Sometimes the Journey is Longer than Expected

Underoos make everything better!

Some of us are always working on our inner superhero by developing our best selves. I'm still trying to refine my status! #superherowins Shortly before I turned 30, I set the goal of being in the best shape of my life by that birthday. Growing up I had always been athletic and I was fortunate enough to be a college athlete. Those were some of my best fitness days of my life. When I made that goal, I had recently had my second baby, and we knew we were done having kiddos. I had officially retired from teaching about a year previous. My new job was being a full time momma, and I felt I had realistic goals of getting in the best shape of my life with a more 'flexible' schedule since I wouldn't be working outside the home. Well if you are a parent, whether you are working outside the home or not, we know the schedule isn't that flexible at all, and I quickly learned that this would be a season of life where I must be flexible with my goals. We all tread through this stage of life differently. I definitely didn't think it would take as long as it did to attain my goal.

With my big goal documented & noted, I really wanted to set myself up for success and I hired a personal trainer to help me get closer to my goals (Thanks Troy! You were a catalyst along the journey.). A coach needs a coach too. I spent several years at my local YMCA, working on my fitness goals and toting my kiddos to the daycare and kids' activities, so momma could have her time. With my degree in physical education & health, I was also inspired to become a personal trainer myself and joined the team at the YMCA. I was then fortunate enough to coach bootcamps on my own and to continue to bring fitness to others. It worked for that season of life and I was excited to help others along in their fitness journeys! Age 30 came and was gone just like that.

I went to graduate school for a year so that I would have potential opportunities for when my kids were older and I was ready to go back into the 'professional workforce.' I quickly realized that grad school and young kiddos were not a good combination for ME. My priorities had changed and the commitment of school was not as important in this season of life. Then my family experienced a big move from the Seattle area to Northern California, back to Seattle, then back to NorCal. We are a little crazy when it comes to moving ha, ha! That's another story...

Before married & babies, after 2nd baby, 1 yr into CrossFit

I continued to work toward my goal of being in the best shape of my life by 35, then found CrossFit. Talk about a huge fitness shift! I thank God I found this type of fitness. I thought I was in decent shape before, but truly found the athletic stimulus that I needed again. Something that was different every day and had a variety of fitness components all in an hour class. Totally different from the regular gym routine and it works for my personality and needs!! Plus, it was WAYYY better on my old knee injuries from high school and college. Higher intensity, less time pounding, modifications as needed!

Then another hiccup, bump in the road two years later. Probably due to my compensating movement patterns with knee issues, I suffered a fairly significant back injury that I dealt with off and on for two years. Finally on the other side of recovery from injury, I truly reflected on my purpose, goals, and LIFE! Why was I making the choices and choosing the behaviors that I was living out? Once I had clarity in that, I was truly recommitted to the original goal with the right intentions and focus. A little wisdom comes with age ha, ha!! I realized I needed some help with reaching my overall health goals, and I hired a nutrition coach. Best investment I have ever made, as it has been a game changer for where I am in life right now!

High school reunion, friends wedding, Thanksgiving 2015

Bodies are weird! Like truly weird AF, yet also truly fascinating. I have been working on this science experiment with my fitness and body for almost a decade now trying to be in the best shape of my life!! Your body goes through weirdness with pregnancies, stress, hormones, injuries, age, etc. Some navigate this rather easily, and for others, it can be a real roller coaster of change. I've never really dealt with 'weight issues' but at 5' 10, I can carry extra insulation better than some. Some stages of life, I would be considered 'fit', and other stages I would be softer than I would've liked. Then there were also stages where it was important to be a little more 'softer' because there were little humans that I was producing and then feeding! And don't get me started on the back injury. That was just a mind f*&% in all areas of health!

I will be the big 4-0 in about a month. I can truly say that almost a decade later, I am in the best shape of my life! Nutrition has truly been the biggest component to the changes in body composition and overall health. I've always known it would be, but didn't make it a priority until I was ready for significant change. Nutrition + CrossFit for the win! It took a little longer than expected to achieve my goal (like a DECADE!), but I wouldn't change this journey. And more importantly, my overall health is the best that it has ever been! Mind, body, and spirit!

Don't give up on your goals. They can still be the same or morph and adapt to life. Just realize that there are seasons of life. Different priorities come and go, and sometimes there are hurdles along the road. Enjoy the journey! The process and life's lessons learned along the way are more important than the timeline. The goals will always be there! Be ok with being patient though the process.

Spring Goal Renovation

Well it's spring time, I think, as the weather isn't looking very spring-like here but the calendar says it is. You may have been doing some spring cleaning or be looking ahead to swimsuit season (you too guys!)-- is it really only two months away??  Some of you started off the year with some really astonishing BHAG's (Big, Hairy, Audacious, Goals) only to find it springtime and you are dwindling away from staying on track.  No worries, there is always time to push reset and get back on track.  Goals always need constant attention.  Maybe you just need a spring renovation for your goals?  

In the spirit of spring, are you taking a closer look to see if those goals could use some more love, attention, and maybe some tweaking?  Spring cleaning includes removing the clutter so you can stay focused and find the things that help move you forward and do not weigh you down.

