My cooler is packed, I’m ready to go…
Yes, this is a Rachel Ray bag.
I wouldn’t have done it… but it was the perfect size and isn’t too loud to bring into a business meeting. #sorryimalittlesorry
Packing for this trip was a lesson in being prepared. It didn’t take as long as you would think; doing a massive weekly food prep is the biggest time-saver I know. It certainly saved me here – this is a pic of the 8 meals I’ll have to eat while on the road. Normally I wouldn’t quite go to this extreme, but with just over 2 weeks until my first figure competition, I’m not taking any risks!
Shirt from Rawxies.
I’ll be sharing some tips and tricks when I get back, but today we have a guest blogger! My friend Kat will be doing a bi-weekly guest spot from now on. I told her to write about whatever she wanted… so we’ll all be surprised together! 🙂
Seriously, I trust this girl. She’s a HUGE inspiration when it comes to determination, athletics, and taking time to enjoy life despite being just a busy (maybe ever busier) than I am. I’ll quite rambling and let her introduce herself.
Heeeeeeere’s Kat!
________________________________________________________________________________________
I’ve never written a blog before, but I think I’m going to become a regular @ Laura’s Sprint to the Table. I don’t Twitter or Instagram, and I’m not great on Facebook, but I LOVE blogs. When presented with an opportunity to do a bi-weekly guest blog for Laura, I couldn’t pass it up!
This is who I am:
My name is Kat, and I would say that I’m random and silly, overly outgoing, and I’m pretty extreme!
I live life to the fullest and I’m not sure I was ever taught how to do something in moderation (editor’s note: go big or go home!). I’m a 3rd year law student (read—so busy I don’t know what to do with myself) with two part-time jobs. I’m also an ultra runner, and triathlete (I say that, but I’ve only ever done two triathlons, both Half Ironman distance – note, extreme). I’ve never run a marathon, but I decided to run a 50 mile Ultra in September. I’m also in the middle of a 30 day yoga challenge—one class a day for 30 days.
That doesn’t sound extreme to you? Then just try it!
I’m also a huge foodie! I love to eat out (a lot of times out of necessity), and cook at home (a real treat because of my busy schedule). I also have a real talent for making the most randomly delicious meals and snacks, without spending more than 5-10 minutes in the kitchen.
Since this is an intro, I thought I would give you a brief overview of why I think I’m a great guest blogger for Laura’s Sprint to the Table! (Yes, I’m also modest…) <– editor’s note: add that to the list of things we have in common.
Ways we are alike:
- Focus on fitness – for me it’s part of my daily life in some form or another
- Love for all things foodie – we are both completely obsessed with greens and protein
- Love for life
- Very, very busy all the time!
Ways we are different:
- I run long distances—extremely long
- My main diet restriction is that I’m gluten-free (and NOT because it’s a trend—I need to be for my health!)
- I do yoga
- I don’t lift any more (not since wrestling in college, really)
My goal is to show you how you can seemingly pack more hours in to a day by being hyper-efficient, get everything you want to get done, DONE, have a ton of fun, feel like wonder woman, and still sleep 8 hours almost every single night. Yes, it’s possible!
I will probably bore you with my own “strange but goods,” my crazy training schedule, my amazing eat-out adventures, and random crap in between as I see necessary!
Oh, and I would love feedback as I get the ball rolling… since I’m such a newbie at this!
***
I need to make one of those popular “That moment” graphics saying “That moment when you pull out a can of tuna during a meeting.”
Kat’s Questions:
Do you ever feel like you can’t fit it all into one week?!
When did you last say “I’m too busy,” or “I don’t have time to run/workout/etc.”?
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life says
Laura good luck on the competition! Love your tee!
Kat, I’m a 3L too so I feel your pain lady! I can’t wait to read more about you and your foodie and running adventures, while balancing law school! Welcome to the blog world! 🙂
Kat says
Hey Sylvia! Where do you go to school? I’m a GA state. If you’re in GA, have you started Bar Fitness?!?!
Kammie says
Ahh 2 weeks. That’s so exciting, laura!
&& Nice to meet you kat 🙂
Kat says
Nice to meet you too! 🙂
Sue says
My last “I’m too busy” thought was just a few days ago. I’m looking forward to reading your tips, Kat!
If I had an extra hour per day I’d spend it sleeping. 😉
Kat says
Sue! Thanks for the response! I know, don’t we all wish there was more sleeping time!?!? 😉 Looking forward to you reading!
Miz says
LMAO at the tuna as I so so so did that back in the day when I competed 🙂
Laura says
I hasn’t gotten old. Yet. 😉
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says
welcome Kat!!!!
Kat says
Thanks! I’m super excited!
Parita says
Laura, it’s almost hereeee 🙂 So excited to read about it!
