Monday, May 23, 2016

Kids and Fitness.

When adults think about fitness, they imagine working out at the gym, running on the treadmill, or lifting weights. Wrong!!! Not anymore. Adults have expanded their way of thinking when it comes to fitness. They want more variety and with that variety better results. When children think of fitness it usually involves having fun, playing outside, being physically active. More adults want to involve their children in some kind of physical activities and more children want to get their parents involved in some kind of playing outside. Right? I believe so. I believe now a days adults and children just want to have fun. Fitness can be fun!

We don't hear young children saying I need to workout today (some, but not that common) instead we hear them talking about playing outside with friends or going to ride bikes to the park, etc... Children just want to have fun no matter what it is they are doing. 

When we talk about Fitness, it should be fun and exciting, especially when it involves children. We know there are millions of overweight and under-educated children in the area of fitness, but it doesn't have to be that way. If fitness didn't come full force at children like a chore or something they have to do, they wouldn't be so opposed to doing fitness. When it is entertaining and the approach is less directed at the child, it becomes more fun. 
We as adults need to take responsibility for creating a fun, safe, welcoming environment for all children no matter their size, color, shape, etc...

If we, as adults, become lazy and nonproductive, and complain about having to workout today or do fitness today, how are we supposed to get children active? Tell me?? It is just the way it is, but come on adults we are role models in the eyes of children to some degree. We can help get the show started and eventually the child can become responsible for his or her own well being. There are plenty of children out there who need very little to no motivation when it comes to fitness. They are their very own self motivators. But what about the children who aren't so good at getting started on their own? What are we to do? We as adults are to help them.



Helping children is exactly what LavaKids is all about. Having Fun with family and friends. Having fun in our community. “We want kids to take control of their own health. Many kids have become sedentary and unfit, leading to a lack of self-image, among other health issues. “There is a great need for programs that can inspire kids to take their health and fitness into their own hands and motivate them to stay 
Child at heart and Hydrated!
active and reap the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle. Positive self-image will help kids not only through their school years, but their entire lives.” Lavakids

"Not only through their school years, but their ENTIRE LIVES." That is exactly what we should want for children whether they are our very own or belong to someone else. As a community we can come together to support one another and encourage a healthy mind and body approach to fitness. That doesn't mean there can't be a treat to go along with it. That doesn't mean that it can't still be fun.


Look at those smiles.

It gives me great joy to see these children excited about fitness. Oh my goodness how excited do these children get when they receive a medal!!! The medal means so much to these children, like they just accomplished one of the greatest tasks in the entire world. Heck! I get so excited when I see a child finish their run and get the medal around their neck. Then wait for it.... they run to the mom or dad saying " look look what I got, I got a medal."
I see smiles.





LavaKids provides such a positive environment for all children of all ages. There is a little something for everyone at the Family Fun Runs and Clinic on each 3rd Saturday of the month. These events are Free! Free snacks, nutrition, games, hydration, and much much more...
Snacks can taste good too!










I am blessed to have this opportunity to take my 6 year old son to these events. He started off running only the 100 yard dash and has now finished the 100 yard dash and the 1 mile run. He feels so proud of himself after accomplishing a task such as this. He is tired, sweaty, and happy. On the ride home, he smiles and always says " Mom that was fun."
My son Whistler.

I was excited this month to bring to the event Kona Deep water. Thank you Kona Deep for trusting me to share your product at an event. I truly agree with and and support Kona Deep product. It is a naturally occurring electrolyte filled water derived from deep deep below the oceans surface. No artificial ingredients, no added anything. Kona Deep is just pure goodness bottled up at the source! And I was happy share with the families and children because we all know how important it is to hydrate! 
Kona Deep.

Hydrate Kiddo








Too thirsty to comment!

Little guy with a big jug to hydrate after his run.


Even the dog wanted to drink from the source. Kona Deep that is...











A fun filled day and what a great family fun event! Again super excited to have been a part of this FUN! Fitness is Fun!!



















Thanks so much to LavaKids.org for all you do in the community for families and children and fitness. Thank you Kona Deep for trusting me to share your product where it would be appreciated! These athletes know the importance of hydration.... Be sure to keep an eye out (across my social media accounts), as I will be having my second Kona Deep giveaway within the next month or two and you could win a case of Kona Deep all for your self! 



