Do not disturb.......

I need a do not disturb sign for my brain....

Ugh! It was a long week.
I only lost 1 pound this week and it's my fault.....
No guessing at the causes~ I ate clean, but my back hurt all week so I backed off the intensity of my workouts and Jeff and I had too many "get caught up" conversations, that included some really nice wine, while Sam was out of town.
Proof positive that food alone will not fix me any more than exercise alone will fix me!!

On top of all of that, suddenly I CAN"T SLEEP!
I can always sleep! Always!
But for the last 4 nights, my internal clock has decided 2:15 is my time to wake up. Seriously? I'm a woman who has woken up (without an alarm clock) at 4:10 for the last 5 years.
Is it a sign?
Is my subconscious trying to tell me that I need an earlier class?
24 hour Goals in Motion??
LOL!!

So, what in the world do people do when they can't sleep??
I don't watch TV- it bums me out
I'd love to read- It's cold now & I don't want to get out of bed and I don't want to bother Jeff
I could write- See above

So, I lay there, in the dark.... writing in my head (be glad I don't turn on the light and actually write that stuff down) and thinking about the boys and marriage and money and the business.
Last night I was thinking about how busy we've all become and how most of us don't take the time to really talk or play games or write letters.
I got a handwritten card in the mail last week! It was soooooo nice!!
And just today, I had someone email to ask if they could come in and talk to me about Goals. We had a really nice conversation- so much better than we could have managed via email.

I've decided that maybe my problem is that my brain is busy.... too busy. Frequently, I'm on the computer long after the others have gone to bed and I'm working until I start to nod off.

So, in keeping with my 2 week tradition of trying something new each week (1-blogging, 2-"me time"), I've decided to plan bedtime. Yes, I'm planning bedtime!! I kind of feel like a kid!!!
And, because I can't seem to choose what to file away in my brain each night, I'm going to give myself time away from my "busy-ness" before bed. Tonight bedtime is scheduled for 11... Maybe I'll see if the guys want to play a game of cards or I'll start the book that's been gathering dust next to my bed......

Lights out.....

Coming home.....

I worked out in Urbandale on Thursday with my friend Brandy. She's moving in November and
will be transferring her Goals Membership down there. I thought it would be good to go down with her and introduce her to everyone I know.
Traffic was terrible because of the rain and as usual I was on "Kim Time"! I walked in the door just 10 minutes before class and Brandy was there getting ready. She'd already met Toni and as I started wrapping up, my friend Mary came bopping around the corner!
"Hey!!! What a nice surprise!!" And instantly it felt like home...
We went in to the studio and pulled out a bag and continued to wrap up while talking about Brandy's schedule and where she was moving.
Music started, filling the room with a pulse I can't quite achieve in my studio and Toni started pushing. Soon after we started warm up, Mardi and Sandy arrived ~ they run on the same clock I do :)
I quickly introduced Brandy and we turned our attention to class.
We all worked out hard, cheering, pushing and responding to Toni's commands. Random high-fives and competitive hi-knees everywhere you turned! It was a blast! It's been a long time since I'd been there for a class.
I started my Goals in Motion challenge in August of 2009, in Johnston. I drove every morning from Ames and worked out at 5:15am. That location is closer to home and the class time got me back in time to get Sam ready for school and to get to work. Once I completed my challenge, I knew that I wanted my own studio. I quit my job and started training with Mardi and Sandy. My friends Angela, Buffy and Sheri travelled with me for the next 9 weeks as they challenged and learned more about the program. After the first of the year I moved to Urbandale 9:15 class to complete my training. I met more amazing people. I had coached and taught at another gym, but this was completely different. Step by step I learned the "Goals way"~ always supported by men and women who attended class with me.
Back in Ames I was working non stop to get the studio ready. Painting the walls, putting mats on the floor and shelving together. My "break" was drive time, my fun was workout and my family expanded to include the men and women at GIM in Des Moines.
My first challenge in Ames started in February of 2010. I had been teaching some introductory classes for a month and had my team in place. I was fortunate to have an amazing group of friends join me as I opened my doors to the public for the first time. Ames friends and Des Moines friends alike, they were all there at the front of the room, telling their stories and establishing the difference between us and the others. Goals in Motion is different because of the relationships we build and the friendships that develop. We don't just workout together, we learn about one another... We become family.
And now Goals in Motion Ames is more than 2 years old. I have my own studio and my own team. We established traditions and our own special feel. I hope that as people come and go and eventually return to visit they feel the way I did on Thursday.

I hope it always feels like home.....

