Ahhh Fall is here!!!! Welcome to what I am calling ROCKTOBER!! This month, I am going to ROCK my workouts, ROCK my diet and ROCK my business!!! In fact, I am going to be drenched in ROCKS (Diamonds that is!)!!!!!
So I've set a couple goals that I am going to share to help me ROCK this month!
1) Add five new playlists to my Ipod.
- I need something new to ROCK my mojo! Suggestions are welcomed! But I need enough tunes to cover five new playlists so send me what you got! I need to get these loaded into my phone tomorrow so they are ready for Week 1 of ROCKtober!
2) Find 5 new healthy crockpot meals, 5 new healthy under 30 minute meals for weekday dinners, and 5 new ideas for packing healthy lunches. Again - suggestions are welcomed!! The quicker the better because I'm going to plan out my meals and lunches for the week tomorrow!!!
3) Find five people that want to help me ROCKtober! In other words, I want five accountability partners that also want to crush this month! We'll push each other, lend support and exchange ideas! Shoot me a message on my facebook page if you want to ROCKtober with me!!!
C'mon peeps.....say it with me....."I will NOT gain weight this holiday season! In fact, I'm going to be ROCKING some new clothes for the holidays!!"
Now let's get to ROCKIN'!
P90X3
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Drenched in Diamonds!
I'm about to embark on another goal and what better way to stay accountable than to share with 500+ of my closest friends, right?? haha! As many of you know this year has been my "work in progress" year. It's funny, you get to a point in your life where you just need to find your "passion". Sure, there are many purposes in our lives that we are very passionate about. Think of all the roles you fill each and every day. But by passion, I mean the one thing that is YOUR thing that makes YOU look in the mirror and fall in love with the person that looks back at you.
My husband, for example, is passionate about baseball. He has coached high school baseball players since before I met him. I can remember my boys being the "bat-boys" for his teams when they were little. He lives and breathes for the boys that he coaches and has made a huge impact on hundreds of young men's lives. He teaches them more than the game of baseball. He teaches them about life. It's amazing how they all have stayed in touch with him as they've moved on and graduated from college and started the next phase of their lives. Nothing makes him smile more than a phone call from one of his past players. That's the passion I was looking for.
Ironically, I stumbled upon my passion by accident! I quit smoking and needed a habit to replace the habit. I started running to lose some of the weight I gained when I quit smoking. I joined a gym. I ran a 5K. I was proud of myself for making changes in my life that not only made me look better but also made me feel better and get healthier. I was doing something I could be proud of. I was leading by example for my kids. I was showing everyone that I could do it, and that I could stick with it. I began to see results.
In January of this year I found my passion. A friend introduced me to Beachbody and the coaching business. At first, I just wanted a discount on the Beachbody products. I wanted to get on the Shakeology shakes (because I knew if I invested $$ in the shakes it would not only help me get the results I wanted but it would also motivate me to stick with my running workouts.) I started drinking the shakes and then decided to try the Insanity Beachbody workout program. Best decision EVER! I joined an Insanity Accountability group on facebook and met others doing the same workouts. The encouragement and support on that page was amazing. I met other Beachbody coaches that truly pushed me every day to be better. When I wanted to skip a workout they were there to make me push play. They believed in me because they knew if they could do it, then so could I. So for 60 days straight I pushed play and pushed myself hard to stay committed to the program. And then there was SUCCESS!
I was so motivated by my results and by the other Beachbody coaches that I decided I wanted to be THAT person! I wanted to be the friend that motivated others to stick with their goals. If I could do it, so could they. So I started actively "coaching". By coaching, I mean sharing my journey with others and giving them the support to start their own journeys. It has been nothing short of amazing.
October 1st my team will be kicking off our 90 day to Diamond Challenge. We have all committed to taking our businesses to the next level!! We are going to be working hard to reach the Diamond Rank and grow our teams. I know we will be successful because there are millions of people out there that are currently in the same "place" I was back in January of this year. Millions of people that want to start their journeys but just don't know where to start. And we'll be here to help them get started and push them along the way. We're paying it forward. And as everything comes full circle, we're going to find some diamonds in the rough that are going to realize that they too have a passion for helping others. And they're going to jump on board with us and start the cycle over again.