Be sure to buy Kona Deep near you or at http://konadeep.com/locations/
 

What do you do to stay fit? How do you get your children involved in Fitness? Please share, I would love to hear........



Thanks so much,
Brooke Myers

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Running a 100 Miler (Update):

"I want to run 100 miles and nothing is going to stop me!." My exact words only a few short months ago. I still remember that exact moment I woke up, with this incredible feeling in my heart. I could feel this insane, intense feeling in my chest. That type of feeling that makes you question whether you are okay or not. Remember me saying that? I do.

Since that very moment, training had been exactly where it needed to be. I was putting in the mileage without over doing it. I was experimenting with back to back runs, carbs-depleted runs, longer runs, and walking. I had been practicing with different nutritional ideas that would be more sustainable for these longer runs. I would even get outdoors in the middle of the afternoon (our hottest points of day here in Hawaii) to go put in the miles. During the month of March, Nick's business (Velofix Hawaii) began to increase and my mileage seemed to decrease. I cannot blame him for my lack of training because our business is more important than me running. We have to work right, to pay the bills! I started to question how I was going to accomplish the training that is required in order to have a successful 100 mile run. I didn't tell anyone some of my deepest thoughts I was feeling because I didn't want anyone to think I was trying to make excuses. I wasn't making excuses! I realized I wasn't questioning my capabilities; I knew and still know I have what it takes to begin and finish a 100 mile run. I knew I wanted to run an out and back run here on the Island, No major race, no flight, no medals. I wanted to be here on Island where I am familiar, with friends and family. I wasn't questioning my capabilities, I was more or less concerned about getting the proper training without getting injured. I started to play around with different schedules and fine tuning details to get things to flow a little smoother. I was fine with the change. 

As far as my personal life goes, a conversation had come up between Nick and I that has come up in our past. Well shoots, let me just come out with it already and save you all the details: I AM PREGNANT. Surprise! Six years later and I finally decided that I too, would like to have another baby. Finally Nick, you get to have another little one! Sorry love it took so long for me to be on the same page as you, but thank you for being so patient and allowing me to be me along the way...

Come December we will invite our second child into this world as a part of our family and we couldn't be more excited. 

As for my 100 mile run, it will have to wait. Yes, I am completely fine with waiting. I will try and continue to run during my pregnancy, but if it is anything like my first pregnancy, I will be saying goodbye to running for a while. Running did not feel good for me my first pregnancy, but I am hopeful that it will this time around. Either way I am happy and I know I always have my yoga practice to rely on if running doesn't fit. 

I will be posting and updating throughout my pregnancy, so if you would like to stick around to keep an eye on me, I would be so happy to have you...

Lots of love,

Brooke  

Instagram @breathebrooke 
Twitter @breathebrooke  

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Ready For a GiveAway?

Hey Hey, We all Love a good Give Away right? Well good because I got one for you: Kona Deep give away!

As you all know, I have been drinking Kona Deep for the past couple of months (as a daily part of hydrating and training) and I want you to drink it too! I have partnered with Kona Deep and they are willing to send ONE lucky winner (chosen at random, U.S. residents only) Kona Deep: Deep Ocean Drinking Water, Case of 12, 1L Bottles no cost to you...

" Electrolytes and minerals are essential to the function of our cells and organs. Kona Deep has a unique blend of naturally occurring deep ocean electrolytes and trace minerals that help keep your body deeply hydrated, balanced and performing as it was meant to." Kona Deep.
 
Kona Deep: Deep Ocean Drinking Water, Case of 12, 1L Bottles
  http://konadeep.com/
  
For your chance to Win: please head over to @Breathebrooke
via Instagram and/or @Breathebrooke via Twitter for your chance to Win.


Rules:
1. Look for this picture floating around via MY: Instagram & Twitter & FaceBook page.





2. Check out the Kona Deep Website to learn something new.

3. Come back to my Instagram and/or Twitter and/or Facebook post to leave me a comment with (One Fact you learned about Kona Deep.) It's as easy as that!


You have TODAY (April 2,2016) to Participate, so you better Hurry for your chance to Win!!! 

Winner will be picked at random and announced tomorrow( April 3, 2016)







 
 

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Treat it like a training day.

