Resolving to Finish Strong

Hi everyone!  Happy almost New Year!!

Resolving to Finish Strong is a cool article I found that is perfect for this time of year with goal setting and New Year's Resolutions. Enjoy!

Motivational Monday: Kim's Own Words and New Year's Story


Kim was kind enough to share her story. I received this before Christmas, but with New Year's resolutions right around the corner, felt this could be very helpful for people now. Thanks Kim!

Kim Young today

My journey began January 1, 2010. I walked into an Anytime Fitness overweight, lost and heading down a bad road. I had not only over indulged in food but I was a functional alcoholic who was struggling through life. I used food and beer as a bandage to hide my insecurities and not feeling good enough. I met Jesse who talked about the gym and what it was all about and took my measurements. I knew my weight was 205 but I got the shocker of my situation...my fat percent was 41. I couldn't believe that my body was almost half fat! That was the point in my life that I knew something had to change.  I thought that if I could only lose the weight things in my life would be better and in my head at the time said the faster the better because I had only put the weight on me overnight...overnight right. 

I met Jeannie two weeks later. She did a basic workout and I wish I had a camera for the face she gave me when I told her that I couldn't do a push up, not even a girl push up.



Kim's push ups today

 I knew she had her work cut out for her but I also knew I had the heart to complete half of what she expected of me because at the time mentally that's all I allowed myself to give. I look at that statement now and think I only thought of myself to be only half as good as I really could have been. That makes me sad  today that I spent so much of my life with that attitude. During the workouts with Jeannie I started at the bottom, no probably below the bottom of a basic workout and worked my way up. Each week hurt but I learned that everything is hard at first but keeping working on it and I promise it does get better. Little by little I shed not only the pounds but gained a new sense of self. I never thought in my dreams I could do the things that I did and am doing with my workouts. The biggest lessons that I have learned in my journey is that everyone is good enough to look their best and that exercise is 99% mental.  

Never tell yourself that you can't do it or make excuses. Every time you do that or eat something in excess you're telling yourself that you are not good enough and I assure you THAT YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH AND YOU ARE WORTH IT! If you miss a workout or eat something not healthy, don't beat yourself  up over it. Remember every minute is new and don't dwell on the past because it is the biggest enemy. My biggest piece of advice is don't ever give up. You are the only person who can change your situation and don't listen to the people in your life that don't support your health. There are people that just don't get it or they don't want you to succeed so they are not alone. With that said, my journey is not over. Every day I find new obstacles and strength.

With the holiday season approaching my only wish for you is to give yourself the biggest gift of all....a new you.


















Merry Motivational Monday! What is Christmas All About?

It's five days until Christmas.  Some of you may still have shopping, wrapping, Christmas cards to send or other details that "Make the Season Bright."

But sometimes it can be a bit stressful. ( Okay, I confess I did have a moment at Target Sunday and luckily my daughters and a Starbuck's 1/2 decaf pulled me back.) 

Anyway, while it is all part of  "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" I thought we could just stop and remember:

What is Christmas all about?

Well, who says it better than Linus?  Enjoy.

Merry Christmas every one!

Putting the puzzle pieces together

Meet Karey.

My friend, client and today's guest blogger.

I've known Karey for a few years now. She's one of my favorite people.

Strong Christian, hilarious, willing to do anything for anyone and one AMAZING hair stylist. She did my hair for the contest and photo shoot. (Check out the photo in the header.)

Thank you Karey and Transformations!

So, after the show back in June, I started training Karey. We talked about and appllied the three puzzle pieces of sucess for weight loss: resistance training, nutrition and cardio.

(BTW, the girl ROCKED with tire flips!! 3 sets of 15 out back of Anytime Fitness.)

Some things went well, others were a challenge...

But now, as Paul Harvey used to say, (well...sort of...) here's Karey with "The Rest of the Story."

 

My journey of weight gain started five years ago after I cancelled my wedding. 

My weight went up and down.

Sometimes I didn't care. Sometimes I didn't try.

I started training with Jeannie since June. But it was not fair to be training when not eating right.

Six weeks ago I had an "aha" moment. I took a really good book on vacation and started eating a lot of clean food. Much less sugar and more fresh vegetables and lean meats.

but I couldn't get back into my cardio.

I am lucky to have two trainers. Jeannie for the resistance training and my friend Sherry for other training and support.  Sherry has lost a bunch of weight and has kept it off through running.

So, I decided to run the Mini Marathon on May 7, 2011. I can't believe I am going to do this!!

As I continue with this journey, I will be stopping in to Jeannie's blog to tell you how it's going. 

Wish me luck!

