Category Archives: FitFluential

Austin Runs for Boston

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Thursday evening over 1,000 Austinites met at Austin High School to embark on a run in honor of the Boston Marathon Explosions victims; with love and grief in our hearts.

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The night started off with Amazing Grace being played on bagpipes while so many runners, both friends and strangers alike, held hands. The moment was so overwhelming it moved me to tears.

A sea of blue and yellow set off down the trail to honor those killed and injured in the explosions, and celebrate the safe return of the hundreds of Austinites who ran Monday’s 117th Boston Marathon. The quick response to Monday’s tragedies was beautiful. A run that typically has no more than 100 runners quickly became a mass of over 1,000 compassionate souls. It was the perfect reminder that no matter how much evil is out there, the good will always trump the bad. We will always stand together and stand tall.

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Running with a group in silence, I heard things that I don’t normally notice.  I heard my own breathing, for example, and the breathing of the people next to me.  I heard each and every step clearly as well as the steps of those around.  Paying attention to these easily ignored sounds around me, I couldn’t help but embrace the connection.  You start breathing with the people around you.  You start keeping pace with them if they’re not that much faster than you.  Suddenly, the group is in a very real sense running together as one.

Runners run together.

That’s why I know that we will move forward and continue to run high profile marathons, and that the Boston Marathon will be sought after like never before.

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“Good or bad, we’re all in this together — just taking one step at a time” 

San Francisco Marathon Training: An Update

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In 3 months I will be running my very first marathon in one of the most beautiful cities in the USA. 10 weeks of training for the San Francisco Marathon have completely flown by. Between work and the time spent training, it’s beginning to feel like I have a part-time job on top of my full time job. Not that I think of running as a ‘job’ — just as far as time put into training goes…

Which has left very little time to sit down and write a blog post. Okay, that isn’t entirely true… I’ve had time but I’ve instead enjoyed the brief moments of relaxation or socializing. Sue me ;)

With 15 weeks left of training there are only 2 more weeks of base building before my mileage starts entering territory I’ve never been…. Quite frankly I’m getting a bit nervous about it! My body is still adjusting to running 25-30 miles (and only increasing) and working 50+ hours on my feet a week. There are days that I really don’t know if I’m remotely cut out for running 26.2 miles. But I just tell myself that the time on my feet is going to benefit me in the long run so long as I rest properly and don’t get injured.

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This is what happens when your feet are always in work or running shoes…

I’ve been playing with my training and rest days the last several weeks. Trying to find something that works for me and my schedule. The last thing I want is to have my long runs set for the day of or before I work a double shift or have to close the restaurant at 3 in the morning….(Which is typically the weekends… when normal people do their LRs ;) ) Something tells me when I start hitting those big scary numbers the last thing I’m going to want to do is work on my feet for 12 hours after. 

With a majority of my training still in front of me, I have still thoroughly enjoyed and learned a TON from these early weeks of marathon training… It’s also a huge adjustment to run in the warmer weather… I lived in Dallas for several years, but I wasn’t a distance runner at the time. Heck, I wasn’t a runner at all back then… So adjusting to the increasingly warmer and humid weather is fun. While it certainly got warm in Maryland, it was a lot more dry. After this weekend’s 90 degree and humiiiiid 10 miler I solemnly swear to never go out for more than a few miles without wearing body glide between my buttcheeks.

Life lessons you learn during marathon training, y’all.. Life lessons. ;)

 

You musn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling - Inception

I may cross the finish line on June 16 and decide that marathon running isn’t for me. However, I’m going to put every ounce of passion and energy I have into the next 15 weeks and push through all of the pain, because after the pain comes the euphoria. I’m going to train hard, have fun, and come my birthday I will be a marathoner! :)

Are you training for anything right now?

Jumbled Thoughts: How Blogging Fueled My Body Image Issues

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Warning: This post is kind of a hot mess. A jumbled mess of thoughts that kept coming to me and may not flow well.

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I was very fortunate growing up. I never really had to worry about my weight since I was either in gymnastics class, playing soccer, dancing, or doing various other sports nearly every night of the week. Even after I quit training full-time as a gymnast and dropped track (I’m sorry running, I just didn’t realize I loved you yet. With time we got there though, that’s all that matters) I was still very active and continued with other sports throughout high school.

I very distinctly remember the first time I looked in the mirror and truly, honestly, thought “oh my god. What is THAT??” (Referring to fat that sprung up what felt like over night) It was after I had ovarian surgery in 2010. It was fleeting, after recovery I started my journey to a truly healthy life and found my love for running and saw my body return to it’s regular shape and size…. So the body image issue thing was always a bit perplexing to me.