What's my mommy going to do??? That's the question???

Are you going to race or treat it like a training day? That was the big question.



First marathon of the year and one to be proud of for many reasons. But, just to name a few: winning in my mind, breaking 4 hours on a training day, and feeling more sore than I've felt in a long time from any run!

Big Island International Marathon aka Hilo Marathon is nothing shy of wonderful. The first time I ran this race was in 2014. The course is truly beautiful. Sometimes it rains, sometimes not. You never know who is going to show up race day to lead the men & women's overall. You run along the ocean, up hills, down hills, through the neighborhood where they cheer from inside their house: you can't see them, but you can hear them. I just wave to acknowledge that I appreciate their support & cheers.

However; this year was different than the last two years. This year, I had to question myself whether or not to race, or treat it like another training day back in Kona. I wasn't sure that mentally I'd be able to go into the start of this marathon and not race it. I wasn't sure I'd know how to treat it like any other training day. Truthfully, I wasn't sure I could control myself from getting caught up in the excitement.

About two weeks prior to the race I got sick. Dealing with an ear & sinus infection, I was unsure if I was going to run the race anyways. I had felt pretty crummy, lacked a week of training - which isn't really that much of a loss, and had been dealing with headaches from hell. I got myself put together the best I could and did exactly as I would have done whether I was sick or not. Hydration & nutrition just as any other day.

I was excited as I got to the starting line. This year it was raining, which I actually enjoy quite a bit. 10 minute start delay due to flooding on course and finally the race began. Immediately, I found my zone. The words began talking in my head " Do not race and Do not chase." It was as if my mind already knew exactly what my body wanted to do for me that day. " Do not race and do not chase" continued playing in my mind every single mile. From that moment, I never questioned what my purpose running Big Island International Marathon was.

My purpose was to treat the marathon like another training day. Deep down in my heart, in my mind, in my body, I knew my 100 miler was/is my goal for the year. These extra races are all added bonuses to my training. Everything I've been learning about ultra distant running has played an important role in training. It's not about speed anymore; it's more about endurance.


Slow & steady finished the race.

The miles ended up slightly faster here and slower there, but considering everything I finished strong. I knew I was a bit more tired from being sick, but "come on and get over this crap already" is what I've been thinking. Ooohhh and I was starving. At mile 24ish, I remember how starving I was. Training for my 100 mile run, I'm learning to eat smaller quantities during the run, but more frequently than I do in just marathon training. I try not to allow myself to reach that point of starving, let alone hungry. It's somewhat different from the typical marathon training & racing I've been used to. But either way, I finished. I treated my marathon just like it was another training day. And now the 100 mile training must continue.............. Ready to get back on track and get to some of these longer mileage run days. Prepping for a 50 mile run is next, according to the plan...

Representing Run Big - Big Island Running Company!

A big congrats to The Big Island International Marathon as they are now a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon. Pretty Cool!!! Come run next year as they also celebrate their 20th year!!

Thanks for the fun weekend Nick, Whistler, and to my sister Bree. Good times with family always helps make things feel better, even when you're not feeling all that well.

Thank you to my Hilo friends for making a point to cheer & chat & snap a few photos, you guys rock!


All smiles

Top 3 female: 3,1,2


Family trip to Big island candies ( prepping for Easter)







Tuesday, March 8, 2016

I am going to Run a 100 Miler...UPDATE.

Shoes: Mizuno Wave Catalyst
Shorts: Roxy
Top: With Love From Paradise
Watch: Garmin 





January 5, 2016 I woke up full of excitement and without a doubt I had determined that I am going to run a 100 miler. We are now into the month of March and I am still full of excitement, but not quite sure exactly, what I want to do, exactly. Initially, I had thought I would sign up for the HURT 100 on Oahu, which will be held in January of 2017. (I can't apply until July) The other idea I have playing around with, somewhat of a "crazy" idea, is running my very own 100 miler right here on the Big Island.

My original thoughts included: planning out the 100 mile course right here on the Big Island, where my friends and family could participate: as a spectator, a pacer, or 100 mile runner if so wish. The idea is to create a run course which replicates familiarity and comfortably to that in which I train weekly. An out-in-back course on the Queen K Highway. Why and out-in-back course you might ask? I choose an out-in-back course because I like knowing I have a turnaround. In training, I like that feeling when I reach the halfway point and finally get to make my turnaround. It's almost like the turnaround gives me a new set of legs to run with. It gives me a new sense of what I have already accomplished thus far, and from there I know where the finish is located (no guessing how much further.)

