2018: The Year of Consistency

The start of a new year is always a good time for change. It’s a time to set goals and make plans on how to achieve them. Don’t let the haters bring you down before you even get started. We all have to start somewhere and for a lot of us, January 1 just feels like an ideal time for a fresh new start.

I feel that in 2017 I was not just treading water, but actually taking some steps in reverse. Life has it’s ups and downs but if we don’t get a hold of ourselves, we can continue on a downward spiral that is even harder to get out of. I know I’ve been inconsistent with just about everything in my life lately and it’s time to make a conscious effort to be consistent with my actions. From what I eat, drink, how I work, use of my time, etc. It’s time to stick to the plan. So, I’m here today to share my goals and plans and hopes for this new year.

Fitness + Health Goals

Consistent Meal Planning/Prep – Working from home, I always felt that meal prep was something I didn’t need to do. I could always take a break from my work and make my meals. But the truth is, I don’t always feel like taking the time to cook just for myself so I end up winging it and it’s not always balanced or the healthiest options. I have been pretty good about meal planning for dinners, so I want to keep that up and add meal plans for breakfast and lunch too. I also plan to use Sundays as a day to prep some meals or have semi-prepared options that I can easily and quickly turn into a complete meal. For example, making a batch of paleo egg muffins, having boiled eggs on hand, and making enough dinner for lunch leftovers the next day.
Run 3 days/week + Gym 2 days/week – Getting consistent and back to a routine with my workouts is a must. Although I always have a monthly plan on my calendar for my workouts, I do not always follow through. I am determined to make this a priority in my life again!
Weight Loss – Without having consistent workouts and meals planned, I have let the weight creep back up. This is the year to get back on track and not let all the hard work I’ve done go to waste.
Post Monthly Goals – When I first started my weight loss journey, I shared a lot. Maybe even over shared! But, it helped me stay consistent and accountable to myself. Somewhere along the line I started thinking that maybe I was sharing too much, that people didn’t want to see/read about what I was doing and I stopped sharing and eventually that led me to taking it easy. I started relaxing too much and without that accountability on social media and my blog, I started to overindulge too much and workout less and less. That stops now! Hope you’re ready for a maybe a little over sharing but just know, I’m doing it for myself! Not to brag or make anyone feel bad, but rather to put myself on blast in the hopes that it will keep me accountable and maybe give someone else ideas on how to do it for themselves too 😉
Blog a min. of 2 times a week – You’ll be seeing a lot more of me this year! I really enjoy blogging so I want to make sure I’m on here a few times a week sharing my thoughts, ideas, frustrations, travels, race recaps, family life, and everything/anything else of this messy life!

I’m also working on my race schedule for 2018, so be sure to check those out HERE! If you have any suggestions for races I should put on my radar, please let me know in the comments. Or, if you’ll be running one of the races I’m doing this year, let me know so we can meet up! I’m debating if I want to run a marathon for 2018. What do you think?

These are the main goals and objectives to get back on track and feeling better about myself. I don’t want to feel sluggish and tired all the time like I used to, so it’s time for consistency! Do you have a word for 2018?

2016 Goals: Reclaim

While we still have a few days left in January, I thought I’d finally share my goals and plans for this new year. On January 1st a good friend of mine held a Vision Board Party. We talked about what worked and what didn’t for 2015. We discussed our goals and dreams for 2016 and then put together our vision boards to go along with these goals. Mine is hanging in my office, so I can see it everyday and not lose focus of what I intend on working on for this year.

As I mentioned in my Year in Review post, 2015 was full of ups and downs and we went through a lot. A lot of my plans and goals for last year ended up being put on hold and on the back burner. Well, here we are in 2016 and I am ready to RECLAIM those goals and take on some new ones. I intend on taking on 2016 with lots more determination and hard work than ever before.

A big running goal to start the year has been to run the LA Marathon. Training for this race has really been kicking my butt and it’s taken up a lot of my time. It has definitely been a challenge. I actually have my last long run of 21 miles on Monday and then I taper for the race, which is on Feb. 14. I’m super nervous and excited about meeting this goal! 26.2 miles here I come.