Until I started reading blogs. I’m a runner. I’m obsessed with yoga. I like to learn about the newest findings in the health world. I like to keep my body looking and feeling good. I like to read about people’s inspirational journeys to health and fitness. So, naturally I was attracted to healthy living and running blogs…. When I started my blog, I talked about MY kind of healthy living and running a lot. However, I hardly consider myself in either of those categories. Although my association with FitFluential, SweatPink, and Oakley Women kind of contradict that statement. I don’t label this blog. It’s just 100% me. I had no idea what would come of Wild Things RUN Free. I had no idea it would take off as much as it has.

With that being said, there appear to be a ton of healthy-living blogs in the blogosphere who are living the complete opposite life of a healthy one. Preaching so many scary, terrible habits that can do some serious damage to women (and men) all over the world. People read our blogs because they either find us relatable, entertaining, or inspirational. If they find you inspirational they are likely to take your advice and follow in your footsteps. Telling them to gulp down workout enhancers, and push a small pile of vegetables around on a plate a couple of times a day is just not healthy living, in my opinion. The amount of times since really getting in to the blog scene that I have said to myself “oh my gosh I just want to shove a burger in her mouth” or have had to remind a friend “food is fuel” kind of scares me, and makes me really sad. I’m deeply sorry if this offends any of my friends in the blogosphere, but a multi grain hotdog bun filled with a few pieces of spinach, a large carrot, and some PB2 is NOT good fuel for your body. Food is meant to be seen as yummy, tasety fuel. It is supposed to help our bodies recover. Fuels our crazy workday, hectic social schedules, amazing workouts and sound nights sleep. The idea of ingesting 80% chemical laden food and preaching about HEALTH seems like such an oxymoron. There are certainly times for a protein shake, an energy bar, or even protein brownies if you so feel inclined.. But certainly not every day. Certainly not for your main source of energy.

Sometimes I feel like I don’t fit in with some of my blogging peers what-so-ever, because I don’t diet. I eat healthy about 70-75% of the time, the other 25-30%??? Ice cream sundaes, the occasional burger, and oh sweet mother of everything holy, onion rings. On the weekends, I enjoy some adult cocktails and sometimes wake up Sunday morning with a headache. I am not “skinny”…. And quite frankly up until very recently I was perfectly okay with that fact that my size is just normal.

What tipped me over the edge? Blogs and self comparison. After a while it is hard not to compare yourselves to others. You see others making strides on their weight loss journey and you realize you’re just kind of there. I am running further, and faster times than when I first started this blog two years ago (significantly so) but I am not weighing any less, and I don’t look any better in the photos I post. You see people post fitspo pictures of themselves day in and day out on their blogs and their instagram.. A lot of them completely unhealthy with ribcages sticking out… But its still hard when you stand in the mirror and see nothing remotely similar.

It really struck me in Utah when I was at the Oakley Women Summit.. Every photo that was posted I thought to myself “I am the fattest girl in this room. Wow I am the fattest girl in this photo” I certainly didn’t feel this way in June when we were all in Napa. The very few pounds I have put on, aren’t what’s causing this psychological break down.

I am not perfect. I am not a size 0. You can only see my abs certain days of the week. Every time a friend posts a picture of me on instagram or facebook I immediately get embarrassed and think to myself “I look so fat”. I go into panic mode and try to figure out how I can eat and exercise out this terrible feeling. THAT IS NOT HEALTHY.

I am a healthy woman, rationally, I know this. I run (well ya know… when I’m not sidelined with a grade II ankle sprain) I do yoga multiple times a week. I eat whole, real, foods a majority of the time. I left smoking behind with my past. I let go of toxic relationships/friendships. I also believe in splurging and balancing the good and the bad. (aka living a little) This to me, is HEALTHY. Not being 100% in the no carbs, no this, no that category but knowing the difference between “all in or all out” and being able to moderate my actions. That is living a healthy life. Doing what is best for our bodies, mind, and soul. Yes, sometimes eating a pile of onion rings is good for the soul. ;)

Yet, I can’t shake this feeling recently. I find myself reading blogs more and more for the inspiration rather than just the enjoyment. Filling myself up with before and after photos and vowing to myself that I’m going to be better. That next month I’ll have a before and after photo to show.

I am at a weight high right now, but I already know most of you will want to smack me for even complaining about my weight. The rational girl in me knows this.

Why do we let the rational girl in us disappear? Why do we let the irrational woman beat that girl down?? What if we stopped comparing ourselves to others? What if we stopped trying to be the thinnest girl and instead just try to be the HEALTHIEST we know how to be for OURSELVES. Fuel our bodies. Laugh often. Exercise frequently. Rest when needed, and stop taking ourselves so seriously.

