Best Moment of 2014 - Putting my Face in Water

End of the Year Reflection. I was blessed to have a lot of high points in 2014 but this had to be my favorite. After 2 years of motivating other people to “Try a Tri” I finally found myself with time to train and no excuses not to do our local Sprint Tri event. Except for the fact that I really don’t like water. I don’t like to swim in open water and I don’t like to put my face in the water. So why did I do a Sprint Tri? Because I can’t say no to a challenge. I did my bike, run and swim training leading up to the event and felt good going in. I knew I wasn’t going to break any records but my goal was just to have fun and finish. I love the community of racing and bonding with my fellow contenders. I got lucky with a borrowed wet suit and with one open water practice swim two 2 days before the race (Thanks David). I had so many butterflies in my stomach but I knew that if I could just finish the swim part (which is first) I would be good the rest of the event. For me it was 100% more of a mental challenge then a physical challenge.

I almost didn’t make it past the start. When I went to jump into the water I was so concerned about holding on to my goggles that I forgot to close my nose and mouth (rookie mistake). I came up to the surface gasping and coughing for air. I had one minute to pull myself together and figure out if I was going to swim or call it quits. I took a few deep breaths, said a lot of quick prayers and pulled it together for the gun start. I started slow and stayed slow. I kept away from the crowd and swam my own race. I got passed. I even got asked by the lifeguard at almost the end of the course if I needed a noodle to hold on to. But I didn’t. I knew with every stroke, every breath, every move forward I was one step closer to conquering my fears and reaching my goal.

This photo captures that moment when I knew I made it. I knew I had reached the goal I had set out to do. It was the best feeling in the world and one I will not soon forget. It is also the feeling that I want others to have and why I work to motivate others to reach their goals today.

What is a Fitness Challenge (and WHY you should do one)

You will hear the words "Fitness Challenge" come out of my mouth a lot. You may even get an invitation from me to join one. What the heck am I talking about?

 

Here is some background information on what they are and how they can help you.

 

What is a Fitness Challenge?

A fitness challenge is a group of people working together to achieve results in their fitness/nutrition programs. Typically it will be set up as a Facebook group with a start and finish time. Some of them may be FREE like a Clean Eating Challenge or a Holiday Survival Challenge. Others you may need to INVEST in a Beachbody nutrition/fitness program. It is a system that gives people the accountability and support they need when they start a fitness program. It is place for people to go and share their success or personal challenges in a judge free area.

 

My Personal Experience in a Fitness Challenge

As of this post, on a personal level I have participated in a Clean Eating Challenge, two 21 Day Fix Support Groups and a Holiday Survival Group. The support and education I got from all the groups helped me to achieve the results I wanted. I also found a clear connection in the success I had to the amount of participation I put into the challenges.

 

Contact me if you want an exclusive look at the blog I did for my first 21 Day Fix Challenge (Before and After Photos Included : )

 

How a Fitness Challenge Can Benefit YOU

If you are looking for that additional support to help motivate you along the way a fitness challenge is a great way to connect with others that have similar goals. Yes, you may have to make an initial investment for a fitness/nutrition program, but the support and motivation you get from your group (and your FREE Beachbody coach) is PRICELESS.

SO……

Are you ready for a fitness challenge? If yes, let's connect and I can get you started on the steps to YOURT new Lifestyle. Email me at sarah@lifestyleforward.com or message me from Facebook at Lifestyle Forward.

Deep Thoughts from the Pet Store

Ok, I have to admit when I first saw this I was cracking up laughing and just had to take a video.

But then my brain got thinking.........

Life can be tough. We run hard with our little movements trying to get somewhere. Sometimes we trip. Sometimes we fall behind. Sometimes we get so confused and in our own way that we flip over backwards and land on our head (My favorite part : ).

But we get a chance to get back at it. We get a chance to learn from our challenges and hardships. We get back into life and just keep moving FORWARD.

Thank you little mouse for inspiring me to keep on moving FORWARD.

Don’t let the Holidays WEIGH You Down

Hooray, Hooray, the holidays are here! With visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads it is no wonder that most adults gain about one or more pounds during the holidays. Getting through the holidays can be hard, but it doesn't have to be that way.

The holiday season shouldn’t be about missing out or dieting. It's a time to celebrate with family and friends, and to enjoy the festivities. The challenge is to do it without gaining back any of the weight you've worked hard to lose or to gain pounds you really don’t need for the New Year.

Here are some tips to help you feel MERRY and BRIGHT this season:

Keep moving.
Schedule time for your regular workout routine and when you can add an extra 5 minutes to burn a few more calories. Plan holiday activates that require movement like caroling, sledding or family friendly football game.

Weigh in regularly
Step on the scale at least once a week. If you see the number going up that's your signal to cut back on portions or set up your physical activity.

Fill up on veggies and lean protein.
Make sure that for your meals that are not holiday related you stick to a balanced clean eating diet of lean proteins, vegetables and fruits, healthy grains and good fats like seeds and healthy oils.

Eat a healthy breakfast.
Study after study confirms that people who eat breakfast end up eating fewer calories throughout the day. If you are pressed for time try a protein smoothie, hard boiled eggs or Greek yogurt and fruit.

Find Healthy Substitutes for Seasonal Flavors
Pumpkin, Gingerbread, Peppermint, Eggnog. It seems like more and more seasonal flavored foods pop up that you feel you must have because they are only here for a limited time. Try to find healthy alternatives like non sugar flavored coffees or at home healthy baked treats to fulfill your cravings.

Party Plan.
You have them on your calendar so plan ahead before you go. Eat some crunchy veggies, small salad or broth based soup before an event to avoid over eating. If you are bringing something make sure it is a healthy option so you and others can partake. And most important keep the alcohol in moderation. Try flavored seltzer water to keep it bubbly without the calories.

This season, give yourself the best gift of health, happiness and a stress free season of weight worry. You have plenty of time to focus on that in the New Year.