Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Revisit those New Year's Goals

Does reading those words cause you disappointment? Do you remember where you wrote down the goals?

There should not be shame associated with pursuing goals. Let yourself off the proverbial hook. Any time you make a goal, you are daring to believe it is attainable. Nothing wrong with that! 

Here's where we tend to go wonky: We fail to make a plan -OR- We fail to execute that plan. Again, there should be no shame. 



Are you still trying to remember where those goals are written down?
I had to look for mine, too. 

So, what do we do, now, that half the year has gone by?

Again, ditch the shame. Pull up your big girl panties or tighten that belt and let's see how we can salvage our intentions from six months ago and feel good about ourselves!

Write it down. Perhaps you have forgotten what the goals were. Perhaps you are in a different mindset or place than you were after last Christmas. Consider altering those goals.

Map out a plan. Whether your goal is to learn a new language, graduate with a degree, become a "MOMpreneur" or whatever, use a calendar to make a long-term goal date. Then, note short-term goals on dates, starting now, stepping toward your long-term goal date. Be realistic. Example: "To get healthy safely by (date)," instead of an unrealistic goal "To lose 700 lbs in the next 30 days." One of these examples is the wiser and realistic goal! Be clear. Example: Map the plan to achieve that health and wellness goal, as in signing-up for a fitness class, making healthy meal choices, lose 5-10 lbs in next 6 weeks, getting more sleep, etc.

Believe in yourself. Yes, you can do this! If you had enough positivity and courage to list these goals, you have more than enough to stick with it! Speak kindly in words of affirmation to yourself. "I am smart. I am an overcomer. I am making progress. I am gonna hit that first goal!

Execute the plan. Don't forget where you put this plan. Keep it in front of you ...daily. Don't compare yourself to other people who accomplished their goals. If you can learn from them, that's great. Congratulate them. But, YOU have a smart plan for yourself. Work it.

"But, what if I mess up?" Again, let's not beat ourselves into a bloody puddle of worthlessness. Start from where you are and work the plan. Ask yourself if an adjustment is needed.

Celebrate Progress! It's ok to throw yourself a party! When you've worked hard toward that first short-term goal, toot your own horn! Hopefully there are positive people in your life who want to celebrate YOU!

As for how my goals are coming along... I'm working the plan and have had to make a necessary adjustment or two because life happens. Does this connect with you? Let me know, below!


Tuesday, January 13, 2015

For the Newbie Runner: Part 4


Walking: Not for the Wussy

Just because this series is labeled for the newbie runner does NOT exclude those who walk! I spoke with an ER technician who sees less injuries from walking than any other sport. For those who are starting from a sedentary lifestyle, walking is the perfect launch into a fit lifestyle. Most everyone can walk! Walking strengthens muscles and immune systems. Walking is the first activity a cardiologist requires of heart patients before leaving the hospital. Walking is a necessary warm-up and cool-down for joggers and runners. Walking is my choice for when I need to run, but experience the Idontwannas.

Start with a simple goal. Perhaps, at the local park or track you set a goal for a quarter mile or more. Go at a pace you feel comfortable. When you feel tired, try "fishing." Spot a person or an object and walk to that point. Remember, the first two weeks of any fitness launch is the hardest. Keep at it, get out there and walk, newbies!

Apps:  Help or Hinderance?

There are so many digital tools to assist those who are getting fit. When you pair the smartphone with a fitness app, the convenience and motivation can be a terrific boost and accountability. Many fitness and mileage apps provide an online version with even more details and friend searches. While most of these apps are free of charge, some offer an elite upgrade at set pricing for in-depth stats and "coaching."

Two apps which my hubby and I utilize and integrate with one another are RunKeeper and MyFitnessPal. While the latter helps to daily log your caloric intake, it factors the calories burned in RunKeeper (walking, running, etc.) against the totals for the day! Now, that's helpful! The only downer I've experienced is on some overcast days when RunKeeper wigs-out on my location and mileage.

