Fitness Friends

I started the year out by doing a 30 Day Challenge with Chalene Johnson...so AMAZING! I had already been thinking about the coming year and the goals that I wanted to achieve, so the timing was perfect.

Through the challenge I was introduced to a few new fitness buddies :-) People just like me who would like to get organized, accomplish big goals this year and who want to be healthy! It's been amazing to meet people from all over the U.S. I'm excited to see many of them accomplish the goals and dreams that they have....

In just 6 weeks, I cannot believe the focus that has come in putting to paper the goals and priorities that I have for 2011. I'm now realizing that I want to DREAM bigger...I'm not afraid to push myself, to believe in myself that I can accomplish everything that God intends for me to do...with hard work :-)

Each one of us was great with a purpose. We all can contribute to making a difference in the lives of the people around us. We all have the ability to encourage others and help others be successful, being a real friend!

My newest scripture that I am putting to memory is this:

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

I want to be about doing good, according to the plans that he planned for me :-)

Check out 30DayPush.com if you want help in getting organized and realize your goals and priorities...

xo

Lay Down Your Pride; You May Surprise Yourself

So today was my long run. After driving Kevin into work I headed straight to the gym. I pulled in to the parking lot and it was relatively empty...yes! 8am...gym is quiet...I am happy! There is this rule, 30 minutes only please :-) on each machine. Well, I usually go over this BUT today I knew I'd be 1hr. 15min....it's quiet right?? I usually run over the noon hour and it is quiet....

There were a few people who arrived around the same time as I did...I hopped on and tuned them out...It wasn't until there was a switch (people getting off at the 30min. mark) that I looked at the clock and took note of the people in the gym...I wanted to make sure that people were not waiting for treadmills....I was good to go.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I hate breaking rules. (I'm always trying to be aware and considerate to others working out).

I was now hitting 1hr. and 4 guys show up at the same time! Two hop on the treadmills beside me on the right, the other two hop on the treadmills on my left :-)

So mentally I'm trying not to get bored (I am trying to stay at a certain pace), one guy is wearing cologne, cough, and I'm thinking ugh!

Then I'm aware of my breathing, trying to breathe so they can't hear me...ha, ha.

Suddenly, instead of losing myself in the run, I'm now thinking I should have done my long run outside, I wish I had the treadmill at home still, etc., etc.

Then it occurred to me, they were all walking....had been for the past 10-12 min....I'm running have been for the past 1+ hr....why did I care if I was breathing like I'd just run a 10k.....I had!

I was now thinking, good for you Leanne....so the last 10 min. or so I lost myself again in my run, proud of myself for doing it!!

BRING IT!!! 2011

I am so thankful for all that 2010 brought to me personally in my life. I experienced some amazing highs and a few lows BUT overall the year was one of personal growth.

2011 is going to be a year of FOCUS. I am starting off this year with a determination to either begin or fulfill some of the dreams that are in my heart.

I ended 2010 with a personal best 10K run of 56min. AND that was starting literally at the back of the pack (approx. 1200 runners??). Those who run know that when you start you need to weed through a ton of people which takes time, so I am very, very pleased with our time.

Today, I spend some time writing down my goals/dreams to begin to plot out just how those things will be checked off my list.

I know that I will share many of my triumphs with my family and friends. The journey I am on is one that I am priviledged to share with loved ones.

So Happy New Year my dear friends, here's to a successful and healthy New Year!

xo

Leanne

What do you do with DISAPPOINTMENTS?

Well, since my last post alot has changed.  On April 2 I was out for an easy run with my friend and nearing the end of the run I started having pain.  Within 1km I could no longer run and barely put weight on my foot.  It took three weeks but I found out I suffered a stress fracture and my race plans were CANCELLED.

I was DISAPPOINTED :(  My next thoughts turned to The Weekend To End Breast Cancer that I have participated in for three years, this is my fourth.  It is coming up June 6-8.  Could I walk it?  Would I be able to with the lack of training??  Would I do more long-term damage??

