Motivation

Happy Friday! Do you have some fun plans for the weekend?!


This morning I headed to GPP for a new to me workout!



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WOW. My abs are already feelin’ it! My abs hardly ever get sore, but this workout hit them in a whole different way! Anytime I need to hold a wieght over my head it turns into a mental battle to get through, until the last rep.


Seriously, Awesome!


I am big on motivational quotes, I love them, I collect them. - Whenever I am having a rough day or to get me through the last few miles of a marathon or even to get me through workouts like todays.
Pinterest is chuck full of them. One of my favorites is this one.





When the going gets tough at any time in my life, whether it be in the gym or at home this quote always pops into my head.

It helps me to dig a little deeper and overcome the small voice in my head that doubts my actions. I believe I can be stronger then I think when the going gets tough.

I love to push my limits at the gym, you might even say I enjoy a little pain every now and then. After a hard workout, that was really challenging to me I feel a huge sense of accomplishment and I feel stronger then I did before.

Motivation is key to the victories in life. Big or small.

Dedication is what will make you great!




Giveaway!

Head on over to Fitmixer to enter to win in their monthly giveaway!


Question of the Day

What gets you through when the going gets tough?

E.S has a Twin

October is here!!!

I love October and everything that comes along with it! I spent some time today searching for this years epic Halloween costumes!

This morning I woke up early to start the Monday off right at GPP for this workout.

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The twins had their 2nd Dentist appointment today! They did pretty well today, compared to their first visit! I take them to the Doctor I worked for for 8 years! The twinners had a blast playing around the office.

My sister still works there along with a lot of the people I used to work with. It was nice to be able to visit with them for a minute. I miss working sometimes, but these two little rascals are a full time job and I would never give that up.

Over the weekend we watched a little bit of the Mr. Olympia contest for fun. I couldn’t help but think that the winner of figure Olympia, Erin Stern reminds me a lot of Kate Hudson, in a brunette, figure model version?

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Do you see it?

Meals around here have been exactly what my new nutrition plan is.

All 7 of them.. Here is a few.

 

I have followed it to a T and feel pretty great, but sure am getting a good workout in the kitchen everyday, cooking, preparing, and cleaning. I need to really set a day and prepare my meals for more then one day. I have tried getting more creative about the meals- in a way that I’m eating the same exact thing, but just prepared a different way with seasonings, juices etc.

I found this on fb today and loved it.

There is a little motivation for your Monday!

Question of the day?

Do you have a favorite motivational quote?

Decide to do these 4 things TODAY.

Hey guys! We are half way to the weekend!


Today was a LONG day for me. But a good day, besides picking up 7,452,325 goldfish twice.... I’ll take it. 
Probably because I woke up at 5am.

I met my sister at GPP and we did this workout. It was rough. There was a total 2 miles of running, broken into 800m, but throw those KB swings and V-ups in the mix and I felt like I ran 20 miles. My goal was to sub 20 (do it in less then 20 minutes.) Needless to say, I had to stop and tie my shoes TWICE. That is what I get for attempting to put them on and tie them while driving… I didn’t reach my goal. NEXT TIME…




On GPP’s website (where I do my workout everyday) We post in the comment section our time/weights/thoughts/complaints/ramblings, etc.

Usually,I just post my results of the workout that day to keep track. Today, I added a “next time” part and I think I’m going to roll with it, kind of like a rolling goal sheet. So, next time the workout pops up, I can check my time, weights or whatever and see what I hoped to improve on or my thoughts on the workout to see how I can challenge myself and improve me. It will be cool. I love accountability. It keeps me motivated in the gym and life in general.

I love these comments. They inspire me to work harder and push myself in the gym everyday. The community aspect of GPP rocks and the cool thing is YOU could be part of it too! We love to hear from other people and you will find motivation in them and maybe even relate to some of the other commenters. Try it.

I also took some time today and jotted down a few things I want to do everyday and think everyone else should. I will share them with you.

#1. Be Accountable: Plan your workouts, journal them, not just your weights,pace etc. But how you felt! Maybe you were sick but fought through it, or you had sweat in your eyeballs and enjoyed every grueling moment. I think this is important because if you have a day you just don’t feel like working out you can flip through your workout journal and be motivated by YOU!.