Merry Motivational Monday!

Ho! Ho! Ho! It's a Merry Christmas time of year Motivational Monday!

This Motivational Monday suggestion was provided by Ann of the blog Butterflies Gourds and More. It is an especially good motivation and reminder with all the hustle and bustle of this thime of year.

Be still and know that I am God

Psalm 46:10

If you have a suggestion for Motivational Monday, please leave a comment to let me know!

It's Motivational Monday!!

 This following Motivational Monday quote comes from Micah Matlock.  Micah is the Indiana FFA State Sentinel and I have been working him and the other FFA state officers on their blog: FFA: Following the Future of Agriculture at my regular job. (check it out - cool stuff !)

Anyway, he had this at the bottom of his last email and I really liked it:

"What people need is not a motto to say, but a model to see."

-John C. Maxwell

A Motivational Quote from Theodore Roosevelt

Happy Motivational Monday! 

The following favorite quote was contributed by blogger Amy Eizinger-Ott of A Latte with Ott, A

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

-- Theodore Roosevelt
"Citizenship in a Republic,"
Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910

By George, I think he got it!

It's Motivational Monday AND Thanksgiving week! What a wonderful time to remind ourselves of our blessings.

That said, for many people the start of the holiday season also means the expectation - I dare say obligation - to stuff ourselves as much as the turkey.

So, I thought is would be reassuring that NO WHERE in the original Thanksgiving Proclamation signed October 3, 1789 by George Washington himself does he require us to eat all the Thanksgiving trimmings, your mother-in-law's secret Jello salad with the disgusting celery and shredded carrots or your Mom's delicious cherry pie with the crust made with lard.

The main point George makes is this:

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Here's the link for the full read.

http://wilstar.com/holidays/wash_thanks.html

Happy Motivational Monday and Thanksgiving!

Kim's a Star in The Star

Okay, I am having technical difficulties with this Jpeg...BUT...none the less...Kim was a star again and was selected to be in this insert ad for Anytime Fitness.  This was circulated within 2 miles of the Avalon Crossing area by the northside Anytime Fitness.

Way to go Kim again!

Kim Continues to Inspire! She's on 100.9 FM tomorrow and in the Indy Star!

Hey! Listen for my friend and client Kim on 100.9 FM tomorrow on The Scottie Show! She called in today when they were talking about what inspired people to lose weight - their "aha" moment!  They were so inspired they asked her to call back tomorrow after they see her in the paper!! Very cool!

Here's the "after"

And the "before"

Also! She will be in The Indy Star tomorrow in an Anytime Fitness ad!! 

Motivational Monday!

Here is our first quote for Motivational Monday! 

It is my favorite!
Not only because of what it says, but also because my daughters gave me a ring with this saying for Christmas last year. I wear every day.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

--Lao-tzu

The Way of Lao-tzu

Chinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC)

 

If you have a favorite quote - let me know!  We'll post it!!

Year two, where's the divine intervention?

It's Year Two.

Actually, Year Two of competitive figure training began on October 4.  It's taken me this long to write about it.

The time delay provides more time for...reflection...sure...let's go with that...
Real reason? 

Why am I doing this? Should I be doing it? Is it the right thing to do?  I love it but...

Last year was crystal clear. My motivation was to stop being afraid or caring what other people think but...truly...

...Divine intervention pushed me to the stage.

Yeah...never blogged about that...

In the name of the Blogging Code of Transparency, quick flashback...

Don't freak out, but a year ago I heard voices...well...a voice.  Not the Sixth Sense "I see dead people" creepy type of voice...



 But a supernatural voice none the less that would not shut up for about a month.

Why did I hear this voice? Step back in time a bit more. Last summer there was a break up of a very...ummm...let's call it an "unhealthy" relationship and my confusing professional life. 

I prayed A LOT about what to do.

I expected God to mention a company to get in touch with or give me a sign to go back to school.

Instead I literally heard a voice say "figure competition."

And I literally looked over my shoulder and said "that's stupid" and ignored it.

Single Mom with two kids finding time to work out hours at a time with the end goal of dressing in a bikini and 5" heels with a spray tan. 

Stupid.

I wasn't going to do it. Period.

How the heck was that going to heal a broken heart or help me earn income?

Discussion over. Well, the voice disagreed.

 Have you seen the movie Ghost when Patrick Swanzy's character, Sam Wheat, hounds Whoopie Goldberg's character, Oda may Brown, the psychic, until she agreed to deliver a message to his girlfriend, Molly? 

 

Well, it was sort of like that...no one sang "I am Henry the 8th I am," all night but the voice was persistent.  Man, I thought I could nag.  It hounded me for the entire month of September until I went to the OCB Bodybuilding Show on September 26. 