Life is not an all or nothing battle. Neither should our eating habits.

Good-Bye Austin Half Marathon, Hello Air Cast

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I haven’t wanted to talk about this.. However, it has become more clear to me that it’s time to lay it out there. Once I talk about it, I’ll start to get over it a little bit. I’ll lose the chip on my shoulder… With that being said, I’ve been trying to write this since Sunday night and I keep allowing myself to become distracted. Obviously, there is a part of me still not ready to come to terms with things.

You know those moments that flash before your eyes in slow motion but you just can’t stop them? Well, one of those situations happened to me Saturday morning. I awoke bright and early that day to get in 4 easy-paced miles before work. I headed down MLK toward campus just like I do every weekend. Campus is practically empty on the weekend mornings, making a peaceful and beautiful route to run. I turned up my tunes and completely lost myself in my thoughts as I entered the UT Campus. I was ticking along when I suddenly got the urge to go a different direction through campus than I typically do. I find myself taking a right turn toward Robert Dedman, and up past the Football Stadium. Then the moment came. I’m chugging along and suddenly I launch my foot off the ground to notice (too late) that there was a step down on the sidewalk. The moment passes so slowly that I can feel myself realize that I’m about to do some damage on the landing. Yet, it was too late to do anything about it… I had already launched off the ground. My foot slammed into the ground funny and rolled to the outside.

Down I went.

There was an instant pain shooting up the outside of my left ankle and top of my left foot. Every single curse word in the english (and even some from the italian) dictionary came out of my mouth. There was a super nice, helpful gentleman running the opposite way and came to my rescue when he saw me go down. He asked me if I was okay. I just kind of sat there… No words came out of my mouth. He knelt down on the ground next to me, as if to see if there was any life in my eyes or something. I shook myself, literally, and told him quite frankly “I don’t know. I think so” and hopped to my feet. I couldn’t put my weight on my left foot. I started crying.. Not out of pain (which yes.. I was in pain, but not enough to cry) but because I was terrified I had ruined my chances of running SFM in June. The pain felt exactly like I remember it feeling when I was diagnosed with Peroneal Tendonitis in high school when I was a gymnast… I had to take nearly a month off and very very slowly build my training back up once I returned. AINT NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!

The kind gentlemen swooped me up and helped me hobble to the bus stop. It was time to swallow my pride, thank the guy, and take the metro home to dump my foot into a bucket of ice before heading to work. All day at work I was favoring my left foot as much as possible and cringing with every step. Several hours later, I yanked my shoe off as soon as clocking out….

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….Fantastic…

Sunday morning I crawled out of bed to discover it was even more stiff, and the swelling/bruising hadn’t gone down at all. I was supposed to close the bar that night, I am 20 weeks out from San Francisco Marathon, and I work 5-6 shifts a week on my feet. I wasn’t taking any chances to do serious damage and off to Urgent Care I went for X-Rays and to pray for the best. A chuckle from the doctor, something silly.. Maybe a “just lay off it for a few days and you’ll be good as new.”

Of course, we never get what we’re hoping for in the doctor’s office, now do we? Nope. The doctor came back, films in hand, chart in the other, just shaking his hand. “I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first.” I hate when they say that. Don’t give me options, just lay it on me flat.

The verdict? I will not be running the Austin Half-Marathon in February. I will however, if I take the right amount of time off, do the PT exercises, and ease back into training, be able to catch up on Marathon Training!!

I know what you’re thinking, Give me the DEEETS!
It turns out it’s a Grade II Ankle Sprain.

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I get to sport this super stylish air cast and compression brace until I’m able to put weight on my left foot while it’s straight. At which point I will start adding in dorsiflexion–plantar flexion (aka pumping my foot up and down) Which I’m not allowed to start doing until the end of the week. (insert fit of frustration, here) At which point I’ll start adding in other ankle exercises and some walking. I’m hoping within 3 weeks I’ll be able to run again and ease back into Marathon Training. At this point, I’m just thankful this happened at the beginning of Marathon training, rather than when I’m only a month or two out.

If I’m not able to run on February 7th… Just watch out world, that’s all I have to say.

I’m kind of freaking out, because yes… I know that an ankle sprain, even a grade II, isn’t exactly the end of the world or the end of marathon training. With the proper time to heal I will bounce back from this.. However, I work on my feet. I work long, and hard, exhausting hours that make my feet and ankles hurt even when I’m not injured… How does one go about healing properly while marathon training, when they have bills to pay, and those bills are paid by running around a crazy busy restaurant for 10+ hours at a time? I’ve taken this entire week off… But I can NOT afford to take any more time than that off. I just can’t afford it. I also can’t afford to be injured for more time than I already will be.

