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fitbottomedgirls.com http://fitbottomedgirls.com Keeping a lid on the junk in the trunk. Tue, 21 May 2013 01:40:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= How Ryan and Abbie Got in Shape for The Amazing Race http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/ryan-and-abbie-amazing-race-got-in-shape/ http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/ryan-and-abbie-amazing-race-got-in-shape/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:44 +0000 Jenn http://fitbottomedgirls.com/?p=45287

How Ryan and Abbie Got in Shape for The Amazing Race

I may not be an avid The Amazing Race viewer, but I’ve seen enough episodes to know that being on the show is a serious physical and mental challenge. You need endurance, patience, strength—and a whole lot of can-do ‘tude. And Ryan Danz and Abbie Ginsberg from season 21 were fan favorites, traversing over three continents, nine [...]]]>

I may not be an avid The Amazing Race viewer, but I've seen enough episodes to know that being on the show is a serious physical and mental challenge. You need endurance, patience, strength---and a whole lot of can-do 'tude. And Ryan Danz and Abbie Ginsberg from season 21 were fan favorites, traversing over three continents, nine countries and 25,000 miles. From all of their experiences, boy oh boy, do they have tips to share! Which brings us to our guest post today... Currently, Abbie is a full-time dance/fitness instructor, and Ryan is an expert in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu who regularly competes. Ryan and Abbie are also both spokespersons for lululemon and Fitmark backpacks. And Ryan is going to tell us all how in the heck they got super in shape for The Amazing Race, along with some of his favorite get-fit-at-home tricks! ---Jenn

