My First Running Skirt

2016 Hot Chocolate 15K ... 14 degrees at Finish Line!

After my hubby's heart attack in December 2012, we launched into a desperate change of lifestyle. Nutrition and fitness were the chosen shovels to dig our unhealthy selves out of the poor physical pit. He liked running. I did not, but knew I had to get moving. 


I joined a dance fitness class which met three times weekly and hid in the shadows of the back row, each week, wearing long sleeves and long athleisure pants hoping not to embarrass myself. I was overweight and weak and, by the first 20 minutes, out-of-breath, but I kept at it determined not to be a statistic of failure.

Although I did not notice the physical changes, by spring my body was getting stronger and leaner! Hubby was going out for a run and to his surprise (and mine), I asked to join him. Something short of a miracle happened, that day. I did 3 miles feeling strong and enjoying being out with him with the sunshine on my face! We kept running, together, on the days I wasn't doing a fitness class. We weren't fast and our form incorrect, but we were moving!

That's me in the doorway wearing the blue Heartbreaker Skirt
with a few members of the local running group!

Summer cooled down to nice running weather through November. It was during this time, I stumbled upon a Facebook promotion of the Holiday Challenge led by Running Coach Jenny Hadfield, co-author of Running for Mortals. Each week runners, walkers, fitness enthusiasts logged miles and "miles." Each mile walked or run counted an actual mile. A "mile" was earned for each 10 minutes of exercise (cycling, yoga, dance fitness, etc.). Weekly challenges were issued with prizes to be won or randomly drawn from our group of challengers.

One such week the requirement to win the prize was to post why you should be chosen. The prize was donated by Skirt Sports® founded by Nicole DeBoom. What an eye-opener! I never knew there was such cute, stylish and modest fitness clothes for someone like me. The models on the website were real women with curves who were running and active!

Something rose up in me. I popped my knuckles and crafted a paragraph to capture the attention of Coach Jenny's elves as to why I needed either the sports bra or the running skirt. By Sunday, I had received an email stating I was the winner of the blue Heartbreaker Skirt!

The staff at Skirt Sports® was helpful and didn't crush my shaky confidence, but supported me in choosing the right size...a smaller size than what I would have ordered. Then, I nervously waited for the thing of beauty to arrive hoping it would fit and I would look decent.

Holy Cow! An Oscar trophy dipped in gold could not have been more treasured than my first running skirt. The shirred skirt draped off my healthy backside in a flattering way and offered the coverage across the crotch I needed. The two pockets under the skirt were genius! I didn't even know I needed them until I started stuffing them full of, well, stuff! The description on the website read: You're a heartbreaker... dream maker... and we know that you were born to rock this skirt. My response? YES, I AM!



It's 2017, and Hubby and I are still running and walking and hiking, together. He makes me smile when he says, "I've been chasing her skirt for a long time!" Now, I have many more Skirt Sports® skirts for him to chase, but my first skirt holds a special place in my heart.

Fitness and Your Witness

(First appeared as a guest contribution post on Sanctuary Ministry Wives - August 1, 2016 blog)

I’m in the ministry. I’ve got faith. Why do I need fitness?

Simply put, to honor God and bring Him glory in all areas of our lives.

The body, mind and soul all work together. One overlaps the other. Each affects the other. It makes sense that if Christ came to give us an abundantly satisfying life in body, mind and soul, the devil has a counter mission to steal, kill and destroy that body, mind and soul (John 10:10). But, God offers His strength to empower our choices, including our fitness and nutrition journey.

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

In 2012, my husband and I had transitioned from a state leadership position held for almost twelve years in our denomination to ministry more of missions-fundraising. Travel intensified from within one state to around the USA and the globe. Days and nights sitting in a car or plane or at meetings around the dinner table of high calorie and fatty meals were grabbed with convenience in mind. In no time, an on-the-go-sedentary life and poor nutritional choices piled on the weight. Additionally, we were genetically predisposed to health issues.

That December, my husband suffered a heart attack.

I sat up all night in a dark corner of his hospital room praying and observing the attentive cardiac team and listening to my honey’s breathing and all the various beeps from equipment monitoring his life on earth…his life with me. Being a Believer in God’s power for healing, I didn’t want to hear comforting words of well-meaning friends. I just wanted to sense the nearness of my Savior, Jesus Christ. And, I did.

A couple of weeks prior, God had been dealing with me about diet and exercise. Now, there was purpose. With our motivations being defined, we drove away from the hospital making a pact to pursue good health. We moved forward and have not stopped.

Allow me to offer 8 hard-learned suggestions to help you discover a healthier YOU.

(1) KNOW YOUR WHY. Knowing why you pursue something is much like knowing your calling to ministry. For it is in those difficult times, when it would be easier to throw up your hands in defeat, instead to wrangle resolve knowing what holds you to the commitment.

For us, the motivation to be physically fit was to live without fear and to live fully for God, family, ministry and ourselves.

(2) IT’S A LIFESTYLE. Shifting from years, even decades, with little to no thought toward the consequences of poor nutrition and no exercise has on your body, requires a complete change in mental process. You CAN do this! How bad do you want it?

