It's the Little Things LinkUp

God created us to be social. I sure am glad! He knew this social media age was coming and that you and I would fit in nicely!

Lauren Serks, one of my fellow-sisters at I'm Fit Possible & Sweat Pink, became intentional of "taking pleasure in the little things that make us happy." Then, she made it public by inviting others to join in the quest. How wonderful!

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).

I took the scripture to heart and decided to link-up with my online fitness buddy making a pictorial note of those things that at the end of the day made me smile! Happiness is a choice! Happiness is a byproduct of being emotionally fit. Smiling is an expression of being happy.

What made me smile, this week?

Most everyone finds something cute and quirky to treasure. Sock Monkeys are mine! They are what my aunt called, "So ugly they're cute." On Sunday for my 50th birthday, my sweet daughter-in-law and son gave me a new travel mug! I've used it several times, already!





A few weeks ago, my hubby brought home a spindly Knock-Out Rose bush and planted it beside our front porch. To his delight, this week, the baby buds stretch their petals to a sunny sky. Then, Tuesday evening I won a cute garden sign at a Bunco party! The two pair nicely, don't ya think?



Upon our return from a muggy Wednesday morning run, we discovered a gift of zucs & peppers left on our front porch! Gotta love neighbors in the South!





Last night, I set-up a s'mores station for our LifeNet Life Group at church and used the new Kraft SQUARE S'moremallows! How many years have we been trying to smoosh a round mallow completely between square grahams and chocolate? Simply genius! Whoever thought of that deserves a pat on the back!

So, what little things left you smiling at the end of the day?

For The Newbie Runner: Part 1

So, you are a new to the road. Or, perhaps, you're back from a lengthy hiatus like, oh, let's say since the last big running revolution several decades ago. 

No matter. You've made a great decision! Whether you want to up your fitness game from nil or increase the intensity from another activity, running is an excellent choice! Considering myself still a newbie runner, I am constantly learning from all types of running enthusiasts be they casual or elite. Runners are awesome at helping fellow athletes. The following are the first three quick tips for you to consider.

1. Shoes: All feet are not created equal.

With this topic being too diverse for me to tackle. we will just stick with a quick note. Your feet are carrying your body farther and faster than, quite possibly, they have been doing. It only makes sense to consider how they are outfitted. Just because a shoe is a "running" shoe does not mean its your running shoe. A brand that is comfortable to you may cause my feet to fatigue quickly. A brand that "hugs" my arches, may confine your movement. By the way, the shoes I use for a group fitness class wear differently due to the lateral movement than my runners.

Tips before you purchase a shoe in your local sports store:

*Don't be in a rush. Take your time to bounce around the store with different shoes. Even different models under the same brand can ride differently.
*Expensive does not mean it will be a perfect fit.
*Ask about the store's return policy. If after a couple of weeks, you have decided the new shoes are not going to work, will you be able to return them to try another pair?
*Feet swell. Don't let pride hinder you from sizing up. Toes need room to do their thing in the toe box!

My Current Personal Fave Runners: Brooks Glycerine.

2. Intervals: A mile is a mile.

Don't be shamed into thinking because you cannot run 3 miles without walking makes you any less a runner. One mile walking is the same distance as one mile running. How you get there is up to you! Interval training works like this; run at a fast pace for a specific amount of time and, then, walk or slowly jog for your resting interval. Doing intervals is very common in training and in racing for building muscle endurance with less potential for injury. Legs stay fresh allowing you to go longer distances.

Sometimes, I use 2:1 intervals. Two minutes running with one minute walking to achieve the desired distance. In training for a race, I may employ a 5:1.

3. Running Groups: Never say never.

Thinking all running groups are full of elite runners who have no time nor patience for the beginner runner is more common than not. This thinking is why most newbie runners choose to go it alone. One is lonely number.

Why consider running groups?

*There is camaraderie for mutual support with running groups. The seasoned runner is willing to assist the newcomer simply for the love of the sport. They do not want to see you quit. 
*Not all running groups actually meet to run together. Encouraging you to enjoy the ride while getting better at it are the focus. Many are online groups promoting virtual runs and races, again, simply for the love of the sport. 

My first running group was with a Facebook group of runners of all strengths wanting to stay active during the over-indulgence of the holidays. It was amazing! I wanted to run more and post that I met or exceeded my weekly goal. Now, I have numerous online running buddies who inspire one another, daily.

Ok, Newbie! There are your first three tips with more to come! 

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"