It's OK to be selfish.....

.....because, when you don't take time for yourself, you wrong everyone in your path."
Wise words from a wise man....
My friend Trent and I were chatting last night on Facebook. I was just sitting down to dinner at 10pm, due to a late school board meeting and he was still patiently waiting for a city council meeting to finish. Elected official and newsman extraordinaire spending a little time talking about life.
Trent is a new coach for me and he is working with a great young man. He was filling me in on his progress.
As  the conversation progressed we exchanged questions about work and our lack of time to do the things we really love to do.

 "I would work out, read more, pray... if I could only find the time..."

     "I would get a massage.... read a book ...journal"

I shared that that was why I had decided to blog. I've wanted to journal for a long time but like most things in my life, it gets pushed aside when I get too busy

I'm finding it (blogging) pleasant when I'm motivated and maddening when I don't have something burning to talk about. In one short week I have become dependent on it as a way to let go and complete my day. I always put my thoughts down before I go to bed...frequently, I am tired, so I wait until I am thinking clearly the next day to polish and post.

"We all have the same 24 hours everyone else does....."

How does a person find balance and how do we nurture ourselves in the midst of a life moving at 100 miles per hour?
I discovered a few years ago that I was a better wife, mother and friend when I work out. I'm also a nicer person when I eat right and I'm at an "I feel good about myself" weight. I'm more thoughtful when I take time to read or to pray. So if I know these things, why do I allow exercise, healthy eating, reading and praying to be pushed aside??

I'm feeling like I've been caught up in a tornado and all of my responsibilities are spiraling around me. It's kind of overwhelming,  so today I picked up my planner and I crossed out ME time. My workouts are written in right next to my meetings and I've given myself 5 hours every Thursday to do what I'd like to do. I might read, sleep, get a manicure or go for a walk, who knows.... I might write.
I'm kind of excited!

But, remember.... it's my time~ so don't call !!

I'll let you know how it goes!

 

 

Thankful for the wisdom of those who have traveled this road before me.....

I am a thankful person by nature- a glass half full kind of girl, if you will. And for some reason there have been several situations in the last few days that have made me think about those who have paved the way for me to be successful and to live a better life.

Posts like this have to start with your parents, you know....good or bad...where would you be without them?
I was blessed to be born to an amazing woman. She is silently strong and care-taking to a fault. She has taught me to be loving and accepting. My children have experienced me, as a mother, as I tried to glorify her. I ALWAYS knew I was loved, even when I messed up (Once or twice, right mom??) and I always tried to be fair. Donna continues to be that woman today- strong and graceful- loved by everyone she meets.
I have two dads. One who is responsible for my existence and one who is responsible for the woman I have become.
Garry, my first dad gave me my eyes, my quick temper and my ability to trust my gut. He could read people like no other. We had a falling out of sorts 15 years ago and we hadn't spoken much, but I still felt his influence as I made choices in my life. I lost him earlier this year.... hopefully he is watching over me and be proud of the way I choose my friends and trust my heart.
Ron, is the man who welcomed me into his life when I was a snotty know-it-all teenager. I was ALL over the place~ confused about who I was and who I thought I wanted to be. He allowed my mom to hold him back when I'm sure all he wanted to do was throw me out of the house. Then and now, he loves me unconditionally, as though I was his own. He is the one most responsible for my glass half full frame of mind.... he finds the good in everyone he meets.

So where does a person go from there? Who has made an impact and who has sculpted you into the person you have become?

I've had coaches who have lifted me up and made me a feel like a champion. Friends who have comforted me and advised me wisely. Lovers who have made me feel beautiful. Mentors who have helped me follow my dreams.......

...I have my husband, Jeff, who pushes me to be better every day. Through his love, he has made me a strong business person and a clearer, stronger woman.

... I have my children. Both boys would tell you they are stronger, better and infinitely wiser than I am!! They would share that I USED to be the tickle champion, but now I don't have a chance. They would tell you I USED to be the homework whiz, but now I don't even know what the rational purpose of  (x+y/z)*2=5 is. And hopefully they would tell you that once upon a time I was the best mommy they could ask for. I always wonder if I gave them enough and my question is always answered with a "pick-me-up, squeeze me hard" hug I get at the end of Sam's day or every time Zach comes home. Zach has become a good man and Sam is following in his footsteps. They have made me a better woman...made me look at life in a different light and they have given me every reason to believe in tomorrow.