Ryan Danz's Experience Getting in Shape for The Amazing Race

Getting to take part in the CBS nine-time Emmy-award-winning show The Amazing Race was one of the highlights of my life last year. My girlfriend, Abbie, and I knew we were embarking on the trip of a lifetime but also knew that if we wanted a shot at the title, we'd have to prepare for everything (literally!). Our very first order of business was buying our backpacks and a handful of traveling gear. We were ecstatic and began building out an Excel spreadsheet to capture all of our training methodologies for the next six weeks. We mapped out our intellectual/mental training (e.g, Sudoku, geography, foreign languages), physical (yoga, Pilates, cross training, at-home-stretching and calisthenics) and task-specific to-dos (stick-shift practice, changing a flat tire). The physical training element was by far the most rewarding, as each of us drastically altered our workouts and saw the results almost immediately. We enlisted in yoga one to two times per week, advanced Pilates classes two to three times per week (using the reformer machine), weight-lifting and body-weight (push-ups/pull-ups/dips) four times per week and "active physical fitness" tasks (hiking, stair-climbing, beach runs, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle board) four times per week. Every night at home we made sure to treat our bodies to a foam-roller session to improve blood circulation, lengthening of tight muscles, tendons and ligaments and generally active release. We also found ourselves doing a nightly regiment of core exercises. Abbie led us in a series of plank exercises, Bender Ball movements, glute push-ups, twisting Supermans and a series of hanging movements (knee raises, straight legs, toes to bar). Having taught competitive dance for more than 10 years, Abbie engages core training multiple times a week with her students. The value in us strengthening our core was that it would be our most prized muscle group on our upcoming adventure since it would ensure ideal posture and mobility while racing with 25-pound packs, and reduce or protect against injuries while performing whatever abstract endeavors the Race had planned for us. Later, we realized this included such tasks as a 140-foot free-rappel, a one-mile sprint through mud in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and spending almost two hours learning, practicing and performing a synchronized swim routine with the Russian Olympic Synchronized swim team! Now let's get to those tips... ]]> http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/ryan-and-abbie-amazing-race-got-in-shape/feed/ 0 Bad News: Stress Fracture in My Foot. Good News: I’m Okay With It http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/bad-news-stress-fracture-in-my-foot-good-news-im-okay-with-it/ http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/bad-news-stress-fracture-in-my-foot-good-news-im-okay-with-it/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:19 +0000 Jenn http://fitbottomedgirls.com/?p=45280 $stress-fracture-foot$
If you’ve been a long-time reader of FBG, you may remember the time I injured my butt, right before I ran my first (and most likely only) marathon. You may also remember me handling said injury not so great. That I felt down about it, sad and kind of just blah. And that it took [...]]]> $stress-fracture-foot$
If you've been a long-time reader of FBG, you may remember the time I injured my butt, right before I ran my first (and most likely only) marathon. You may also remember me handling said injury not so great. That I felt down about it, sad and kind of just blah. And that it took lots of work and time "looking on the bright side" for me to eventually mentally make peace with it and physically heal. Well, guys, I'm injured again---this time with a tiny stress fracture in my foot. But---and this is a big but---I'm not freaking out about it or letting it get me down. Seriously! (Oh, FBG, you have taught me so much, yet again.) At first, I began to notice some weird soreness on the top of my foot, but it only hurt when I moved it a certain way. I thought it was bruised from climbing the rope. But then it lingered. And then it swelled. RUH ROH. A couple days of rest, and it still wasn't right. So off to the doc I went. Doc confirmed my suspicions. Let me paraphrase his reaction: "You've got a metatarsal stress fracture. See it all the time. No high-impact exercise, heavy lifting or extreme toe-flexion for four to six weeks. Ice it." Years ago, this would have been brutal news. What about this upcoming event? Or my running? How the freak will I reduce stress---working out is my go-to stress reliever?! WHY ME?! But this ain't my first rodeo. Instead of being concerned with short-term losses (events, performance), I'm more hung up on what I can do to be fit and healthy long-term. So I can't do box jumps for a few weeks? Oh, well. I want to be able to be fit and active for the rest of my life. Not just next week. With this new perspective (age does make you wiser!), I've been much more calm and collected about my injury. I'm modifying as I can and kind of having fun with it. I've always disliked the stationary bike, but we're becoming better friends. And, clearly, my core and upper body have a lot of fun to look forward to. I've also turned to my go-to injury relaxation exercise: meditation. Like Tish, I had been meditating more lately, but now that I'm injured, I'm more committed to a daily (or at least five times a week) practice. I've even started doing this Trance State Lite meditation (Remember how we reviewed the full version? There's a shorter one now!) that mentally takes you through a 15-minute visualization of running---and feeling awesome doing it. Yes, I know I'm not really running, but I am in my mind. And I can only hope that visualizing myself running like a perfectly bio-mechanic-ed bad-ass for six weeks results in it actually coming true. It's worth a shot; and I enjoy doing it. That's enough for me! I'll keep you updated on my foot-stress-fracture progress---and will share a workout I did pre-injury next week---but tell me: Have you ever calmly handled an injury? What positives did you focus on to get you through? ---Jenn]]> http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/bad-news-stress-fracture-in-my-foot-good-news-im-okay-with-it/feed/ 1 Love Les Mills Classes? There’s Cute Apparel for That http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/love-les-mills-classes-theres-cute-apparel-for-that/ http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/love-les-mills-classes-theres-cute-apparel-for-that/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:41 +0000 Jenn http://fitbottomedgirls.com/?p=45266

Love Les Mills Classes? There's Cute Apparel for That

Trends in fitness apparel right now are all bright, bold and loud. And Les Mills new summer 2013 line of clothing? Um, first, we were not even aware that they offered apparel (mind blown!) and, second, it’s so cute and on trend. So cute. Hitting that nice mix of fashion and fitness—easily going from BODYPUMP [...]]]>

Trends in fitness apparel right now are all bright, bold and loud. And Les Mills new summer 2013 line of clothing? Um, first, we were not even aware that they offered apparel (mind blown!) and, second, it's so cute and on trend. So cute. Hitting that nice mix of fashion and fitness---easily going from BODYPUMP to freshly squeezed juice with a friend---it's also hella functional. But let's get to two specific pieces we're wearing and digging...

Les Mills Women's Force Racerback Zip Top

Are your arms and shoulders your best feature? If so, this Les Mills Women's Force Racerback Zip Top ($60) is for you. Like, so for you. With a sleek and fitted design that shows off those guns, the cut in the front is unique and gives your arms plenty of freedom for a full range of motion. Then, there's the back, with that racerback cut we love, which also has a fun zipper. Oh, and the built-in bra has removable cups---also love. The bright orange-red color is super fun and eye-catching, too. Our only word of caution with this one is that although it's flattering, it's just a touch more revealing than we're used to---or at least in areas we're not used to having exposed during workouts. So if you're a bit more modest about showing off a little top- or side-boob, it might feel a bit risque. If not, work it (out), girl!