For more Newbie Running Tips, be sure to check out: 
  • Shoes: All Feet are Not Created Equal
  • Intervals: A Mile is a Mile
  • Running Groups: Never Say Never
  • Stretching: Impatience can Cause Injury
  • Cross-Training: Getting Stronger all Over
  • Run Unplugged

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

I'm Fit Possible!

After participating in a hashtag conversation on Twitter, an online runner-friend suggested I check into the social media community "I'm Fit Possible." So, I did and liked what I saw!

Addiction is such a strong word for all the fun I have on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and blogging! With my recent pursuit of a healthy lifestyle involving fitness and nutrition, I can't help but talk about it and share on social media about what I'm constantly learning, whether or not people comment, email or retweet. But, when someone does respond, OH MY GOODNESS! I squeal and jump up and down on the inside (sometimes, on the outside, too!).

I'm Fit Possible seemed like a perfect fit for my <ahem> addiction pairing my sharing with a healthy lifestyle as an "Ambassador!" Think of that! Me? 


I completed the online "I'm Fit Possible Ambassador Application," which is more like a simple questionnaire, uploaded a photo, clicked the submit button and that was that. In less than a week I received this response from the founder, Tara Gusmanis...
 I got a sweet, glass thermos!

"...You're in! Yay! Congratulations on becoming an I'm Fit Possible Ambassador! You are JUST the kind of person we need to make our community that much better!"

Much squealing and jumping ensued! 

What I had shared only with my hubby and a dear friend was my desire to become a wellness ambassador, but felt it may be a year before I would realize that goal. You do not have to become an ambassador to enjoy the IFP Community on social media and events. 

Am I a professional? Do I know all the answers? Nah. But, I'm enthusiastic about spreading the word and doing what comes naturally, talking and cheering for others! It IS possible to start as a late bloomer on a quest for a healthier self and be successful! 

We are social, big hearted, creative fitness enthusiasts.
We believe in unplugging and heading outside.
We believe that the best workouts are the ones done with family and friends. 
We try and sweat every day, but if we don't we won't sweat about it.
We love to try new things and if we love something, you'll hear about it. 
Oh and smiles, hugs and high fives are not negotiable.

If this sounds like you, come hang out online with other real people. Who knows? Perhaps you'll become an I'm Fit Possible Ambassador, too!

#ImFitPossible #andSoAreYOU!

"Sam"


Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Smiling at 50: New Year's Goal Accomplished!

(photo by Dane Allen)
I did it! Actually, we did it!


Before the clock struck 2014, my friend snapped a pic of my goal for the new year to run a 10K, 6.2 miles. If for no other reason but that photo, I had to accomplish this goal. 

(photo by Giovanna Gomez)

I downloaded one of the free 10K training plans from Coach Jenny Hadfield and made my plan of attack allowing for injuries, schedule and weather. As fate would have it, Tennessee experienced one of the coldest and longest winters on record further proven by our gas and electric bills.

Another reason to accomplish the goal is my age. I will be the big 5-0 years old on June 28 at 8:08am! That's half of a century! Crazy!

My honey was the epitome of encouragement at every step. His words spurred me to get up and go for it when I wanted to stay snuggly and warm in the 20 degree weather. He warned how I would regret not cross-training in Zumba.
Our ImpACT Challenge 2014
Race Bib I wore on my back
for the 10K

Further drive came with the ImpACT Challenge 2014 online group of like-minded friends pursuing weekly fitness and nutrition challenges for a healthier lifestyle. Each week starting in January, we set personal ACTion goals with several challengers deciding on either a 5K or 10K in or near April. 

A 10K is not run just once, but run many times in training prior to the actual event. I chose to run intervals building anaerobic threshold, strengthening muscle and endurance; thus preventing injuries. My "run" is really more like a slow shuffle and I'm a newbie at running so these are truly baby steps forming me into a better athlete. It sounds weird to classify myself as an athlete, still a hard-fought category I have right to claim.
Race swag, bib & chip
On April 12, 2014, together we decided to run "our" race the way we trained and not in competition with any other person or time. My legs were tired from the over-zealous session of Zumba the day before. It's only 6.2 miles, but it's my first; therefore, it feels like 26.2.

