Its Just a Number.

Something pretty crazy happened this morning and I am hesitant to share this with you BUT I feel I should be honest and open about my struggles.



I was making breakfast and my hubby noticed a specific body part was getting bigger (I'll leave out which one) and I said "yeah, I've gained 5 pounds. Hopefully it's all muscle"



After that he immediately knew I wasn't feeling awesome about it. I don't even know why I was upset about it but nonetheless it has been in the back of my mind ever since I noticed it. (I only weigh myself every week to two weeks)



The truth is that I feel healthier than I ever have so why care about what the scale says!?



Before ChaLEAN Extreme I could barely do two push-ups on my toes. NOW I can do 6 on my toes, chest all the way to the ground. I also can run 11 miles without stopping.



^^^THAT is the real test of fitness. Your strength! Not the number on the scale. ^^^



I never thought I'd be the person to really care about what the scale says, in fact I preach NOT to care about it and solely focus on how you feel physically and mentally. So I'm taking my own advice and throwing out society pressures of having to be a certain size and concentrating on ME and how I FEEL. I will not let a stupid number on the scale tell me how I should feel about my body.


Since I started this journey my goals have always been and will always  be to be healthier, happier and stronger than ever before.

Saturday Run

Setting goals does work!!! 

When I set out on my run today my goal was to run 5 miles. That distance would be 1 mile beyond my longest distance and I felt it would be a good way to boost my endurance.

Starting out running I felt great for the first mile and a half then it got harder. The wind was beating on my face, dust flying in my eyes and I was losing energy fast. I thought of giving up so many times. Instead of stopping I slowed my pace and found a place in the distance where I would start running again. I had to do that quite a few times but there was no way I was going to head back home defeated.

As I hit the 5 mile marker a sense of pride and relief washed over me. I DID IT! I hit my goal even though it wasn't exactly as I had planned. I found a way to make it happen. 

A life lesson was learned today. The road to hitting your goals is never going to be easy but that's no reason to give up. Keep pushing, keep your faith and believe strong in yourself and you can accomplish anything you wish. 

The New Year

Happy New Year!!! 

I hope you all had a great New Years Eve!! We definitely did :) We stayed home, made some dinner and finished off the night falling asleep before the clock hit 12. Big parties and staying up late just isn't in our plans as a family anymore and I'm perfectly okay with it :) 

When I woke up in the morning I remembered all the resolutions I had made over the years and how many of them actually got accomplished. The truth is, I couldn't remember one single goal that was reached. I had managed to let years and years of resolutions slip through my fingers while I remained comfortably lazy and set in my old ways. How disappointing!!! 

In 2014 I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone and got healthier but that wasn't something I set out to do in the beginning of the year. Over the course of the year I learned about goals and how to set them from many different life coaches. In an instant I knew what my problem had been all this time so this year I am making resolutions and sticking to them. 

Here is how I am doing it:

1. Make Specific Goals

The goals you make are so important but it's so easy to make goals on a whim and never follow through with them. Many times it's because we don't know exactly what our goal entails. Writing down goals like "lose weight" is okay but getting mighty clear about them is even better. A goal like this is best "Lose 10 pounds and keep it off". This gives you a clear mark to hit making it easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

2. Assign dates to each goal.

Resolutions generally go all year but it's important to have dates. Without a deadline you have no idea when exactly you need to complete certain tasks. Take our goal above- " Lose 10 pounds and keep it off"; this goal needs a deadline, a reasonable but challenging deadline. This is how this goal should sound "Lose 10 pounds by March 1st and keep it off ALL year". That goal is easily definable and gives clear markers as to what needs to get done.

3. Write out your goals.

This one is simple but it works. Even though you know your goals it's important to physically write them down AND do it every week. Keeping your goals fresh in your mind is the best way to reach them. Out of sight, out of mind is exactly what happens to all those resolutions. Simply put- write down your goals, read them everyday, rewrite them every week.