Les Mills Women's 3/4 Workout Capri

Then there's the Les Mills Women's 3/4 Workout Capri (also $60). Clearly the tank and these capris are MFEO. Like the top, these capris have a sleek design with a nice pop of color at the waistband (which is thick and flattering, by the way) and a fun little design on the lower seams. There's even a little zipped back pocket to store a key or a credit card. (Note to everyone: Back pockets are awesome for just about everything but core work. I still love them, but beware the sit-up butt raspberry---it hurts. Especially in the shower.) Every time I wear these, I get a compliment on them. That little extra orange pop of color is just enough to make these fun, while still going with a variety of tops. The material is thick and sturdy---and provides a little compression action. They're not exactly super soft, but they do wick sweat and keep you dry. Definitely good for more intense workouts. If you're looking for a new fun summer workout outfit, this might just be it. What fitness apparel trends are you loving this summer? ---Jenn

]]> http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/love-les-mills-classes-theres-cute-apparel-for-that/feed/ 1 Our Most Exciting Post EVER: Pre-Order The Fit Bottomed Girls Anti-Diet! http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/pre-order-fit-bottomed-girls-anti-diet/ http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/pre-order-fit-bottomed-girls-anti-diet/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 12:05:27 +0000 Jenn http://fitbottomedgirls.com/?p=45221

Our Most Exciting Post EVER: Pre-Order The Fit Bottomed Girls Anti-Diet!

This might possibly—okay, definitely—be the most amazing and exciting post we’ve ever written on FBG. Because Erin and I finally get to confess a secret we’ve been keeping from you, our dear readers since last fall: We have written an FBG book! Based on all of our principles and experiences and advice we talk about [...]]]>

This might possibly---okay, definitely---be the most amazing and exciting post we've ever written on FBG. Because Erin and I finally get to confess a secret we've been keeping from you, our dear readers since last fall: We have written an FBG book! Based on all of our principles and experiences and advice we talk about here on the site, it's everything our hearts and souls know to be true and it's our best advice on how to be healthy. And it's available for pre-order now. BOOM! Erin and I have been working our rears off on writing the best book possible because we know it's an amazing opportunity---and, frankly, an honor to be able to have a platform such as this (A book! With Random House!) to give people advice. Over the months, we've been fine-tuning, editing and re-editing our best ideas, information and tips to give you a definitive guide on how to change your body and your life into one you love without making huge changes all at once. In fact, it's all about incorporating easy 10-minute fixes that make you feel good. All with our usual fun tone, of course. We'd been waiting for the perfect time to spill the beans, and on today, which is the final day of our Five-Year Birthday celebration week, it just felt right. What better way to celebrate where we've been than by sharing news of what's to come with the ones who got us there? We'll have way more details on the book in the coming weeks and months, but just know that The Fit Bottomed Girls Anti-Diet will be released on December 31, 2013---and is available for pre-order now here. Hey, secure your copy early! Again, none of this is possible without you guys. So thank you---a million times. Let's all make the world a healthier, happier and more fun place! ---Jenn]]> http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/pre-order-fit-bottomed-girls-anti-diet/feed/ 2 FBG 5-Year Birthday Friday Giveaway: 5 Neutrogena Healthy Skin Prize Packs! http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/fbg-5-year-birthday-friday-giveaway-neutrogena-healthy-skin-prize-pack/ http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/fbg-5-year-birthday-friday-giveaway-neutrogena-healthy-skin-prize-pack/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:23 +0000 Jenn http://fitbottomedgirls.com/?p=45246

Did you know: UV exposure increases by about 33 percent for every 20 percent ozone layer loss? And that the end result is about 33 percent more skin cancers?! Um, not cool. But what is cool is today’s Five-Year Birthday Week giveaway! As we are a blog ambassador for Neutrogena, they have graciously offered to help celebrate [...]]]>

