How to Train a Spartan

Running Boot Camp Instructor

Greg DurhamMeet Greg Durham he's my running boot camp instructor. He's helping me get into tip top shape for the Spartan Race. And then there were two! Last night they tag teamed me. I had the brother/sister duo (Greg and Sara) work out which had me pulling double duty. Sara set up the "Oliver 5K." WOW!

Greg was great and he did it with me and gave me the encouragement I needed. He checked my running form since my injury to make sure I was on track. We made use of these little orange cones. The "Oliver 5K" went something like this, butt kicks to high knees, to alternating karaokes, sprints and high skipping. Then we changed it up with relay racing, the "dirty 30" and we weaved the hill. All of this in hot wet weather.

The cool part is I was one of those people totally rocking it! I work with some of the best trainers so I should be able to do what they ask in comparison to folks who are newbies. Then again if I could get off another 10 pounds I could be flying! I was in a bit of pain last night and bought a foam roller from Greg. These are handy if you can get them. Here are some before and after photos. I thought it would be good to see the progress since people say I look thinner but my scale is not as kind. lol - ok the before were taken 7/15 and the afters were taken 8/31. Let's have a look.

I can't tell! lol I'm standing two different ways so it's hard for me to judge. I'm cracking up because my Mom took the latest photos and she was so grossed out at how sweaty I was when I got to her house after my "Oliver 5K." So if I put these same pictures in the photo editor let's see what I see when I look in the mirror.

Oh yes, that's more like it! It's all that hard work paying off right there. That will keep me going for at least another week. lol - OK now that I've gotten a good laugh it's back to work.


Until next time on....How to Train a Spartan.


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How to Train a Spartan

Meet Hiro Otani! You might have seen me and founder of #Mamavation Leah tweeting about her training with Billy Banks. Hiro has been in some of his Tae Bo training videos. She has amazing strength like I've never seen before. To train with her is truly inspiring because of what she has trained her body to do.

Her class is always packed especially now that school is back in session. We are in a room with 50+ people wanting to train with her every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 8:30am. She has been called a "beast", "a legend" and anyone that works with her has a lot of respect for her. One of my favorite things to do is tweet her quotes after class. She's got a lot of them, "no breakfast, no class!" She can tell when you haven't eaten because you can't think quickly. Tae Bo is fast moving with Hiro! It's great training for the Spartan Race because it trains you to be agile, focus on breathing and your core. You must pick your body parts up, pivot your feet, and stay in tune with your body so you don't injure yourself. Keep count! Keep count! Keep count! If you don't she will make the whole class do another set of reps. She comes around and makes sure you are doing the moves right. What ever you do don't lose count! lol

She spends the last 15 minutes of class making you do things like push ups, planks, crunches, bicycle crunches, leg lifts, side leg lifts, side leg kicks, more crunches, more push ups and she can do these things without breaking a sweat. She is famous for her one handed push ups! If you ever get the chance to see her do these things you will be in awe. She's amazing and that my friends is why she is part of my training crew! I've got only 33 more days to train.

Until next time on....How to Train a Spartan.

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Ready for Halloween? See Wonder Woman in Training

Wonder Woman was such an idol for me as a little girl. What young girl didn't want to be her? I'm so happy that CostumeSuperCenter.com offers a Wonder Woman toddler costume for my baby girl. Now I can share my love for my favorite super heroine with my Silly! UPS just dropped off the costume today while she was napping and I couldn't wait to get it on her. Her brothers helped me get her dressed.

She's completely intrigued!

We had to move her into the bathroom to get all her gear on. 

The costume comes with a dress, cape, belt, gauntlets, boot tops and headband.

We had a hard time getting all the accessories on her. In order to get her crown on, both of her brothers had to try it on first so she would want it. They are really good sports!

She's ready to go out into the world and fight crime!