4. Make your goals public.

I don't mean go out and tell every single person about your goals. Choose 1 or 2 people, tell them your goals and explain why it's so important to you. By telling someone you are putting some skin in the game. You are giving yourself accountability and motivation to reach those goals. 

5. For each goal have an action step.

It's awesome to have goals, write them down, and tell your significant other but without an action step for how you are going to complete them makes it very hard to move towards them in any real way. 

Those 5 things are crucial to accomplishing your New Year Resolutions. Doing each of these things will help you define and work towards your goals so next year you can be proud of all that you accomplished in 2015. 

What are some of your goals for 2015? Are you ready to make this YOUR year!? 

One Mothers Support

First let me say that I never thought something like this would happen to me. I've read those beautiful stories of other people reaching out by saying a few kind words or paying for someone's dinner. The stories that make me cry and wonder how those people were feeling when someone did that for them.

Tonight I got to experience that. 

Today was a typical day. Brought my daughter to school, hung out with my other two kiddos, cleaned, did laundry-- the list never ends for a mom. My mother in law flew in today so the kids were super excited and really not paying much attention to the directions my husband and I had been giving them. 

Right after picking up my oldest from school I sneaked out of the house for awhile to go for a run. This is my "me" time. I have this new found love for running so I try and make it out at least twice a week. I did really well too! I ran 4 miles and at a faster overall pace. I was so excited!

Anyways, we all decided to go out to dinner for our 4 year anniversary, that happened yesterday. Of course it's a Friday night at 6:30pm so everywhere is PACKED! We landed at Long Horn Steak House and waited for a table. The kids were great as far as waiting. We were all starving and ready to eat. While waiting I noticed a family standing near us. Their little boy was about the age of my middle child and they had an infant. They were quiet and their children really well behaved. Our little buzzer starting going off and we were ushered to our table. 

Dinner was pretty uneventful in the beginning. The kids were being good and actually eating. Everything was coming out fast from the kitchen. Perfect. A smooth family date night, which never happens!

Then it started. My youngest was getting loud and cranky and the other two were just about passed out at the table. As our dinner arrived they informed me that they were out of sweet potatoes for the next 30 minutes so I needed to change my side. For whatever reason I was overly angry about it. Yes, I know it sounds ridiculous. I agree. But all of a sudden the noise my son was making and the fact that they didn't have what I ordered completely changed my mood. Nothing was good enough. My food wasn't that great and I didn't get my damn sweet potato which can arguably be the best thing on their menu. Dinner was coming to a close and my crappy mood persisted. 

My husband grabbed our son and headed to bring the car around. While gathering our belongings, the woman from the waiting area approached me. I hadn't even noticed but she was at the table right next to us the whole time. She was holding her baby girl when she leaned in and very quietly said...

"Hey! I just wanted to tell you how beautiful your family is. You are doing an amazing job. I know dinner time can great rough. I just wanted to let you know."

My face flushed, my heart started racing and I was speechless. I managed to squeeze out a a thank you but not much more. I was in shocked. My body was paralyzed by what had happened that I really couldn't react the way I should have. As I walked away I started tearing up. What this woman just said to me meant so much more than anyone could understand. A stranger noticed my struggle and decided to help. She lifted me up and made me feel better when I was being pretty a pretty lousy human being. I mean come on... Who gets mad over a sweet potato!? Apparently me. Not one of my finest moments.

I should have hugged her and told her that she is my saving grace. She single handily plucked me out of my bad mood and made me count my blessings. She gave me that positive attitude I had lost back at the sweet potato. 

As we drove home I told my husband what had happened and started tearing up again. I doubt he understands just how that woman helped but I will never forget her and what she did for me. This woman touched my heart. I am forever grateful.

This is what mothers should be doing for each other-- lifting each other up instead of silently judging. 