Did you know: UV exposure increases by about 33 percent for every 20 percent ozone layer loss? And that the end result is about 33 percent more skin cancers?! Um, not cool. But what is cool is today's Five-Year Birthday Week giveaway! As we are a blog ambassador for Neutrogena, they have graciously offered to help celebrate with a prize pack that is perfect for healthy summer skin: sunscreen! Here's what's included:

NEUTROGENA Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 100+
NEUTROGENA Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
NEUTROGENA Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 70+
NEUTROGENA Wet Skin Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 85+

It's pretty much your healthy skin survival kit for summer! And you can win it by telling us how you'll use these Neutrogena sunscreens this summer in the comments below. We'll select five random U.S. readers to win in about a week and let them know via email and in the comments. Summer and healthy skin---woot! And, hey, pale is the new tan... ---Jenn]]> http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/fbg-5-year-birthday-friday-giveaway-neutrogena-healthy-skin-prize-pack/feed/ 63 How Has FBG Changed YOUR Life? With Special Giveaway! http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/question-of-the-week-and-giveaway-how-has-fbg-changed-your-life/ http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/question-of-the-week-and-giveaway-how-has-fbg-changed-your-life/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:10 +0000 Jenn http://fitbottomedgirls.com/?p=45238

All this week for our five-year birthday bash, each FBG has shared how her life has changed by being a Fit Bottomed Girl. And instead of us all answering another Question of the Week, this time we want to turn the question that we've all been answering to you: How has FBG changed your life? Tell us your answer in a comment below, and we might just HOOK YOU UP. We have tons of prize packs here at FBG HQ just waiting for you to win them. From a pair of these to some of this, plus a lot of these and these, leave your answer below and we'll select three lucky U.S. readers to win a box full of fit goodies in about a week. And we can't wait to read your responses...we know FBG has changed us. Now tell us how it's changed you. Go FBGs! ---Jenn ]]> http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/question-of-the-week-and-giveaway-how-has-fbg-changed-your-life/feed/ 35 What Do You Want to See in the Next Five Years? http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/what-do-you-want-to-see-in-the-next-five-years/ http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/what-do-you-want-to-see-in-the-next-five-years/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 10:00:17 +0000 Jenn http://fitbottomedgirls.com/?p=45232

What Do You Want to See in the Next Five Years?

In our five years of FBG, we’ve seen a lot of trends come and go. When we started, yo-yo dieting was more common (and accepted), there was less discussion about positive body image, and when working out you didn’t have near as many fun and creative (and bad-ass) options to choose from. Being vegan or [...]]]>

In our five years of FBG, we've seen a lot of trends come and go. When we started, yo-yo dieting was more common (and accepted), there was less discussion about positive body image, and when working out you didn't have near as many fun and creative (and bad-ass) options to choose from. Being vegan or gluten-free was "weird," and finding any lower-calorie options when eating out was either hard to do or resulted in a meal that was lackluster and uninspired, at best. But these days? A lot of that has changed. While there's certainly more work to do and LOADS more people to help, we like to think we're one drop in the healthy living ocean that is making a difference. And through our enthusiasm and support along with thousands of others, we've been able to watch as things like vegan and gluten-free cookbooks, mud runs and anti-diets have become not just a dream but a normal, everyday reality. Putting kale in a smoothie or doing a tri isn't just a health-freak thing to do---it's kind of cool. Clearly, not everyone is on board with this whole healthy living thing---or may not be as jazzed as we are about it---but compared to five years ago, we are certainly going in the right direction. Which brings us to the real subject of today's poll: Where should we all go in the next five years?

poll by twiigs.com

As always, leave your thoughts in the comments below. Let's all dream of an even better, healthier world! ---Jenn]]> http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/what-do-you-want-to-see-in-the-next-five-years/feed/ 1 FBG 5-Year Birthday Thursday Giveaway: A Pair of Brooks Running Shoes! http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/fbg-5-year-birthday-thursday-giveaway-a-pair-of-brooks-running-shoes/ http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/fbg-5-year-birthday-thursday-giveaway-a-pair-of-brooks-running-shoes/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:25 +0000 Jenn http://fitbottomedgirls.com/?p=45164