The dress is a little small even though it's a 2-4T and she normally wears a 3T. She's tall but the boot tops are still a little long. We can do some minor adjustments and make it a better fit. Overall it works and she looks adorable. When her daddy saw her in this he just melted and had the biggest smile on his face. The metallic fabric doesn't seem to bother her and she is comfortable in her costume which retails for 24.95 +shipping. Her brother's are completely inspired by her costume and now they want to wear something in the Justice League series. If your not a fan of this series you can find all sorts of ideas for toddler Halloween costumes  and  kids Halloween costumes. What do you think is her costume going to be a hit this Halloween season? Check out what's new at CostumeSuperCenter.com for your costume needs. There is a wide range of sizes, large selection and speedy delivery!

You can find them on Twitter and Facebook too!


Costume provided by CostumeSuperCenter.com for review purposes only, no monetary funds were paid for this post. Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

How to Train a Spartan

 E.A. Smith YMCA Boot Camp Instructor

  

Dexter Smith

There are 34 days left to train for the Spartan Race. A special thank you to the #Mamavation crew for all of their support. Since there is a group of us training together it makes it easier? We aren't really sure how to train. Do we practice sprints? We aren't sure but Dexter has plans for us. Today he was a madman with his whistle. I felt like I was in a scene on that HBO special about the New York Jets football training camp. One whistle blow sprint, two blows drop and give him push ups, three blows lunges, etc...etc...etc... crawl around like a bear! Then run around the soccer field and do it all again. We were all crawling on the ground at one point or another. I was having lots of "I want my mommy!" moments. We practice in the same area as the little kids practicing for soccer. There's nothing like having all the parents watch a bunch of grown people crawling around on the ground! It was HOT and it was humid. It was hard to get a breath because the air was so wet. It was awful outside. We are all hoping the temperature is a whole lot cooler in October. On my own I hit the track this morning to run a mile. It's my first one since my injury. I have to work all the way back up to where I was. It's frustrating but I've got time.

Until next time on....How to Train a Spartan.


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The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee

The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee is a must have for every family! When I first saw the cover, I was intrigued by this baby wearing a suit and tie while sitting in a high chair. As I began to read it I caught myself laughing out loud and pretty soon I had an audience. My kids wanted me to read it to them and we could not stop laughing. My husband came home and we gave the book to him to read and soon we were ALL laughing. Why does this book hit home for us?
Because we too have "The Boss Baby" in our own home as you can see.
 The illustrations are incredibly entertaining. All parents and siblings will be able to relate to the demands of the The Boss Baby. This would make a great gift for first time parents! If your in the market for holiday shopping this would make a great gift for toddlers too! If you would like to browse The Boss Baby click here for a preview. To find out more about this talented author and illustrator Marla Frazee click here. If you are a Facebook user don't forget to click like to show your support for The Boss Baby published by Simon and Schuster.







A copy of The Boss Baby was received for review purposes only, no monetary funds were given for this review. Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

#Mamavation Monday

Weekly Mamavation Goals - 

1.  #fruitnveggie challenge. Get 7-8 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. 
2. Water challenge. Strive to drink more water. Some moms are striving to drink half their body weight in water. For instance if you weigh 180, strive to drink 90 ounces of water per day.

My Goals -

• The long term goal 50lbs. by the end of the year.
• The short term goal 4 lbs. per month. 
• January - 4 pounds lost = goal met.
• February - 5 pounds lost = goal met.
• March - +1 gain = goal NOT met.
• April - 2 pounds lost = goal NOT met.
• May - 3 pounds lost = goal NOT met.
• June - 0 gain/loss = goal NOT met.
• July  - +1 gain = goal NOT met.
• August - 2 pounds lost = goal NOT met.
• September

My Work Outs -
 Messed up this post by cutting and pasting over it. lol - geez

Measurements -



Scale Reading -
I have a 2 lb. gain.

Stress Level -

Taking care of the kids alone this week.

The UP side -
The How to Train a Spartan series is going well.

