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Summer Adventure guide without the MOM GUILT!!!
As the summer sunrise nears, school lets out, and we hit the trails... we sometimes also hit the wall! That invisible wall that we run so strong and smack into...despite the summer adventure preparation, camps, clinics, and sign ups.
Whether you are a mom or not, you know that once summer hits, schedules change, more daylight is offered, and there is more demand on you! Pressure to fit more in those longer days, more outside time, more kiddo/pup/family/friends time, and hopefully more time for YOU!
But things don't always go as planned, do they?! You may even be sitting here right now thinking- shoot!.. it's the last week of school?
Have no fear! Your Summer Adventure Guide is here!
For the kiddos! (if you haven't already)...
The 3 E's are great goals to have!
Educate
Empower
Exercise them!
This will also help you check off your fitness goals too! And although they may not be exactly as you planned, trust me, you can't let precious moments slip by just for your training schedule when their can be a fun, effective compromise!
Check local newsletters, papers, church, community websites, community social media for FREE camps, clinics, etc that could not only help you out on babysitting fees but allow your child to grow over the summer (with educational/art/and sporting options). If you missed out on the free ones, get on wait lists and be sure to have a list of low cost optional ones too ( again, wouldn't you rather enrich your child's life, instead of paying a babysitter that may just watch them play video games?!). Don't forget to check the bowling alley, zoo, museums- they almost always have a free day in the summer!
Plan a weekend with them. Although summer typically flies by, consider giving them something to look forward to that would be low cost and convenient for you! Such as: backyard camp nights, bonfires, yard game day, or even an outdoor made up obstacle course with rocks/logs/etc! And put this on a monthly schedule on the wall/fridge! You can find great family ones here: click
Take them on a long hike/day backpacking or overnight backpacking. For the super young ones, I recommend only 1-2 nights max and preferably on a trail that may include tons of things to stimulate them! Such as: lakes, streams, rivers, mountain or hilly overlooks, wildflower season, or historical options! Ask a friend, check out your local goodwill, or poshmark type stores for discount prices on gear!
For You!
Be mindful of your hormones! You can learn more about how to work with them instead of against them in this podcast click "Fatigued? Low motivation.."
Take advantage of family exercise opportunities. From those backyard obstacles, to campground games, there is always an opportunity to gain more steps, and extra squats with duck duck goose! Pro tip: got sidewalk? Bring the chalk on your adventures.. you can create a strength emphasized hop scotch game with the kids.
3. Don't forget the exercise bands. They are easily pack-able and can be done at a hotel, campsite, or even on a plane! :) --> I may or may not have done that before! haha.. Ladders too! A great fun way to include the whole family on some agility exercise!
4. Fussy or lazy kids/spouse/or pups.. hit up your storage, dig through the kids rooms, find old books that are like new, crafts (let the kids paint that old rocking chair.. it will be priceless!), do it yourself, purge for a fresh fall, and finally... VOLUNTEER! This is something both kids and adults can do this is way more rewarding than anything else! If you are looking to fit your workout in, volunteer for a trash pickup, trail work, or even a race!
How to include God in your Summer Adventures!
Did you know they make waterproof bibles?! Yeah! click no excuses!
Bible Stories around the camp fire (for the adults my favorite is "Bad girls of the Bible" ) you can pick out all the not so good girls and why and learn from them!
Bible games from bingo to card questions for any family or friends click
They even have bible trivia to help you learn but my ultimate favorite is including God on our hikes by asking certain questions but using this book as a guide! click
Finally, I can't stress enough how important it is to surround ourselves with his word. From coffee cups to blankets, they are easy reminders of how to love one another!
EMPOWERMENT
I have two favors to ask of you...
Please vote for me for Ms. Hers Fitness Magazine... although I took time off from fitness modeling, I felt compelled to enter this contest to help continue to EMPOWER women of all ages in a healthy manner. You have a free daily vote or you can also make donation to Veterans (huge!) and earn votes. click
Please donate to support me on my journey of empowerment with running. Recently I qualified to represent the USA at UTMB OCC Mont Blanc click (Most are aware that I have not raced for almost 4 years, so this qualifier and opportunity were absolutely God Given!.. and will be for his Glory!) You will receive a STANDARD FITNESS PROGRAM!!! for your $50 donation or more. I'd love to help you reach your fitness goals. This is a low volume, basic holistic approach for anyone! click You may also choose to donate your programming!
Wondering what SheRUGGED is all about? Check out Angela Soltysiak's interview here: click Faith and Friendship episode!