These are the questions I am currently asking myself.  I have now decided that doing the full 60k would not be wise.  I am hopeful that I will be able to participate in the one day at some level.  This again is DISAPPOINTING as I believe this will be my last year.  I wanted to have an over-the-top year.

So what does that mean?  RE-FOCUS!  It's not the end of the world...so what can I do with my limitations at this current time?  I will do what I can...

My HEART has continue to be stirred with PASSIONS that are in me for so many more things.  My DESIRES are to come alongside others and help them be the best they can be.  So for now, I will continue to be hopeful for June 7th...but regardless I am THANKFUL for the others that I can pour into.

My daughter is participating in the very first KidK for Cancer and I will SUPPORT her BIGTIME!  She will honour her grandmother and many others as she walks 5k to help raise awareness and to find a cure.  So far she has raised 5x the amount she is required.

So how do I handle my disappointments?  RE-FOCUS on what you CAN do....process it through dialogue with my spouse or good friend and then MOVE ON :-)

I once heard a story about a donkey stuck in a well.  The farmer was not able to get it out, so in order to put it out of it's misery he started to fill the well with dirt.  The donkey was making a terrible noise and was probably very afraid...over time the noise stopped and the farmer kept filling the well with dirt.  Eventually, the donkey stepped up and out of the well.  You see, the dirt would fall on the donkeys back...the donkey shook it off and stepped up onto the dirt.  He continued this until he was able to get out!!

So SHAKE IT OFF....STEP UP and get OUT of what ever has DISAPPOINTED you!!!

Training for the Half

Well,  I have to say....so far the hardest thing about training for the 1/2 marathon in May was making the commitment!  I have been feeling pretty good overall and have consistently been running 5 days a week, increasing my mileage by only 10% but I have been increasing it consistently.

I have been all consumed with reading everything I can about running, racing, fueling the body, training properly, etc., etc.  I've even pulled out special stetching and receipes ideas.

This past week I feel as though I'm now more or less in to a routine.  The only real changes will be getting back outside AND increasing my long runs.

Through this entire process I have to say I have the most AMAZING husband!!!  He is extremely encouraging and will bend over backwards to help me with EVERYTHING!!  I haven't asked him to do anything but he sees something needs to be done, and does it!  It has really helped me to stick to my plan!!  So THANK YOU babe for making it easier for me to accomplish this goal!

I'm continuing to balance the things in my life so I can train BUT I'm also trying to study in the areas of my passions.  This is my next goal for this month!  If I set the goal and have a plan in place, then I know things will get done!!!

Until next time!

Commitments

I don't know about you, BUT I usually need a commitment to get me motivated.  I am comfortable sitting on the sidelines, observing, for a time :-)  Speaking spiritually and physically, I usually do not go very far without committing.  

The beginning of this year I "committed" to a 40 day fast to help me re-focus and re-direct my goals for 2009.  It was AMAZING!  I have gained so much more clarity in the things that I am SUPPOSED to be focussing on for this season of my life.

I have also gained more passion for living well, spiritually and physically.  To do my part in being healthy, mind, body and spirit.  Feeding those areas with good things, and avoiding the bad.

As a way to help me stay committed to running, I have recently signed up to do a 1/2 marathon in May.  Must TRAIN!  I LOVE the challenge and appreciate the push (thanks Julie!).  My running buddies, Julie and Kim will motivate me and encourage me when I need it.  I LOVE the quality time spent with them when we get the chance to get out and run together, but also just talking about all the stuff associated with running!!

During the fast, I looked at food in a completely different way.  I chose to really try and learn how to feed my body properly.  In order to run healthy, my muscles need certain foods...for endurance and for recovery.  It's been quite educational.

AND last but not least, I'm feeding my brain well.  I have been spending way less time with t.v. and so much more time reading!  Recently, I've decided to take a course through OSB to continue learning about the things I'm passionate about (people, personalities and spiritual gifts!)

Until next time,