Tips for spring renovation:

1. Make sure goals are written down and posted somewhere you see daily. This could be written down on a small piece of paper and kept in your wallet, or it could be a post-it note on your bathroom mirror, or maybe you have a lavish goal poster hung up with all your inspiration.  Whatever you choose, make sure it works for you and you see it daily. Don't just say, you have these in your head as a mental note.  Write them down!

2. Goals need realistic deadlines.  Maybe your end goal is long term, but it should have a realistic deadline.  Those little steps in reaching your large goal should also have deadlines.  Now it may not be the end of the world if you don't reach these goals on time, but you must hold yourself accountable and put a realistic date to it.  If you are far off from those deadlines this spring, then re-adjust and get back on track.  There isn't anything wrong with putting a new date to it... unless you keep changing the date and it becomes a habit :).

3.  Don't get discouraged.  I know that sometimes that is easier said than done, but you can reach the summit!  No one but yourself can hold you back. You may question at this point if it is achievable or cast doubt if that goal is attainable, but have an honest conversation with yourself or someone you trust to really find out if it is truly important to you.  Get after it and persevere!  You need to also recognize partial accomplishment even if you are just off the mark.  You may need to break down some of those goals into more manageable steps.  Find a healthy balance where you can get back on track.

4. Drop them like it's hot and get rid of the negative, unsupportive people.  Well some of them may be family so you can't quite eliminate them, but you can choose to not let them bring you down or put roadblocks up for you.  Find supportive people that you trust and can give healthy encouragement along the way.

5.  Draw up new plans.  You are the architect for your life and sometimes that requires getting new plans.  Maybe the goal you started off with has changed over time and you now seek a different path? Maybe you need to knock down a few walls for a true breakthrough that screams YOU!  Always evaluate and re-evaluate your progress.

Lululemon recently had a blog entry that inspired this post and I love their last statement.  "Next to breaking a sweat, goal setting is the best way to up the resale value on one of your greatest assets: yourself! Remember to have some fun while you're at it.  What are you busy renovating?"

Best in health-
 

Stay On Track With Those Resolutions!

So it is officially February and that means you have had close to a month to work on those resolutions.  How are they working out for you?  Are you staying on track?  Did you give up already?  Don't fret, here are 5 tips to help you stay on track so you achieve success.

1.  Be Patient! - Success will not come overnight.  As much as we tend to be very impatient in the process, you must trust that it works and change will be made.  Consistency is the key!  Keep at the routine and know that change will be achieved. "Believe in yourself, trust the process, change forever." -Bob Harper

2.  Evaluate and re-adjust -  Are your goals still realistic?  Truly evaluate if they are.  If not, re-adjust those goals.  You are not selling yourself short, and there is nothing wrong with tweaking them.  Change the path of the plan if need be.

3.  Need Accountability? -  Put your goals OUT there!  I'm serious!  Post them where people can see.  Honestly most will not care, but you will think they do because they are out there and you will be more likely to hold yourself accountable.  Tell a loved one, close friend, or even post a note on Facebook.

4.  Tailor the Schedule - Were you totally committed to getting up at 5AM every morning to get that workout in, but then the snooze button became your best friend....?  Well change your schedule.  Maybe AM workouts are not best for you?   Can you do at lunch or in the evening?  Find what works best for your schedule and family.

5.  Track Progress and reward the little successes! - It takes small steps and successes to achieve the bigger, loftier goals.  Reward yourself with healthy/wholesome rewards for achieving those little successes and steps along the way.  How about a new book, water bottle, or fitness accessory?  Something fun that will keep you pushing away towards the Big Kahuna.

Remember, you ARE worth it!  Keep at it!

Let me know your progress.  I'd love to help you along your journey!

Best in health-

Be A Little Selfish, You're Worth it!

 As 2011 has made its way, many start, and do not follow through completely on their resolutions.  I'm not much of a resolution person anyway.  I mean NOW is as good a time as any to start working towards a goal or start healthy habits.  Most fail at those silly resolutions after a couple months anyway.  The key is setting smaller, attainable steps to reach those big, hairy, audacious, goals so you don't peeter out in the beginning. 

As we look forward to new adventures, it is imperative to look back and reflect upon your previous habits.  History will repeat itself if we do not learn from our previous mistakes and setbacks.  Many of us are coming off a hectic holiday season where maybe we took a timeout from the gym; had one too many cocktails; too many layer bars (thanks mother-in-law); spent too much time consumed by others and neglecting ourselves.  It's time to be a little selfish!  Put yourself first for once!

I am a firm believer that healthy bodies lead to healthy minds!  Put your health and fitness goals first so you can feel better about yourself, be a better spouse or significant other, a better mother or father, a better co-worker, or be a better person to just be around.  You may feel guilty about the thought of being selfish and putting yourself first, but trust me, all will gladly appreciate you taking care of yourself first so it is a pleasure to be around you.  Now your schedule may dictate when you can make the time to focus on your health and fitness, but I see the most success when people get a workout in first before you attack that to-do list and run around for everyone else.  You will feel more energized and your sense of well-being will be heightened if you put yourself first, first thing!

"The good news about the past, is that it's over!  The great news about the future is that you can CREATE it!" -The Daily Love.  Now go create greatness for yourself!!

Best in health this new year-