The best feeling was to cross the Purity MOOsic City Dairy Dash 10K Finish Line with my hubby, hand-in-hand! My time was slower by several minutes. The next best feeling was to have family and friends cheering us at the finish line!
(photo by Emily Allen)



Now that my New Year's Goal has been accomplished, I've been asked what is next. There are a couple more items, my honey and I want to check off the Smiling at 50 List, but we believe we will continue to run toward more finish lines!







During the timeline of the ImpACT Challenge, I became an I'm Fit Possible Ambassador! Another goal reached! More on that, to come!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Guest Blogger: Janay Roberts

Me in the upper left-hand corner - 2007
A Weight Loss Journey

My weight loss journey began in 2007, when I was at a point in my life when I was desperate to change my health. When my girls were ages 7 and 4 and wanted me to play with them at the park, it was very hard for me as I was extremely overweight! When my younger daughter asked me to go down the slide with her, it was a big wake-up call when I climbed up and discovered that I could not really fit. I knew then I needed to change and almost broke down in tears! If I wanted to enjoy my girls' growing up years, I had to change my lifestyle.

In April of 2007, I began that journey. I knew it was going to be a very tough journey, but realized I did not put the weight on overnight, so it was not going to come off overnight. The day I chose to begin my journey, I stepped on the scale and with tears in my eyes, I stepped off. I was 30 years old and weighed 269 pounds. I prayed, "God, I can only
do this with Your help."

I drank diet pop like crazy. I ate everything fried. I did not watch my portions. I ate tons of sweets. I ate late at night. The list goes on. Many changes needed to be made so I picked a few and started there. Knowing I could not change everything at one time, I decided to take baby steps.
Wedding day - 1997
I cut down the amount of pop and drank water with flavor packets. At the time, I could not stand drinking plain water. I cut out fried foods and watched how much I ate. 

It was amazing at how much better I started feeling and how much more energy I had!

The weight started coming off! I was determined I was going to take it off without surgeries or pills. Little by little, I kept adding disciplines to my eating habits. I limited sweets and counted calories and exercised like a crazy person. Three years ago, I completely stopped drinking pop. Withdrawals? Oh yes! But, after a few days, it was easy.

Determined, I arrived at my goal weight one month before by my birthday in March 2013, weighing in at 135 lbs! I was so excited! When I started this journey, I was in a size 22/24 plus size. My Easter dress, last year, was a size 4! I was PUMPED!

Then, in May of 2013, we lost our home and everything we owned to the F5 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.

Having to live in a hotel for over two months, we ate out for all three meals every day. I tried to be careful, but it was hard. I purchased a set of scales after we moved into our new home. Those months of dining out and stress eating caused me to gain 34 pounds. I cried.
ME, NOW - 2014!

I have started exercising and eating healthy, again. With determination, like before, the weight IS going to come back off. I hope by this summer, I am really close to where I was!

I promise you, this journey has not been easy and there were and are still times we go places where everyone around me is eating unhealthy choices and sweets. I just ask God help me with the intentness and wisdom to make wise choices. Have I splurged? Absolutely. It is okay as long as I don't splurge daily!

I give God all the glory for getting me to this size. I can't wait to get back to my goal weight by shedding those "tornado pounds!" 

I pray He gives you the determination that He gave me!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Smiling at 50: Empty-nesters

Christmas Trail Run - Arkansas - 2013
There are bushels of blogs, devotions and books dedicated to the seasons that women experience in their adult lives. College grad running toward the career of her dreams. Newly married. Mom. Empty-nester. The autumn and subsequent twilight winter years. 

I find myself in the empty-nester season when our only son recently married and our new puppy, Zuzu, has become our fuzzy, new child. Yes, we talk in high-pitched tones and pamper her with treats and sweaters and permit extended time stretched out at the foot of the bed, where she keeps my feet warm.

Facetime from India
It is that time in life when my hubby and I rediscover who we were pre-parenthood. What did we ever talk about before our "favorite son" (and only son) was born? Are we different? Have we met any of those newly-married goals we talked about deep into the night? I hope we are the favorite grandparents! What will that first grandchild call me? Where do we see ourselves in the not-so-distant future when it's finally time to retire? Am I going to be one of those pink-haired little old ladies with too much "rouge" coloring the apples of her wrinkled cheeks and stockings sagging around her ankles?