Friday Night Run

Its Friday night, the Hubby just got home from work, and I had an itch to go running. I was feeling great and didn't get in my T25 workout like I had originally planned. So I decided I would have enough time to get in a 3.2 mile run (I'm going to run at least 3.2 each time so my 5K time will get better) before it got dark. It was about 5:30 pm and super cloudy as it had rained all day. Still I went for it. I was TOTALLY wrong about it not getting dark. About half way I realized there was no way I'd make it home. The approaching darkness definitely helped me run harder I can tell you that!! Our neighborhood isn't well lit and its a little creepy running alone in a new neighborhood. 

On top of the dark I made a quick decision to go down another street. There were tons of Christmas lights that made the homes look beautiful so I took it. So here I was lost in my new neighborhood in the dark. I found a way to cut back to the main street by a drainage thing (lol I have no idea what you call those things!). I hopped on the phone with a friend so at least I could listen to her chat. Best idea ever! 

The plus side of wanting to get home as fast as I could was that I pushed harder than I ever have. Also by running down a wrong street I added some distance onto my run. Overall my splits were the best I've ever had for that distance of run so I'm happy I went but I probably won't ever cut it that close again :)

Once I got home I was relieved. My body was feeling great and still on the running high but I knew that I needed to stretch. I'm always so sore after a run and I wanted to make sure to give my muscles a good stretch. I got out my mat and started. Of course my babies joined in. I have to say its absolutely adorable when my son crawls under to give me a kiss. Aw makes my heart melt!

One stretch I discovered from PiYo is called the Pigeon. Its a stretch where your leg is bent ahead of you while the other is extended fully backwards. This stretches needs to be gotten into correctly so here is how I do it. I start off in a plank position, move to down dog and then bring one of my legs through my arms and sit down on my butt. This move can get a little difficult if you aren't flexible so take it slow and don't push yourself too much! I hold the pose for 30 seconds and go back into down dog. Repeat with the other leg. 

Next time you workout, go for a run or even just need a good stretch try this one out! Its awesome and totally stretches you out! 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for all that you are grateful for. I know in my family it is a time where we all gather, cook and just enjoy each others company. I love that sense of family and it was something I was definitely missing when we lived in Oklahoma alone. Having my mom close is priceless and I am forever grateful that her and her husband were able to join us yesterday. Not only did we have my mom and her husband over we got to spend our very first Thanksgiving in our new home. That's right... we bought a home on the 12th of November and it has been the most exciting and nerve racking experience. I LOVE that we now are home owners and in our home prior to the holiday season.

This Thanksgiving was FULL of firsts for my family and I. Another FIRST happened yesterday as well! I participated in the 5K Turkey Trot!!! 

So at 6:30 am I jumped out of bed and started getting ready. I was so excited and nervous all the same time. I couldn't believe that one of my goals, set back in June, would be accomplished! When I started running I couldn't even make it a full mile without stopping. I had to do intervals of running and walking along with sticking to the T25 program but soon built up my endurance and speed. My time per mile was over 11 minutes!! But I DIDN'T give up. Each time I went for a run I would push myself a little more. I will post HOW to made it from couch to 5K so you can see! It wasn't easy but totally do-able! 

The race started at 8 am so we all piled into the car and headed downtown. Once we got there I could feel the energy. There were so many people walking around, all ready to rock this race. There were people with kids and jogging strollers, dogs, teenagers and seniors ALL prepared to run the 5K. I was amazed to see the variety of people. As we all lined up and waited to hear the starting shot, I was filled with gratefulness and determination. Grateful that my heath and fitness has allowed me to do something like this and determined to do my absolute best. 

The race went a lot faster than I imagined it would!! For most of the race I was able to keep pace with my best friend, Amanda. She can run faster and longer than I can so it helped me keep a steady pace instead of sprinting in the beginning like I wanted to! My adrenaline was definitely to blame for that! Near the end I could feel my energy slipping and my pace slowing. That's went I decided to change my mindset. I KNEW I could do this. So I started running faster. I picked someone ahead of my and made it my goal to catch up and keep pace with them. It was a woman about my age and although she doesn't know it, she pushed me harder that last .50 miles than anything else. I didn't think of my legs feeling like jello or my side screaming because of a cramp. I just went for it. My time for that last little piece of the run was faster than I've ever run before. 