That's when I saw the figure competitors on-stage - fit, confident and just owning it - and I got it. 

The voice was right. You really can't care what people think when you are on stage in a bikini, 5" heels and a spray tan. There was this feeling of peace, the voice left and I was on my way.

Back to Year Two.

 No voice.

But there is a strong desire to be clear why I am doing this.  The drive to compete is no longer just for myself but more broad.  It's more about supporting and motivating others by sharing and being open about the highs and lows of this journey and also sharing the journeys of others. Stay tuned for more of those very soon.

Oh! By they way, the competition did actually heal my broken heart and provide income.

 I'm now dating a wonderful guy now who is not intimidated by my training at all. And now that I am a certified personal trainer, I have earned income.

Gee, this time delay has actually been reflective after all....I need to procrastinate ...er...I mean..."reflect" more often...

Look for the next entry on Monday, for what will now be called "Motivational Mondays."

Have a good weekend!

Kim's September Show!! Way to go!!

On January 1, 2010 this was Kim...70 pounds over weight, deconditioned and couldn't do one push up.

And here's Kim September 11, 2010 OWNING THE STAGE at the OCB Natural Bodybuilding Show and 70 pounds lighter. That's right 70 pounds!

Push ups? No problem.  Before the show she was doing the Power Woman 1,000 Workout which consists of 1,000 reps in one-hour and, yes, it included push ups. 100 push ups!

It truly has been an honor to be on this journey with her as her personal trainer. It was also been an honor to be mentored by Jesse "The Shark" Dale who guided me so I could guide Kim. He also took care of her nutrition. I'd be lying if I said I knew enough in that area to get her to the show. The more I read,  the more I need to read,  learn and research. Jesse's Saint-like patience with our constant questions and reassurances will always be appreciated.

 Back to the show!!

Front pose

Side pose

Back pose

Side pose

And Kim doing her T-Walk at the evening show.

Kim and me, her proud personal trainer after the show.

  Okay, I admit it...I was so proud I just cried after I saw her on stage!!

What can I say? This was not an easy journey for her. 70 pounds in 9 months is not a long time. It took commitment, discipline and consistency and deciding to change her life.  She had to do it. No amount of me yelling at her could have gotten her on that stage. Trust me, it would have been much easier for her to quit.  And the final work outs...let's just say the politically correct way to put it is that they were a "challenge."  At the end she was working out 6 days a week, did vast amounts of cardio... and her diet...yeah....I would have been a raging wench on the same program. But not Kim, she had a positive attitude the whole time.

 Every rep and tire flip (yes, she flipped tires) was worth it.

Oh...and did I mention that she works full-time as a surgical nurse, takes care of her 4-year old son, Mason..her family and all the usual life responsibilities we all have with a house and ...well...again...life.

Her motivation? How did she do it?

She said that she wanted to set a good example for her son, Mason.

What do you think?

 Looks like a little boy proud of his Mommy.

Oh, and Scott and Kim's parents were pretty proud too!

Surreal Moments...you never know who you will inspire....

The 2010 OCB Mr/Ms Natural Indiana will be NEXT Saturday at Lutheran High School in Indianapolis.  I encourage everyone to go!

My incredible client Kim Young - who you will hear more about - will be competing there after losing 66 pounds (Yes, you read that correctly - 66 pounds!)...

  

Kim in July 2010

  

Kim in January

She will be a guest blogger very shortly... but for now, a short story on how life comes full circle...and it can be a bit surreal...

Okay...I was at posing practice last Friday for Kim.

Afterwards this girl who is a new competitor - and looks incredible - came up to me and asked if I had any advice regarding posing.  I was a little shocked because I have only done one show and don't consider myself an "expert" poser. I consider myself more of "I did what I had to do" kind-of-poser, but I shared what I knew and that was to "own the stage" and have fun.

 That's when this new competitor told me that she had the DVD from the May show and had watched my posing routine about six times to prepare for the show.

Wow...I haven't even watched the DVD with my routine. But that humbled and surprised me.  The May show was a magical night for me.  I hurled myself out of my comfort zone that night, knew I had set a good example for my kids but had no idea I had inspired anyone else. 

Good lesson don't you think? You never know how we inspire or help others.

And it felt great.  To do what I love to do and help others.

But it made me think back ...wow ...it was about a year ago when I started this journey...and it was at last year's September show that I watched a competitor named Corina and was inspired because she "owned the stage" and I desperately wanted to do the same.

...I guess I really did.