So, why share all of this with you?
I've told you about some of the amazing people in my life, because I think it's important to know that when I touch you, when I care for you and when I truly make you part of my world, it's because someone else paved the way. I am the woman I am because of so many influences. Mom made me a listener, the kids made me believe and you.... you made me realize how much goodness there is in the world. You made me realize that I can make a difference. I can make someone feel strong and beautiful and hopefully, someday I can give someone the same opportunities that have been given to me.

Go out and be thankful.....

and here we are again.............

....my friend Monday. It's kind of cool how everything starts fresh again every Monday.
I answered journals throughout the day yesterday and I have to say I'm pretty happy. Weddings, marathons and trips back home happened and for the most part everyone held it together!! My own weekend was pretty good~ a couple glasses of wine and an extra surprise latte, but otherwise on track.
There were certainly success stories, but the reoccurring theme throughout the journals was "I'll do better next week". Why is it we always wait to start over. Why can't we simply acknowledge a goof and start over right now? I hear it all the time- heck I say it! I'll start over tomorrow, Monday, next month...... What in the world is wrong with right now?? Whether it's a treat or a cheat or an oops or an all out massacre, I'd encourage you to start over again, right away. Not only will your body thank you for following a sugar-splurge with some decent protein, your conscious will thank you for not blowing another day.

Weekends are hard because there is no true schedule and if you're like I am, you're trying to fit as much as you can in to two short days. Cooking is done, laundry washed and folded and I'm ready to hit it hard again in this morning. Yes.... I too fall into the Monday trap. But for me, it's really not about restarting, it's more about hope~ as in I hope for once this week will go as planned!!

This week is a busy one for me. Fortunately, Jeff has night time work plans and Sam will be heading to Indiana for an FFA convention.
Weeks like this, although busy, can be easy!! I'll have soup and salads most meals, roasted meats and veggies or fruit for snacks and oatmeal for breakfast. The guys won't be around so I don't have to worry about mixing it up in the kitchen! They don't like leftovers and I could eat the same thing most days. I cooked yesterday afternoon so technically, I'm done for the week!!

Despite my schedule, I'm counting on a good weight loss week! I lost 4 last week. I'm pretty happy because my goal is 2-3. Most people lose a little extra in their initial weeks of the challenge for several reasons: 1- we plan our food 2- we workout a little more consistently 3- we drink water 4- we shove our bad habits in the closet. I know this, but I'm still happy! I feel better too. There's nothing better than Day 4 or 5 of exercise re-commitment, when the sore eases a little and you know you're body's along for the ride!!
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I have a warm vacation in my future, so I'm going to focus even harder next week. I'd love to see another 4 worked off by next Saturday! I have my workouts planned. I'm going to email my coach as soon as I post this and I'm going to get my beauty sleep all week. I'm making a promise to myself to get in 20K steps each day and workout at least 5 times (one of them Zumba~ I'm sure I'll have something to say about that one!!).

Monday's here again....what will you do about it?

 

On my high horse.........

 

I spend most Sunday mornings right here at my computer. I wake up at my normal weekday time, make coffee and sit down to write to the challengers in the Goals in Motion program. It's my time in a quiet house to reflect on things that I've read, recipes I'd like to try and my own health and fitness journey.
Every once in a while I'll get a question from someone that ignites me! I'll jump on my high horse and fire out an email blasting the things I dislike most!

The most recent "stir me up" question was:

"How do you feel about fat burners and pre-workout drinks to help me get to my goal faster?"

AAAAUGH!!! was what I wanted to say, instead I replied "I don't like them."

That was nice, right? And I continued...

"I've learned over the last few years how well my body responds to the right food at the right time. Carbohydrates when I need fuel, protein when I need to recover and fat when I need to feel full.
My typical day looks like this.....
30 minutes after waking- Pre-workout~ 1/3 cup Kashi go-lean, 2 oz. 2% milk and 1 banana. I cup hot green tea
ASAP after class- Breakfast~ 1 egg, 3 whites, 1 TBS. sharp cheddar, sandwich thin & 1/2 cup fruit OR
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal, 1/4 cup cooked quinoa, scoop vanilla protein powder and 1/2 cup blueberries. Sometimes coffee
Snack~ 1/2 cup 0% plain Greek yogurt, 1 TBS. 4% fruited yogurt called Noosa (I don't do artificial sweeteners and this is low in sugar. It also has an amazing silky texture that enhances the Greek. We've converted several people from candy-shop yogurts to Greek with just a Tablespoon!!) and 1/2 cup assorted berries
Lunch~ 2 cups veggies stir fried in 1 TBS. olive oil with 1/2 cup cooked grains and 4 oz. leftover lean meat
Snack~ 3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1+ cups raw veggies (carrots, pea pods, peppers, green beans)
Dinner~ Lean protein and veggies in some form or another (Fajitas with out a shell, taco salads without chips, soups, stir fry, or simply roasted or grilled meats and veggies) and a healthy fat to keep me full longer (diced avocado, cashews in the stir fry, etc.)
I'd encourage you to try eating similarly and see how fast you progress towards your goals...."