And Kat, welcome! I’m excited to read your guest posts. While I do think I make the most of my days, I can already see that I’ll learn a lot from you.
Kat says
Parita, making the most of your day is definitely a skill, maybe you’ll send tips my way too! 🙂 Thanks for the welcome! I am excited!
Alex @ therunwithin says
oh gosh so cool to read this, i am celiac so have to be gluten free as well and love long distance running.
Kat says
Hey Alex! can’t wait to share more, and get your feedback. I <3 my gluten-free lifestyle.. it doesn't feel like I'm every missing out! I eat delicious healthy food, and I'm not in pain any more!
Ed says
I always always feel like I can’t fit it all in…commuting to work tends to make that true….
Last time I said I am too busy for a work-out was yesterday….after my vacation which starts tomorrow I am not going to put up with myself saying that…maybe I should blog about it so I can be held accountable?
Kat says
I think a blog is a great idea to hold yourself accountable–or a workout buddy!
Laura says
I second that – blogging has made me SO much more responsible.
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family says
Welcome Kat!
I look forward to future posts here 🙂
Kat says
Thanks!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca says
Hi Kat!! So excited to see your posts! They sound really intriguing. I think my #1 pet peeve is people who don’t work out because “they don’t have time.” I just want to tell those people that they have time to work out, they’re just too lazy to see it!
Laura says
That drives me INSANE!!
Allie says
Hi Kat! Looking forward to your posts–especially those 5-10 minute meals and snacks. Welcome to the blogging world!
Kat says
Thanks!! 🙂
Alysha @Shesontherun says
Hi, Kat! You seem like one heck of a girl! I’m pretty busy too but the first thing I cut out of my schedule when things get hectic is the TV. Sometimes I will hardly watch any during the week. I would rather get a workout in that watch it!
Kat says
Ah-greeeeeddd!! I don’t even have tv!
Laura says
Me either! It save me money to spend on food. 🙂
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
Great to meet you Kat!! I’m saying I’m too busy to workout today! I’m taking a rest day… The 3rd this week.
Laura says
It’s all about balance. 😉
Kat says
like headstand balance! 😉 Just kidding!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
You know I love your dedication Laura! As for being too busy…I say that every day! Right now though, I think it’s a great thing for me. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to choose some things I want to do and some things I don’t want to do. I’m never too busy for a workout though. I just get up earlier to get it in!
Laura says
It’s an adventure! You do such a great job with balancing it all – I can’t imagine having kids and a spouse too!
Ashley @ Freckles & Spice says
First Laura – Ahhhhh! So excited.
Second Kat – I say I’m too busy every.single.day. I feel like my blog is crumbling and there are not enough hours in the day to give everyone/everything what they need from me. I’ve been really trying to figure it out.
Kat says
You can do it!! You really can. I promise. It’s putting one foot in front of the other, doing one thing at a time, and keeping a positive outlook about what will get done. It is doable! 😉
Laura says
It’s not crumbling! Take care of your stuff and people will read when you’re ready to write again. xo
Eva @ Commited2Nutrition says
Hi Kat! Nice to “meet” you. I am so busy like you are- full time job, teach zumba 4x per week at night, friends, BOYFRIEND, seems like all my friends are getting engaged and married and PREGNANT… oh man, it’s hard to fit it in. I think just priortizing is the way to go. I also know that if I didn’t teach zumba, i’d skip work outs ALL THE TIME. but because I HAVE to be there, I am working out. win win, I suppose.
Laura- two weeks will be here before you know it.. I love reading about your journey with the fitness comp!
Kat says
Eva, thanks for the comment! You are so right… sometimes you need a solid commitment to get it in–not the same method will work for everyone, and if that’s what gets you there, it’s amazing! I have to admit, the lack of a significant other is helpful when you’re super busy, but relationships with other people are what make life worth living. I don’t know HOW I would work in a significant other… maybe I could learn from you too! 🙂
Laura says
So I read “PREGNANT” first and thought OMG is she knocked up?! LOL! 😉
Debbie says
Good luck on your competition, Laura. It’s getting so close!
Welcome, Kat. It’s nice to meet you. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. I could use some tips on time management. I get a lot done, but it’s that 8 hours of sleep that I’m missing!
Kat says
Thanks! Sleep is a tough thing to fit in when you are busy, and I did just read that you are a wife and mom.. that would be a full time job in and of itself for me, I think! It just has to be a priority! Sleep is a part of a healthy lifestyle too! Not just getting a workout!
Bonnie says
Welcome, Kat! Looking forward to hearing more of your tips and tricks! And yes, you are extreme! I think we all are in our own ways – love to read about others’ adventures. 🙂
Kat says
Hey Bonnie! Thanks! I also love to read about others’ adventures. I have to admit I have stocked your blog before, following a link from here, and it sounds like you have some pretty awesome adventures and cool life as well! 🙂
Laura says
Bonnie rocks. 🙂
janet @ the taste space says
Welcome Kat! You put me to shame. Laura puts me to shame, too. I always have time for what is important to me (work, gym, food).. except maybe studying.