Seasons. Struggles. Transitions. Blessings.

I am a blessed woman. I love and am loved by my high school sweetheart. He is a hard
Mile 1 - post heart attack, 2013
worker and loves the God he preaches about at every opportunity. I get to accompany him on speaking engagements. And, sometimes, I get to sing or play the piano...like we did early on! When he's on fire in the pulpit and the words are flowing, I am certain my eyes sparkle and a little smile tugs at the corners of my lips, because I still find him attractive.


The weird and wondrous qualities of this stage are slowly emerging much like watching the image appear from a block of marble under the careful tooling of the craftsman. I love sleeping late or getting up early during the week however the schedule falls. We aren't tied to three meals a day. Sometimes, a a box of fudge brownie mix is as much a symbol of affection as a bouquet of roses. 

Running and fitness have become our new hobbies. He supports my training for the
Training Week 3, 2014
10K in April and says, "You've got this! You run faster than me." And, pushes when I experience the I-don't-wannas. "The sun's shining, today. How about we grab something to eat in Murfreesboro and do one of the routes on The Coffee Marathon?" Instead, we check-off two routes!


I'm a better me because of him. This empty-nesting season doesn't seem to bother him. Turning 50 doesn't rattle him or if it does, he covers it well. It's just another year. In celebration he wants to jump out of a plane with me and I want to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail with him!

I try not to fret about the color of my hair and the new "crows feet" to the side of my eyes. I have my honey, who compliments me and complements me no matter which season we walk through!

Smiling at 50 Training Week 3 Update: This week's bipolar southern winter runs me inside for cardio, one day, and outside on the next day for my training runs.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Smiling at 50: Training Week 1


I did it! I completed week 1 of training for a 10K using Coach Jenny Hadfield's FREE Training Plan! HA! That read like a commercial. This plan employs a clock rather than odometer. I ran for 5 minutes and walked for 1 minute to recover breathing repeating for a total of 7 times.

Presuming a weekly post like the following would be boring for others to read and as triumph yields to monotony, I'll break it down, this once:

Sunday: Rest

Monday: 
4.25m (48:31) 11:24 pace per mile
I felt excited and focused on time rather mileage. Before I realized it, I was at 4 miles! That evening I joined friends for Zumba as cross-training.

Tuesday: 
4.35m (48:53) 11:14 pace per mile
It was super cold. But, I shimmied into my cold gear and did it. Again, another evening for some cross-training Zumba! Afterwards, we celebrated a year with our instructor, Michelle, for being brave and starting the class! I'm thankful for her and the cardio fitness, for it has made my body stronger to be able to attempt a 10K.

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: 
5m + a few more feet (1:00:46) apprx 11:11 pace per mile! 
The day of rest was good for my legs! I felt strong and recovered quicker during the 1min walk and decided when mile 5 was approaching, I'd push the time of running 1 minute and recovering 1 minute.
The app on my phone went wonky during mile 4 and logged a 7 minute mile. HA! There's no way. Good thing I was on a mile-long track. I did pause the app for a quick pic of the ice in a frozen puddle.

Friday: 
With 85 days until the 10K, I chose to go at an easy pace during 45 minutes of Zumba and added about 15-20 minutes of strength training.


Dianne, Arvetta, me & Pam
(Mike snapped the pic)
Saturday: 
Instead of running the training plan, I ran with some members of 'Boro Divas & Dudes Running & Cycling group in Murfreesboro, TN for 3.5m (48-ish mins). This was the first time for me to run with a group. I was nervous, but they made me feel at ease. In an effort to bring awareness to road safety for walkers, runners and cyclist, we joined others around the USA putting one step in front of the other in memory of #megsmiles, a young mom who was killed while out on a run, this week. Talking while running wasn't something I've ever done. We talked about the motivations, events, issues and Meg's family. Afterwards, I came up with "When you see us on the street, give us 3 feet." Cheesy? Perhaps, but it's the law in Tennessee.