Ironically, it was Corina who presented me my 1st place trophy in May.  I guess the opportunity to inspire others is a constant circle...and the circle continues...and Kim, the circle continues with you!

Validation for a Working Mom

Forgive me blogosphere...it has been three months since my last entry.

There is much to share from the last few months but you'll hear about it all in due time...

For now, this weekend was priceless for me and I share this for all working mother's out there.

Let me just say, I needed some validation about my kid's direction...(who hasn't been there?)

I've not been home much this summer and no longer have a handle on how my kids were doing.

It has really, really bothered me.

And because my "kids" are now teenagers (14 and 17)...cat-like aloof creatures that in a nano second makes me want to rip apart all cell phones and Facebook pages...and the next makes me laugh out loud because of some goofy You Tube video they found....I just needed to know they were doing okay...going in the right direction....

Saturday night my older daughter's friend, Rachel threw her a party for her17th birthday at my house and I got just that!

That said, let me just mention that I became of aware of this party three days before the party (during the State Fair...so you can imagine my response was more "rip apart cell phone" than "laugh out loud"...)

AND, I was not happy that I had purposely been kept out of the loop on all the arrangements...not good for my personality and a for a sleep depreived mom. 

"Everything was taken care of" was the response to my tough probbing questions.

I decided, "Fine, I am not going to deal with this..it could be a good lesson."

Turned out it was a good lesson for me.

....I did know it was a boy-girl party and that about 10 people were invited...

hmmmmm....based on my high school experience...."10" was a relative term...and boy-girl party meant well...BOYS....and boys - frankly means boys AND their lack of frontal lobe development were coming to my house! and not just one - but at least five!

(Note to self...wine in frig.. self-medicate if needed)


Well, the party began and the guys and gals started to show up.  And, all 10 - yes - 10 and that was all - hung out outside in my front yard, made their own fun and were just fine.

No police were called, no unhappy neighbors..no fire, no beer, broken furniture....it was all good...

(and I enjoyed some wine but out of want instead of necessity)

Birthday girl, Kelsey (and her Harry potter hat...yes, she is a fan)

AND, the frosting on the "birthday cake" was seeing my 17 year old daughter Kelsey so happy AND hanging with friends more interested in figuring out a Rubic's cube then causing unnessecary teenage drama.

And these were not nerds!  Just great kids - -one guy even wearing a "Cancer Sucks" t-shirt in honor of his granfather who died from the disease and show his support for the fight against it.  How cool is that?

Pausing before the pinyata

In short, my house was filled with young adults going in a good direction and they were my daughter's friends.

As a single mom working full-time and trying to develop a business, this almost brought me to tears. I constantly worry that I am doing the right thing.  Frankly, I am taking a hard look at what I am doing to be sure it is in the best interest of my children...

Whether what I have done or what I am doing as a parent is right or wrong, I have validation that my 17-year old daughter is doing okay. And that, my friends, is enough for today.

Release Your Inhibitions, Feel the Rain on Your Skin

Natasha Bedingfield fans--you will LOVE this entry...

She continues the advice of Eleanor...you know...Roosevelt from the last entry to "Do one thing every day that scares you."

Natasha gives it a modern twist from her song Unwritten. It is the song I have chosen for my "T Walk" in the competition..it fits where I feel my life is right now...

Here are the lyrics...

I am unwritten,
Can't read my mind
I'm undefined
I'm just beginning
The pen's in my hand
Ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten, yeah

Oh, oh

I break tradition
Sometimes my tries
Are outside the lines, oh yeah yeah
We've been conditioned
To not make mistakes
But I can't live that way oh, oh

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
drench yourself in words unspoken
live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
the rest still unwritten

(Gospel)
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open *****
Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open *****
Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

The rest is still unwritten

And that is just what we are doing--allowing the words of Natasha and Eleanor to become actions--positive actions to reach for something in the distance.

And good advice from friends helps too!

The future belongs to the bold. - Annie Schmelzer

All greatness is achieved outside your comfort zone. - Arnold Palmer(okay...I don't know Arnold Palmer but I like the quote!)

And...

If you're going to go in a bikini, you need to get used to the full length shots in the sports bra and some cool shorts. - Debbie Lindsey



Thanks Debbie!

The Scarrrreeeey Sports Bra!

Eleanor Roosevelt said:

Do one thing every day that scares you.

In a world where scarey things may include foreclosure, public speaking, Ludricris music, spiders, rejection, cancer, public restrooms, high places, small places, etc.; my fear of wearing a sports bra in public at the gym...on a scale of 1-10 (10 being cancer or foreclosure) it really is a 1.

Except when you have to wear a much smaller bikini in front of all your friends and family in about 4 weeks...

