Learning to Fish

Learning to Fish

Lately a number of people have asked me to help them with understanding what to eat and meal planning, which is a little hilarious to me. We're talking about the girl who still has to gently say to herself occasionally, "You are not refrigerator; you were not made to store food." We're talking about the girl who who could eat a gyro, a Philly cheese steak, two bags of chips, and finish it off with two sodas. They're asking me for help? 

Nutrition is the area where I continue to research and tweak. There are so many plans, studies, fads, methods, and gurus out there that it can be very confusing. Trying to understand it all can frustrate you and keep you from moving forward. Over the course of the next few blogs, I will share with you what I have

learned thus far. I am in no way an expert, so if you are seeking expert advice please reach out to a dietitian or nutritionist. Notice that I didn't say personal trainer. Why? Because personal trainers are not certified to give nutrition information. Their study includes some nutrition information, but it does not certify them to prescribe nutrition plans. Now, don't take that as a rant against personal trainers because it's not; I've loved all of my personal trainers. I just caution you to seek an expert on nutrition if you are taking it that far.

Before sharing with you, I had to pray about the subject and ask God what I should say. I don't take this lightly because I understand the struggle. I still live the struggle in my own ways. What I am going to do is teach you how to fish. Not literally, of course. What I notice is that people don't go get information on their own. You take what someone tells you as truth without seeking out your own answers. Don't get me wrong, not everyone has a couple of hours a day to research this stuff, but you should know enough to decipher whether what you're being told is sound. That is my goal: equip you with the basics to help you succeed. Where you go from there is up to you.

Six Part Series:

1--Getting Started: assessing the "now," setting habits and getting equipped

2--Setting Direction: know your numbers, know the lingo, know where you're headed

3--Choices: evaluating your choices and making choices that work for your lifestyle

4--Gathering: how to grocery shop, tips on what to keep stocked, exploring the aisles

5--Meal Prep: how to make it fit your life, making the time, what to prep

6--Enjoying the Journey: rewarding behavior, tracking progress, setting new goals

Each part will be posted on Sunday, so remember to come back and check it out or just click to follow this blog. During that week, put the tips and guidance into action and post here in the comments to let me know how it's going or share your experiences with others. Get ready to be Fit4Life!

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.

F2F Focus T25 Challenge!!

No, it's not New Years. No, I'm not on team two piece. No, I'm not trying to fit into a dress. Someone reason asked what I was traning for. My answer? LIFE!! My quest to lose this last 30-40 pounds is purely because I want to.

And then came Shaun T's Focus T25: 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 50 days. Dude!!

Want to join me? Order your challenge pack then connect with me on Facebook or Instagram (@jlawf2f). Order by July 31st and you save $80!

Starting August 1st, I promise to share my journey with you and I ask that you do the same. Whether you know it or not, your journey will inspire others to make changes in their own lives. And that's really the point, right? To be our best selves.

Let's do it!

Your Cardio Routine is Making You Fat

Thank you!! I hope people really start understanding this. If you want to lose "weight," then yes, do two hours of cardio. But if you want to lose fat, hit the weights and scale back on the traditional cardio.

Cardio is for cardio-respiratory health, so yes, you should do it. But if you're talking about changing your body composition for the better, increasing your metabolism, and getting a hard body (look at sprinters versus marathon runners; look at crossfitters versus cyclists) then hit the weights, baby!

Read the article below by Jim Karas and share your thoughts.

Your Cardio Routine is Making You Fat | Yahoo! Health

Save a Dollar, Make Ya Hollah!

My little sister shared the following post on Facebook:



Save a buck or two!