FUDGE.

Anyone out there who has been injured while working a job on their feet? How do you deal? How do you prevent yourselves from becoming more injured while still putting food on the table and a roof over your head?

Why I Run

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Wild Things RUN Free.

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It’s a metaphor for how I live my life. I have always been a runner. Now, I know what you’re thinking… I am not referring to the sport. I didn’t start running until about two years ago. Believe it or not, this blog wasn’t created as a space to talk about running… It just sort of turned into that the more and more I fell in love with the sport.

I ran from everything my whole life. Love. Friendship. Cities. Routine. I’ve always been looking into the future, ready to jump at any moment, on the drop of a dime. Constantly trying to move forward and never allowing myself to get stuck, or what ordinary people call ‘comfortable’. When things got serious in a relationship, I would flee. Quite literally. Ask my ex-boyfriend, Dan. I literally jumped states when things felt too real. (That’s a story for another time, folks) I can count multiple occasions where I have packed up all of my belongings and moved someplace totally new in under 24 hours.

Running is what I always did. I sprinted through adolescence, all geared up to become an adult. I ran from city to city across the country. I hurtled every obstacle in my way and kept a fast pace moving forward, never allowing myself a chance to slow down and catch my breath. I even raced through my relationship with Z to try to make it to the finish line that much sooner. Why? Why can’t I sit still and allow things to come naturally?

I don’t know the answer to that, and perhaps before I can truly find my voice I need to figure that out. But, I do know that only one thing has been able to tame these feelings of fleeing across the globe, and running toward the unknown. That thing is the sport of running.

Since becoming a runner, I have grown so much as a human being. My friends and family hardly recognize me, and instead of taking offense to this… It’s a compliment. I am a truly better person. I used to spend weekends partying until the sun came up, smoking my weight in marijuana, and drinking so much that even the smell of tequila still makes me queasy. Now, I spend my weekends running long, designing training schedules with google docs, trying to PR, and even continuing my education…. Wanna know a secret?? I don’t miss that past life of mine. Not even for a second.

This is why I run.
Yes, I run because I can. I run because it makes me look good naked. I run because it keeps me thin. I run because there may come a day where I can’t. I run because everybody said I couldn’t.

But really and truly, I run because it makes me feel alive. In a way that only drastic, dramatic, life-altering changes ever has. Alive in the way that deciding, packing, and moving from Orlando, FL to Dallas, TX OVER NIGHT did. Alive in the way that taking off at 4am with one of my best friends, Lindsay, to NYC one weekend my junior year in high school did. (sorry again, mom!!) There is a thrill involved with pushing through a “I swear someone is stabbing me in my rib cage with a dull rusty spoon” side stitch. There is a thrill involved with crossing a finish line, regardless of your time. There is a thrill involved with pushing your body beyond the limits you created for yourself. Yet, I also feel washed over with a sense of calm after I run. My mind feels at peace, because I fight my biggest demons while I run. If experience is the best teacher, then we learn most when we are vulnerable and exposed. The light always looks more attractive from the shadows. I’m telling you, I will be a best selling novelist as soon as the invention to type as you think is on the market… Or will have come up with a way to save the world. Just wait. ;)

When I lace up my Brooks and hit the street, I find myself running directly into another world. A world where “I don’t know” isn’t an option. A world where I grow courage, and strength, and ferocity I didn’t know I had. Running has made me value my life, my friendships, and most importantly, has taught me how to face a challenge head on.

Discovering what is and planning what you want next; whether out of life as a whole, or just what you’re going to pick up at the grocery store — are vital. One can not survive on planning ahead, alone.  For me, these are embodied in the mindsets cultivated through yoga and running, the difference between meditating and thinking. I like the way they go together; like shoes. One for the right foot, one for the left. Together, a pair.

 

Why do you run?
Not a runner? Why are you so passionate about the things in your life? Really think about it. 