I'm looking forward to reading how the rest of my "sistas" did this week.
And this is a little inspiration for all of this week!

I'm always hunting workout music which you will find in my DJ Booth at Blip.fm. You can search the #mamavation hashtag or #workouttunes to see my lists. If you have any music suggestions leave them in the comment section!

From RealAge.com

Secure Your Success
Charting your progress gets you there faster. Try these tools:





Track my weight loss.


Watch my waist get smaller.


Track my walking.  

Need for fitness support? Join the "Sistahood".

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com and before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

5 Fingers of Thanks

1.) Thankful that my husband is home safely from his travels!
2.) Thankful for the kindness of strangers. He helped me fix my flat.

3.) Thankful that my hubs and I have a plan for our future home.
4.) Thankful that we made it to the wedding reception before they put the food away.

5.) Thankful my kids have mad dancing skills.

If you would like to share in my Sundays of thanks there is a Mr. Linky.

Below is the code for those five little fingers above or feel free to create your own.

<a href="http://pamelamkramer.blogspot.com/search/label/5%20Fingers%20of%20Thanks" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/PMKU/5fingersofthanks.jpg" /></a>

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How to Train a Spartan

Adventure Boot Camp Instructor

Sara Durham Oliver
Meet Sara! She runs adventure boot camp during the week and "Weekend Warrior" class on Saturdays at 7:30am. You can drop in for $20 at Dow Park which I love. The flexibility is a huge draw for me. Her Saturday camp is a full body work out. She likes to create a variety of obstacle courses for her class. I just went through Dex's yesterday so I knew today was going to be a challenge.

We ran, used resistant bands and hand weights. We jump roped, jumped over these orange things I'm not sure what the name is, had more fun with those ladders and rings, took on the hill as we weaved up and down. We did push ups and partnered up to do tricep dips. That was fun! My partner had strong knees so this wasn't a problem for me. Although I was worried about my knees holding him up. lol

As I train for the Spartan Race I began to wonder if I could over train so I asked Sara this burning question. She told me "Yes! you can over train." Then she gave me a list of symptoms to look out for:
fatigue
being emotional
crying
That's all I can remember from her list. I don't really have those symptoms so I figure I'm ok. The only problem I am having is hip pain. She showed me some hip flexor stretches and told me roll on those foam rollers. I'm going to take her advice and ease up on the sprinting too!

Until next time on....How to Train a Spartan.

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How to Train a Spartan

Meet Dex! At least that's what we call him. I think he would prefer "General." lol - He likes to throw interesting workouts our way on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in our boot camp class at "The Y." Because there are so many of us entering the SpartanRace.com we figured he could help train us for this big event. That's why he's been enlisted in my training crew. After all we have (hang on let me look at my countdown widget on the right) 36 days left to train. No problem! *cough, cough*

He really mixed it up today. We sprinted, bear crawled, push up, squats, push up, jumped over picnic benches, push up, crawled under picnic benches, push up, something called the typewriter in and out of a ladder and more push ups. We got to do it twice and then run a mile. It was HOT! I hope this gets a little easier. You know I'm going to tell you! lol

I haven't been cleared to do any constant running but I made it 2/3 of the way. I have to work on jumping over those picnic benches. I only cleared one and got spooked on the second and sort of walked over the third. The get on your belly and crawl was not a problem. Let's see what happens when I have to do it through mud.

Until next time on....How to Train a Spartan





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Freebie Friday - Link Up #contests and prizes every Friday

Are you hosting a #contest? Great! Post it here on Freebie Friday. What better time to search and enter contests than on the weekend? Sign in so that others can find your giveaway. I will be hosting Freebie Friday each week from now on so be sure to drop back by. Now go grab your tasty beverage, sit back and relax and contest hop with me! Don't forget to check out these hosted contest links too.





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Aloha Friday #228 - Franchise Baby!

