I hope you all had a great day! I know some of you out there got to enjoy a three day weekend today with Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving. It was just a normal ole day here in the FFF household.

Don’t worry. I didn’t mind. It actually made it feel more like a holiday for that very reason. After sickness and field trips last week, I more than happily welcomed a normal day that included preschool for this little one.

It’s so nice to have some down time in the morning…and to get the chance to play with my little man just the two of us.

I’ll tell you what – it’s tough balancing devoted time between two kids. Good thing your heart grows like the Grinch when you have them. Always enough love to go around!

I had a really great and productive day today. I managed to get quite a bit done while the kids napped, but still managed some downtime for reading.

Now I have a workout to share with you. As promised from my post earlier today on optimal workout scheduling. <--- sounds so official, which it totally isn’t

I made the most of my new workout routine and amped myself up with a good pre-workout snack of a chocolate chip brownie Larabar and a sliced apple.

That combo fuels me so well! It helped me keep my motivation pumping for a great strength training and spin class combo that’s for sure! A good workout makes it still feel like a holiday. Gets me all warm inside.

I did each color combo move as a superset to help things move continuously and quickly. I had a date with a spin bike to get to, after all.

Monday night class, as always, was a challenge. Sophie will always reign as my favorite instructor. If there’s a bright side to coming back to spin class on Monday night’s, it’s getting to take her class regularly again! I groan and smile my way through every class – an interesting phenomenon but it works.

Of course, I had to refuel as quickly as possible after that brutal combo of a workout. On tap for tonight? Mama Pea’s Peanut Noodle Bowl.

Time to go inhale a hefty sized portion and then collapse on the couch after I get the kids to bed. See you in the morning with a new Body After Baby progress post! Hugs and love!

• Did you have the day off?
• What's a positive thing about Monday to you?

Peter has had some changes to his work schedule, which means I will have a bit less freedom in the workout department. I’m not complaining though. I know I was spoiled before! Now, I just have to revamp things a bit to make sure I still have a training plan that works.

I think setting up a loose workout schedule does wonders in helping people stay on track with activity and fitness goals, so I always make having a plan a priority. Here’s what I consider when setting up my plan:

Key Questions When Setting Up A Workout Schedule

Question One: Are there any parts of my training I have to do on certain days? Sometimes you have certain activities or “training dates” that you can’t change up as freely. Some examples to consider here would include:

• the optimal day you can fit in your long run
• the only day that offers your absolute favorite group fitness class
• a pre-set date with a trainer or friend

Question Two: Are there any days I know are really hard for me to fit in a workout? Some days of the week are busier than others. Some days you may simply find very hard to mentally get motivated for a workout. Those are the days you should shoot to schedule as a rest day.

Question Three: What time of day works best for me? Early morning? After work? Mid-morning? Late night? On your lunch break? During naptime? What time will you be able to consistently fit in activity?

Question Four: What options will fit my goals and my schedule the best? Find the options that will help you achieve your goals, but keep the time commitment and exercise selections realistic. That might mean putting less emphasis on certain parts of your training at times.

Question Five: Are there any options that will make it easier to stick with your plan? A favorite class? An at-home workout?

Here’s where this all left me -

• Schedule-wise, I have to do long runs on Saturdays. That also means I need to rest or keep things light on Fridays in preparation for my run.
• I have come to realize that I have a very hard time working out on Sundays because mentally I view it as a “family day” and a “relaxing day”.
• I die at the thought of regular early morning workouts, so I’ll be hitting up the gym or pavement at 5 pm most days.
• Training for two half marathons means running is my main focus. Strength training will have to go to 2 workouts a week, instead of 3.
• To not take as much afternoon time from my family, I will need to use more at-home options to make the most effective use of my time.

So with a little careful thought, a solid plan can happen to help you stay on track. Personally, plans make a huge difference in my consistency and focus. I definitely suggest giving one a try if you don’t have one…or if your current one isn’t keeping you motivated. I’ll have to fill you in on my workout later tonight. I have a feeling it will be a goodie!

Do you have a workout schedule? What things do you focus on when making one? Do you have a day you really struggle with working out?