So as my team takes this challenge and we work to be "drenched in diamonds", I challenge all of you to find YOUR passion. Find something that you LOVE. Something that you can be proud of. And then pay it forward by helping someone else find theirs!
My husband, for example, is passionate about baseball. He has coached high school baseball players since before I met him. I can remember my boys being the "bat-boys" for his teams when they were little. He lives and breathes for the boys that he coaches and has made a huge impact on hundreds of young men's lives. He teaches them more than the game of baseball. He teaches them about life. It's amazing how they all have stayed in touch with him as they've moved on and graduated from college and started the next phase of their lives. Nothing makes him smile more than a phone call from one of his past players. That's the passion I was looking for.
Ironically, I stumbled upon my passion by accident! I quit smoking and needed a habit to replace the habit. I started running to lose some of the weight I gained when I quit smoking. I joined a gym. I ran a 5K. I was proud of myself for making changes in my life that not only made me look better but also made me feel better and get healthier. I was doing something I could be proud of. I was leading by example for my kids. I was showing everyone that I could do it, and that I could stick with it. I began to see results.
In January of this year I found my passion. A friend introduced me to Beachbody and the coaching business. At first, I just wanted a discount on the Beachbody products. I wanted to get on the Shakeology shakes (because I knew if I invested $$ in the shakes it would not only help me get the results I wanted but it would also motivate me to stick with my running workouts.) I started drinking the shakes and then decided to try the Insanity Beachbody workout program. Best decision EVER! I joined an Insanity Accountability group on facebook and met others doing the same workouts. The encouragement and support on that page was amazing. I met other Beachbody coaches that truly pushed me every day to be better. When I wanted to skip a workout they were there to make me push play. They believed in me because they knew if they could do it, then so could I. So for 60 days straight I pushed play and pushed myself hard to stay committed to the program. And then there was SUCCESS!
I was so motivated by my results and by the other Beachbody coaches that I decided I wanted to be THAT person! I wanted to be the friend that motivated others to stick with their goals. If I could do it, so could they. So I started actively "coaching". By coaching, I mean sharing my journey with others and giving them the support to start their own journeys. It has been nothing short of amazing.
October 1st my team will be kicking off our 90 day to Diamond Challenge. We have all committed to taking our businesses to the next level!! We are going to be working hard to reach the Diamond Rank and grow our teams. I know we will be successful because there are millions of people out there that are currently in the same "place" I was back in January of this year. Millions of people that want to start their journeys but just don't know where to start. And we'll be here to help them get started and push them along the way. We're paying it forward. And as everything comes full circle, we're going to find some diamonds in the rough that are going to realize that they too have a passion for helping others. And they're going to jump on board with us and start the cycle over again.
So as my team takes this challenge and we work to be "drenched in diamonds", I challenge all of you to find YOUR passion. Find something that you LOVE. Something that you can be proud of. And then pay it forward by helping someone else find theirs!
Friday, September 16, 2011
How many hats do you wear in a day???
I've totally ignored my blog as life and it's twists and turns took over. Trying to manage everything from being a wife to being a mom, working full time, working part time and finding time to reinvent myself has proven challenging. It seems like I can really focus on doing one of those tasks really well but the rest of them all fall by the wayside and while not ignored, they are not given the time and dedication that they should be given.
And so I've found myself really trying to find the right balance. If it weren't for being home sick from the full time job, I would never have found the time to sit here and write this blog. So I'm looking for suggestions! From all of you! How do you balance everything? How do give your time and energy to your spouse and children in the limited hours available at the end of the day? Where do you draw the strength for your workouts and ME time that you deserve so that YOU don't get swallowed up in all of the different hats that you wear everyday?