Kailani at An Island Life has created this really fun idea. If you are interested in joining in, please visit her site for more details.

I'm a big fan of Chik-fil-a. I like their food and I particularly like the service at the location that I go to. They are SUPER friendly. It really makes you take a step back and you can't help but be nice and feel better when you leave. This got me to thinking...if I could own any franchise it would be a Chik-fil-a.


What about you, what franchise would you own if you could?

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Am I Tough Enough? Let's Find Out #Mamavation

Spartan Race.com

It started out a little something like this....

A friend of a friend sent out an email asking if any of us who do boot camp at the Y would be interested in forming groups. After I watched this video I was pretty charged because I'm a huge fan of 300. My husband also likes to throw in this quote when the situation permits, "You know Pam, only Spartan women, give birth to Spartan men." rofl...

Immediately I thought this would be so cool to do. It's so outside the box which is right up my ally. The question is how do you train for something like this? Can I keep up? Yes, I'm still nursing my leg a bit but I'm pretty much over it. I just need the ok from my doctor. Once I get that, bring it on!

Of course I had to get the support from my husband first and he says, "Go For It!" So with his blessing and a group of friends I'm going to start this adventure with 37 days left to train. I'm hoping to introduce you to all the people that I'm working with and post their photos and how they each help me. I'm waiting to get their permission first. I'm really excited!

My boys have watched this video over and over! My older son wants to do it but you have to be at least 16 years of age to enter. The response has been mixed so far. I've heard "you're nuts, that's insane, how cool!, I want to do it, maybe next year and my favorite...I'll come watch you!"

Step 1:  Form a team of 4. The entry is cheaper and who couldn't use the support of three others trying to see what they can accomplish too. 

Check! My team: Me, Cameo, Colleen and Shane.

Step 2: Register - Working on it.

Wish me luck! And join me for my new blog series of How to Train a Spartan!


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Wordless Wednesday - Hey Toni!

She's still got it! After 14 years she is still a great guard dog. Just look at her in action, guarding all those family games in the game closet! They are safe and sound. Good job, puppy!

 For more WW participants head to:






To view other Wordful Wednesday blogs head over to:




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Bay Area Running Boot Camp - Day 12

In the "What have I gotten myself into category!" I'm catching up on my post for running boot camp with Greg Durham. Today I hit the track with my good friend Karen Nelson. I didn't get any running in just power walking laps around the track.

What I did do this morning was make it to Tae Bo with Hiro. She is the most amazing instructor I have ever seen. Seriously! I think she would give Jillian Michaels a run for her money. Let me rephrase that, I KNOW she could. There is nothing like surrounding yourself with strong people. It makes you that much stronger. These people that I work out with and am instructed by are such an inspiration!

If I can make it through Tae Bo without too much of a problem then I figure I'm well on my way back to 100%.


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Birthday Wishes For The King

 No, I'm not talking about Elvis. I'm talking about my son who turned 4 today! His name means "king" and that's what we call him. It was a very busy day for the birthday boy. We would like to thank all of you on Facebook and Twitter that left him birthday wishes. Here are a few of my favorite shots from his big day.

He got his first library card and signed his name all by himself. He's pretty proud of himself.

He kept picking out books to check out just because he could.

 This is his military cake. It has a tank on it that transforms into a robot. He was really happy with his choice.

Play-Doh, it was one of his favorite presents. He was just so happy about getting some. It was from his baby sister and he kept saying, "thank you silly, oh thank you, thank you!" I think my Mom got in on video.

I can't remember which Transformer this is but he was really excited to get it.

He begged for this Power Ranger transformer robot every single time we went to the store. He even took a box and hid it in the baby aisle so that no one would find it and buy it. rofl...