Texas Gone Arctic: AKA 3M Half Marathon Recap

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After the RnR San Antonio debacle I immediately decided I needed to A) hold off on my first full marathon. Which most of you know, I pulled out of the Austin Marathon and decided to wait until June to knock out my first 26.2 (The San Francisco Marathon) and B) I needed to register for another half-marathon to redeem myself. It was a no-brainer what half-marathon I was going to choose. The 3M Half-Marathon! This race has been on my running bucket list since I started running. I wanted it to be my first half last year, but travel logistics were going to be too expensive for a gal who was (at the time) planning a mostly out-of-pocket wedding, so I ended up running Columbia instead. This year, since I now live in Austin it was an easy decision to just go for it. :)

I set some mighty goals for myself with 3M. I really wasn’t okay with running my first full marathon this Summer without having run a sub 2:30 Half-Marathon. I just wasn’t going to accept a time any slower than that. Plain. and. Simple. It was a pretty big goal to make. If I crossed the finish line in 2:29:59 that would shave 30 minutes off of my half-marathon time in under 9 months.

The 2-3 weeks leading up to Sunday I was feeling less and less confident about the race. Work ate my life, and I missed two long runs because of work and other life events. I tried to make up for my long run last Monday and did 8 miles at a pretty easy pace and felt good. I still had no idea what 13.1 was going to bring me, though.

When Saturday rolled around I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to race. I had planned on hitting the expo before work, but was woken up by my boss calling me in early. Great…. All day I was so anxious. Terrified I wasn’t going to get out of work early enough to make it to the Crowne Plaza Hotel by 6pm. Around 5:30 I even went outside and had a moment where I cried a little. I was certain my chances of racing Sunday were o-v-e-r. I got out of work at exactly 6pm. When the expo was closing. Fantastic. I didn’t know what to do, so I just decided to speed across town and see if they would let me get my packet. What was the worst thing that could happen? They say no?… At least I tried… I get there, and everything is taken down except for the registration/cashier booth which was being stripped down as I walked up. I’m sure my words were a jumbled mess because I was FREAKING out, but I explained my situation. They could see the panic in my face and gave me my bib and t-shirt. I wasn’t able to get my swag bag, but screw it. I got what I needed. Insert huge-ass sigh of relief here.

Sunday morning started at the crack of Dark-Thirty. I decided to take the metro to the start area since the finish line was literally 6 blocks away from my apartment and there was no sense being shuttled back to the car from where I live just to drive back over this way. I looked at the weather and died a little. I was pleased as punch that the chance of rain seemed to disappear over night, I was not impressed with the fact that it was 35 degrees with headwinds that made it feel like 25. I THOUGHT I MOVED TO TEXAS, Y’ALL!

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6:45AM is not a time I am used to and not a time I want to start a race. I am not and may never be a morning person, but I was surprisingly alert jumping up and down at the start line trying to keep myself warm. I had planned on ditching my jacket at gear check, but when I was still freezing my booty off I decided to just keep it on. If worse came to worse I would just tie it around my waste and bring the 90′s back. ;) I was thankful at the start line to have kept it on. Mostly for the thumb holes that were keeping my hands a little bit warmer than they would have otherwise been. While hanging out I was shivering soo bad! The wind was wipping around all over the place, and the nerves of “oh god the last few weeks of training have been terrible” really kicked in. I decided then and there that my biggest priority for this race was just to push myself as hard as I can and leave it ALL on the course. Even if I didn’t make my goal, at least I’d be able to say I gave it my all.

We were off! The course starts wayyyy north by Mopac and Capitol of TX Highway, in an area of Austin I am absolutely not familiar with what-so-ever.

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The first 9ish miles are ‘downhill’. It’s a nice, easy, downhill course that doesn’t take too much of a toll on your legs, and sometimes isn’t even noticeable at all.

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Every couple of miles you can see your time during 3M. This was awesome.. I ran with my Garmin, but it was nice not to have to worry about it. I’ve never run a race where you can see your splits that often. I was surprising myself during the first 10k with how comfortable I was maintaining a faster pace than my goal. I live in West Campus, though. I knew the last stretch of the race had some pretty decent sized hills. I had to reel it in so I’d still have momentum going into that section of the race.

Mile 9 is where the bigger hills come in. We turned on to 45th street and we were running directly into the part of town I know like the back of my hand. Unfortunately, this didn’t really make the hills any easier since it was toward the end of the race. ;) But, it was really cool that the last stretch of the race was something I know and see every day.

These hills hurt. It’s a cruel joke that all race organizers are in on to always make the last stretch of a distance event, up hill… ;) I kid I kid. I just tried to tune out the pain and focus on the beautiful surroundings. Running down through campus and up MLK is a beautiful view. On Deen Keaton you get a beautiful straight on view of the Austin skyline and you cross the finish line to a beautiful view of the Texas Capitol building.

