Being a mom, sometimes the word “routine” doesn’t enter into the mix. As any parent can surely back me up on, the second you come anywhere near what could pass as a routine is the second something happens that throws a big old wrench into said routine. So while my routine when I’m on mat leave (which I currently am until February 2013) is somewhat non-existent, I thought I’d share my typical routine when I’m working as I will normally do my workouts during my work day.
The night before, I make sure all my food is prepped and water bottle is ready. My gym bag is packed and my clothes are picked out for the next day. I’m not a morning person at all so don’t ask me to try and accomplish anything with only 30 minutes to get out the door unless you’re prepared to witness a complete and utter gong show.
Image Credit: Stephanie Hamm Photography
In the morning, I get up around 5:30am (painful) and get dressed, get breakfast on the table for the kids, get coffee brewing for me and load the bags for the day in the car. 6:00am, I’m getting the kids up, dressed, fed (or breakfast packed to be eaten at daycare if we don’t have time…which we usually don’t). Drop the kids off at 7:00am, head to work for 7:30. From there I work for about 2 hours, have a light breakfast, drink half my coffee in my travel mug and water and around 9:30, either head to the gym or head out for a run.
After I’ve worked out, showered, and gotten back to my desk, I will have my second light breakfast, usually protein heavy for post workout, lots of water and the last half of my coffee (I’m one of those people who likes luke warm coffee. Gross, I know). I then work until 3:30 having small snacks and my lunch at my desk. I always make sure that my recovery foods are such that I will be full the rest of the day and not fall victim to the post-workout snackies. Some examples of things I like to eat (not all on the same day):
Raw Veggies and/or fruits
Apples or Banana w/ nut butter (almond and cashew are my fav’s)
Home Made granola (VERY inexpensive and fills you up)
Big Beautiful Salads with lots of greens, colourful veggies and either a grain like quinoa, chickpeas or black beans to add a nutritional punch and keep me satisfied.
Dark chocolate
For me, my routine is more about planning my fuel than the actual workout. I’ve been exercising regularly long enough that I can make that plan with little problem but I have to work hard to make sure that I’m not negating my hard work by running to the vending machine after every workout.
What are some of your pre and post workout routines? Do you plan your food in advance or are you more of a fly by the seat of your pants kind of person?
(ps, I’m taking part in a blogging challenge my wonderful friend Janice is hosting on her blog. If you’re interested in jumping in, head over for the list of daily topics!)
Oh I like this blogger challenge idea! I think I might join in! And I “try” to plan ahead, but things happen and I get distracted. Lol
I’m happy if I’ve planned my running outfit and picked something for my daughter to wear! haha 
I don’t have as set of a routine food-wise, but I always make sure I have a post workout snack packed with protein and carbs for recovery. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches, greek yogurt with fruit and almoonds or chocolate milk are my faves. Note to anyone out there – don’t go to the grocery store after a workout without your post workout snack- disaster and you will be shocked at what goes in the cart ha ha.
Not shocked…been there, done that, hung my head in shame after
I’ve been wondering your pre and post running stretches. I’ve been running lately and am not sure if I have a good stretch routine both before and after my runs. Any thoughts would be most definitely appreciated. BTW-I LOVE your blog!!!!
In two words: Foam Roller. I stretch after a run too but the foam roller is really what takes the aches away. After long runs, I wear compression socks the rest of the day and sometimes to bed. They are magic and worth every single penny.