Know That...

I'm sitting here waiting on the kids (my boys and my little nephews) to finish up their stations at the Junior League's "Kids in the Kitchen." They held a pilot parents' session hosted by a local catering company and it sparked this blog. So while I have a precious moment to myself I'm going to share some things with you all.

This year I haven't shared my goals, visions, and dreams for 2014 and beyond. The last week has been full of incidents that seem to be spurring me forward in the direction of my goals. I have been stalling. I have been knocking the wind out of my own sail because I'm a little bit afraid of the journey. Not very warrior like of me, I know. Does a true warrior look down the road toward the battle and say, "Naaaahhhh, I'm not ready to give what's required to win." That is not a warrior. 

We all fear things. We all face obstacles and have to decide how we deal with them. Some of us try to ignore them but there is a cost to that. Some of us try to quietly go another route to avoid them, but there is a cost to that. The greatest risk and the greatest reward is to face the obstacle head-on. To conquer it. How much greater is the victory in conquering than in shirking? 

Some of you may have set resolutions (or goals) at the start of the New Year. And at this point, almost thirty days in, you may feel like the goal is just too big or just too hard. You may find yourself feeling like whatever you hoped to gain is not meant for you. Before you write yourself off as a failure, I want to encourage you to just keep at it. You may have to revise the plan and it may take longer than you initially hoped, but don't give up. Don't be afraid and don't let the struggle deter you from victory. Go move the mountain!

• Know that change takes time. So be realistic about your deadlines and time frames.
• Know that change requires CHANGE. You cannot expect change if you don't actually CHANGE some things. 
• Know that change requires consistency. You don't get lasting change with sporadic action. Be consistent--not perfect.
• Know that change is scary. Change is risk and requires something of us, which is scary. Move past your fear.
• Know that change requires support. Connect with people or groups that will support your efforts. This is priceless. 
• Know your WHY. This is crucial. You have to connect the change with something valuable to you. Otherwise, what is the point? Why invest the time if this change doesn't really mean anything to you?
• Know that it will be worth the risk. Every time you succeed, you get a little stronger. You discover new strengths, new possibilities. The journey to change is as valuable as reaching the desired goal. 

As I embark on a new course, I encourage you to keep moving forward along your own. Know that you are not alone.

Love on Purpose

During my run this evening I didn't really think about pacing, or hydrating, or splits. This evening I was thinking about love. My heart was full and my mind was occupied with how to express the love I felt at that moment for those whom I love. I was able to run this evening because someone loved me enough to take care of my children--picked them up from after care, kept them occupied, fed them. Parents out there know that this is golden!

As I drafted my thank you letter in my head, I remembered other instances of love in action and at that moment as I meandered through the Vanderbilt campus on a balmy fall evening, I felt at peace. And the spirit whispered to me, "that is your purpose." Ah, to love.

When we think about our specific purpose here on this earth, I think we feel an obligation to be these grand things.  Sometimes in our quest to be a person of purpose, we miss the opportunities to simply love. That's the reason we were created. Don't believe me? Go check the book of Genesis. God created us out of his want to love, to connect. And all throughout the Bible it's about Him wanting us to be with him and love him and show love to us. We complicate things and underestimate the importance of love.

Much of what I do is rooted in love, in some form. I help people because I love people--even when they don't love me. I love on little children because you never know if they're getting enough elsewhere. I workout because I genuinely love it and the results. I run because once I get into a rhythm, I love it. I blog because I hope in my heart that someone is helped or changed by something I've shared. I love seeing people strengthen their wings and fly. And I believe that because I live love, it is given back to me one hundred fold in so many different ways.

Oh, you thought this blog was about running? It is...sort of.

Warrior Within

Today I ran in the Wounded Warrior Project 8K—before you run off and do the conversion, that is approximately 4.97 miles. It’s probably one of my favorite races to run. Not because of the course, or the swag, or the entertainment. It’s one of my favorites because of the wounded warriors themselves.  While I am thankful for their service, what touches me more is their indomitable will to move forward. The soldiers whom I see running in the race or in the bike ride inspire me to push beyond what someone else may see as my “possibility.”

Around the 4 mile mark today I was passed by a soldier in a face mask and combat boots who was pushing another soldier in a wheelchair. Back at the 3 mile marker I saw the older man from last year pushing his walker along the course—head down, eyes focused, moving forward. Another team of solders had finished the race—carrying Old Glory—and ran back to escort and encourage others towards the finish line. Even at this event, they were giving their time in service to others.

This year has been tough. I've been told three times, by three different doctors to stop running. One told me to stop lifting heavy weights. Another told me to stop doing lunges and squats. For a minute I did heed their advice. And then my spirit started to question what was really possible. What more might I accomplish if I simply push past this moment?  Should I surrender to what they say is possible?

Don’t get me wrong, I know that we have to heed our doctor’s advice. I understand their reasoning. But I also know that their word is not law. Five years ago a team of doctors kept telling me that I would develop diabetes…yeah, NOT. Instead of letting their prognosis debilitate me, I take better care of myself. I make sure I take a rest day, stretch, ice as needed, get monthly massages, etc. etc. etc.