"Let me share my frustration with you, Facebook. So, I'm not the best eater, but I do what I can. Every now & then, I splurge & buy a little something for myself. Keep in mind I'm an unemployed college student, so I can't afford to trick off in the grocery store all the time. Last week I decided to get some fancy deli meats & cheeses. Even got some fresh produce & fancy 9 seed & grain wheat deli bread for my sammiches. Cool. Sammiches are DELICIOUS. Fast forward to today, I go to make a sammich. I have a whole half of MOLDY deli bread. Lemme tell you something. I don't eat sammiches enough to eat an entire loaf in one week, but I'm TIRED of wasting money & food trying to eat "healthier." $4 on bread that molds in 7 days. I could have spent $2 on bread that would last 2 months. This is why people buy cheap stuff. We don't have time or money to waste buying expensive food that doesn't last."

And of course, Big Sister is here to help. I know she's not the only person out there feeling the strain and frustration of eating healthy while on a budget. Let's face it, the grilled chicken wrap is not on the Dollar Menu. A box of my favorite quinoa costs $6.99 while a bag of white rice costs about five dollars less. So what's a F2F'er to do??

 

There are a few rules and tips I use when I grocery shop that I hope will help you.

What is your goal/purpose?

It can be confusing to decide on the best options when you hear so much about gluten free, organic, whole grains, farm raised, farm fresh, non-GMO, non-growth hormone injected, etc. etc. etc. With all of the studies and options out there, you have to decide your goal. Are you concerned about gluten? Then that should be a priority when you shop. Are you adamant about using and eating organic products? Then that should be a priority when you shop. However, if you don't really understand the hype and don't really know the difference, then don't spend the money. Do a little research, try a couple of products and then decide if you want to make it a shopping priority.  

Save then Plan, Plan to Save 

You see it all the time. Experts say plan your meals then go to the store, but I beg to differ. What works best for me is having staples on hand--which for me includes things like cans of black beans, eggs, egg whites, tuna, frozen chopped onions, canned tomatoes, high fiber oatmeal, frozen fruit, raw sugar, almond milk, etc.--and checking to see what items are on sale at my ususal grocery stores. Sometimes I luck up on deals while I'm in the store then I'll create a recipe using the things I have on hand.

 

For example, my local Walgreens had cans of pumpkin on clearance for like 24cents a can. I grabbed about six of them and then created pumpkin protein shakes, pumpkin protein muffins, and a crustless pumpkin pie for my boys. And yes, they all turned out great.

 

It may be helpful to you to have a couple of meals in mind but don't stick to those plans if they are harmful to your pockets.

 

Speaking of sales. I personally check Publix's (www.publix.com) weekly BOGOs and Kroger's (www.kroger.com) 10 for $10 or the coupon booklet they send me. I love Arnold's bread but it can be expensive, so I catch it while it's on BOGO at Publix. And to preserve it (because we really don't eat a lot of bread in my house), I keep it in the fridge. Also, check out some of the discount grocery stores. We have an Aldis near me and they have some name brand items for less than what I would pay at other grocery stores. You don't have to shop at Whole Foods or specialty health stores unless that is a priority for you (see the previous section). And don't forget to comparison shop. "Save a buck or two!"  

Keep It Simple

I fully admit that I skip past recipes that have more than ten ingredients. Seriously, "ain't nobody got time for that!" The beautiful thing about eating whole foods is that they already taste good. Cooking it should enhance their flavor, not hide it. Oh, and if it calls for crazy stuff like rolling out dough or requires some fancy equipment beyond my food chopper, a knife, a mixer, or a blender then I say, "No way, Jose."

 

One of the ways I create is by using recipes as a starting point. I'll read over a couple, check what I have on hand, and think about how I can change the recipes to suit my tastes. Keeping both the ingredients and the prep simple means you're more apt to create again. Remember, you're doing this eating healthy thing for the rest of your life.

Try One New Thing

My journey to fit has evolved over time. There are still times when I mix the good with the not so great, but for the most part I've overhauled my "diet" from what it used to be. One of the ways I've done that is by exploring food options.

 

I like to meander through the produce department and see what veggies are there that I haven't tried. Sometimes I'll google recipes while I'm standing there to see what the possibilities are. Who would have ever known that I would love spaghetti squash? Asparagus?? I don't ever recall eating that growing up, but now I absolutely love it. There was a time in my life when I hated spinach and now a bag of fresh spinach is a staple for me.