I’ve got lots of business goals and plans that I am working on and have started to put in place. I’ll be working on rebranding my photography business, which means new marketing materials, updated portfolio, etc. Fun Times for sure to reclaim my business and get back on track! I need to make money to pay for all my races 😉

A personal goal I have for myself is to focus more on my style. I work from home, I workout, and that’s most of my week. I never have anything to wear when it’s time to go out for a nice dinner or anywhere else that’s not they gym, really! Shopping is a chore for me. I really do not enjoy it at all. So, my goal for 2016 is to figure out a way to enjoy shopping for clothes and shoes that are not fitness related. I have no problem spending $100+ on running shoes. $12 for a pair of Injingi socks, no problem! My favorite running bra is about $60. Now ask me to spend more than $30 on a top and I hesitate! This is gonna be a tough one, but i think it’s important for me to find some balance in this aspect of my life and to reclaim my fashion sense!

Lastly, now that both of my kiddos are in full-day school (YAY!!!!) I have a lot more time to focus. This has been a blessing and a challenge. Time management has never been my strongest attribute, so I fully intend on working on that this year. Since I mostly work from home, I’m putting together a schedule for myself so I can have ample time to reclaim all the pieces that make up my days: motherhood, housekeeping, workflow, and fitness.

How about you? What are your goals for 2016? Is there anything you’re looking forward to?

The Gym in January: Sharing is Caring

Here we are just 6 days into January and lots of people are complaining on social media with “funny” memes about how packed the gym is in January. Yes, they are most definitely correct. The gym will be busier than usual at the beginning of the new year. We’re all making goals and resolutions and just about everyone has some sort of goal to do with their physique. Wether its to lose weight, gain muscle, or tone up, the goal usually leads them to the gym.

But, rather than hating on the new folks, let’s remember what it was like to walk into a gym for the first time. For me, it was terrifying. Walking into that first Body Pump class, I felt everyone was staring at me. I didn’t know what I was doing. I felt frumpy and alone. I didn’t dare make eye contact for fear of being sneered at. I’d like to think that most of these fears were all in my head, but I’ll never know.

What I do know, is that it doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t want to be the reason why someone doesn’t reach their fitness goals. Remember, you were once a newbie too. So, rather than complain, why not be welcoming. Why not be the reason someone does reach their fitness goals. Just a little welcoming smile or a few seconds to lend a helping hand could make the difference. That gesture could be what makes someone, who like me was terrified walking in, feel a little bit better about their decision.

If you’re new to a gym, don’t feel bad about it. Own it. Sure, you may not know how to use all the machines, but neither did they when they first started going. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for showing up. Better yet, prove them wrong. Show up again and again and again. Before you know it, you’ll no longer be the newbie and you’ll be the one offering a lending hand or friendly smile.

For those of us who have been going all year let’s try this: See someone who’s looking at a machine with doubt, give them a quick tutorial. The girl next to you at Body Pump looks scared, give her a reassuring smile. Not only will you be helping them, you’ll also feel so much better about yourself 🙂

Chasing Dreams I Didn’t Know I Had…..

I heard/read this saying somewhere a few weeks ago and it’s really stayed with me. I don’t even remember where I heard it or in what context, but it resonates with me in so many ways. “Chasing dreams I didn’t even know I had” is right about where I am right now. Yesterday I posted a “Transformation Tuesday” photo on Instagram as part of the monthly #grinderglamchallenge (a fun fitness based photo challenge) I participate in. You can read more about it on Leti’s blog HERE, she founded the challenge a year ago and it’s grown into an awesome community! I’m so happy for her and I don’t even know her personally. But whenever we do meet in person, I’m gonna give her a big hug 🙂

So, back to the photo. The response I got was so amazing. So many people liked it and commented about how proud they were & how happy they were for me. It was awesome and made me feel good. Thanks everyone for the support & encouragement! Here’s the photo:

