TAG: Busy mom Archives - Traci Morrow Fitness

As a busy mom of 6, with some flying from our nest, I wanted to take a few moments to encourage you parents out there that LOVE covers a multitude of sin/error!

LOVE ALWAYS WINS.

We may not be perfect parents, but we are loving parents; let this encourage you today!

In Relentless Pursuit of Excellence….NOT perfection!

TRACI

Our second child, oldest daughter Holli turned 18 in October of 2012, and just finished her sr. year online. She ended up being the valedictorian of her small sr. class, and will have ceremonies in May. To fill the time between now and then, and as she waits to hear back from all the colleges she’s applied to, she’s packed her bags and headed for England to live with my younger brother and his family. This is such a perfect fit for Holli, as my sister in law will be a perfect personality complement to hers and I know it will be an incredible memory that she’ll cherish!  I’m thankful we’re able to provide this experience for her but boy do we miss her already!

Saying goodbye is never easy, even when its a healthy part of growth, but I think its a lot harder to say goodbye to your kids! Even if its only for 2 months! She packed SO neatly, which is classic Holli, and left her room spotless, her schoolwork all gone through and thrown out. STRANGE. I keep walking by her typically closed door that is now open showing an empty room that looks like a guest room!

Raising Holli has had it’s fair share of good tears and prayerful tears on my knees, but as I watched her walk to have her passport checked at security at LAX, I smiled as I thought of how much love and great memories she’s brought to my life, and how I’m so grateful God entrusted me with raising her. I’m so glad for her as she steps out into adulthood. She makes me laugh, she brings me peace because I know she is capable, she has a strong head on her shoulders (so do I, which causes some of our conflict), but as a mom I wanted to raise her so she felt fully capable to be or do anything her heart desired to do with her life. This season of change, and how we’re both doing with it I think was best summed up in our two responses as I hugged her for the (third) last time at the airport: I was crying squeezing her neck professing my mother’s love, and she was smiling ear to ear telling me it was going to be okay. She’s ready to fly, both figuratively and literally, and as I read her tweets since she’s landed, she is thriving already, thanks to her loving host family, and the “lovely” (speaking like a Brit) accommodations they’ve provided for her.

I want to share this poem my sister shared at a bible study once, that I go over often. May it help you in your times of growth! (print it out for yourself even!)

Healthy things grow,

Growing things change,

Change is difficult,

Difficulties cause us to to trust God,

Trusting God calls us to obedience,

Obeying God makes us healthy,

And healthy things grow!

Saying goodbye to siblings and dad :*(

World Traveler, Ms. Holli Morrow

Arriving in Heathrow – greeted by three adorable & adoring boy cousins Brodie, Jonah, & Graysen.

Below, jet lag hits on the trip home for Hols and Graysen <3

Living with tears & an emptying nest – In Relentless Pursuit of Excellence,

TRACI

When I’m doing a program, I like to look ahead to see what I’ll do next. Considering another round with Insanity The Asylum. (check it out here)

Here’s a snippet of my first go-around with it!

Always…In Relentless Pursuit of Excellence,

TRACI

Life is busy! As a mom of 6 kids, I get it. But day after day of wishing I was in better shape, wishing I could muster up the energy to workout never actually happened. I wish I could tell you how it works with that moment when you say to yourself “Enough!” and decide to do whatever it takes to make a change. It’s truthfully different for every person but the reality is YOU GET TO CHOOSE when enough is enough!

So IF YOU’RE READY, here are steps to take:

1. Get Accountability! As your FREE Team Beachbody Coach I can help you stay on track if you’ll let me!
I have a private facebook group that I can add you to when you COMMIT to your personal decision to Live Healthy!

2. Pick your Program! Plans fail for lack of counsel. I have a Challenge Pack that you can choose to fit your personal goals, which include – your workout, your personalized menu plan, our meal replacement shake Shakeology. It tastes like dessert, but every 8 oz serving of this meal replacement shake is like going to the salad bar and filling your plate 6 1/2 times!

3. Press Play. Schedule it, and just do it. Every day. One day stacked on top of another day, and with a plan in place, and with faithful execution of the plan – YOUR BODY WILL CHANGE!

So let’s go! Why not you? Why not now? I CAN HELP! Say yes,  give me a high five – and let’s get started TODAY!

In Relentless Pursuit of Excellence!

TRACI

People ask me about how often they should weigh or measure when doing programs like Insanity, and I say HIDE THE SCALE! Don’t weigh in every day because everyone loses weight at a different rate. People can become obsessed with the scale, and if they don’t see what they think they should see it can do a number on your mental focus!

A couple years ago I did a video that seems appropriate to share here, now. It’s kind of funny, but my advice still stands! (be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and Follow Me on InstaGram: @TraciMorrow

In Relentless Pursuit of Excellence….as an Insanity Mom!