I run along the highway more than anywhere else on this Island. The highway for me, is most comfortable and feels most natural for my body to adapt to. When I go find the trails, I feel out of place, I don't train like I do on the road. I know each terrain is intended to feel different and to be trained differently. I have no problem stepping off the asphalt here and there to run the rocky shoulder of the Queen K. A little off road running down towards the beaches of course, I love that too!!! But what I don't like about trail running, is when I have to get into my car and drive to run. Almost all of my running starts from my house and finishes at my house (out-in-back.)  Whenever I have to drive somewhere, whether it be to a trail or wherever to start my run, I feel like I have to pee more frequently. Then I can't decide if I want to carry my phone with me, and well, I just feel less focused than I do waking up at home and out the door I go. Simple as that!
Bluntly put: I am BORING and I do not need much to excite me.
Do you want to run with me???

Training has been going smoothly for the most part. A few minor setbacks with Sciatica creating some tension and my Peroneal Tendinitis flaring up after some of my more intense days. The Vog not to mention is absolutely ridiculous these days - thank you for the constant headaches. I still am thankful and lucky to live in Hawaii. What I am trying to learn now is BALANCE. Learning how to balance work and training due to the fact they are both fitness related. Teaching fitness and yoga classes add a little more stress to my body, as it would anyone's body. After teaching 3 classes in a row some days, 2 classes other days, 1 class morning and another in the evening other days, and on top of that trying to go run anywhere from 8-14 miles mid afternoon, 5-10 miles in between classes can get a little exhausting. Not to mention what are supposed to be my long and longer runs over the weekend. Actually I look most forward to my long and longer runs.
I love the distance stuff. My body usually loves the distance stuff too.
I AM NOT COMPLAINING I PROMISE - just being honest about my kind of training. Answering some of the questions I get from my readers.

I realize this is all a part of my life, the life I am living. This is part of the process of running a 100 miler. Learning to balance work, family, training, and the everyday pieces of life. I am realizing family is not interfering with my training, if anything they do their best to help me train, they tend to be quite patient with me and my kind of crazy. The most challenging aspect I am encountering is teaching fitness and trying to run all in the same day. It feels some days I don't get enough of a rest, I don't get the adequate amount of recovery 100 milers require or recommend. Into the month of March and I am exploring my options. I'm thinking I may have to cut back on some running days, not work, because well I love to teach  and well, I get paid to teach fitness and yoga, not running.

I am observing which days tend to be my higher volume days teaching and less volume days running and vise a versa. This month I am switching some things around to see if my body adapts a bit better. I have already made progress in the fact that I now can run any time of day without having a major bowel episode. This is huge for me, I used to not run any time other than early morning due to the fact that my stomach couldn't handle running after eating a regular lunch meal. Running later in the day required bathroom stops almost always, whereas, now I am beginning to adapt to more substance (liquids & solids nutrition) in my system, and running in the heat of the day. All in which I need to be more comfortable with leading up to the 100 mile day anyhow.
I am learning to eat more frequently in smaller quantities while running. I am trying some new nutritional ideas, but mostly sticking with Vega, Bonkbreaker, Nutrex Hawaii, and Kona Deep products. Oh and do not forget Pickle Juice! I like me some Pickle Juice!!!

One of my latest and Super Spirulina Yummy Recipes that I have been making for Pre & Post Fueling:

Ingredients:
  • Oats
  • Coconut Oil
  • Honey
  • Hawaiian Spirulina Protein Shake 
  • Sea salt
Mix the ingredients altogether into your processor. Blend until ingredients are smooth. Add a little extra coconut oil at the end to help hold the ingredients together as you roll them into balls. Place into a container. Put into the freezer. Let them sit about 5 minutes outside of the freezer before you are ready to eat them, so they can thaw a little. Enjoy!