I've decided to take Chalene Johnson's 30 day Challenge! Have you heard of Chalene? Chalene is an "entrepreneur, TV fitness personality (Turbo Jam, Turbo Fire, ChaLEAN Extreme), clothing designer, author, motivational speaker, choreographer, wife, mother of two, and relatable girl next door" - everything I want to be when I grow up! =)
The "30 Day Push Challenge" teaches you to master organization and achieve your goals. So for me, it's worth a shot. Why not? It's free!
If you're finding yourself in the same rut that I am then I challenge you to take this challenge with me! We can do it together and maybe at the end of the 30 days we'll be able to wear all of these crazy hats and still have time to reinvent ourselves!!
And so I've found myself really trying to find the right balance. If it weren't for being home sick from the full time job, I would never have found the time to sit here and write this blog. So I'm looking for suggestions! From all of you! How do you balance everything? How do give your time and energy to your spouse and children in the limited hours available at the end of the day? Where do you draw the strength for your workouts and ME time that you deserve so that YOU don't get swallowed up in all of the different hats that you wear everyday?
I've decided to take Chalene Johnson's 30 day Challenge! Have you heard of Chalene? Chalene is an "entrepreneur, TV fitness personality (Turbo Jam, Turbo Fire, ChaLEAN Extreme), clothing designer, author, motivational speaker, choreographer, wife, mother of two, and relatable girl next door" - everything I want to be when I grow up! =)
The "30 Day Push Challenge" teaches you to master organization and achieve your goals. So for me, it's worth a shot. Why not? It's free!
If you're finding yourself in the same rut that I am then I challenge you to take this challenge with me! We can do it together and maybe at the end of the 30 days we'll be able to wear all of these crazy hats and still have time to reinvent ourselves!!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
We get by with a little help from our friends.....
Well friends, it has been awhile. My life has been sort of INSANE lately!! I've traded in the treadmill, elliptical and even the group classes for a whole lot of cardio with fitness trainer Shaun T. So how the heck did I end up here??
Let me fill you in on a little secret. The best part of my fitness journey this far has been the people that I have met along the way. When I started I had the support of my husband, kids and a couple of really great friends on facebook. They cheered me on and pushed me hard but it wasn't until I started meeting other people with the same interests that I really became passionate about the cause. I'm at the point now that I am not only making a difference in my own life, but I am helping others make a difference in theirs. It's rewarding to watch some of my new friends progress from not being able to run 30 seconds to running a full five minutes. I'm inspired by the friend that has lost over 30 pounds in the last six months or the one that has quit smoking and is now starting a fitness journey of their own. I am moved when I'm told that I've helped to inspire them to make a lifestyle change for the better. By the same token, these people have motivated me to keep pushing or as Shaun T. would say, to dig deeper.
The Insanity workout is fantastic!!! It's been three weeks and I can see visible results already. I am positive that I will have a total body transformation at the end of the 60 day program, just as it promises.
It's an incredible feeling each time I complete one of the workouts. But what's better is seeing all of my new friends in the online Insanity Group we created succeed. It's funny the bond we've all created by simply sharing a work out plan.
So if you're thinking about making some changes and getting in shape you should definitely let your friends on facebook (and ME) know. The support you'll get will amaze you. The results you will see will inspire you. And the need you'll have to help others will surprise you!
Let me fill you in on a little secret. The best part of my fitness journey this far has been the people that I have met along the way. When I started I had the support of my husband, kids and a couple of really great friends on facebook. They cheered me on and pushed me hard but it wasn't until I started meeting other people with the same interests that I really became passionate about the cause. I'm at the point now that I am not only making a difference in my own life, but I am helping others make a difference in theirs. It's rewarding to watch some of my new friends progress from not being able to run 30 seconds to running a full five minutes. I'm inspired by the friend that has lost over 30 pounds in the last six months or the one that has quit smoking and is now starting a fitness journey of their own. I am moved when I'm told that I've helped to inspire them to make a lifestyle change for the better. By the same token, these people have motivated me to keep pushing or as Shaun T. would say, to dig deeper.