Looking back at who I was then and who I am now, it’s hard to recognize the old me. I don’t even mean physically. Yes, losing 30 +/- lbs. hasn’t been easy. It was hard work with lots of ups and downs. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into! I just needed to lose weight. That was all I knew. But, in the process of trying to lose the weight and get healthy I found a passion I didn’t know I had. I signed up for races and had a blast doing them, especially obstacle course racing. Ummm…excuse me but I had no idea what obstacle course races were 2 years ago, nonetheless think that I would ever sign up for one willingly and enjoy it!! I’m giving myself challenges and goals to reach that I didn’t even know I wanted. I’m running, climbing over 8 ft. walls, crawling under barbed wire, jumping into ice cold water, and loving every minute of it.

I’m currently reading Spartan Up by Joe De Sena, the founder of Spartan Race and so much of what the book says about pushing yourself beyond what you thought you could do is so true. You will find courage you didn’t know you had, strength you thought wasn’t there because we are capable of so much more than we think. Overcoming obstacles in a race is so much like overcoming them in real life. You reach a wall, you find a way to go over it. You forget your fear of heights and you go for it. You may need some help, but you make it over the wall. You don’t let the wall beat you. These are all great metaphors for life too.

Right now, I’m dreaming of a stronger me. A me that will run a half marathon faster than the last one. A me that will conquer the Spartan Beast & Spartan Sprint in one weekend and live to tell about it. Am I scared? You better believe it. But I want that trifecta medal more than I am afraid of those obstacles. It’s that fear that drives me to be better. I can’t quit, so I need to train harder than ever before! Yeah, I’ll be tired, bruised, sore, and who knows what else, but I’ll come out more alive than ever before! Honestly, I am happy with how far I’ve come and I’m ready to push myself even harder to reach those dreams I didn’t know I had! Chasing these goal, these dreams, keeps me focused. It makes me a better person both inside and out and I like that.

So, what dreams are you chasing? I’d love to hear about them!

Take Control | Don’t Give up

So, who signs up for a half marathon and celebrates by eating a donut?!? This girl, that’s who! I just had to get that off my chest, it’s not really what this blog post is about. Ok, so moving on…

It’s been a stressful week at home, mostly just stressing over work stuff. Lame, I know, but hey, I’ve got kids to feed! Maybe I’m being a bit dramatic but the point is I’ve been stressed out. I skipped my training session on Tuesday and I almost skipped going today too. Why? Because yesterday was a bad day and I woke up still feeling in a funk. I just wanted to stay in my PJs all day and do nothing. But, I started to feel bad, remember I missed Tuesday, so I put on my workout gear, tied my sneakers and I made it to the gym.

I started out feeling sluggish, but then somewhere in between my 2 minute interval on the Stairmaster (level 10!) and bicep curl lunges, I remembered what someone once told me. I was told that you may not be able to control everything that happens in your life, but you can control what you put in your mouth and how your body looks. Aren’t those words of wisdom? At that point, I was like, forget feeling sorry for myself and worrying about things that are out of my control. My problems and anxieties will still be there when I’m done with this workout but right now is “Me” time. It was time to push my body to the limits, it was my time to sweat, to get out of my comfort zone and work it. If only for the next 45 mins of my workout, I felt powerful. I felt in control and it was awesome.

Am I jumping for joy and feeling euphoric right now? No, I’m not. Let’s keep it real! I’m back to reality, but I do feel a little bit better. I feel focused and ready to tackle whatever life throws my way! I feel empowered because I didn’t let life’s annoying problems get in the way of my goals. So, I’ve said it before (specifically in this blog post —> HERE) but I’ll say it again: Don’t give up on yourself and your goals!! Making exercise a part of my regular routine really helps me deal with the stresses of life and I’m confident it will help you too. So, go on a walk today around your neighborhood, pop in that workout DVD, or go to the gym, whatever it is, make some time to take care of you. Your body will thank you. xoxo

And, if that’s not enough, click on the picture below for 100 other reasons you should workout today!