A sense of accomplished and pride went rushing through my body has I passed the finish line. I was so proud of myself for all the hard work I put in over the last few months and happy that my official time was UNDER 30 minutes. 

Here was my final stats:

-Official time 29.22 minutes 
-30th out of 90 runners in my age group (25-29)
-199 out of all 753 females
-537 out of 1411

I can't wait to participate in another 5K and continue to train so I can one day run in a 10K, hopefully this spring ;) !!

I hope you all had an AMAZING Thanksgiving!!

You don't have to struggle...

**

I've learned a lot over the past few days. I've learned that it's SO easy to be happy and motivated one day all to have it completely different the next. I've been in a slump of bad moods, lacking of energy and letting other people effect my self worth and confidence. I wasn't being the mom, wife and person I am striving to be. It was time for me to step up and get back to what I knew would help me. 

The thing is-- the more negative you are the more you will hate life. Once you let that negative creep in, you have to pull yourself out or it will bring you down. 

My plan is pretty simple. Work on myself by exercising daily, eating clean, reading personal development and constantly feeding my mind and soul is positive affirmations.

I really don't like sharing my struggles publicly. We all like to hide behind our computers and put on a good face but sometimes it's worth going out of your comfort zone. If I can help just ONE person from this, it will all be worth it. 

I will tell you that it is not easy; there will be ups and downs but it's the best thing you can do for yourself. If you want to join me and think this group is something you would benefit from, I urge you to message me for more details. 

If you want to make a change in your life but unsure how to do it.
If you feel trapped in a spiral of negative thinking, bad food, and lack of motivation. 
If you want someone to coach with your health and fitness while working on improving your mindset.

THEN THIS IS FOR YOU.

I know it's hard making a change and stepping out of your comfort zone, but this is life changing if you just give it a shot.

Priorities...

I know it's not easy.

Its not easy for me to make time to workout but I do because I've made it priority in my life. I actively try to create and look for times when my kids are happy to play together so I can concentrate on me for a second.

I know that between keeping up with the house, raising kids and working on this business I'm creating for myself that I will have to sacrifice somethings in order to get everything done. And you know what-- many times things don't get done. I'm not perfect and never will be.

But one thing I'm never willing to sacrifice is my family. They will always be my number one priority. So instead of reading a book or watching my favorite TV show or taking a nap-- I work on myself. That is were my priorities comes into play.

Now I'm not saying all this to make you feel bad. I want to give you hope that it is possible. That I understand and want to help you find ways to work on your health while making it work for you and your family. Everyone deserves to be happy and healthy. Not just for them but for their family as well.

Message me if you are willing to try, I know it's not easy but it will be worth it.

Your MILLION DOLLAR IDEA...

How many times have you come up with an idea but ignored it because others thought it was "stupid"? 

At a conference that my husband attended the guest speaker spoke about exactly that. It all started when one of the brothers was hanging out at a bar with his friends. The song "I'm sexy and I know it" came over the speakers and he started to freestyle it into "I'm farming and I grow it". Thinking it was a great idea, he went home to tell his brothers of his idea. Only his brothers were less excited about it and thought it was stupid, but he wouldn't hear it. He made them do the video with him and within 2 weeks that video was viewed 6 million times!! The Peterson Farm Bros have gone on to make many other parodies that all talk about their life as a farmer. They have attracted so much attention that they get to travel all over the WORLD talking about agriculture and spreading awareness for how important farmers are. 

In the beginning, the brothers idea may have sounded incredibly stupid but he must have had a gut feeling that this was a GOOD idea. Only he saw the vision and in the end, that "stupid" idea was a HUGE success! 

So I'll ask you again. How many times are you doing to let other people shoot down your ideas? Your goals? Your dreams? 

Don't let your fear hold you back from something great. Those people don't need to see your idea in order for it to be a success. Put yourself out there and show the world who you are and what you care about. Remove your fears and go for it. 

It may just be YOUR million dollar idea.