• Like I said above, I’ll be posting those on the comment section of GPP’s website and I bought a little journal today to keep a personal record to.

#2 Be nice to yourself: Do you talk to yourself in a positive way? Think about how you talk about yourself. In the mirror or with your friends. If your friend said something negative about you, do you really want that person as a friend. The way you treat yourself will reflect on how others treat you.

• I have gained some weight and I catch myself constantly complaining about it. Yesterday, a good friend told me I was gorgeous. (I was post workout- covered in sweat, smelly and really frustrated with myself at the time.) --->a little opposite of gorgeous.. but you know what? It made my day. I truly didn’t even know how to respond.. it caught me a little off guard and I’m grateful to that person everyday. I am so lucky be surrounded by such amazing people. SO, I’m going to start being a little nicer to myself. I’m going to put a little effort into finding positive things and maybe getting ready a little more. (I really sit in my gym clothes for the majority of the day…) --->big secret…ha!

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#3 Start helping other people- Just be nice. Bring dinner to someone, introduce or compliment a stranger. Go out of your way and do a act of service for somebody.

• I love being a trainer/fitness instructor. It gives me fulfillment in a aspect of my life, that I can make a difference or impact someone’s life in a positive way. Out of the gym I tend to fall into my own schedule, worrying about other duties, my errands, my house chores, my kids, etc. So, now I want to make it a goal to go out of my way and do something for someone else. Maybe take my friends kids to the park so she can catch a little break, or surprise a family with dessert.

#4 Spend time with the right people- People who make you feel better about yourself, who lift you up inside and who you know will always be there for you through thick and thin. Find people you inspire you to be a better person. Who motivate you in all aspects of life and make you strive to be like them.

• The majority of my day is spent with people like this. I am lucky to be be surrounded by them. If I run into some negativity I will try my best to be a positive light instead of add to complaints.

Source--->like GPPfit FB!



These are my new commitments. How about you?


Questions of the day:

Do you log your workouts?

What is one thing you can commit to doing TODAY?

Lets Break Up

Happy Friday!!
I was asked to be a fitmixer Ambassador awhile ago . I am a huge fan of fitmixer products and what they stand for. The people behind fitmixer truly want everyone to be their best selves. Our health is an important part of lives and on the fitmixer website Candice, Alicia, and Robin blog about everything health and fitness! You may also take part in the fitmixer boot camp program for fun workouts that you can do in your own home.

They have several products that can help you reach your fitness and nutritional goals. These are the two I keep stocked in my pantry. Brent LOVES both of these as well!

 
As a fitmixer Ambassador, I will be writing a post each month about a specific health or fitness topic chosen by fitmixer. This will help spread the word about the company and their amazing products and I will be hosting a bunch of giveaways for you to win some of it! (I also have my affiliate link on the sidebar if you want to purchase some product for yourself) This month’s fitmixer topic is geared toward saying goodbye to something that holds you back from achieving your health and fitness goals by writing a farewell letter and dismissing the issue from your life. It can be anything really—junk food, your love for sugar, negative thoughts, excuses, etc. I chose doubt to break up with.
Dear Doubt-
It’s about time I face you and let you really know how I feel. Can’t you notice that we have an unhealthy relationship? You’re always in my head and preventing me from doing what I want and know is possible— and it’s time for it to stop. We have been together for a long time now and I know you may always be a dark shadow in my head. In order for me to reach my fitness goals we need to break up.
I know you know what I'm getting at here so don’t act like nothing is wrong. When I shoot for a PR time or sign up for a race, you invade my mind and whisper things that make me think I can’t do it. Why would you do that to me? It’s a constant battle and you always seem to be triumphant.
It is almost as if you never want to see me succeed or reach my goals. Did you know, I really have been trying to avoid you for months? I really want to improve my speed, strength and get out of this slump I feel like I have been in. Some days I feel great but you always step in to ridicule me and its preventing me from reaching my goals.
Doubt, I’m sick of repeating this dreadful cycle. This is the end. We are SO done. I am going to reach my goals and you can’t stop me anymore. Goodbye doubt. See you never.
Good riddance!
Candice
Question of the Day:
To what or who do you need to break up with? What would it say?
To enter to win 2lbs of Fitmixer Product, go here for a grand total of 7 different entries!