Kat says
No way! If you make time for what is important to you, there’s no reason to feel “put to shame”! We all have a reason to love and be positive about our own lives!
Laura says
That’s such a good point – if it’s important, you’ll find time.
Nadiya says
Welcome Kat! Wow! You surely are uber busy! I’m uber excited to learn your time management tips ^^
Kat says
Thanks for the welcome! I’m *uber* excited too! 😉
Heather @ girlyeverafter says
It was so nice to meet you with all the other ATL bloggers and I can’t wait to read your posts!
Kat says
Great to meet you too! I just checked out your blog! Love it! Glad you stopped by to read!
Lee says
Looking forward to reading your posts. It was nice to meet you a few weeks ago. I was the one that also played rugby! That was fun to talk about, as I haven’t in years. We should have sang some songs.
Lee says
I just realized how bizarre that last sentence must sound to non-rugby players. Ha.
Kat says
Lol!! I remember the rugby! We will have to get together again and bust out some good ol’ rugby songs. It’ll be great, even if it’s only the two of us at a bar shooting the boot.
Laura says
Can I come watch this shenanigans?
Kat says
of course!!!! You must!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Welcome Kat! Go yoga!! 🙂
Kat says
Yay! Glad we have some other yogi’s reading!
Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife says
Hi Kat! I’m also a 3L so I completely know where you’re coming from! Graduation could not come any sooner….seriously. Really. I go to William & Mary but I’ll be sitting for the GA bar at the same time that I presume you will be! 🙂
Kat says
YAY for being almost done but BOO for bar fitness! Glad to have some other 3Ls reading!!
Laura says
You guys are soooooo close!
Choc Chip Uru says
Nice to meet you Kat 🙂
And aaah have a brilliant time my friend and good luck!!!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Kierston says
My biggest excuse b4 getting into health and fitness was that I didn’t have time. In actual reality, it was the fact I chose not to make time. Now, I couldn’t imagine not exercising and feeding my body with the goodness it deserves 🙂
Laura says
Yesssss! It is a conscious choice and that’s a great point about your body deserving it. 🙂
Carrie @ Season It Already! says
I think we’ve all had trouble fitting things into our schedules or felt overwhelmed. I’m at the point where I’ve learned to pick and choose, prioritize. It’s just not worth it to stress about it. I’ve also tried to put health and working out first. That’s made a huge difference.
Kat says
That is awesome!! Good for you. Definitely have to prioritize! 🙂 Stress management = Key
Laura says
Massages are also key for stress management…. 😉
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
Ultrarunners & triathletes are great at packing it all into a day!! Looking forward to reading your posts. 🙂
Kat says
Thanks Heather!! 🙂
Laura says
You guys would get along SO well. Heather, when you came back to ATL we all need to go out.
Jentry Nielsen says
I love this! I can’t wait to hear how she does it all! I’m a nursing student working two part time jobs and I can tell all the business has gotten in the way of my fitness which only makes me more stressed! I know I can fit it all in with a little time management, I can’t wait to learn her tips and tricks! 🙂
Enjoy your vaca Laura! 🙂
Kat says
Yay! Glad to hear other crazy busy people are reading. Hopefully it will help, and maybe you’ll have a tip or two for me! So looking forward to my next blog!
Laura says
Wow girl… I am tired jut reading this. Nursing alone seems so exhausting! Have you done your clinicals yet?
Jentry Nielsen says
No not yet those are next semester, just a lot of busy work and lectures right now! I’m excited to get out there and start those though!
Hayley @ Oat Couture says
Eeeeeeeehhh TWO WEEKS!?! The time has been flying by girl!! So excited! You will hear me cheering all the way from London!!! 🙂 Great guest post Kat! I def need to learn how to manage my time more efficiently! So far I am at university full time (read 3 days), work part time, have slowed blogging right down ( 🙁 ) and STILL find that my fitness routine has taken a few knocks. I know that I have so much more time available to me than most people and yet I still can’t seem to squeeze everything in!? :/ Need to get my ass moving!!
Laura says
You HAVE been busy! I can’t imagine working and going to school – I went back to grad school full time and was so busy I could barely breathe. You rock! 🙂
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
I broke out a can of tuna with family and got weird looks…can’t imagine what the guys would say if I did it at work! Lol!
So nice to “meet’ you Kat! I am DEFINITELY a person who can benefit from any and EVERY tip I can get to better manage my time. I always feel like I’m rushing around to get everything accomplished and most of the time that requires me to skimp on something…workout, sleep, proper sit down meals. Glad to have you and can’t wait to read more!