I finished in an official time of 2:28:34!! PR baby!!! I DID IT. Sub-2:30. :D :D :D

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I’m really proud of myself for just letting it all loose on the course. I may not be very fast. I may very well never be, and that’s okay because I IMPROVE all the time. I’m constantly growing as a runner, and that’s all that matters to me. :)

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and just so you have an idea of how windy it was. My hair was super hhawwwt after the race. The back was pretty much sticking straight up. haha

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Absolutely a fun fun race!!! I’ve never run a distance race in my home town. Columbia and DC were both only an hour away, but still. It was a really neat and stress-free experience! Not to mention 3M SURPASSES it’s reputation! It was a great race, so incredibly well organized. I may be a little biased because of my situation, but the volunteers were amazing. I’m so thankful they let me get my bib, even though I was absurdly late, and I’m sure they were exhausted. I saw the swag bags and they were packed with goodies, since 3M makes like, everything! :P

There were even some food trucks in the finisher’s area, but I didn’t stick around to eat anything. Once I stopped moving I was absolutely FREEZING. The space blanket didn’t protect my face from the winds :P All I wanted to do was change into something warm and head to brunch! lol

If you want to run a half-marathon with a fast course, beautiful finish, huge medal, and organized to a T… 3M is definitely a great choice!! I plan on running it again next year, for sure!

Giving Self-Doubt The Boot

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There is a reason that certain people go on to accomplish magnificent things in their lifetime, while so many other people cringe at the very idea of the tiniest challenge. It certainly isn’t lack of desire. We all want these things (whatever these things may be. Run a marathon. Travel the world. Write a book. Become a movie star. Climb Mt. Everest. Graduate college. Lose those extra pounds. Start a new career. Anything) We want them so badly. Some, of course, more than others.. But we all have at least one thing that we want more than anything else in our life. Yet, if you had everything everything you needed to tackle your goals, would you go after it? Too many times, the answer is a big fat NO. Far too often we let self-doubt get in our way of doing anything extraordinary. We let it get in our way of BEING extraordinary.

What is it that we are so afraid of? How do we stop it? How do we kick down the walls that are ‘protecting’ us, and accomplish the seemingly impossible? From my experience, it’s typically the ‘what if’ that gets us the most.

What if I cross the start line and end up taking a DNF? What if I get lost in the middle of some unknown country? What if I lose the weight only to put it back on? What if I quit my job and end up even more miserable or unsuccessful? What if I die trying to climb the mountain? What if. What if. What if!?!!?!?!?!?!

What’s stopping us, isn’t really the fear of rejection, failure, embarrassment. What is truly stopping us, is the meaning we have given rejection, failure, embarrassment and other emotions that tie in to not accomplishing what we have set out to do. Throughout our entire lives we have been conditioned to think that these things hold more value than they really do… We’ve let fear tame the masses throughout history.

It’s time that we free ourselves from our pasts and get over our fear and self-doubt. It’s time that we all, as human-beings, as athletes, as goal oriented individuals, finally go after the things that we want to achieve.

How do we break a bad habit when it exists entirely in the mind? Start paying attention to your thoughts. Every time you are struck with self-doubt, throw the thought away. Actually visualize this. Try shrinking the image in your mind until it just disappears as you are throwing it behind you. It feels ridiculous at first, but practice makes perfect. Once you immediately get rid of the negative thought, replace it with a positive one and again, visualize it. Only this time making the image grow larger and larger in your mind until it takes over. For example: if struck with the thought “I can’t run a marathon” toss it away and instead think “I CAN run a marathon.” while picturing yourself crossing the finish line. Medal around your neck. Smile plastered across your face.

There is not a single better way to eliminate self doubt than to take action that disproves your initial negative thoughts. Always be searching for things that you think are challenging. Taking action in EVERYTHING you do is the most direct route to success, happiness, and self-confidence.

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”
- Michael Jordan

Oakley Women Summit 2013

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Hello from 30,000 feet!
Let me just start by saying if I had known before that the exit row has like, triple the leg room… I would have been volunteering to sit here all my life. It’s pretty much the poor man’s first class. ;) moving on…

I sit here, rather humbled and inspired by this past weekend. Once again, similar to the feelings I experienced after our trip to Napa over the summer — A very rare feeling… I’m absolutely speechless.

It’s difficult to put into words the inspiration and total bad-assity of the entire Oakley Women’s family. From employees, to athletes, to ambassadors; it is a family who is passionate about a healthy, active, kick-ass lifestyle. A family that pushes each other every day to live in the moment, tackle our goals, laugh until our 6 pack abs turn into an 8 pack, ;) and be as fearless and incredible as we can be.

 

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

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The weekend was designed so that we could field test one of Oakley’s largest markets. — Winter and action sports, and to learn more about their 2013 focus, including how this amazing ambassador team is going to help drive their initiatives.