7 years

Today marks 7 years when my mother passed away. 

I woke up this morning and my stomach just hurt, which led to an “off” day for me today. I went to the workout at GPP but just went through the movements, didn’t really push myself to hard, I just couldn’t shake the feeling. Every year, since my mom passed away my sisters/family meet at her grave at 5 pm because that is the time she passed away. It was my week to teach body pump so I couldn’t be there today. After pump I went for a run. My favorite run course actually passes the cementary where she is buried, so on my way back I made sure to sit and spend a little time to reflect on her life and my favorite moments with her.
Due to my “off” day, I didn’t take any pictures of anything today… besides this beautiful sunset.

Purple and pink filled the sky and I was able to catch the very end of it.
I never get sick of Bountiful sunsets. They are always stunning and today it made me smile.
I spent the last hour watching womens Gymnastics! Congrats USA!!!

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It’s a new day tomorrow!
Have a good night!

Fear

You will have value whether you fail or succeed.
Did you know that?
The only true failure is not even trying.
Everybody fails at something, its not fun when it happens but I do think that it is essential part of our ascendance. Whether it be professionally or
I honestly believe that we create what we fear.

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Before I ran my first marathon, I was terrified. I was injured for weeks prior. I did not feel like I could successfully run 26.2. I tried to find an excuse not to run it and I had plenty. Running a marathon was something I really wanted to do. Why was I so afraid to fail? Failing is embarrassing, defeating, and just plain scary.
When I crossed that starting line, I was taking a risk that could result in failure. As I looked around at those around me we were all in the same game, but we all had different stories. As I sort of just zoned out I thought to myself that I will have value whether or not I fail or finish. I’m trying and giving it my all. Sure, I had a rough go getting here but I’m here and not to try at all would be the biggest failure.
The last mile of the marathon, I thought to myself. Wow! I DID it, I’m almost there. My fear of failure faded and the excitement of accomplishing my goal was just a mile away.
As I crossed that finish line I had that sense of accomplishment that was overpowering. The pain from running was numb and I couldn’t stop smiling. I faced my fear head on and decided not to be scared of it anymore. So, what if I did pull out if my injury became to much to handle? Would my family and friends really think less of me if I didn’t finish?
NO! And if they did, are those the kind of people I really want in my life?
Take a minute to identify what contributes to self-defeating patterns going on in your life. You must learn to implement different behaviors or thoughts to stop them.
Think about your goal.
How can you adjust your behavior or your attitude to help you achieve that goal?
In my family, I am the one that is passionate about racing. I LOVE everything about it. There is someone in my family, that I feel doesn’t support me at all, in fact they seem to question my very reasoning for racing. This person is important to me and I love that person. In fact, I schedule my races in places where it would be easy to come support me and watch me cross that finish line and see with their own eyes what racing means to me.
Never has that person come to one of my races, or even said good luck, or a good job. NOTHING.
This use to bother me. A LOT. HOW could that person not even care? It made me angry, sad and worthless. I have trained and trained for this race, sweat, blood, and tears went into prep. How could they not realize that it is important to me.
I came to realize somewhere between mile 20 and 26  that I don’t need that persons approval or support. Their satisfaction just didn’t matter. In fact, why did I even care so much in the first place?
I race for me. It is part of my identity they may not see, but their ignorance won’t prevent or stop me from doing something I love. Racing is cool shiz no matter the distance or time.
Fear is a like a dark shadow that can hang above you in all aspects of your life. It is not until we face the sun will the shadow be behind us.
Another fear I want to talk about today is the fear of not matching up to those around you. Whether it be in the gym or professionally.
I sometimes find myself falling into a place of comparison. I have had multiple conversations with close friends that find themselves in the same pit at times. Most of the time, it is turned into a joke. Which is just as dangerous as if someone told me straight to my face.  It is easier to find things you DON’T like about yourself then it is to find things you DO like. I complain about my thighs not fitting into my old jean shorts this year, then someone complains about their love handles, big arm, belly and so on.
Obviously, I was projecting a deep insecurity inside myself onto others. DUMB. Hell, I’m actually really good at a lot of things. We all are.  Take a minute and write those things down in your journal or on a piece of paper and stick it on your mirror. 
Losing weight or striving for health isn’t about you getting to look like a celebrity or like miss hottie-tottie strutting around at the gym. It’s about getting you to have YOUR best body and about living YOUR best life.
Don’t’ make your goal to look like someone else. Be  YOU. Chances are someone is looking at you and is thinking. Wow. She is amazing.
Guess what.? YOU ARE!
BE INSPIRING!
Find courage and be honest with yourself, you can and will turn failures into tools for success and vehicles for personal growth.
Question of the Day:
What do you fear?
What do you like about yourself?