 

I encourage you to pick up one new item every time you shop. It will help you add variety and expand your palate. And think about the benefits to your body! Have your read all the wonderful news about lentils?? (I have a blog entry about it, check it out) Power packed, baby!

 

My one word of caution is to make sure that the new item fits into your budget. If it's on sale, sure, throw it in the cart. If it's going to break the bank, try it another time.

 

Fresh and Frozen

When I first started eathing healthier I would load up on fresh veggies...and a week later I would stress because I hadn't used all of them. Maybe you have money to burn, but I do not. Then one day I strolled down the freezer aisle and saw bagged chopped onions. Hmm...Add to that, "frozen vegetables may be even more healthful than some of the fresh produce sold in supermarkets, says Gene Lester, Ph.D., a plant physiologist at the USDA Agricultural Research Center in Weslaco, Texas...Fruits and vegetables chosen for freezing tend to be processed at their peak ripeness, a time when—as a general rule—they are most nutrient-packed." (www.eatingwell.com)

I'm sold! Now I buy most of my fruits and veggies frozen not only because it saves money, but because it also works for my life. Everytime I hit the grocery store I usually load up on frozen chopped onions, seasoning blend, 3 pepper and onion blend, broccoli, corn, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, and even brown rice (yes, Publix sells it frozen for a little over $1). Be mindful to get the plain old veggies--no salt, additives, or butter. Frozen fruit is freaking awesome! I mostly use it in my protein shakes or to make treats for my boys.

Typically I buy fresh lettuces (like green leaf) or bags of green leafys (kale, arugula, spinach) because I use those daily. I also buy fresh squashes, avocados, peppers, tomatoes, bananas, grapefruit, oranges, plums, grapes, etc. But I limit my purchases to what I know for sure I will use that week.

 

Hopefully these tips/rules will help you along your journey. Don't let food costs keep you from doing what's best for your body and don't let the plethora of options overwhelm you. You're in this for life, so you have time to fine tune it.

Proudly Peculiar

I'm different. 

And no, I don't like the song; I'm just stating a fact. Not only am I a different person than I used to be, but I'm a little different than those closest to me. It makes life a little uncomfortable sometimes. There are times when it seems like I have more in common with my faraway Facebook and Instagram buddies than I do with those closest to me. It sucks not having a friend to meet me at Planet Fitness at 5am. It sucks not having anyone at the finish line cheering me on. It sucks...but it's made me stronger and I've grown to like working out and running alone. Not everyone understands my motivation. And that's okay. Until I traveled this road I didn't understand it either. I was reminded of my differentness recently when talking with two of my friends about my upcoming cruise. 

In ten days my family (basically, me and my three little boys) will be setting sail for the Bahamas. Am I looking forward to the relaxation, festivities, and food? Of  course! But I'm also going to stick as closely as I can to my plan. I've already printed out my workouts for the day and plan on checking the policy on bringing food on to the ship (who does that??) so that I can bring my protein powder, bars, and pre-workout powder. I already know that some of my allowable 12 beverages will be almond milk for mixing with my shakes in my shaker cup. 

I haven't always been this diligent. 

                                                  

Carnival Cruise Dec 2009

In 2009 when I cruised with my Mom and my aunts I didn't even bring sneakers. When they went to the sky deck to workout I walked around the track in my flip flops. I remember that I signed up for a yoga class and did it in my denim skort and flowery (non-activewear) tank top. Fitness was not a factor in my packing!

My second cruise was after I caught the fitness bug and completed a half marathon. That time around I packed workout clothes and actually worked out while on board. The only time I ever enjoyed running on a treadmill was onboard that cruise while looking out over the ocean. Talk about motivation! My eating on the cruise, however, was not the best.