TRACI

A big piece of the equation of LIVING HEALTHY is eating well and supplementing what your body needs as you ask more of it in your workouts. Many people, my former self included, ask and wonder if supplements are unhealthy? And they wonder why, if they’re eating healthy, do they need to add supplements. Well, I’m not a Dr. or nutritionist so I’m going to encourage you to google and research for yourself, but I will tell you that after doing extensive research, talking with nutritionists & doctors, and reading for myself; I’ve changed my original opinion that I would live a healthy lifestyle without supplements. Which is saying a lot for a woman who used to gag at the mention of swallowing a pill.

So what will I be taking as I participate in 63 days of Insanity in the Shaun T Birthday Challenge? I’ve taken a photo (below)  to show you. But let me first say: I eat clean. I probably could use more fruits and veggies and definitely more WATER (part of my commitment) but I eat clean. I do enjoy treats every now and again but I don’t consider that a cheat. My calories are typically between 1700-1900 depending on the day and what I’m doing, and I always try to get at least 20 grams of protein in each of my 5 meals.  But that’s for another blog.

Here’s what I take, and the link to where to get them if you’re so inclined:

E&E: Improve your energy, endurance, strength, and focus with this NEW pre-workout drink. Its proprietary blend of advanced nitric oxide boosters, amino acids, natural energizers, electrolytes, and essential B vitamins can help you power through and maximize your workouts.*

Peak Health Multi-Vitamin: Get ripped with our most complete, high-end, high-potency multivitamin, specially formulated to boost your strength and energy!*

Joint Support Formula: Promote joint mobility with this high-quality formula designed to protect your joints and connective tissue.*

Calcium/Magnesium: Strengthen bones and teeth with the best calcium-magnesium supplement!* Made from pure milk, nature’s best and purest calcium source, but safe for those who don’t consume dairy.

Optimize: Promote an optimal immune system and manage your body’s natural inflammatory response with our proprietary blend of systemic enzymes and added camu camu.*

Shakeology: Simplify your nutrition with Shakeology^®, the Healthiest Meal of the Day^®. Replace one meal a day with Chocolate Vegan, Tropical Strawberry (Vegan), Greenberry, or regular Chocolate to increase your energy, reduce cravings, lose weight, and feel great.* When you choose Home Direct, our monthly autoship program, you get FREE basic shipping every month, plus a FREE gift.**^†

WATER: I am in general not a thirsty person. I bought a water bottle at Target that marks how many ounces I drink, and I’m committed to drink my 24 oz bottle three times a day! …glug…glug….glug…….

So there ya have it. My weapons in this battle against apathy and laziness and boredom!

Its not too late to JOIN the fun!

Why not YOU? Why not NOW?

Always…in relentless pursuit of excellence!

TRACI

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

*Products may contain equipment with natural rubber latex which may cause minor to life-threatening allergic reactions.

Today I began a 63 Day Journey with Shaun T and Insanity. I’m excited & nervous all at the same time.

I’d love for you to join me if you have an interest! I think we’re going to have a blast, as we embark on a journey many begin, but not as many finish. Well, we will. We’re taking this across the goal line! I was telling Shaun T that this reminds me of when I was in the P90Xplorers Test Group with Carl Daikeler and several other Tony Horton fanatics; trying a new program, along with the CEO of Beachbody. (Carl, for those of you who don’t know) Now, to go through Insanity with its Creator Shaun T is such a great experience and its only Day One! He’s a good friend, and I’m so thankful for his nudge to join this Birthday Challenge.

So here are my Fit Test Results for March 4, 2013:

Switch Kicks: 114

Power Jacks: 58

Power Knees: L: 116 R: 115 (rats!! irritates me that they’re not even-lol)

Power Jumps: 60

Globe Jumps: 13

Suicide Jumps: 25

Push-Up Jacks: 34

Low Plank Oblique: 52

Stretch & Cool Down

Join me! It’s not too late!

In Relentless Pursuit of Excellence…..in the ShaunTourage

TRACI

I spent the weekend in Nebraska (man, it was cold!!!) and some time with Shaun T. He’s the creator of the workout in the number one infomercial spot for several weeks running called Insanity, and Insanity Asylum, & Asylum 2 and a dear friend. Well, Shaun T is starting a round of Insanity (his first, start to finish !) this Monday March 4, 2013, and invited me and my friend Doug Fitzgerald

to start with him & a huge group of others who are doing it with Shaun! They’re calling themselves the ShaunTourage and you can follow along on the “how to”‘s at Shaun T’s FB Like page.

But like Shaun T invited me, I’m inviting YOU to join ME! If you hit any of the links above you can purchase your Challenge Pack – I’ll add you to my Private Facebook Group where I coach people through their weight loss journey for free! You’ll be a part of a great group of people wanting to LIVE HEALTHY – and I CAN HELP! I know life is full – I’m a busy mom – a mom of 6 – but life is too short to not join the fun and live a healthy, active lifestyle! No matter your age! There’s no time like the present!!!