Then a sports bra, not as scarey as public speaking...more scarey than say Dr. Phil episodes...you get the idea...

So it's time to get over the scarey sports bra and be proud of what I've accomplished. What do they say about facing your fears? First, you have to recognize that you have a problem. And, it will be problem to get on stage in a 2-piece bikini if I can't wear a sports bra to the gym in front of a few guys.

So, this past week, I've taken Eleanor's advice.

Day 1: Wore the sports bra with long pants Sunday morning to the gym when I knew basically no one would be there. Good, good...a few gawks from a couple of old guys...but who really cares?

Day 2: Wore the sports bra with shorts in the afternoon when I knew maybe a couple of guys I knew would be there. And, they were, and they were a bit surprised to see the conservative Republican Jeannie actually revealing more than her arms and elbows! I also noticed they were more talkative...

Day 3: Took a day off.

Day 4: Okay, wore the sports bra and short shorts I wear for posing practice to the gym during my usual cardio time. Yep, a little awkward. Saw and chatted with the guys I've worked out with for the last 20 weeks who have only seen me wearing my conservative Republican shorts and T-shirts from church vacation bible school.



But, you know, it wasn't so bad and no one really had an issue except me. In fact, my guy friends were totally cool and it truly was not a big deal. You know, Eleanor Roosevelt knew a thing or two about this scarey stuff...

Day 4 1/2: Evening. Feeling confident! Didn't plan on this but applied the doing scarey stuff conceipt to life.(I'd skipped Day 3...so this would be a make up day)

So, here's what happened. I had not heard from this guy I've been dating for a few days, so I took the advice of my good friend Jen from Anytime Fitness and sent him a text. To my surprise, he almost immediately responded. We had a very nice text conversation and I felt great!

Day 5: Off day at the gym, so I applied this "doing scarey stuff" to life again.

Here's the deal, I really wanted to go out with this guy this weekend. So I--the ultimate conservative who has NEVER EVER asked a guy out in my life--decided to ask out this guy. So, I went to Panara Bread, got up my nerve with a strong cup of coffee and sent him a text asking him out for dinner Saturday.

And he said no.

Well, he actually said, "Saturday i can't. R U free Friday? sorry.. short notice.I drove around for 30 minutes last nite bfore i found bubba. Feared the worst. he was ok"(Bubba is his dog and he ran off while we were texting the night before)

My reaction to the "short notice"? Translation: "He had no intention of inviting me to begin with" so NO I am not available Friday.

I replied "Friday would be late with posing practice and all, so some other time. I am glad bubba is okay."

I then made up my mind to set up a coffee date with one of the other guys who want to go out with me!

Then 10 minutes later I get a text from him that said "ok lets get together sat if u r still open?...."

Interesting... Thanks Eleanor! I can't wait for Day 6! Oh yeah... that's when I face the 500 or 1,000 rep workout...well if it is anything like the last few days, I can hardly wait!

The Conservative Republican Purchase of Show Shoes

Okay, the show is now nine weeks out.

But a couple of weeks ago posing practice had begun and it was time to purchase my show shoes.

For those of you who don't know, the Figure Competition attire consists of a bedazzled bikini and 5" heel shoes. Yes, that's right. In a bikini, you have to walk across a stage in 5" heels. Hence, the need for posing practice. In my conservative Republican life, I had never had the occasion for such shoes, so this was going to be a new experience for me.

I was told I could either order them on-line, which was usually overpriced, or go to the local loungerie store and get them there.

So, a couple of weeks ago after work dressed in my conservative Republican attire, I stopped by the local Cirilla's (formerly Priscilla's for you Indianapolis folks) to buy my shoes.

I entered and to my right found a wall full of such shoes. Brown ones, black ones, red ones, purple ones, and clear plastic bedazzled ones. I had no idea there was a need for such shoes and such a selection!

(In front me...well I saw other things but that is for another blog entry...)

Anyway, so I found a pair similar to what I'd seen in other competitors wear... the clear plastic and bedazzled shoes. As I was doing this, the clerk came up to me and said, "Let me guess, Indy Pole Dancers?"

First thought in my head: "Do I look like a pole dancer? If I do, is that a compliment?" I wasn't quite sure ...

I responded, "No..." and explained the competition.

She explained Indy Pole Dancers is a local club that offers pole dancing exercise classes for women. Apparently it is a great cardio workout. Really gets your core.

I guess it would....

So, I purchased the shoes. And although I was not a pole dancer, she gave me the dancer discount anyway. Pretty sweet.

And I learned about a new cardio opportunity, but for now I think I will just stick with my eliptical machine.