Carnival Cruise 2011

This is cruise number three and I'm in the midst of training for another half marathon and finishing up Jamie Eason's LiveFit program from BodyBuilding.com. Since January I've been working my tail off and  seeing results, so I don't want to blow it for four days. I'm in phase 2 of the LiveFit program and will be in week three of my half marathon training--and it's only a ten week schedule so every run counts.  

Going on vacation does not mean you take a vacation from exercising. Exercise is not something that I do just for poops and giggles. I do this because  my body needs it, it makes me feel better, it makes me look better, and I like it. Do you take a vacation from eating? Do you take a vacation from smoking cigarettes? Do you take a vacation from breathing? 

It's okay if people look at you like you're peculiar when you do things differently. It's okay if they don't understand. Have grace with them, but keep on practicing healthy behaviors and doing what you need to do to stay the course. Once upon a time you didn't understand. My hope, my mission in life is that those around me grow to be as peculiar as I am when it comes to their health. It's my peculiarity that keeps my blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose in the "desirable" range. It's my peculiarity that allows me to switch between misses and juniors department versus the plus sizes. It's my peculiarity that has me steadily making progress while those around me have gained or stagnated. It's my peculiarity that inspires those around me to lead healthier lives. Being peculiar rocks ;P

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.

Moving Mountains

". . .I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."~Matthew 17:20

Last night after Bible study I was talking to one of my Fit Club members and a couple other ladies. They were talking about working in a call center and how they sit so much and how hard it is to get their walks in since it's cold. And if you know me then you already know that I immediately offered some un-excuses for their "reasons." I quoted them the scripture about speaking to the mountain and telling it to move. We can move mountains if we believe we can.

I don't know that God meant that the mountain would literally move, but I believe that it's more about your faith and belief being so big that you no longer see the obstacle as a mountain. You no longer see it as this big, huge, insurmountable thing. Too often we encounter "mountains" and surrender all too soon. We see it looming in the distance and accept defeat. We decide that victory just isn't on the agenda for today and go back to merely existing.

Instead of seeing the mountain, I challenge you to see what is beyond it. I challenge you to come up with an un-excuse for every excuse that comes to mind for why you aren't practicing healthy habits. If you are honest with yourself, you may come to realize that you just don't care to remove the mountain; you want the results without the climb. Your faith has to be so strong that you believe nothing less than victory is acceptable. Your faith has to be so strong that you keep pushing even when the scale isn't showing you the numbers you think you want. Faith? Yes, faith.

While on an a hellacious 15k I learned a lesson in faith--I was literally on a mountain!! There were points during the race when I was praying for a bike or van or go cart to pick me up. There were times when I didn't think my legs could take me any further. Once I stopped crying and praying for an easy way off the mountain, I put my shoulders back, turned up my music, pumped my arms and step by step moved forward along the course towards victory.

Victory requires that you be courageous. Courage requires faith. Faith requires action.

Undigested Knowledge

"The great end of life is not knowledge, but action. What men need is as much knowledge as they can assimilate and organize into a basis for action. . ." ~Thomas Henry Huxley

Losing weight is not rocket science. I've lost weight by taking diet pills, following diet fads, attempting to starve myself, wearing contraptions and devices, even weight loss surgery. All these methods can work to lose weight, but once you get back to real life you tend to find all that weight you lost. The problem then, is not losing the weight (I actually prefer the term "shedding" instead of "losing" because when you shed something you don't get it back). The problem is maintaining a lifestyle to never get it back.

I remember back in the fall of 2009 I had to make the hard choice to give up my YMCA membership because I just couldn't afford it anymore.  At that time I was about six or seven months post surgery and was probably around 280 lbs and I was scared of gaining back whatever weight I had lost. I was also scared of not losing anymore weight. It seemed like everytime I got into a stride with the whole fitness thing life would throw me a curveball and I'd end up back in the dugout (I know nothing about baseball so that's the end of that metaphor!). I thought about how I could be active without depending on a gym, an instructor, any eqiupment, etc. The answer: running.