Tips for Keeping Your New Year Health & Fitness Goals

Right now, most of us are planning, making lists, and getting ready for the new year ahead. We’re reflecting on this year that is so quickly coming to an end – seriously, where did the time go? Just about everybody always adds losing weight and/or exercise to their list of goals for the new year. I know I always do. But what I’ve learned is that just writing down or saying “I want to lose XX lbs. in 2014” or “I want to start working out more” Is not gonna cut it. I know, because I always did this and always failed. I failed because there was no action plan. It’s great to set goals to become healthier or more active in your life, but without a plan, it’s just a dream. This is the year to turn those dreams into reality. Here are a few tips to help you get started on the right track!

1. Have a game plan. Saying and doing are 2 different things. Write down how you plan to lose those XX pounds. Will you do a 21 day sugar detox? Will you practice better portion control? Will you join a gym? Workout 3 days a week for 30 mins? What workouts will you try? Write it all down and keep it in a handy place to go back to!

2. State why you want to make these changes. These statements can be very powerful and have a big impact on keeping yourself motivated to make these lifestyle changes in the coming months.

3. Put it on your calendar. Make appointments, set reminders on your phone, and/or recurring events on your calendar. Whether it be scheduling time to go to a fitness class, go for a jog, or pop in a workout DVD, make it a part of your daily routine.

4. Weekly meal plan. This is major if you are looking to make healthy lifestyle changes. Pick a day out of the week that works for you (Sunday is my day) and write down your meal plans for the week then go shopping accordingly. If you have a super busy schedule, then you can even try prepping your meals on this day to make it easy to just grab & go during the week. This will really help you stay on track and not make hasty or bad food choices because you don’t know what to make for dinner or you didn’t pack your lunch and just went out for fast food.

5. Be realistic. Saying you want to workout 5 days a week can be daunting, especially if you haven’t been on any set routine before! Start off with smaller goals and work your way up to the ultimate goal. Start by making it a goal to workout 2 days a week for the month of January (Don’t forget to put it on your calendar!) Then add a day each month thereafter and by May you’ll be working out 5 days a week!

6. Step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes we need to try new things and go out on a limb a bit because that’s where the magic happens. If you do the same thing over and over, it can start to get boring, so try something new! It could be a new healthy meal, a new fitness class, or even just a different running trail. You’ll never know if you’ll like something new unless you try it. It will be scary, but just think how proud you’ll feel when you actually do it. You may find you really love it and if not, at least you can say you tried it!

7. Keep yourself accountable. Telling someone else about your goals is a good way to stay accountable. Having a good support group will help you stay on track with your goals.

8. Sign up for a race. I know this is what keeps me going and I firmly believe that signing up for a race will keep you motivated too. It’ll give you a goal to aim for. Sign up for your first 5K or your first marathon. Try an obstacle course race or a fun run. There are so many options available right now, that there is bound to be something you’ll find fun. Sign up with a few months in advance and get to training! You won’t regret it.

9. Don’t give up. None of us are perfect. We’re gonna miss a workout or indulge in a meal that’s not part of our meal plan. It happens. The key is to not let one bad day, ruin your goals. Honestly one bad day won’t ruin your progress, giving up will. So, if you know you’re going out for a special occasion, allow yourself a “cheat meal” and move on. So you missed a workout because you worked late that day. It happens. Those are small bumps on the road. We all have them. Don’t be too hard on yourself. I’ve read it takes 21 days to make something become a habit, so don’t give up!

10. Rewards. Who doesn’t love to get rewarded for a job well done? Some people like to buy themselves a new outfit after reaching their weight loss goals others will plan a night out. Workout 3 days a week for 30 days and get a pedicure. Get a new playlist for your ipod after you run your first 5K. Whatever it is, it doesn’t have to be expensive or big it just needs to be something to keep you motivated! Set your goal + reward and you’ll be on your way 🙂

Do you have any tips for staying on track with your fitness goals? I’d love to hear them.