Oakley is incredibly wellknown for their eyewear, this includes ski/snowboarding goggles. What a lot of people don’t realize is that they also design beautiful, functional, awesome gear and apparel for practically all sports. Snow sports included. What better way to field test their winter-wear than to stick us on one of the most technical mountains in North America and set us loose to shred the slopes?!

But, lets not get ahead of ourselves. On Friday all of us gals (and Shawn) flew in to Salt Lake City where we were shuttled through the valley and up the mountain to Snowbird Resort. From there we all met up at the Oakley House, overlooking the incredible mountains. For a moment I thought “this must be what heaven looks like“

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After letting the beautiful surroundings sink in and catching up with some of my favorite ladies in the entire universe, we were served a homemade sushi dinner that our balllller Oakley chef prepared for us, and launched into 2013 discussion. The ins, the outs, the what’s to come. It was such an informative, inspiring meeting that left all of us on the edges of our seats stoked for this year. Stoked to be a part of this rockin’ brand.

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It was early to bed for most of us, because Saturday morning started bright and early to get our gear and hit the mountain. Our Oakley mamas did a phenomenal job of accommodating everybody’s varying skill levels. They even set up some of the gals who have never skied or snowboarded with lessons! I woke up that morning nauseous with the worst headache. I’m pretty sure the altitude. Slowly through out the day I started feeling better, the more I chugged water and got moving!

Snowbird is not exactly the same as many of the ski resorts I’m used to. Back East I would have no worries hitting a black diamond slope at Holiday Valley.. Even Vail. At snowbird, yeah-friggin-right. ;) However everyone was prepared for the elements with layers of Oakley gear. For the first time, almost ever, I own ski pants that ACTUALLY FIT!!!!!!! Every other pair I’ve ever owned tend to be at least 167 times too big. Not exactly the most flattering thing in the world. My purple MFR pants and Crowbar Ski Goggles make me feel and look pretty fabulous. Feeling confident goes a long way in helping you execute to your fullest potential.

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After an incredible day on the mountain, everyone cleaned up and back to the Oakley house we went for a Mexican dinner and Product Review. It is so amazing to me that Oakley cares so much what we think. They take all of our field testing results and send them to the design team to ensure premium, quality product. Sometimes implementing changes immediately. How cool is that? They have an entire team just designated to field testing, because they truly value their consumers opinion.

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The alarms were going off in the morning for our last full day in Snowbird!! The morning started with a fun yoga class lead by fellow Oakley Women Ambassador, Lacey! It was an upbeat and fun Hour! During yoga and after, we had a fitness photo shoot where we got to take a quick fitness class with celebrity trainer Michelle Lovitt! She is such a hilarious and fun spirit!! Next time we all meet up I’m making sure she kicks my booty! ;)

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It can’t ALL be playtime and living it up in Winter Wonderland. We were all there for one reason, and that’s all about the big Oakley picture. So after the photo shoot we were back up in the Oakley house for various round table discussions and a much earned lunch. We were back in play mode in no time though. The rest of the evening was spent learning about the lives of each woman in the room. 30+ inspiring, strong women (and one kick ass dude) all sharing their stories and passions. It was amazing to see how far so many if us have come in the short time since Napa.

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We each had to wear the spirit hood as we told our story…

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Just like that, in the blink of an eye the Oakley Women Summit was coming to a close. The weekend just zipped right by, and before I knew it we were parting ways last night in elevators hugging and soaking in every last minute.

These women have and continue to change me. They put that pep in my step that I know will help me destroy training for my first marathon.

In order to uncover your true potential, you must find your limits and blow past them.

2012 I am Glad to See You Go

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It scares me and also delights me that 2012 is already coming to a close.

This year has been full of so many ups and downs. It has been without a doubt the worst year of my entire life, so far. With that being said, I have also grown so much that I don’t even recognize the girl I was in 2011. She was selfish, stubborn, and significantly less mature.

I lost a brother, my ex-fiancé, life as I knew it. But in their place I grew stronger, independent, and a new city that feels more like home than any place ever has. I ran my first 10k, 10 miler, and half marathon… I even began training for my first full marathon, even if the race itself isn’t until 2013 ;)

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As painful as the year may have been, I am thankful for the opportunity to grow and become a truly better human being, through and through. I learned more valuable life lessons in the last 12 months than I have in the last twenty-something years I’ve been on this planet. One of the most important lessons I learned, is who my true friends are.. The people who will be there for me no matter what. The people who even if we go a few months without speaking, pick back up once we re-connect as if we haven’t skipped a beat. The people who will travel thousands of miles to make sure you’re okay. Those are real friends.

friendsI even became an auntie to the most beautiful little princess.

