POPSUGAR Select Blogger – Deborah of Confessions of a Mother Runner

FFFC:  Please introduce yourself to our readers (i.e. your name, occupation, hobbies, etc.).  

DB:  Currently stay at home mom,, Moms Run This Town Chapter Leader, Girls on The Run Coach, Ambassador of Rock (Rock n Roll Marathon/Half Washington, DC)

FFFC:  How did you get started with your fitness lifestyle?

DB:  I became interested in health & fitness while in college. I went on to pursue a Masters in Social Work with w specialization in Eating Disorders. Worked in the field of eating disorders for a number of years as a psychotherapist encouraging adolescents & young adults to manage their lives in a healthy way.

FFFC:  What made you continue in this lifestyle?

DB:  This led me to develop a passion for fitness and wellness which has stayed with me throughout my life. Later, I obtained my group exercise and spinning certifications and taught classes for a number of years.

FFFC:  What are some of your established healthy eating habits?

DB:  I’ve been a vegetarian since my teen years and have always been interested in healthy cooking and developing my own recipes.

FFFC:  What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner?

DB:  Typical meals:  -breakfast is often an egg white omelet with  veggies and Ezekiel bread, lunch- some sort of salad with grains and/or beans or a veggie burger, dinner- stir fry with tofu and veggies, or a bean and rice dish.

FFFC:  What is your favorite fitness activity?

DB:  Favorite activities are running, kick boxing, weight training and cycling

FFFC:  What do you do now to maintain your physique?

DB:  Activities I do now- run 3x per week, weight train and cardio 3x week, boxing 1x week. Cycling or yoga 1x a week and 1 day off.

FFFC:  How did you develop and sustain the willpower to avoid the bad stuff (i.e. junk food, bad drinks, lack of activity, etc.)?

DB:  I don’t like to think of things as “bad stuff”. Certain things I just eat in moderation. I allow myself a small amount of chocolate everyday otherwise I crave it. I feel better and have more energy when I eat well and exercise. It has become a way of life for me and is now part of my routine.

FFFC:  What advice do you have for someone who wants to start their own fitness lifestyle but unsure of how to begin? 

DB:  Advice for someone else: Find an activity you love and do it. You don’t have to be good at it just do it. Set small realistic goals. Don’t set yourself up to fail. Baby steps one at a time.

FFFC:  What do you think is the biggest misconception about this lifestyle?    

DB:  Biggest misconception: You don’t have to make big sweeping changes to see positive results. Changing 1 thing can have a big impact.

FFFC:  Who are some of your fitness inspirations?  

DB:  My inspirations are not famous people but moms in my MRTT group. I’ve seen so many of them come so far in such a short amount of time. They motivate and inspire me everyday. I also really like to set a good example for my kids and teach them to work hard to achieve their goals big and small. Sports are a great way to teach them that life isn’t always fair and you can’t always win but you can always work hard to try to achieve your goals. If you fail, go out the next day and try again.

FFFC:  How can readers learn more about you and your fit life?  (i.e. Blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.)?  

DB:  Thanks for asking me to participate. If there is anything else you need let me know.  Thanks! Deborah

Blog:  http://ConfessionsofaMotherRunner.com

Twitter:  @deborahbrooks14

Facebook:  Confessions of A Mother Runner

Pinterest:  deborahbrooks14