Because I'm running a half marathon on Sunday...

That's right, folks... It's happening. I can't stop it. I can't turn back now. I just have to do it (like nike). I signed up for this half marathon at the beginning of the year in hopes that it would give me the motivation to keep working out and to lose the 'baby weight.' 

Well, I still have a few extra lbs hangin' around, but overall I feel a lot better than I did 10, 6, even 3 months ago. I know that only focusing on cardio while working out does not equal losing weight. In fact, I feel as though I've gained or sustained my weight the past few months just because I've been so hungry after running. My body knows it needs calories to burn off and I'm constantly craving carbs! 

The good thing about training for a half marathon? 

1 | It helps to increase my endurance. Having and taking care of a baby is no joke. Especially when they are mobile and constantly on the move. Carrying around a 20+ pound baby all day will definitely wear you out! I've noticed that I'm huffing and puffing a lot less now that I've been running consistently.

2 | It allows me to enjoy the outdoors. I typically run outside around our neighborhood or on a jogging path. I love running in the spring, summer and early months of fall when the weather is nice. This is how I've been able to maintain my 'joggers' tan as I like to call it.

3 | It allows me to have ME time. I can listen to my jams be at one with my thoughts in peace for at least 45 mins! The time I spend running, I make sure that someone is able to watch Cam. I typically go running on work days (3 days x week) in the morning right after I drop off Cam. I make sure to get in a good run before I start my day. This way I'm not rushing to get done or feel guilty about the time I'm spending away from him. I also try to get a run in on the weekends when Bill is able to watch him for a few hours.

I think it's easy for mothers to make excuses for why they don't workout or don't have the time. There's always time, it's more about how you stack your priorities. I came across this post that was shared by Natalie and Annie (on fb) and it struck a cord with me. Definitely a good read and something all moms should contemplate. 

All that said, am I the most fit and healthy person in the world? Not even close!! When it comes to dieting... That is where I truly struggle! I'm such a comfort food junkie! 

And now I will leave you with a little collage of items that are on heavy rotation when I run (and on days when I'm home with Cam). I will let you in on a little secret... They are all from Old Navy except my shoes! I refuse to spend more than $30 per item on clothes that I will sweat in. I just. can't. do it! Everyone raves about Lululemon workout clothes and I'm over here all 'I love my ON workout gear!'

1 | Burn out tanks : these are super soft and I love the elastic racer back detail. I size up in these so they are very flowy and comfortable.

2 | The go-dry pullover : I wear this thing all the time. It is supposed to be a little chilly this weekend, so I may bring it with me to the race to wear over my running tank. It is super lightweight and comfortable. AND it's on crazy sale right now for only $10!!

3 | High support racerback sprots bras : I need a little extra support in this department and these bras are the best that I've tried. They have a little extra lining in the front and the racer back helps with the support also. 

4 | High rise compression pants and crop pants : Trust me on the high rise thing. I have experience running in mid rise/normal pants and they always seem to slip down after long distances. The high rise helps to keep them in place. I will most likely wear these this weekend since it will be cold!

5 | Nike Free 5.0 running shoes : These shoes are amazing. They are so lightweight and comfortable I feel like I'm running barefoot, but with the right amount of cushion and some arch support. I'm so glad I invested in these shoes before this race!

PS - kudos to me for blogging everyday this week! In case you missed it:

weekending and a save v. splurge | our family photos | the perfect tunic | halloween decor 

Please say a little prayer for me on Sunday morning!! :)

Have a great weekend!

The 'Momiform' + 9 mo Postpartum Update

Old Navy embroidered top || Old Navy shorts || Kate Spade watch (similar) || Kendra Scott necklace

You guys... My baby is 9 months today... 9 months! 

(Camden's 9 month update coming at you next week)

He has officially been outside of my belly longer than he was inside. So crazy!

I wanted to give you all an update on my postpartum body. They do say "it took 9 months to get your body to stretch, so give it 9 months to go back"... or something along those lines. 

I will say that I am happy to report I have lost a total of 42 pounds since having Camden. That is a huge number for this little 5 foot 3 frame! I gained a total of 46 pounds while pregnant with Cam. And it probably would have been more if I made it past 37 weeks. I definitely gave into a lot of temptations while pregnant and used the excuse of "cravings" to make myself feel better. I think I probably gained an extra 10 lbs that my body didn't need to keep my baby healthy. 

However, I do give myself props for losing the weight the old fashioned way... Working out (in the form of running mostly) and watching what I eat. Of course, I still indulge here and there. Hey, being a new mom is a tough job! We have to reward ourselves!

I still have about 5-10 pounds to lose to get myself in that "comfort" zone of weight where I feel comfortable in my clothes. Certain pieces fit a lot differently than they used to. I have to buy a size up in pants and shorts because my hips widened. I also have to buy larger tops because of my chest size. Oh, I am soooo ready to get these boobies lifted and tucked someday! That is the part of my body I am really struggling with. Trust me ladies, be careful what you wish for! 