{Making a Healthy Plan}

Happy Sunday!! Today has been nothing but relaxing! We rolled out of bed at about 8:30am! (Thank you T & B) I was more then ready for breakfast. I saw that Janetha made waffles earlier this week and decided that was how I would start my Sunday!! She and I followed this recipe, I added a scoop of Vanilla Protein powder and an additional splash of milk to make it a good consistency. Also, I was fresh out of blueberries.  I also just threw all the ingredients into a blender because it's just the laziness in me on a Sunday morning :)

I topped it with a few frozen raspberries and agave nectar, smashing and spreading those raspberries around post pic. 

These waffles are delicious! and low carb, high in protein with a good amount of fiber for some staying power!  The main ingredient is Coconut flour and I must say it is my favorite flour lately to bake with! 

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The babies even enjoyed them! I think T ate a whole waffle himself!! 

side note: I just topped theirs with organic jelly since babes aren't supposed to have honey.

This afternoon I wasn't really wanting anything to big because I had a big dinner in mind for later. So I decided on a quick and simple protein shake to tide me over till then.

In the mix:

1.5 C. unsweetened vanilla almond milk

5-6 ice cubes

1 tbs Chia Seeds

1 tbs Ground Flax 

1 Scoop Vanilla Protein

Cinnamon

pinch of gaur/xanthan gum

2 handfuls of spinach.

Now its almost time to make dinner! I have salmon on the menu!! 

{Lets get healthy the smart way}

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We all mean to be healthy right? Its not like we are purposefully eating crap because we want to feel like shiz the next day.  And your not avoiding the gym because you "just don't have time." 

So why is going to the gym and planning to eat healthy so dang hard sometimes? 

Well, it just is. Especially at first, when your body is used to eating chemically, processed foods you begin to crave them and they seem as the only option at that time. Not only isn't it convenient but its just what you have at the time and your in a hurry. 

Stuff comes up and because you pressed snooze this morning with the promise to yourself you would hit the gym in the PM. But now you have that something else you need to do or your just plain tired already from the day and just give up and decide that watching the latest episode of Jersey shore sounds better. 

We have all been there!

 Making the commitment is the first step but following through with the will and dedication is the tough stuff.

Here are some tips to help you out!!

1.  Make a plan!, write down several goals on a post it and stick them on your mirror in your bathroom or even on your refrigerator door! (somewhere where you will always see them.) 

2. Start small. You can't expect on your first day of working out (if it's been a while) to be able to just go bust out 5 miles.  Start with some strength training! Then go for a walk/run or jump on the elliptical for twenty minutes. Go at your own pace.

3. Reward yourself- Once you reach one of those goals, take that post it off and get yourself a treat for accomplishing something so great! Like a new workout top, earrings or running shoes! 

4. Make your workout an appointment! Schedule it in your day SOMEWHERE, anywhere really. Treat it as a Dr. appointment.

5. Make it fun- Make sure your workout is fun for you enjoy! Go to a class or make a date with a friend! 

6. Prepare meals with leftovers in mind- Grill extra chicken, boil eggs, bake sweet potatoes and steam some veggies to keep in your fridge at all times along with fresh fruit and veggies for quick snacks. That way you always have something right then and don't have to turn to those "convenient processed crap".

6. Take it one step at a time- You can't expect a quick change or fast results. Losing 10 lbs overnight is not reality. Be patient and try not to become frustrated it will take time. One week to make a habit. One month to turn it into a lifestyle. 

Q. Whats your new goal? 

Q. What is something that helps inspire you to reach your fitness goal?