The Insanity workout is fantastic!!! It's been three weeks and I can see visible results already. I am positive that I will have a total body transformation at the end of the 60 day program, just as it promises.
It's an incredible feeling each time I complete one of the workouts. But what's better is seeing all of my new friends in the online Insanity Group we created succeed. It's funny the bond we've all created by simply sharing a work out plan.
So if you're thinking about making some changes and getting in shape you should definitely let your friends on facebook (and ME) know. The support you'll get will amaze you. The results you will see will inspire you. And the need you'll have to help others will surprise you!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Are you a Group Fitness Junkie?
It appears that my Empty Nest Fitness Quest has taken a detour from the road it was originally traveling, and I like it. Originally, I looked at my hip injury from the Allstar 5K as a set back. I was frustrated and angry that I had worked so hard only to be stopped again due to pain resulting from over doing it. How could I move forward in preparing to run in the Raleigh 10K Mud Run if I couldn't do a 5K without an injury? Would I be able to run in the two 5Ks that I have already scheduled in April??
The truth is, the injury propelled me to look into alternative methods of working out. Remember my Valentine's Day date with the Pilates Instructor? LOVED it!!!! Yes, I was anxious going into a group fitness class by myself for the first time but once I entered the room, set up my mat, and began stretching my core I forgot all about my insecurities. I realized all of us in that room were there for the same reason. We bonded without even speaking and when the class was over and I walked out to my car I felt galvanized and full of energy!! I even met a girl who ran in the same Allstar 5K that I had run in!
I've since taken a second Pilates class and I know I will continue to take the class on a weekly basis. It's a different beast than cardio workouts and I really enjoy the change.
Speaking of cardio....since I haven't been running I decided to take a Hip Hop Hustle class at the local Y with a friend - ( I know, I'm creating a group Fitness Monster LMAO). If I had to describe the class in one word, it would be HILARIOUS! We had SO much fun! Believe me - it's harder than they make it look on MTV. Just trying to remember the choreography was a workout in itself!! Some of the girls in the class were kickN it. My girlfriend and I were....let's just say....fumbling through it. But, by the end of the class we were still smiling...ok laughing...(at each other). And I'd be a liar if I didn't admit that when I got home I practiced the routine over again in front of a mirror. We're gonna try this one again...
I think it's safe to say that I'm becoming addicted to the group fitness programs. And why not? They're fun, the time flies by and sometimes you don't even feel like you're working out. It's more like a Cardio Party!! (Think Turbo Jam!)
What's next on the agenda????
INSANITY!!
Stay tuned......
Check them out here and JOIN me!
The truth is, the injury propelled me to look into alternative methods of working out. Remember my Valentine's Day date with the Pilates Instructor? LOVED it!!!! Yes, I was anxious going into a group fitness class by myself for the first time but once I entered the room, set up my mat, and began stretching my core I forgot all about my insecurities. I realized all of us in that room were there for the same reason. We bonded without even speaking and when the class was over and I walked out to my car I felt galvanized and full of energy!! I even met a girl who ran in the same Allstar 5K that I had run in!
I've since taken a second Pilates class and I know I will continue to take the class on a weekly basis. It's a different beast than cardio workouts and I really enjoy the change.
Speaking of cardio....since I haven't been running I decided to take a Hip Hop Hustle class at the local Y with a friend - ( I know, I'm creating a group Fitness Monster LMAO). If I had to describe the class in one word, it would be HILARIOUS! We had SO much fun! Believe me - it's harder than they make it look on MTV. Just trying to remember the choreography was a workout in itself!! Some of the girls in the class were kickN it. My girlfriend and I were....let's just say....fumbling through it. But, by the end of the class we were still smiling...ok laughing...(at each other). And I'd be a liar if I didn't admit that when I got home I practiced the routine over again in front of a mirror. We're gonna try this one again...
