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!
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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.”?
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! 🙂
Hey Sylvia! Where do you go to school? I’m a GA state. If you’re in GA, have you started Bar Fitness?!?!
Ahh 2 weeks. That’s so exciting, laura!
&& Nice to meet you kat 🙂
Nice to meet you too! 🙂
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. 😉
Sue! Thanks for the response! I know, don’t we all wish there was more sleeping time!?!? 😉 Looking forward to you reading!
LMAO at the tuna as I so so so did that back in the day when I competed 🙂
I hasn’t gotten old. Yet. 😉
welcome Kat!!!!
Thanks! I’m super excited!
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.
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!
oh gosh so cool to read this, i am celiac so have to be gluten free as well and love long distance running.
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!
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?
I think a blog is a great idea to hold yourself accountable–or a workout buddy!
I second that – blogging has made me SO much more responsible.
Welcome Kat!
I look forward to future posts here 🙂
Thanks!
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!
That drives me INSANE!!
Hi Kat! Looking forward to your posts–especially those 5-10 minute meals and snacks. Welcome to the blogging world!
Thanks!! 🙂
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!
Ah-greeeeeddd!! I don’t even have tv!
Me either! It save me money to spend on food. 🙂
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.
It’s all about balance. 😉
like headstand balance! 😉 Just kidding!
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!
It’s an adventure! You do such a great job with balancing it all – I can’t imagine having kids and a spouse too!
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.
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! 😉
It’s not crumbling! Take care of your stuff and people will read when you’re ready to write again. xo
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!
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! 🙂
So I read “PREGNANT” first and thought OMG is she knocked up?! LOL! 😉
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!
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!
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. 🙂
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! 🙂
Bonnie rocks. 🙂
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.
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!
That’s such a good point – if it’s important, you’ll find time.
Welcome Kat! Wow! You surely are uber busy! I’m uber excited to learn your time management tips ^^
Thanks for the welcome! I’m *uber* excited too! 😉
It was so nice to meet you with all the other ATL bloggers and I can’t wait to read your posts!
Great to meet you too! I just checked out your blog! Love it! Glad you stopped by to read!
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.
I just realized how bizarre that last sentence must sound to non-rugby players. Ha.
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.
Can I come watch this shenanigans?
of course!!!! You must!
Welcome Kat! Go yoga!! 🙂
Yay! Glad we have some other yogi’s reading!
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! 🙂
YAY for being almost done but BOO for bar fitness! Glad to have some other 3Ls reading!!
You guys are soooooo close!
Nice to meet you Kat 🙂
And aaah have a brilliant time my friend and good luck!!!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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 🙂
Yesssss! It is a conscious choice and that’s a great point about your body deserving it. 🙂
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.
That is awesome!! Good for you. Definitely have to prioritize! 🙂 Stress management = Key
Massages are also key for stress management…. 😉
Ultrarunners & triathletes are great at packing it all into a day!! Looking forward to reading your posts. 🙂
Thanks Heather!! 🙂
You guys would get along SO well. Heather, when you came back to ATL we all need to go out.
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! 🙂
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!
Wow girl… I am tired jut reading this. Nursing alone seems so exhausting! Have you done your clinicals yet?
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!
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!!
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! 🙂
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!