As usual trying to get a good shot of all of us at the same time is madness. My face was squished in between the two. My husband is losing his mind because right here is in the middle of packing to leave the country. All in all I think it was a very Happy Birthday for our little guy. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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5 Fingers of Thanks

1.) Thankful that I'm able to "light jog."
2.) Thankful that I've almost got this Birthday Bash wrapped up.
3.) Thankful that my little guy is turning 4 tomorrow!
4.) Thankful that our congregation is praying for safe travels for my husband as he leaves the country again.
5.) Thankful that we have Bank of America paid off...Go DAVE RAMSEY!!!!!

If you would like to share in my Sundays of thanks there is a Mr. Linky.

Below is the code for those five little fingers above or feel free to create your own.

<a href="http://pamelamkramer.blogspot.com/search/label/5%20Fingers%20of%20Thanks" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/PMKU/5fingersofthanks.jpg" /></a>

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Bay Area Running Boot Camp - Day 11

 In the "What have I gotten myself into category!" I'm catching up on my post for running boot camp with Greg Durham. It's not really day 11 of the boot camp but it's day 11 for me because it's my first day back after my stellar performance in a soccer game. Dr. Keng has given me the ok for "light jogging" but not for long periods of time. She told me to run a quarter mile then walk a quarter mile. This is the FIRST time I've actually followed the Dr.'s orders. The injury was pretty painful and I want to get back on track. I don't want to do anything to make it worse. I want to be 100% as soon as possible.

Dow Park track was my mission this morning. I did exactly what she said for 2 miles. My "light jog" was incredibly slow. It was tempting to push it because I'm nuts like that. There was this woman that was speed walking. She was cruising! I swear she passed me twice. lol - It was hard and I had to get out of my head. I kept telling myself take it easy, it's going to be a slow process, if you push it you might end up back tracking. I did what I could and I'm going to try it again for the rest of the week. I'm hoping to join my fellow running boot campers in another week. Wish me luck!





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Freebie Friday - Link Up #contests and prizes every Friday

Are you hosting a #contest? Great! Post it here on Freebie Friday. What better time to search and enter contests than on the weekend? Sign in so that others can find your giveaway. I will be hosting Freebie Friday each week from now on so be sure to drop back by. Now go grab your tasty beverage, sit back and relax and contest hop with me! Don't forget to check out these hosted contest links too.





Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Aloha Friday #227 - Oh That Sound!

Kailani at An Island Life has created this really fun idea. If you are interested in joining in, please visit her site for more details.

Last night my husband and I are in bed trying to go to sleep. All of a sudden I hear this sound. It's like nails on a chalk board in my ears, only it's not nails. It's my dog drinking out of the toilet bowl! That sound grosses me out so badly that it got me to wondering...

What sound grosses you out the most?



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Birthday Wishes For The Princess

Thank you all so much for all the birthday wishes on Twitter and Facebook. She had such a great day today. Here's a few of my favorite photos and little recap of her special day. We love you Silly!

There was some sort of early morning celebration in the laundry baskets. I have no idea where these three come up with this stuff but they were happy as clams singing the birthday song.

She refused to wear her custom made party hat by the child care workers at "The Y." I put it on her head while she was laying down getting ready for her nap. Notice the signal, the two fingers in the mouth usually gives her away.

This is exactly 8 seconds of birthday singing because my video camera still has a tape stuck in it from probably a year ago so I had to use my digital camera.

She was loving those cupcakes. I have lots of pictures of her birthday presents. Let me share a few of my favorite shots.

It's hard to get a good shot of the whole family but this was too funny not to share.

She loves this guitar. She clapped and danced and then her brother took it and played with it the rest of the evening. rofl....

Look at the smile on my husband's face! He's so proud of himself, already training her for engineering with those mega blocks.

This is a great shot because she loves her pots and pans set from her Nana and Granny. She loves her van that her big brother got her and the people that go inside. ***Notice that the Mommy is driving the van? ***The Daddy is the passenger! ROFL....that's us. I drive the van and her Daddy sits as the passenger. Oh did we crack up. I think she had a great little birthday party. One party down, three to go!


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