I think it's safe to say that I'm becoming addicted to the group fitness programs. And why not? They're fun, the time flies by and sometimes you don't even feel like you're working out. It's more like a Cardio Party!! (Think Turbo Jam!)
What's next on the agenda????
INSANITY!!
Stay tuned......
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Cupid's Calling!
Oh how I love thee, February 14th!! Picture this: You're gazing into your significant other's eyes while sipping champagne nestled in front of a crackling fire. You've finished a romantic dinner for two and even nibbled on a few chocolate covered strawberries. The night is young and the music soft and he's gently massaging your shoulders while whispering his undying love for you in your ear.
HA!! Does that really happen?!? Let's let reality set in. Romantic Husband is out of town. Teenagers are doing their own thing (which typically does not involve hanging out with MOM). And I'm home alone. Power on Empty Nest Fitness Quest! So what is a girl to do?? Make a date with a Pilates Instructor!!! Yep, I'm going to take my first Group Fitness Class ever! I'm a little nervous. Why?
1) I've never taken a group Fitness Class
2) I don't know anyone in the group fitness class
3) Will I look like a mom having a mid-life crisis by taking a fitness class on Valentine's Day??
4) I've never done Pilates
5) I'm not really quite sure what Pilates is exactly? (I know it's about the core)
So, why Pilates? Well, I still haven't recovered from the 5K two weeks ago. I did something to my left leg. Have I gone to a doctor? No. Will I? Probably not. I know that most likely I over did it. I ran faster and harder than I ever had before. I was used to running on a treadmill as opposed to pavement. It's quite a difference. I think with time it will heal. I just hope it heals sooner than later because the next 5K is April 10th! Check it out here!
In the mean time, I've got to do some training. Unfortunately, what I can do is limited. So I've been doing some research and it looks like Pilates is a great way to strengthen your core. A strong core is important for any type of distance running in preventing injuries. It just makes sense.
So stay tuned!!! Who knows - maybe my romantic husband will have a bouquet of flowers delivered to the Pilates class room! A girl can dream :-)
Let me know how you'll be spending your Valentine's Day!!!!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
I thought 40 was the new 30??
Funny - I remember turning the BIG 4-0 and everyone telling me "oh, don't worry about it! 40 is the new 30!!"
Well, apparently somebody forgot to tell my knees, ankles and hips that!! It's been 5 days since the 5K (where I beat my boss if you've forgotten) and I still have some tightness going on with my left hip. Don't get me wrong, I miss working out. I miss it so much I decided I would try to make up for lost time by only using the upstairs bathroom at work. That's about 200 additional steps each trip! I was doing great until yesterday when I decided just once I could visit the downstairs location. Of course when I got there the janitor had it closed for cleaning. Is that karma or what?? Somebody is holding me accountable!
I think my family has finally accepted that I'm serious this time and this work-out craze is not just a phase - I really am that crazy person that wants to run in the mud, swing on a rope over water, slide down a hill and race to the finish line. Not only do I want to complete "The Mud Run" in September; I want to be competitive!
Well, apparently somebody forgot to tell my knees, ankles and hips that!! It's been 5 days since the 5K (where I beat my boss if you've forgotten) and I still have some tightness going on with my left hip. Don't get me wrong, I miss working out. I miss it so much I decided I would try to make up for lost time by only using the upstairs bathroom at work. That's about 200 additional steps each trip! I was doing great until yesterday when I decided just once I could visit the downstairs location. Of course when I got there the janitor had it closed for cleaning. Is that karma or what?? Somebody is holding me accountable!
I think my family has finally accepted that I'm serious this time and this work-out craze is not just a phase - I really am that crazy person that wants to run in the mud, swing on a rope over water, slide down a hill and race to the finish line. Not only do I want to complete "The Mud Run" in September; I want to be competitive!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Project Mud Run - and the journey to get there!