Remember those cool Choose Your Own Adventure books? We do, and we were obsessed with them. Which is why we’re so excited about today’s Five-Year Birthday Week giveaway courtesy of the amazing Brooks Running—it’s kind of like those books! We give you a few parameters, you make a decision and then the fitness adventure begins! Here’s how [...]]]>

Remember those cool Choose Your Own Adventure books? We do, and we were obsessed with them. Which is why we're so excited about today's Five-Year Birthday Week giveaway courtesy of the amazing Brooks Running---it's kind of like those books! We give you a few parameters, you make a decision and then the fitness adventure begins! Here's how it works: you scour the Brooks Running PureProject site for the shoe you want here (our recommendations and rave review can be found here), and then you leave a comment telling us what shoe from the PureProject line (PureDrift, PureConnect 2, PureFlow 2, PureCadence 2 or PureGrit 2) you have selected for your adventure, and then tell us what fit adventure you'd like to tackle with them on! Fun, right? We'll select a lucky random U.S. reader to win in about a week and notify her via email and in the comments. So let's get to it---choose your own fit adventure! ---Jenn ]]> http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/fbg-5-year-birthday-thursday-giveaway-a-pair-of-brooks-running-shoes/feed/ 159 5-Minute Workouts, Healthy Recipes and Sanity Savers! http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/5-minute-workouts-healthy-recipes-and-sanity-savers/ http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/5-minute-workouts-healthy-recipes-and-sanity-savers/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:20 +0000 Administrator http://fitbottomedgirls.com/?p=45156

5-Minute Workouts, Healthy Recipes and Sanity Savers!

May the Five-Year Birthday celebration continue! This time with another kindergarten/No. 5-obsessed approach to all things healthy living. “I don’t have time” is the top reason many say they have trouble getting and staying healthy, but we know from experience that just five minutes can do wonders. Whether it’s working out, making a healthy meal or simply [...]]]>

May the Five-Year Birthday celebration continue! This time with another kindergarten/No. 5-obsessed approach to all things healthy living. "I don't have time" is the top reason many say they have trouble getting and staying healthy, but we know from experience that just five minutes can do wonders. Whether it's working out, making a healthy meal or simply getting some peace and relaxation---even if you only have five minutes---you can feel better. Here are each of the FBGs favorite five-minute workouts, healthy recipes and sanity savers!

Five-Minute Workouts

If I only had five minutes to work out I'd have to go with the exercises I love-to-hate most in life. I'd do five burpees, 10 push-ups and 15 squats on repeat until the 5 minutes was up. Another good five-minute workout would have to be planks. I'd do planks for 1 minute and then rest for 10 seconds until the timer went off for five. ---Tish Try this five-minute workout on for size: 1 minute jump rope, 1 minute squats, 1 minute front/side/back kicks, 1 minute push-ups, 1 minute plank. Yeowsers! ---Kristen For my five-minute workout, I'd bust out a little bit of Tabata. First, jog in place for 30 seconds to warm up. Next, do 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off of push-ups to side plank, alternating on each side, for a total of four minutes (eight rounds). Then, cool down by marching in place for another 30 seconds! ---Jenn Straight cardio is easy if you've got five minutes. I get my muscles loose with a quick walking warm-up and then sprint intervals, trying to hold out each sprint for 30 seconds before a quick recovery rest. Usually my daughter lets me know when the break is over by yelling "Go faster again!" from her stroller. ---Erin

Five-Minute Healthy Recipes

If I only had five minutes to make a meal, I'd probably go with my take on the tuna nicoise salad. I get some good greens, tomatoes, canned tuna, green beans, beets, my own salad dressing (which consists of mixing olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, lemon, garlic and basil together) and stir and serve. ---Tish With just three minutes, I'd make a smoothie, obvs. Take a big scoop of plain Greek yogurt, vanilla almond milk (more for a thinner smoothie, less for a thicker one), handful of frozen banana slices, big tablespoon of peanut or almond butter, vanilla protein powder, chia seeds, lots of kale (frozen or fresh), and sprinkle liberally with cinnamon and blend. Easily takes just 5 minutes, even including cleanup! ---Kristen I recently shared this one with HuffPost Healthy Living (slide two), but it bears repeating here because it's quick, protein-rich and tasty! All you do is take whatever veggies you have in the fridge (I like cabbage, carrots, peppers, kale, broccoli) and sautée them in a little coconut oil. Then scramble two eggs and a couple of egg whites in the pan until cooked and then top with sriracha if you like the spicy stuff, like I do. Paired with a piece of fruit, it's a fab breakfast, lunch or even large snack. And, I really do make it ALL THE TIME. ---Jenn When I need a speedy lunch, I put together a super-fast version of the Big-Ass Salad that I call my Chicken Sandwich Salad. I throw in some bagged lettuce, rotisserie chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, some black beans, a little shredded cheddar cheese and a few croutons. I think it earned its name mostly because I toss it with a bit of honey mustard dressing. ---Erin