"Heroes" running for Heroes

So running among the warriors in this race this time around, I felt somewhat kindred. While our scars are of different origin, I understand a little bit about the spirit, the will, the vision, the courage it takes to move past “can’t” into “can.” I know what it feels like to conquer. Even as all my co-workers passed me, it didn't bother me the way it did a few months ago. Just being there with the ability to finish was enough for me. When I tell you that I took moments to enjoy the colors of the trees, encourage a few other runners, shout out to my co-workers, high-five volunteers...just being there was freaking awesome.

The icing on the cake for me during this race is when, at 4.39 miles in, a 60 year old gentleman with one hip and a survivor of a number of knee surgeries told me that I kept him pushing up the hills because I wouldn't stop. We made a pact to run the final stretch and not let each other stop. When he ran across the finish line I gave him the biggest hug. This life is magnificent! Use your pitfalls as opportunities to triumph and inspire others. Today I remember that all things are possible, if I have the faith to believe it and the will to move towards the vision. 

Fueled by Victory

The day God gave the Amorites up to Israel, Joshua spoke to God, with all Israel listening:  “Stop, Sun, over Gibeon; Halt, Moon, over Aijalon Valley.”  And Sun stopped, moon stood stock still until he defeated his enemies. ~Joshua 10:12-13

Consistent. Relentless. Tenacious.



Some people don't believe me when I tell them that my fitness journey has helped me grow into a stronger Christian and a stronger person (mentally, emotionally). It sounds crazy considering I have battled with weight all of my life. But God used the one area of my life that had always been a struggle to be my ministry. Amazing...my purpose is rooted in my struggle. The principles and lessons I learn on my fitness journey help me along the other paths in my life. Principles, with their lovely selves, can be applied to anyone and just about any situation.

The other morning I was facing a personal crisis and wanted to crawl into a ball and just give up. I went through the motions of getting dressed and getting everyone out the door, all while fighting against the "take me now" screaming in my head. I got in the car and looked in the rear view mirror. I looked at myself and I look defeated. Me? Not Fit Girl? And then I recalled mile eight of the 2012 St Jude Music City Half Marathon when my ankle was on fire, my calves were cramping, and my pace was slipping. I remember telling myself, "It's not over. Finish strong." My gait changed. I was no longer whimpering. The only option I gave myself was to finish, and do it well. So, I fixed my form, stopped the whimpering and still hit a PR. But it doesn't' stop there.

With legs cramping and energy low, I changed and made it to my flag football game. I played a full game--offense (center), defense (defensive end), and special teams!! My very first play I dropped the ball because my hands were cramping. From that point on I told myself, "If you're gonna play, then play hard." No one watching that game would know that less than an hour beforehand I had done a half marathon. 

What point am I trying to make?

April 28, 2012

When you go into battle, you go with the hope of victory fueling you forward. If you don't have that hope of victory, why are you even fighting? And being Christian the fire is even bigger because I know with surety that I will be victorious--if only for the glory of God. 

Victory. I cannot even describe what it feels like to someone who hasn't tasted it. But once you know victory in any area of your life, it spurs you forward to the next conquest, the next challenge. I imagine the Israelites felt that way as they defeated thirty plus (32??) nations on their quest to claim the Promised Land. Joshua was so sure of victory that he had the audacity to ask God to let the sun stand still so he could keep whooping tail. What?! Ooooo weee!! When you know the taste of victory,you are not easily defeated.

As you gear up for your workout or preparing your meals, or even just facing your life, ask yourself if you are fueled by the hope of victory. Is that illustrated by how you carry yourself and go through life? Or are you limply fighting, awaiting defeat? Be fueled by VICTORY!

Tackling the Hills



View of capital bldg from Bicentennial Park



I live in Nashville, TN so I'm very familiar with hills. My neighborhood runs include hills whether I want them to or not, so I've learned to just GET OVER THEM. I didn't say that I run up those sons-a-snitches quickly or even that I look forward to them. I said I've learned to just GET OVER THEM. Standing at the bottom of one doesn't get me over it. Going another route just puts me at the foot of a different hill.

When I stop griping and complaining about the hills, I realize that they've made my legs stronger. And standing at the top of the hill can give you a great view (like the one from behind the capital, gorgeous!). The same principle applies in life. For the longest time I've wanted to obtain my primary group fitness certification but have hit one hill after another--money, car accident, not having the right study materials. But the biggest hill I've had to conquer is my FEAR. Yes, fear. The fear ranges from not feeling like I measure up to others, to not being able to pronounce anatomical terms, to wondering how others will judge the loose skin on my arms and around my belly. There is even a small inkling of a fear to actually succeed. Wow...

There is a scripture that says "there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." If I believe that God's love is perfect and that he blessed me with gifts out of his love for me and that his plan for me is inked by his love for me, then what am I fearing? If I venture forth and fail, have I really lost anything? Or will I know to be better the next time?

Lots of people ask me about how to start running or working out or eating right. But not many actually follow through. The tendency is to shake your head and write it off as they weren't really serious. However, for some, I get the feeling that their reluctance to move forward is rooted in a form of fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the work it will take. Fear of the diligence required. Fear of being freaking awesome (yes, it's a great responsibility). So, as I go through the battlefield and conquer my own fears I will lift up a prayer for all of them. I pray that they get a small taste of victory to power them forward. I pray that they take hold of the love that casts out those fears and leads you to an abundant life--all aspects of life.

Hills. Fears. Whatever. Just get over them.