Mother Teacher Scatterbrain

I got a Schwinn Turismo Swivel Wheel Jogging Stroller which has a speaker and mp3 hookup. This means that baby and I can go for jogs with music. I have been looking into interval training, and have come across several playlists, but I don't really like the playlists that I have been able to find. So I wanted to personalize my own. So here are the resources I have gathered so that I can begin to develop my own intervals playlist.

I want a jogging stroller, but I am absolutely unwilling to pay hundreds of dollars. In fact, my interest drops off at about $80. So I will be hitting up consignment shops, but I need to call first because gas is high. In this economy, I encourage anyone to do the same. I have seen themas low as $60! I am definitely not paying full price!

So I plan on getting my cardio in using one of these each day. We will see how far I get and which one I choose: elliptical, treadmill, or stationary bike. I have chosen interval training because it burns more calories and ones that are supposed to build butt muscles because muscle builds fat. Another cardio option is jumping rope. (More on outdoor jogging workouts with playlists and a suggestion on a jogging stroller.)

Elliptical

Treadmill






Spinning




For outside and beginners (the link has the playlist on Spottify)


Stair master (Stairmaster)

So I found my jump rope this weekend! I am so stoked because I love jumping rope! I was like the jump rope champ in first grade and as a teacher I loved to go outside and jump rope with my students.

Below, I have the benefits of jumping rope and several workouts.

For me, I am about 5 ft. 6 in. I need a 55 cm. ball. I would go for a burst proof model because of my size. I also want a fairly firm model. I know the mini me is going to want to play with it.

http://www.fitter1.com/assets/pdf/ballexercisechart.pdf

Now as I read, Self Magazine's The Best Soprts Bra for Big Busts proved to be a very helpful article. I chose to look into the Enell bra and the Panache bra. The Panache bra boasted less juggle while being very flattering. The Enell bra kept popping up all over my search. And both come in my size. There are pictures below.

Panache Sports Bra

Enell Sports Bra


Now both bras are a little less than $70. While I want to try the Enell, it is not available at any local retailer that I can find and I insist on trying on something that expensive. But yay! The Panache sports bra is available at Nordstrom.

UPDATE 3: Enell has its own sizing, and it is quite simple. Additionally, I found
an online retailer that sells slightly irregular sports bras. They have them up to $20 cheaper!

Be sure to check out the 4 Tips for Buying a Plus Sized Sports Bra for High Impact or Running.

UPDATE:
I found this Natori Sports Bra which is far cheaper (about $40)!


UPDATE 2:

I found the Panache Bra at
Sunny J's Lingerie & Leisure
550 Forest Ave.
Plymouth, MI
(734) 453-8584

I found the Enell Bra at
Womens Health Boutique – Livonia
31209 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI
734-762-9324

I found the Natori at
Von Maur
Laurel Park
Livonia, MI 37500
tel:734.432.6949

All of the bras can be found at various department stores in the Somerset Collection. I will call around to see who has the bras. I like the price of the Natori. I like the look of the Panache. I like the hold reputation of the Enell.

I am leaning toward the Panache though, but I will see what I can come up with.

Anyone with a big bust knows that the bouncing can be painful, distracting, and aggravating. For this reason, I decided to look into getting a good sports bra for my adventure into running. Beyond the aggregation and pain, wearing a bad bra during a high impact workout can make your boobs saggy. Eww! I don't want that!

During the research on plus sized sports bras, I learned quite a bit, but I will start with how to choose a sports bra.

THE FOUR TIPS

1. Know your size. Get measured and fitted. I know for sure that Victoria Secret, Lane Bryant, and sometimes Walmart will measure you for free. Many other department stores will measure you as well. If you want to measure yourself at home, there is a video below or you can try the bra size calculator.
2. Now choose a bra. There are two ways that sports bras are made for larger busts: compression and encapsulation. Encapsulation is effective and usually flattering, but combining encapsulation with compression is more effective so I may be looking for this.
3. Additionally, you want to consider the make up of the bra, its construction. The front of the bra shouldn't stretch. Turn the bra inside out and look at the seams. Flatter seams cause less chaffing. Try and choose a bra with at least three hook and eye closures. Zippers are also a good choice. Try to avoid the pullover bras as they tend to offer less support than required.
4. Try on your bra and jump around. See how it feels. Look in the mirror to see how much your bust bounces. You should have no more than an inch of bounce in any direction. Furthermore, the band should be a bit more snug than your regular bra and your the straps should be fairly wide so that they don't dig.

For Smaller Cup Sizes (C and below)


Bra Fit Tips


A good sports bra is going to cost upward of $50. This is a considerable investment (especially if you purchase multiples). Make sure you choose a bra that will support you. Be sure to check out the sports bras that I have chosen to try.

References
Self Magazine's The Best Soprts Bra for Big Busts
Bigger Bras' Why You Need a Plus Size Sports Bra for High-Impact Activities
Livestrong's How to Pick a Plus Sized Sports Bra
Weight Watcher's No-Bounce Sports Bras for Bigger Busts

As a person with weighing over 200 lbs., I have to be very careful when I decide to start running. I have to protect my joints the best I can. I will do this in a few ways. First, I will be doing absolutely no running on concrete until I get below the 200 lb. mark. Second, I will choose good running shoes. So, here is what I have on running shoes:

I have learned that many overweight runners do something called over-pronating. This is when ankles lean in. To see if you do this, put a pair of fairly worn shoes on the table, toes with toes and heels with heels. If the heels lean in, you likely overpronate. You will likely want a motion-control shoe with good support.

These are the issues that I have. So I started by looking up The Active Times' Top Shoes For Heavy Runners. I looked up each shoe. I found that two are on sale at my local Finish Line Store for under $75. (I am on a budget y'all!)



And below is the Brooks Trance 12. I looked at the 10 because it is far cheaper and still a good shoe.


A great resource is the Brooks Running Shoes Website.

So I will be going to look at these shoes this week. Next up, find a good bra! Seriously!