I could make gravy and mac-n-cheese from scratch! I had to learn how to make low-to-no fat meals. We opted for food and beverages naturally sweetened. Discovering which fast food restaurants have something to offer was frustrating, at times. It’s not about restriction. It’s about the freedom of living and feeling better! And, when people start seeing the changes, you’ll know fitness has been your witness to draw others to Christ!

(3) FIND A FITNESS REGIME THAT MAKES YOU SMILE. The first TWO WEEKS of your new exercise regime will be the hardest. After the initial fatigue and muscle soreness, you may want to give up. Stick to it! Consistency is the key. If after a month (at least 3 times each week), you still do not like this particular brand of fitness, try something new for another month.

“If I’m moving, I’m winning!” This became and is still very much my fitness motto.

(4) FOOD PREPARATION. The two toughest challenges in a nutritional change are *not giving up and *preparing meals, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.

When I don’t prepare a menu or if I skip weekend food prep for the meals ahead, my hubby and I will end up making poor nutritional choices.

(5) HYDRATE. You simply must drink more water, especially during your fitness session. Tell-tale signs you may be dehydrated: Dry mouth and lips. Gently pinching skin beneath your bottom eyelashes, and it stays pinched. Feeling thirsty.

There are conflicting reports of just how much H2O a person should consume daily. MY TIPS: However much water you’re drinking, drink 8 ozs more. AND, let the first thing you consume in the morning and the last thing you consume each evening be a glass of water. AND, try flavoring your water with sugar-free mix-ins or fruit or essential oils.

(6) WELLNESS EXAM. If you can financially swing it -OR- if your health insurance covers a yearly exam, do it! You’ll have a good base of numbers to launch forward. Find out cholesterol, weight (ugh), blood pressure, thyroid (TSH) levels, etc, and then, you’ll know what type of nutrition to pursue. Don’t be overwhelmed if your physician suggests meds to control these areas. Typically, they opt for fitness and nutrition as their first prescription.

(7) ACCOUNTABILITY. Fitness can be fun. Fitness with friends is the best! Why? Laughter, support, and celebration! Fitness friendships spur one another on with encouragement and a healthy dose of competition… or, if you konk-out, someone is there to call 9-1-1! C’mon, I’m just kidding!

(8) CHEAT MEAL. Sure, those cravings for chips and fudge brownies will still be there, but it’s important not to destroy your hard work for a steady diet of them. Go ahead! Enjoy a cheat meal to get it out of your system! Then, get back on track. More than likely, you will notice the sluggish feeling these cheat foods induce.

I am happy to report my preacher-man is doing great! He gets me moving when I have a case of the Idontwannas! We brought down cholesterol levels significantly. Together, we run 5K and 10K races and half-marathons. Finding new places to hike while traveling for ministry is fun!

I never thought fitness would be a platform to share the Gospel, but it has become an integral part of weekly ministry for me! I became a REFIT® Revolution Instructor and absolutely love helping others to pursue a lifestyle of fitness and nutrition! FITNESS IS MY WITNESS!

It bears repeating, ministry, faith and fitness go together. YOU can do this!

Dessert Menu: (suggested books and media)

SanctuaryMinistryWives.com founded by Bridgette Tomlin

REFIT® Revolution founded by Angela Beeler

The Body Tithe Devotional written by Matthew Pryor

Tuesday Recipe: Protein Power Balls

Want a go-to, no-bake, pick-me-up, tie-me-over snack? Great! 

If you're into nut butters like peanut, sunflower, almond, cashew, you are so gonna love the simplicity of this recipe. 

If you're a runner, walker or fitness person looking for another way to get some protein in your system without breaking the caloric or fat bank, you are gonna love the power of this recipe.

If you're a whole food grazer who likes the ingredient-control of a homemade treat, you are gonna love the nutrition of this recipe.

Are ya sold, yet?

One of my church friends, Amanda G, found this recipe on a Canadian foodie blog and brought out the power balls during intermission of our Bunco Nite. I had arrived at her house immediately after my sweaty, heart-pumping fitness class when I needed some umph to keep me energized for our fun night. I was super excited to try 'em!

Once you've got the basic recipe down, let your creative juices go crazy with substitutions!

Protein Power Balls

1 cup Rolled Oats (not the quick-cooking variety)
1/2 cup Peanut Butter (or your fave nut butter)
1/3 cup Honey (or to make it vegan, sub-in a agave syrup or the like)
1/2 cup Ground Flax Seed (I take whole flax seeds and grind them in my coffee grinder)
1/4 to 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (craisins, raisins, chopped nuts, coconut, etc.)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
(optional: 1 pinch of salt)

• Combine all ingredients, together, in large bowl and mix well.
• Chill in fridge for 10-15 mins OR, if you're in a hurry, skip this step.**
• Pinch enough batter to roll into a ball between your palms OR use a 1"-2" scoop (pictured) and place power balls on a large baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
• Let chill until ready to serve OR until set enough to transfer into a lidded container to store in fridge until whenever you wanna pop a power ball into your mouth!

Play with your food!

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"

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!

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!

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?