My first attempt at running was based on an article in Muscle&Fitness Hers that talked about interval training. I made up my own version of interval training and would hit the pavement in the evenings after putting the boys to sleep. . .then it got cold. It would be another six months or so before I ventured back into the world of running. I didn't know much about running so I read a few articles on Runner's World website and put together a training plan based on Hal Higdon and Jeff Galloway's plans. With my goal in mind and a little bit of knowledge I set off to make it happen.  Along the way I have picked up nuggets of knowledge and put them to use.

Why am I telling you this? I'm telling you this because the lesson I learned is that knowledge is useless without the application. I also learned that you don't have to every detail in order to DO something. So, again, why am I telling you this? Because too often we start our journey at a breakneck pace and get all this information on exercise, dieting, superfoods, supplements, etc and we go hard for a week. What is the use of all that knowledge if you're not doing anything with it?

The most effective thing you can do to get on the right track to fitness is to GET ON THE TRACK. Once you're on it you will pick up nuggets along the way to help you move more efficiently. So what that your sister is all into eating clean. For now, you just need to focus on eating better and clean it up as you go along. Mature in your journey before you start getting fancy. So what that your cousin does Crossfit five days a week. For now, you just need to focus on being ACTIVE on a consistent basis before you drop the deniro for something like that.



(No, this is not my foot.)



Do what you can with what you have, right where you are. My first jogs were in shoes that I bought from Goodwill that were about a half-size too small for running; my toenail turned black and fell off. Freaked me out! But from that I learned the importance of proper fitting running shoes. My first forays into preparing healthy meals for my family included a lot of processed foods. But along the way I've learned how to make better choices and how to eat healthier on a budget.

Your actions will net you results. If you stay on the track you will get better at it. I have people asking me for help all the time and my first suggestion for them is to exercise 3-4 times a week for 30-45 minutes a day for three weeks and track what they are eating (with adjustments made accordingly). Why? Because I want to see if they line up their actions with their words. I want to see if they are willing to invest the time in themselves. Are you ready to do something different to BE something different? It's not rocket science. . .it's applied science.

Marshmallow Anyone?

 Today one of my co-workers told me about the Stanford marshmallow experiment (don't break out the hot chocolate) and I've reflected on that study a few times today. Basically each child was offered a marshmallow but was told that if they could resist eating it for 15 minutes they would receive two instead of one. The purpose of the study was to understand when the control of "deferred gratification" develops in children. The part of the study that has had me thinking all day is the follow-up analysis. In a nutshell, those who exhibited deferred gratification were more competent and had higher standardized test scores as adolescents. "A 2011 study of the same participants indicates that the characteristic remains with the person for life."

Why did this interest me? Because for the past few days people have asked me about quick fixes for weight loss and I keep coming back to the same response: there is no quick fix. Instant gratification is just that, instant. Once the instant is done, so is the gratification. What I need people to really "get" and understand is that no matter what method you use for instant weight loss, your gratification is only temporary unless you change your diet and exercise behaviors. This is coming from a woman who had weight-loss surgery. I've known persons who had liposuction and who pop B12 pills/shots and HGH shots only to gain back whatever weight they've lost. Had I not made an effort to change my behaviors I don't know that I would feel as vivacious, strong, and ready to take on any challenge that comes my way. The behavior changes didn't just effect my weight, they effected how I live my life. Friends of mine have also had surgery and have lost the weight, but their lifestyles really have not changed. The only difference is that they are smaller versions of themselves. For some, that may be enough, but for us marshmallow defferers (yes, I made up a word) that is simply not enough.

If you are serious about changing your life and becoming healthier, then don't seek the instant gratification. When you step up to the starting line for this journey I want you to understand that the "win" is not the finish line, but rather in how well you travel along. Some may sprint out ahead of you and lose 20 lbs, but look around two months later and see if they have kept that off and if they are still losing. You are winning when you learn to navigate efficiently along the course. What do I mean by that? 