Five-Minute Sanity Savers

My favorite five-minute sanity saver is cleaning. I don't know what it is about stepping away from the computer and making a bed, getting some quick dusting in and putting the dishes away that relaxes me and helps me to stop going around in creative circles, but it works every time. ---Tish Walking my dogs down to get the mail. I try to pick a point during my day when I feel chained to the computer, and just stepping away for a few minutes to do that super-fast errand really helps my day shape up. ---Kristen Normally I'd say playing with or walking my dog, but since Kristen already stole that one (great minds think alike!), I'd say taking a five-minute break to just sit, breathe and be is glorious. Standing up and looking out the window or stepping outside for a few moments of quiet and deep breathing feels great. No phone, no social media. We rarely experience the full moment, so cut the distractions, take a moment away from your to-do list and just look around at all that's awesomely amazing around you. ---Jenn When I have a few spare minutes, I grab my handy head-whisk head massager for an awesome scalp rub. It just takes a few minutes and it's instant zen. ---Erin What would be your favorite five-minute workout, healthy recipe or sanity saver? We'd love to try 'em! ---The FBGs]]> http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/5-minute-workouts-healthy-recipes-and-sanity-savers/feed/ 4 How Being a Fit Bottomed Girl Has Changed Kristen’s Life http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/how-being-a-fit-bottomed-girl-has-changed-kristens-life/ http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/how-being-a-fit-bottomed-girl-has-changed-kristens-life/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:59 +0000 Kristen http://fitbottomedgirls.com/?p=44953

How Being a Fit Bottomed Girl Has Changed Kristen's Life

I grew up learning that bragging was bad. If you do something really, really well, it will be noticed and acknowledged, but you should never acknowledge your own accomplishments. It's impolite. I get that, but since joining the Fit Bottomed Girl crew, I've learned that everything is good in moderation, and that includes bragging. I mean, have I shut up about the Leadman Tri yet? Nope, and I'm not planning to any time soon. But here's the thing---bragging is a good thing when it's used to encourage and motivate people, or when it's shared with people who care about and understand you and truly want to hear how hard you worked and how proud you are of an accomplishment. Positivity and excitement beget positivity and excitement, so I see no harm in sharing. Bragging only becomes a problem when it's used to "one-up" somebody else. I would never, ever talk about a big, successful race as a way to top someone's recount of their first 5K. I wouldn't rub my finish line joy in their face if they had a DNF for a marathon. No way. I've gotten an enormous amount of amazing, positive feedback since posting about Leadman. I've had people tell me that I was part of their inspiration for signing up for race in a distance that truly terrified them. I've had people who haven't been on a bike in over a decade ask me about getting into triathlon. And that never would have happened if I hadn't posted about my training and my race here and on various social media channels. It never would have happened if I weren't a Fit Bottomed Girl. Truth be told, I probably never would have ventured past the Olympic distance if I weren't a part of this site. And even if I had, I wouldn't have had the accountability of having to write a race recap to push me past my comfort zone. I wouldn't have trained to the point of earning a "BAMF" title from people at my gym. And I certainly wouldn't have had the self-confidence to hear that title and think and think, "You know what? I kind of am." So, yeah, I've learned to brag a little, and I've learned that it's totally okay. You know, in moderation. What kind of lessons have you learned as a part of this community? Do you agree with me or think I'm full of hot air? ---Kristen]]> http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2013/05/how-being-a-fit-bottomed-girl-has-changed-kristens-life/feed/ 1