I have been reading a lot from: Relentless Forward Progress (A Guide to running Ultramarathons) each chapter is full of useful material (I highly recommend reading, just as it was recommended to me.) 
The more I lean towards creating my own 100 miler, I know that I am training the terrain most like the actual run I will be doing. Lots of great information about everything in this book. This book is like a really good teacher that lets you ask any question without feeling stupid. The fact that I want to run my own 100 mile race, totally not stupid according to Relentless Forward Progress. It is an overall great guide!

As far as shoes go, I am still 4 years faithful to Mizuno
I switch up my run shoes between:
  • Wave Sayonara 2
  • Wave Sayonara 3
  • Wave Catalyst
  • Wave Rider 19

"Freedom is the miles I'm rolling on"








Highlights: I know this may sound superficial, but it was pretty exciting for me to have this exact picture re-posted by Mizuno via Instagram. Follow them on IG! 





And to have the experience to try out the New Wave Catalyst by Mizuno (which I love.) Great Shoes! Thank you!











Now that I have given you an update, I am going to ask who wants to Run with me??? 
I will let you stretch with me after too!!!



                                                      
Post Running: Stretch/Yoga 
Follow along or simply watch for your entertainment.







Thursday, February 25, 2016

Your Tea: Her Tea Review



If there is a tea for this and a tea for that, Your Tea sure has it all...
Her Tea ( everyday tea) has a fresh array of ingredients including: Oolong Tea, Ren Shen, Ju Hua, Du Song Guo, Wu Wei Zi, Xun Yi Cao, Gou Qi.

During my experience using Her Tea, I felt like I had a better sense of awareness, less mood swings, and more energy! More energy is exactly what I need. I am mom, a yoga & fitness instructor always on the move. Finding a sense of balance can be challenging every now and again. It was refreshing to know I could rely on Her Tea to get me through my day.

I was most happy with the fact that when I sipped on Her Tea it didn't leave my stomach feeling bloated or full. It was quite the opposite actually. I felt very relaxed with my digestive system. 




If you are searching for a refreshing tea exactly for your needs, search no more. 
Visit Your Tea today. They have a wide variety of teas to choose from: Her Tea, Man Tea, Tiny Tea, Happy Tea, Mood Tea, Body Tea, Cafe Tea, Sex Tea (Yes they even have one for that!!!)

 

Definitely enjoyed my experience drinking Your Tea and I know you will too!







Brooke Myers
@breathebrooke via Instagram & Twitter



 

Friday, February 12, 2016

Put a little "Spring into your Friday / Everyday" with PrAna


Misty Knickers by PrAna (bluesign®)


Versatile, light-weight, creative, and beyond flexible.... No, I am not talking about my yoga abilities, although I would like to think I am beyond flexible. I am talking about an incredible company that produces stylish and sustainable clothing and accessories that you can wear during every activity, every adventure, every single day.  
PrAna takes pride in their production of men and women's wear and accessories. 
They seek their own adventures, from which, they can base their own designs off of.  
Once those designs are produced, you and I can make a purchase from their store to our very own closets. 

I love when I look into my closet and see all the yoga leggings and active-wear I get to choose from each and every day. I get to pick what I want to wear and in that moment it will express who " I Am." Each pair of leggings, feels like it, was designed specifically for me. Each top hanging from the hanger, made for me. I guess that's what makes one company stand out more than another: the way the article of clothing looks, feels, and adapts to my own personal needs, makes it feel like it was made exactly for me. 

"When you reach into your closet, there should be something there that reflects who you are, how you feel, and what you value most. There should be something that you can put on in the morning and confidently wear all day long. Something you can throw in your bag and know will work for whatever your journey brings." PrAna



In 2012, PrAna began a partnership with bluesign® systems to ensure that the fabric they were using would meet the highest environmental and human safety standards. Do you know what this means? For the individuals who love those bright colors, you can now wear them without the fear of polluting the air and water with harsh chemicals. Thank goodness because many of my yoga adventures lead me near the ocean. And quite often I either fall or jump in... Check out the PrAna website for more details in regards to their commitment to making beautiful and sustainable and functional product they love, I love, you love, we all LOVE.















With Spring just around the corner, now is a great time to revamp your closet! 
Shop @PrAna and use my discount code now: PSSS16BB for 15% off! Ready, Set, Shop......

#PrAnaSpringStyle #sweatpink #Fitapproach



Have a beautiful weekend ~

Brooke Myers
@breathebrooke via Instagram and Twitter