Hey there! If you didn't hear, I signed up for my first 100-mile race, the Blackbeard's Revenge 100 in the Outer Banks of North Carolina next March! I think some of you were expecting a pregnancy announcement. Instead, you can probably just expect race announcements from me for a while.

If you want to see exactly how I'm structuring my training over the next eight months, including why I'm training for a half marathon this fall before shifting into marathon and ultramarathon training, I break it all down in this week's blog.​

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Now, you might be wondering, "Gina, you already have a lot going on. How are you fitting ultramarathon training into everything else?"

Well, let me share with you some of the ways I am able to get in a higher volume of workouts with some tips for you whether you're training for an ultramarathon, preparing for birth, getting back into exercise postpartum, or just hoping to move your body for 20 minutes a few times a week, the same principles apply.

1. Make your workouts easy to start.

Most of my workouts happen with my kids nearby.

At our MamasteFit gym (a gym you can join in Aberdeen, NC), kids are always welcome. At home, I have a home gym setup so I can lift without leaving the house. You don't need a fully equipped gym to do this. A few dumbbells, some resistance bands, and a bench can give you plenty of options. Here is our Amazon list with some home gym equipment.​

Running has been the bigger challenge because I need a lot more miles. My treadmill has been one of the best investments I've made. I can run before the kids wake up, while they're playing, or during naps. I can also read, watch a show, or take a class while I run, which makes those longer workouts go by much faster.

The easier you make it to start your workout, the more likely you are to actually do it.

2. Have a plan for your workouts.

I don't spend time trying to figure out what I'm going to do when it's time to exercise. My strength workouts are already planned through our Beyond Postpartum Strength Program, and my running workouts are planned based on my race schedule. That saves me from decision fatigue and gives me confidence that each workout is moving me toward my goals.

If you're constantly wondering what workout you should do, consider following a structured fitness program or joining a gym that offers group fitness classes.

3. Schedule your workouts.

Every week, I sit down and look at our family's schedule for the week. Then I schedule my workouts into our family calendar just like I would an appointment or a meeting.

That doesn't mean every workout happens exactly when I planned. Sometimes I have to move a workout or even skip one because life happens. But having my workouts on the calendar helps me prioritize them instead of hoping I'll find time later. It also lets my family know when I'll need a little extra support so I can get my workout in.

My goal isn't to complete 100% of my workouts. It's to be consistent over months and years, and that means being flexible when life gets busy.

Stay Strong in Pregnancy and Motherhood!

MamasteFit is one of the only fitness training facilities in the country that exclusively works with in-person prenatal and postnatal fitness clients—and also provides hands-on birth support. Our prenatal and postpartum fitness programs aren’t random “safe” modifications pulled from the internet; they’re designed specifically for this stage of life, tested and refined with our in-person clients, and approved by our in-house pelvic floor physical therapists.

Prenatal Fitness Programs

Our prenatal programs were created to keep you strong and pain-free throughout pregnancy with specialty exercises to help you prepare for birth with pelvic opening, pelvic floor, and birth prep movements.

We offer two prenatal fitness options:

• Self-Paced Prenatal Strength Program
• Video-Based Prenatal Fitness Program

Both programs are synced to your week of pregnancy, so the workouts progress alongside your changing body from the first trimester through birth. Whether you're newly pregnant or approaching your due date, you'll have workouts designed specifically for your stage of pregnancy.

And unlike many pregnancy fitness subscriptions, both programs include lifetime access, so you can revisit the workouts during future pregnancies whenever you need them.

​Not sure if our workouts are right for you? Preview a free prenatal workout and experience our coaching style before joining.​

Postpartum Fitness Programs

​Our postpartum fitness programs were carefully designed alongside our in-person clients and pelvic floor physical therapists to create a smooth transition from healing and recovery back to exercise. Rather than leaving you wondering what to do after your six-week appointment, our programs guide you step-by-step from early rehabilitation through strength training, impact activities, and returning to the activities you love.

Want to see what our postpartum workouts are like before joining? Preview a free postpartum workout and experience how we help moms rebuild strength, confidence, and function after birth.​

Beyond Postpartum Strength and Running Program

And if you are beyond the first 6–9 months postpartum and ready to continue strength training with us, check out our Beyond Postpartum Strength Program.​

This is the exact strength program I personally use to stay strong in motherhood while continuing to support my pelvic floor and core. The program moves through 6–8 week training cycles with new workouts each phase. Every cycle focuses on a different training goal, including strength endurance, maximal strength, power, and stability so you can continue progressing long after the postpartum phase.

​Beyond Postpartum also includes optional running programs designed to pair with the strength training. Whether you're working toward your first 5K, returning to racing, building endurance, or training for longer distances, you'll have structured run programming that complements your lifting schedule.

Not sure if it's the right fit? Start with a free 7-day trial and explore the workouts, training app, and community before committing.