My journey started about a year ago when I decided to quit smoking for good. Of course I packed on the pounds in the process and I decided I needed a new addiction to replace the old one. As a mom of two high school aged boys and as a wife of a husband that travels, I had alot of down time. Unfortunately, everything I used to do during this time (read a book, hang out outside with neighbors, drink wine on the screened in back porch ) I associated with a cigarette so I needed to find something new to do to kill the time and keep me busy.
So, I joined the local YMCA and started working out. My boss at work, Pat, had just started running and I decided I wanted to try it too. It became a motivator for me to keep up with him (or surpass him, let's be honest, lol) and so I went full force. I bought the Nike + app for my Iphone which allowed us to challenge each other to competitions and the runs were synced to facebook which announced to all of my friends my accomplishments. It became quite the addiction.
But then, I did too much too fast and over did it which caused first knee pain and then ankle pain and I had to frequently stop the workouts to nurse the injuries. Instead of feeling 40, which is bad enough, I felt like I was 90 years old. This became frustrating because I was FINALLY sticking to something and seeing results. But my body wasn't cooperating. I filled the time with bike rides at the gym or the elliptical but I never felt the same accomplishment as I did after running.
I finally got back on track running and learned how to space out the workouts, how quickly (or non-quickly) I should increase the speed and length of those workouts and how to cross-train by mixing in the stationary bike, elliptical, weights and other programs.
Yesterday, I finally ran in my first 5K. It was exhilarating and exciting and gave me a boost of confidence!! The first step is always the hardest - and now that I've taken it I'm ready for MORE!! I've signed up already for 2 more races in April, and I'm looking forward to trying to beat my time and increase my stamina. My goal is to be physically fit enough to run the "Mud Run" (check out this link: http://www.mudrundfw.com/ms/) in September.
Me??? Running a boot camp style marathon?? In my 40's?? YES I CAN!!!
This blog will be about my journey to get there. I'm sure it will contain some ups and downs with training, some humor (helloooo, I'm 41 acting like I have a 20 year old's body) and my efforts to get my friends and family involved. This is the longest I've stuck to any fitness goals and a large part of that is due to the support my family and friends have given me.
So, follow me on this journey and cheer me on!! Maybe you'll get motivated to start a new challenge for yourself too!!!!
So, I joined the local YMCA and started working out. My boss at work, Pat, had just started running and I decided I wanted to try it too. It became a motivator for me to keep up with him (or surpass him, let's be honest, lol) and so I went full force. I bought the Nike + app for my Iphone which allowed us to challenge each other to competitions and the runs were synced to facebook which announced to all of my friends my accomplishments. It became quite the addiction.
But then, I did too much too fast and over did it which caused first knee pain and then ankle pain and I had to frequently stop the workouts to nurse the injuries. Instead of feeling 40, which is bad enough, I felt like I was 90 years old. This became frustrating because I was FINALLY sticking to something and seeing results. But my body wasn't cooperating. I filled the time with bike rides at the gym or the elliptical but I never felt the same accomplishment as I did after running.
I finally got back on track running and learned how to space out the workouts, how quickly (or non-quickly) I should increase the speed and length of those workouts and how to cross-train by mixing in the stationary bike, elliptical, weights and other programs.
Yesterday, I finally ran in my first 5K. It was exhilarating and exciting and gave me a boost of confidence!! The first step is always the hardest - and now that I've taken it I'm ready for MORE!! I've signed up already for 2 more races in April, and I'm looking forward to trying to beat my time and increase my stamina. My goal is to be physically fit enough to run the "Mud Run" (check out this link: http://www.mudrundfw.com/ms/) in September.
Me??? Running a boot camp style marathon?? In my 40's?? YES I CAN!!!
This blog will be about my journey to get there. I'm sure it will contain some ups and downs with training, some humor (helloooo, I'm 41 acting like I have a 20 year old's body) and my efforts to get my friends and family involved. This is the longest I've stuck to any fitness goals and a large part of that is due to the support my family and friends have given me.
So, follow me on this journey and cheer me on!! Maybe you'll get motivated to start a new challenge for yourself too!!!!
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