomposes and pollutes the environment for a long time.

2. Use Safer Products

One thing I’m working on is finding products that are non-toxic, including make-up and household cleaners. I think this is the best way to make sure my body is as healthy as possible. I put on make-up every day and I like to keep the kitchen squeaky clean, so I need products that are safe to use.

For household cleaners, I’ve tried out a few products, and I like Art of Green because while it’s non-toxic (no harsh chemicals) and 98% naturally derived, it’s still tough on dirt, grease, and grime. I don’t have to settle for a cleaner that doesn’t work as well because I want something that is safe for sensitive skin. The bonus is how it smells! The citrus & white flowers smell good, but the lavender eucalyptus is my favorite!

• The multisurface spray is what I typically use with a rag on all the counters.
• For a quicker clean-up, the cleaning wipes make it convenient.
• The concentrated multisurface cleaner is perfect to refill the spray bottle or if I need to mix a different amount to clean the floors.

Art of Green is also at HEB, which makes it convenient to pick-up while I’m getting groceries. If you want to try Art of Green, here’s a link to a coupon for you.

3. Eat Local

I’m sure you’ve been following along my Local Monthly challenge this year. It’s been an interesting way to learn more about local farms and enjoy the delicious things they produce. I’ve visited farms and shopped at the farmers market at least once a month. It’s a win-win to support local producers! Read more about my project here.

4. Recycle and Compost

Our recycling bin is typically fuller than our garbage bin every week! Austin’s recycling program is fairly easy because all plastic, paper, and other recyclable items are put into the same bin. We frequently recycle mail, sparkling water cans, and packaging from food items.

We haven’t gotten our compost bin yet since we’re trying to time it with the start of our garden and Austin’s composting bins haven’t reached our zip code yet. Instead, we save compost items in our freezer to take to the farmers market. Texas Farmers’ Market allows you to contribute frozen scraps, so we save things like veggie and fruit scraps and eggshells. They turn the compost into soil for local gardens and farms. Read more about the composting program here.

Conclusion

I’m not perfect with all of these but I try my best to make a difference where I can. By being conscious of what I buy, use, and eat, I’m living a more sustainable life for myself and others.

Have you thought about incorporating sustainable habits into your life? What other things do you recommend I try?

This post has been sponsored by Art of Green. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Learn more at https://artofgreen.com.

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The post 4 Ways I Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

This year, the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour celebrated its 28th anniversary. It was the perfect weather for a run, the perfect setting for a memorable event. Keep reading for all the details about my experience.

Half-Marathon Training

This was my eighth half-marathon and the first time I actually focused on training. What?! I know. I’m lucky I’ve never had any injuries and finished most in an ok time. In the past, the longest training run I did was six miles and I relied on my cardio workouts to get me ready.

This time around, I wanted to go all in. Beginners are recommended 12 weeks of training and 10-15 miles a week. My schedule was about 15 weeks and I aimed for running three times a week with a progression up to 12 miles. (I used this training schedule as a guide.) It was hard for me to keep up with my schedule because of the cold weather and holiday/post-holiday laziness. It wasn’t until the last seven weeks of training where I actually wanted to train.

In November, I started the progression from two miles until 12 miles. There were three weeks I missed the scheduled run and ran two miles or took a spin class instead. On only five of the 15 weeks, I ended up running at least two times. Basically, even though I trained for this run, I slacked off a lot, too.

Half-Marathon Number Eight

My first half-marathon back in 2012? It took me three hours and seven minutes to cross the finish line. That’s about a 14-minute mile, basically one of the last runners to finish. I also chose the Decker Challenge as my first half and if you’re an Austin runner, you know that race is the hardest with its crazy hills!

Since then, my fastest half-marathon was the 3M in 2017 where I had an 11:50 pace. If you’re thinking about running a half-marathon, the 3M is the easiest because it’s all downhill! My last race was the Austin Half-Marathon in 2017 where I had a 12:09 pace.

If you’re curious, here are the times of my half-marathons:

1. Decker Challenge 2012; 3:07:17; 14 pace
2. Rock and Roll San Antonio 2013; not available
3. Plano Balloon Festival Half-Marathon 2013; not available
4. Decker Challenge 2015; 2:43:08; 12:27 pace
5. Decker Challenge 2016; 2:39:25; 12:10 pace
6. 3M Half-Marathon 2017; 2:35:15; 11:50 pace
7. Austin Half-Marathon 2017; 2:39:11; 12:09 pace
8. Austin Half-Marathon 2019, 2:17:31; 10:30 pace

Race Recap

Hmm, with training, you get faster. How about that? I started working out consistently in 2015 (and love spin classes), and I think that has to do with the progress also. My time goal for the race was 2:24, an 11-minute pace, and I ended up beating it by seven minutes. It was also a personal record by 18 minutes!

I ran with my friend Ashley the first eight miles or so which helped me push my pace. Looking at the times for each mile on my watch (included below), I had several miles under a 10-minute pace, though towards the end when I was running on my own, I was in the 10-11-minute pace.

• Mile 1: 10:35
• Mile 2: 10:32
• Mile 3: 9:51
• Mile 4: 10:11
• Mile 5: 9:32
• Mile 6: 9:38
• Mile 7: 9:53
• Mile 8: 10:01
• Mile 9: 11:27
• Mile 10: 10:54
• Mile 11: 10:59
• Mile 12: 11:03
• Mile 13: 11:26

It was a hard run. Miles four to seven were pretty good, and after that, I couldn’t get back into a solid groove, especially with the rolling hills on Enfield Road as we hit mile 10. It might have been hard because I pushed my pace so hard and I was constantly keeping track of that time goal. Towards the end, I was nervous about being passed by a pacer. Overall, it was a fun run, I was so glad it was over when I passed the finish line, and I was surprised about my endurance!

If you’ve never cheered on runners at a half-marathon or marathon, I highly recommend it. As a runner, it means so much to look up and see these awesome human beings with funny signs, smiles, cowbells, and encouragement to help you keep going. I was a part of a cheering line a few years ago and a volunteer at a water station last year (both for the Austin Marathon), and it was so inspiring to be on the other side, watching runners take on the challenge. If you were cheering or part of the volunteer crew this year, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

I’m a Runner!?

Most of the time, I don’t call myself a runner because I don’t actually like running. But after nearly 10 years of running races and wanting to train harder for races in the future, I’ll call it what it is proudly. I’m a runner. And I might even like it more than I think.

Of course, I have to give some tips of things I’ve learned and remembered in my training:

• The first three miles and the last two miles are the hardest.
• I like running in new areas instead of running the same loop over and over.
• Good running shoes will take you far, literally! (I’m a forever Brooks fan.)
• Running the night before trash pick-up will be a smelly run.
• Don’t procrastinate. Put your gear on and get out there ASAP!
• I can do hard things. It’s incredible what “impossible” things we can accomplish when we focus and work hard for them.
• Hard things take work, consistency, and showing up. What do I want to commit to?

I can only imagine what results I would get if I stuck to a training schedule! For now, I’m hoping to keep running consistently, maybe run another half this year, and decide soon if I will run a FULL MARATHON next year. I think it will take about a year for me to train for one. I have always said that I could never do it but why not??

What is your favorite race experience? Have any advice about running a marathon?

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