I hope you’ll choose to join me, and when you do – shoot me an email so I can add you to my private, exclusive group! We’re going to get you fit, and earn you an INSANITY GRAD t-shirt!!

Always - In Relentless Pursuit of Excellence!

TRACI

I was out of commission for 7 weeks and even still I’m not sitting exactly right yet at nearly 9 weeks post injury. Breaking my tailbone was quite the experience, but at the end of the day, it was SUCH a blessing! Well, the time off was, the broken bone part; not so much. Back in, oh, 2003-2006 Beachbody and their celebrity trainers Tony Horton and Debbie Siebers used to promote “the rest week”; the week after completing a program to rest and reset the body so you dont burn out or get injured. You were encouraged to take a week off before even taking your AFTER photographs, and getting outside to put your fitness to use (bike riding, taking a walk, going for a hike, rock wall climbing). I dont know how or why, but somewhere along the lines we stopped talking about the rest week, and consequently people stopped taking them. People started feeling guilty about time off and of course, more people continued working out through injuries and possible injuries not wanting to miss a day for fear of I dont know what. I guess fear of going backwards, falling off program, being viewed as not really being committed – all things that have, I think, set us back as a community.

And so…..I’m bringin’ it back! I’m telling you, after 10 years of home fitness programs, participating in new workout series, running fit club, running a marathon & several half marathons, leading a test group, training people out of my home, and in their homes, appearing on QVC several times in a 24 hour period, month after month, year after year, it took its toll. Falling off my horse was a blessing thinly disguised to me. I needed the time off and I realized it quickly. It was a wake up call to say “BE STILL”. And so I was. Oh at first I tried a few workouts with weights, but my tailbone, at the base of my core, would throb and ache and I couldnt sleep that night without prescription strength Advil. No, this rest time was going to be a FULL REST. (are you reading this thinking “oh I could NEVER do that!!”? if so, keep reading) I was going to listen to my body, listen to my doctor, and ignore the voice in my head (which sounds suspiciously like Tony Horton sometimes ) that told me I needed to find *some way* to work out and just HEAL.

Because I was taking the time off my body was naturally less hungry, so I ate less, though still healthy. I enjoyed the foods of the holidays but didnt overdo, so my weight went down (loss of muscle) and maybe put on a little bit of body fat but not enough that it showed up in the way my clothes fit. I was injured on Nov. 15 so this was through all the holidays. I say this not to brag (shudder at the thought) but to show that IT CAN BE DONE. And without bitterness, or grumpiness. It was A NICE BREAK for my body and for my mind. I suddenly had an hour more a day, and I enjoyed books and movies and healing the slow, unrushed way. It was heavenly!

And then……I was ready to move. I dont know what day, or what it was that suddenly clicked, but I was ready to move again. Looked forward to it, like a kid waiting for a birthday party or special event. I missed how I felt after a workout and how my body feels when I’m whooped post workout, and yes, even the sore. As the tailbone continued to heal and the anticipation grew, my first workout back at it approached. I opened my Private Challenge Group on Facebook (I invited other people into my comeback!) and the participants started commenting on the programs they were picking and how they were waiting for Day One. My people. My program. My plan. The perfect trifecta.

I will go back to coaching my friends and teammates to take a week off at the close of one program and before starting another. I have found it to be the PERFECT way to maintain focus and commitment and love of “the game”. When does YOUR rest week start?

I’m back with a vengeance; well rested, and always…..In Relentless Pursuit of Excellence,

TRACI

Bears lining a wall outside of Sandy Hook Elementary. One for each sweet victim.

The Connecticut shooting has been shocking, disillusioning, and many of us have been left grieving for children and adults we don’t know, with the emotion one might expect to feel if the same thing were to happen to a dear friend or family member. I, and the members of my family, are no different. We randomly tear up at the thought of little 6 & 7 year old children dying such a scary, horrific death while at their safe school with their friends and teacher. We are interested in the news of the gunman and are left just as confused as everyone as to how this happens.

Like many others, I pray those families are being comforted in the deepest part of their beings in a way that only God can meet in a grief that’s too deep to fathom. We want to help them, in some way; extend our compassion in a tangible way. Well, there IS a way.

A former student at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, and the gunman’s former babysitter Ryan Kraft has set up a NPO Victim’s Relief Fund. Please read up on it, and if you’re looking for a way to reach out with love to strangers this may be what you’re looking for!

May we all reach out to the God of love, as we try to comprehend the depth of evil that’s a direct result of the absence of God’s love.

In Relentless Pursuit of Excellence in the midst of evil events,
TRACI