Mind, Body, Spirit Moment

"The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success." ~Irving Berlin


Wouldn’t it be great if we really could “lose” weight and never “find” it again? The daunting thing about weight-loss is that it’s a never ending journey—or battle in some cases. You “lose” 20 pounds to fit into a wedding dress and brag to all your friends about how well you did and then four months later you’ve found those 20 pounds plus six more. What was the point?

There is no resting on your laurels if you want to keep the weight away. That is the reason why quick fixes and magic creams don’t work. Sustained success takes sustained habits and behaviors that net desired results.

Sometimes that means doing things that don’t come naturally or that go against what feels good in the short-term. That means working past the point where you really want to quit. If you never get past that point how will you ever experience success?


Be Fit4Life!!


To become a member of Jenita Lawal's team, please visit www.beachbodycoach.com/fitgirlposse  and sign up for a free membership. To view the Fit Girl Posse run/walk schedule, visit http://www.fitgirlposse.com/ . Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fitgirlposse  or Twitter @FitGirlPoss

Reasons, Really

There are so many thoughts going through my head right now. I want to write something inspirational. I want to unload some emotional baggage. I want to wax poetic about my training for the 13.1 Chicago. I want to share the woes and joys of gong from Fat to Fit. . .But I have no idea where to start or how to pour out to you everything that's going through my head. This past week I've been asking myself "why" a lot. Why did I sign up for these damn races? Why do I take on so much? Why does it hurt me when people live up to their pattern and consequently disappoint me? Why do I downplay my accomplishments? Why do I compare myself to other people? 

My 5 yr old running with me at the park.

Why do I keep running? 

I no longer run purely for the weight loss benefits. I run for sanity. I run for that feeling of invincibility. I run because there was a time when I never thought I could. I run because endorphins are legal. I run to show the little stick women with swishing ponytails that athletes come in all shapes and sizes. I run to tune into my spirit. I run so my kids can't catch me (ha ha).

So, I had to ask myself why did I hesitate registering for the Rock N Roll Savannah Half Marathon. I guess a part of me knew that my reason for choosing the race was not fair to me. I chose that race so that my family would have no excuse for not being there. It wasn't because I just love Savannah (which I don't, sorry). No. I did it because I was seeking approval from my family and wanted them to be there to share in something that has become so important to me. I had this vision of them standing at the finish line and me running into their arms and crying tears of victory with a triumphant musical score playing in the background. Sappy, I know.

Here's the truth: my running is not about them and nor is my racing. My family may never come out to support me and I have to learn to be okay with that. One of the hard parts about changing your life is changing your emotional patterns. Remember, your spirit, mind, and body are connected. Your emotions are a part of your spirit and can greatly effect how you treat the other two areas. That's why when you're depressed you sleep and eat (or in some cases starve yourself). Or if you're anxious you have insomnia and eat. When you're seeking love and attention you turn to negative self-talk and eating chips or Klondike bars. . .or is that just me?

So, instead of running in Savannah on Nov 5th I will instead run in the Coastal 1/2 Marathon in Orange Beach, AL on Nov 26th. Yes, that means I'll be on the beach for Thanksgiving. Ahhhh! Now that's being true to me!! Yes, I train because it keeps me focused on fitness but I reward myself by purchasing a race outfit and traveling. Before I started training, travel seemed like a luxury I couldn't afford, but now I plan my travel around my races and it excites me. Next year I would love to run in Bermuda. Oh yeah!!!

What is the point of all this rambling?? DO YOU, FOR YOU!! It's much more rewarding than trying to please others or be someone else.

To become a member of Jenita Lawal's team, please visit www.beachbodycoach.com/fitgirlposse  and sign up for a free membership. To view the Fit Girl Posse run/walk schedule, visit http://www.fitgirlposse.com/ . Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fitgirlposse  Be Fit4Life!!

Looming in the Shadows

"Two things scare me. The first is getting hurt. But that's not nearly as scary as the second, which is losing."--Lance Armstrong 

Since the day I started this journey one fear has loomed in the shadows. No matter what training plan or course I took on the one thought that reverberated through my mind was "Don't get hurt." I have heard one too many stories about people who suffer an injury then fall back into unhealthy, sedentary habits or who no longer expect victory because of physical limitations. I've held back pushing myself too hard with running because of my fear of injury. So, I have to laugh at the irony of my current situation. I didn't injure myself while running or doing Insanity, a 60-day conditioning program by Beachbody. No heroic story of me tumbling down a hill midstride while on an 8-mile run through the urban oasis of Nashville. . .Nope.

The real story: I twisted my knee while line (or "twine") dancing in flip flops on vacation--no alcohol was involved. The last jump I've been able to do was for the poolside rendition of  the Macarena. To add insult to injury I walked around Downtown Disney on a bum knee for at least two hours. And now I'm sitting here trying to figure out how much time I have to recuperate so that I can finish training for the 13.1 Chicago.

This is where the lessons I've learned over the past year are tested. The first couple of days I was afraid but now I'm all about devising a plan of action because I know that a sedentary life is not for me. I know that I'm not the same person, so that fear has no place to take root. I know that I'm not a quitter, so NOT shooting for completing the race is not an option. Even if I am not 100% by race time, I'm going to stand on that starting line and give it my best shot. I have looked forward to this race since last October and have had a vision of my family sitting along the course supporting me.

So, I will back off a little and allow my knee time to heal. If I don't feel any better by mid week I'll make an appointment with my doctor and go from there. Whatever happens I am no longer afraid of the "What If" looming in the shadows. What if I gain back all that weight? What if I can't run anymore? What if I never get any smaller? What if. . .What if. . .What if I choose to live in victory and not defeat? What if I focus on my possibilities and not my limitations? What if I take each day as it comes and just be grateful for the course thus far? Shadows aren't so scary.

To become a member of Jenita Lawal's team, please visit www.beachbodycoach.com/fitgirlposse  and sign up for a free membership. To view the Fit Girl Posse run/walk schedule, visit http://www.fitgirlposse.com/ . Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fitgirlposse  Be Fit4Life!!