It's Sunday. 
I've officially registered for the Purity Dairies Moosic City Dairy Dash 10K on April 12, 2014, in Nashville, TN. Now, I'm nervous. This is real.

83 days to the 10K.


Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Smiling at 50: Going Public

4.5 miles. Christmas 2013
The Angry Runner, the moniker a friend laughingly bestowed after I mentioned I never smile while running. I smile doing Zumba Fitness. I've smiled doing Hot Yoga with rivers of sweat rushing off my
elbows. But, never while pounding the pavement have I even given the slightest grin, until...

...Until the day I finally was strong enough, had wind enough to carry me to the top of the hill I could barely walk up the previous summer. I smiled and sounding quite intimidating, added, "I owned you, today!"

...Until a couple of days prior to Christmas when I had James Taylor's Christmas Album playing in my ears while I ran around the park. My intention was to chase down a 5K without stopping. And, I did. I felt good, I ran a quick check over my body to see how I was breathing and moving. Was I loose or were my shoulders tightened up to my ears? How did my heel feel? My pace was steady like a pulse. I smiled and decided to push on to my first ever 4.5 miles. Afterwards, I cried realizing I had just taken a victory lap doing my personal best time and distance!

I intend to smile, again.

One of my [many] 2014 "bucket list" goals going toward and away from age 50, is to run a 10K...88 days away. I've selected the Purity Moosic City Dairy Dash 5K/10K. Even though it's only 6.21 miles, I've built in extra training time to allow for inclement weather, India and that persistent plantar fasciitis.

Going public on my first day of training did not make me smile. I could chicken out. I could settle. But, making my intention known, forces me own the race. Correction: It forces me to own my race. I'm not competing against anyone with the exception of myself.

I'll be brave. I've committed to it. I'm holding myself accountable and asking you to do the same. Even if nary a soul reads this blog, I'm posting my progress.

So, here's to April 12th. 8:30am. Nashville. I'm coming after you with a big, ole cheesy grin! I may go after a Half Marathon in the fall!

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

ImpACT Challenge 2014!


Wanna stay ACTivated?

Starting Sunday night, January 12, a stress-free, do-able nutrition & fitness challenge will be posted on a private ImpACT Challenge 2014 Facebook page and will run through April 12. This can be added to your current workout plan or become your plan to help you stick to your New Year’s goals with a supportive online group who knows “Nothing Changes Until You ACT!

Here’s how it goes…

Join the private ImpACT Challenge 2014 Facebook page. (Message me on Facebook so I can add you.) However, if you don't do Facebook, feel free to post on this blog and we'll work something out!

Check back on the ImpACT Challenge 2014 page (or here) each Sunday night for the nutrition and fitness goal for the week.

• That night or the next day, set a realistic weekly “ImpACT” goal based on your activity goal for that week. You can include your type of fitness into the goal. Post your ImpACT goal (in points) on the private ImpACT Challenge 2014 Facebook page (or here). You get a point for every 10 minutes of your fitness activity (CrossFit, strength, biking, swimming, Zumba, etc.) or 1 point for every mile ran/walked.

10 minutes of your activity = 1 ImpACT Point
1 mile of walking, jogging, running = 1 ImpACT Point

• Then, as you rack up the points, post how many you earned for the day. Example: If I goaled 20 ImpACT Points for the week on Monday and did 30 minutes of CrossFit on Tuesday, it would look like this → 3/20. The next day you may jog for 4 miles. Your post would read 7/20 adding the new 4 points to the 3 from Tuesday. And so on, until you reach your goal!

Each of Sunday's nutrition and fitness challenges can be a supplement to your weekly ImpACT Points goals. If you're a walker or P90X enthusiast, consider adding the weekly nutrition and fitness challenges to your weekly workout plan!

Be sure to post your goal each week and post accomplishments! We will have RANDOM weekly/monthly drawings for prizes for those posting! Apologies in advance to challengers residing outside the USA who will not be eligible for prizes.

Who's ready to make an ImpACT on their life?