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So honestly, as difficult as 2012 has been, it’s hard to chalk it up as a total bust. With that being said, I am over-joyed that the year is nearing its expiration date. I couldn’t be happier that 2013 is around the corner.

2013 is going to be MY year. I know everybody says that, every New Year’s Eve… However, I believe it. I feel it. I feel it in every bone in my body. It will be a year full of more growth, experiences, and love.

I, like many others have put together a list of resolutions goals for 2013. However, this year… They aren’t quite like a bucket list the way many years in the past have been. Okay, well perhaps part is ;)

  1. Run the San Francisco Marathon – my first 26.2
  2. Express my feelings more often. I have a habit of never letting people in entirely and hiding what my heart says. Enough of that!
  3. Live in the moment. I’m always planning 3 steps ahead or thinking about tomorrow. Sometimes I have a very difficult time enjoying the present.
  4. Spend more time with family.
  5. Open my heart again. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean get into a serious relationship or fall in love.. But, after Zack and I split up I shut off the very idea of romantic interest. Shut down every guy who gave me the time of day, and ended up very lonely in the process. It took me until very recently to even have the desire to flirt with a guy… Which is bizarre for me, because I have a very very flirty personality, even when I’m not interested.
  6. See the bright side of things.

That’s it. A lot of these kind of blend together. I would say 2,3, 5 and 6 go hand in hand. Without one the rest are hard to accomplish. Now, I’m ready to scream it at the top of my lungs, 2013 I AM READY FOR YOU!!!

I hope that you all have a wonderful New Years Eve. I hope you have many laughs and cocktails, and sip on bubbly champagne. Please be safe. A cab is much cheaper than bail or medical bills.

;

What are your NON FITNESS related goals for 2013? What are your FITNESS goals?! Would love to hear both.

Gratitude: Snowbird Utah

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I swear, my Oakley Ambassador mamma knows exactly what I need when I need it.

When I was first chosen as an Oakley Women’s Ambassador in May, it was the perfect timing. I was stressed out of my gord between dealing with my brother’s death, my new job as a kitchen manager that was eating away all of my time and soul, Zack being (at the time) the only person in my world. I needed something to remind me I was on the right track, that I was doing the right things to better my life. I needed something big. When I received that phone call that I was chosen to be an Oakley Women’s Ambassador I screamed and cried. For the first time in several months, it was tears of pure JOY, EXCITEMENT, and GRATITUDE.

The trip to Napa was timed so perfectly,  I couldn’t describe it if I wanted to. A little escape from reality to focus on a brand that I truly believe in, making new friends, and enjoying a fit-filled weekend with 100 beautiful women from around the country (and Canada!)

Fast forward 6 months, and I am filled with so much thanks and pure awh that I am able to represent such an incredible brand. Oakley truly represents everything I want to be as a woman and athlete. One that feels strong and beautiful on the inside and out. One that is confident and accepting of all things, even my flaws. I want to empower other women to go out there and be the best that they can be, ESPECIALLY when that means they aren’t at the elite level. They aren’t winning every race and mastering every advanced yoga pose. To be happy being who they are and pushing themselves further each day.

I can truly say that being able to represent Oakley, that forming such an incredible family with my Oakley sisters and Mamma, has changed my life forever. I am stronger because of them. For that I will be forever grateful.

Once again my Oakley Mamma struck at the perfect time. I opened my e-mail yesterday to see the invitation to the 2013 Oakley Ambassador Summit in January and just about fainted at work I was so excited!!

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don’t mind the scarf. Wanted to cover up her contact info!

WE ARE GOING TO SNOWBIRD UTAH!!!!!! Hitting up the mountains and skiing/snowboarding. Which, is hilarious because I have been complaining my face off about how badly I want to go skiing this Winter and that it’s the only down side of living in Austin. No place to hit the slopes down south! ;)

Then BOOM, here is this e-mail. Like I said, I swear my Oakley parents know exactly what I need, when I need it. Boy oh boy do they deliver!! I can not wait to represent my all time favorite brand in Utah (fun fact. I’ve been to 40 states. This will make 41! I’ve never even flown through Utah!!! SO EXCITED)

I am dying of excitement over here to get to learn more about Oakley, hit up the slopes, and spend time with my “family”!!! I MISS THEM SO MUCH, and can’t wait to meet the rest of the 2011 Ambassador team that wasn’t able to go to Napa.

I am just bubbling over with gratitude and am wracking my brain on how in the world I can give back to Oakley even remotely the way they have for me.