*Guest Post* A Movin' Mama

Every mom needs a different outlet or renewal time. For me that means getting of the house and being active. My husband is in the military and we recently moved across the country from our family and friends so not only did I want to lose my baby weight, but I wanted a social outlet too.

To achieve these goals, a jogging stroller was a must for me. After my baby was born and I was feeling up to it (probably about 2 weeks), I started walking. Just to the end of the block and back. I just would walk a little farther every time. By 5 weeks, I started jogging. Now, 7 months later I have done two 5Ks and am doing a 10K at the end of the month ~ wish me luck!

I also headed to the gym (a YMCA) and found a mommies workout class. This allowed me to meet some other moms and be social as well as sweat. The jogging and the mommies class (or the gym with a babysitting room) allow me to exercise with my babe in tow which is important because of my husbands’ schedule and well, let’s face it, a baby has their own schedule too!

I invite new people I meet to go for walks or to a park for our chatting time/ play dates. Now I have found a regular jogging partner which always helps with motivation.

Oh, and I have to have music when I work out. It keeps me going! Whenever I need a second wind I skip to one of my favorite workout songs and push through. My mama brain is always going a mile a minute with thoughts, worries, to do lists, etc. The music helps distract me and be more in the moment. I love using songs that make me smile or think of a different time or place. That way my brain actually takes a break. Some of my current favorite motivating songs are:
• I Like to Move It (Madagascar version)
• I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) – The Proclaimers
• Cotton Eye Joe - Rednex
• Firework – Katy Perry
• Dynamite –Taio Cruz
• We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel

After I’ve worked out, even on my most tired days, I feel renewed. I have taken the time to do something for myself. The to do list will always be there when I get back, but some mental peace and a feeling of accomplishment helps give me the strength and energy to deal with whatever else happens in my day.

Annie is a former music teacher turned stay-at-home-mom to her first beautiful child, Monica.  A Washington state native, her Navy husband and she currently live in upstate NY.  They enjoy being active and social as a family.

Annie has been super generous and is offering you all a chance to win a way to get some new workout music to keep you moving (and being outside!) with a $15 iTunes gift card.  For a chance to win, please comment below answering the following question:

What is your happy mama outlet? or What do you do to keep yourself motivated to be active?

You can also receive an extra entry by following Tales of a Mountain Mama on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar) and then leave an additional comment letting me know you have done so!


This giveaway will be open until midnight mountain time on Oct 25th.  I will choose a winner randomly and email and announce the winner here on October 26th.  Goodluck!