Last summer it was all about the maxi dresses. I just loved to show off that big 'ol bump in a comfortable maxi. This summer has been all about the comfortable shorts and easy, breezy, cotton, "throw in the washer and dryer" tops. You know, the ones that you don't mind if it gets spit up on (or worse). Shorts are just easier when you are sitting on the floor playing with your babe. A dress is no longer an everyday option.

I have happily traded in my business casual work wear for this new 'momiform' as I like to call it. I'm so happy my new boss does not require a formal dress code. ;)

Here are some of my favorite everyday 'momiform' staples:

I'm linking up with Natalie and Annie for Thoughts for Thursday.

Fitness Update

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As promised, I have a little fitness update for you.

I do have some good news on the #losethebabyweight2015 front. I am down 4 pounds from my last post, which means I have 11 pounds to go to hit my goal weight! This means I have been averaging about a pound a week and I hope I can keep up this pace.

I've started to go back to my gym and have slowly gotten back into running and weight lifting. I try to get to the gym at least twice a week with a goal of 3 times per week this month. The days I can't make it to the gym, I try to fit in a YouTube Tone It Up work out when I can. 

This one being my current favorite:

I've been focusing on toning my arms and legs since my middle section is still a little tender from my c section. I tried to do some sit ups the other day and it felt like there were 50 lb weights on my stomach. I am trying to ease my way into the core toning work outs, although that is the main area I would like to tone the most. 

As far as the dieting is going, I don't have any strict regimen. Just trying to focus on eating healthy and stay under 1500 calories a day. I am still pumping/breastfeeding so I am burning about 500 calories a day just doing that (according to this website). I try to make sure I have some type of protein, veggie/fruit and light carb for each meal. I try to keep my snacking to a minimum around 100 calories.

I have also just started using the app MyFitnessPal (find me at LindsayRumple) and have a few friends that use it as well. It's great because I can keep track of all my daily calories and work outs to make sure I am staying on track with my weight loss goals.

One area I would like to work on is planning my meals in advance. This is something I struggle with constantly. I typically get in a rut of eating the same things everyday and I eventually get bored and eat bad food. I think meal prep and planning at the beginning of the week needs to start happening.

I have started a pin board with healthy recipes and work outs to try. Here are a few healthy recipes I'd like to try:

Honey Glazed Salmon

BBQ Chicken Salad

Spicy Cashew Chicken

Keilbasa and Cabbage Skillet

What are some of your favorite healthy recipes?

That's all I have for this fitness update!
I'll plan on posting another update early next month to see if I've made more progress.

Operation Lose the Baby Weight 2015

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Today marks 7 weeks postpartum. I have my follow up appointment with my OB today to make sure I am healing well from my C section. I also hope to get the OK to work out again. I am so ready!

Yesterday, I sat down and wrote out my goals for the new year. First on my list is focusing on healthy living and losing 15 pounds to bring me back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Fifteen pounds may not seem like much to some of you, but to me this will be the most amount of weight I have ever lost in my life. 

Sure, I went on diets and exercised like crazy before my wedding, vacations, etc. But, the most I have ever lost was about 5 pounds. This will be a struggle for sure!

I am planning on documenting my weight loss journey for 2 reasons.

1 // Accountability. I want to feel as though I am accountable for my actions. When you work on something on your own without sharing it with others, it's so easy to make excuses for yourself for why you cannot complete the task. I will give myself deadlines and boundaries and will share these with you in order to make myself feel accountable.

2 // To Record Progress. I want to look back through my posts and see the progress I am making. I will use my blog as my weight loss diary. It is so motivating to see progress and to keep pushing to meet your goal.

How will I get there?

Old fashioned healthy eating and exercising. No fancy diet or gimmicks.

I can't diet too much because I am breastfeeding (pumping), so I do have to keep my calorie level normal at least. I am, however, cutting out dairy to see if that helps with Camden's reflux. That also may help me shed some pounds because I have a love for cheese!

I will keep a personal food journal and will schedule my workouts at least a week ahead of time. I think that is the key to making time to work out. If it's not on my schedule or daily to do list, it will be forgotten.

I am going to be reactivating my gym membership this month and will plan to go at least twice a week (plus, there's a nursery at my gym so no excuses there). When I'm unable to make it to the gym, there are plenty of at home work outs I can do. There are even some I've pinned to do with Camden!

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I am going to try to get at least 20-30 mins of exercise in per day. I am also going to start running and training for the half marathon in October. I ran the half marathon 2 years ago and it felt so great to accomplish something I never thought I could do. I want this half to be my motivation to keep working out post baby.

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Running to me is such a stress release and a chance for me to have some "me" time, which I'm finding is so important now being a mother. 

There you have it! I hope you all hold me accountable!

I will be posting at least bi weekly regarding my weight loss progress.

I hope to get to my goal weight by the end of May. Perfect timing for Summer!

What are your health and wellness goals for 2015?

I'm linking up with Annie and Natalie for Thoughts for Thursday!