You are winning when you begin to see food as fuel and not this evil/Divine thing; it is amoral and has only the value we give it. You are winning when you can put off the instant gratification in order to bring your vision to fruition. You are winning when you use the other methods (surgery, supplements, wrapping, etc) as tools rather then "fixes." You are winning when you exercise because you're worth it and not because you hate how you look. You are winning when you enjoy the journey and exhibit grace with yourself because you know that you're in this for the long haul, not just some sprint to fit into a pair of jeans.

That is not to say that we should not have goals. On the contrary. Goals are milestones that confirm that we're moving in the right direction. Reaching goals gives us the momentum to keep moving forward, to keep practicing healthy behaviors. Those behavioral changes do not happen overnight. I've been at this seriously for about 16 months and with each day I have my "Es," "Ss," and "Ps"--for you non-kindergarten parents that's "Excellent," "Satisfactory," and "Progressing." I tell my team all the time, the goal is not perfection but rather consistency. When you are consistent in delaying gratification and practicing healthy behaviors, the reward is weight loss, increased stamina, increased strength and overall health. You will then notice that you view yourself differently; you begin to understand that YOU are worth the wait. YOU are worth the journey.



My "Why" Remembered

"Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more." --Tony Robbins

People use blogs for different things. I started this blog as a way of staying accountable but also with the hope that somewhere someone would read it and relate. My blogs mean something to me. I feel like a little piece of me is in each one. For the past couple of weeks I've been trying very hard to come up a topic but so far none of the outlines resonate with me. They come across as "preachy" and removed. If you wanted to learn about goal-setting you could go buy a book or Bing/Google it the same way I can. What I bring you here is snapshot into my journey in the hopes that it gives you fuel to continue your own. This weekend I was reminded of my "why" for starting this blog and the whole coaching initiative in the first place.

For those who have followed the Chronicles, if you recall I started a run/walk group called Fit Girl Posse back in September of 2010. It started off slow--one person showed up (love you Rhonda!)--but I've kept pushing. In January I renewed my efforts and streamlined some things. At the first scheduled meeting zero--yes, zilch--people showed up. At the second meeting my heart was full because six people showed up, including my best friend who is not into sweating, especially on a Saturday morning. In the few weeks since then I've seen one lady just absolutely rock the house (Casey, I'm talking about you!) and another begin to wield her influence to get those around her active (MP, that's you!).

This weekend I saw a friend who has battled weight right along with me run/walk 3.4 miles--EASY. I saw a mother, who is fighting to get fit, encourage her daughter along 2.4 miles. I watched that same daughter, in spite of her pain, finish every inch of the course--not taking the easy way out or bailing on the task at hand. I saw a little girl with asthma run alongside her mom instead of opting for her scooter. I heard a friend, with aching shins, thank me for getting her to come out. I saw a woman, who an hour earlier didn't want to part from her blanket and pillow, run ahead of everyone and finish an extra lap. I saw women who moments earlier had been strangers, encourage each other on to victory.


Fit Girl Posse @ Cane Ridge Park (2-26-11)

These women and girls reminded of me of why I chose this course. They reminded me of the vision God hid in my heart. Yes, as a Beachbody Coach I would love to earn an income. Yes, I have personal fitness goals to meet. But I believe with every thing that is within me that when you allow yourself to be used to bless others you CANNOT fail. Some people don't get it. Some may call it Pollyanna or Utopian. Whatever. As much as people tell me that I've inspired them, I am spurred forward by the evidence of success I see around me.

In twelve days I will step onto the course of the Tom King Classic Half-Marathon, ill prepared and nervous. When I hit mile 6 and think about turning back, I will see Rakeyya and keep pushing. When I hit mile 10 and think I can't go on, I will think of Bailey's little lungs and keep pushing. When I have conquered 13.1 miles I will look back on the course and know that I did not do it alone.


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 www.fitgirlposse.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fitgirlposse  Be Fit4Life!!