The reply came back faster than I could get up and fill my glass with water.

"I don't have time to work at it that hard and I really perform better with these products."

AAAAAAUUUUUUGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Can I jump through the computer, please??
I jumped back up on my trusty stallion, took a calming breath and composed another response:

"It's true that it takes a little more time when you first begin, but it really does become an easy, sustainable way of life. Every time I cook, I cook extra and I rely on my crockpot a lot! I always have something cooked or cut up and ready to go. There are times when my snack is simply a piece of chicken breast and an apple. It doesn't have to be hard and it doesn't always require a fork!!

As far as the supplements go, I think you should give my way a try. You have to remember some of the best athletes in history performed before the creation of shake-it-up & swallow-it-down concoctions. Use fruit and green tea in place of pre-workouts. Use hard work and good food in place of fat burners. This way is safe, this way makes sense and this way can work for the rest of your life."

Ok, so now you're all thinking I'm not very nice and I don't appreciate the questions. NOT TRUE!!!
I love the questions. My problem is with the quick fix society that we live in. Take a pill, shake up a powder, I even saw 'get healthy without getting up off the couch'!! Really!!!
Before I started eating right and exercising I tried everything. I cut out carbs. I cut out fat. I took magic potions and fat burning pills. I even ate cabbage soup every meal for a week.
And did I lose weight? Yep every time. Did I keep it off? Not once. And I was crabby and tired and unable to keep up with the day to day activities in my life.
Who needs that?
Work hard, eat clean. Fuel the fire when it needs to burn and nourish it when you're done.
Simple. Effective. Life long.

Next question?? My horse is ready!!

 

 

Call me crazy.....

......but yesterday I realized I love to workout!!

I know that shouldn't seem like a shock.... after all, I run a fitness studio. I really thought I'd lost my love for exercise, but thankfully I'm pretty sure I was wrong.

I started out life loving it~ I grew up in a time when we were forced to play outside or sit and watch bad soaps on TV after school. X-box and iPads didn't exist. Mom enrolled me in swim lessons and that grew into a 12 year love affair. I wanted nothing else! I practiced before and after school and traveled to swim meets every weekend. My friends were swimmers. My moms friends were swimmer's moms. My first boyfriend was a swimmer.
But then tragedy struck.... I got burnt out. I realized all of the things I missed because I was always swimming. I wanted to be in choir and get a job and hang out with my friends on a Friday night. There were no long goodbyes....I walked away quickly, never looking back.

I didn't exercise again until I was in my late 30's. But this time it wasn't for love, it was out of necessity. I hated myself. I hated the body that seemed to betray me every chance it could. I was out of breath, I was frequently sick and I was overweight. I felt ugly.
How did I get there? Who knows.... I worked long hours and when I came home I sat. I had 2 beautiful babies and used the "this is the one time in your life it's ok to be big" excuse. I dieted and had no energy. blah, blah, blah......
However, one day after a particularly miserable shopping experience, I decided I had to do something. I cried all the way home from the mall. When I got home I made a call. I signed up for an expensive class, knowing if I wasted the money and didn't follow through my husband would be mad at me. As soon as I hung up, I drove down and paid for it. There! Done! Now I would exercise!

Day 1 sucked, but hey. my most recent day 1 (Monday) did too! Day 2 was a little better~ at least I knew some people in the room. Day 3 I felt like I knew what I was doing and..... Day 4 I fell in love!!

I continued working out and eventually realized I loved it so much that I wanted it to be my life. I quit my job, trained and opened my own studio! The busy-ness of it all wore on me over time and eventually I started making excuses. I slipped in to a period where, even though I loved my job and the people who came through the door, I wanted to be somewhere else during the hours I wasn't scheduled. I missed my family. I missed having free time! I was burnt out. Again, there were no long goodbyes...

Which brings me to today.... or rather yesterday. Yesterday, I struggled. I wanted to listen to my body. I wanted to go home. And then I realized that it was just like before~ my body was trying to betray me. Sore arms, sore legs and crazy pain in my back. It's like it was saying "you're really done this time~ you're too old, give up". But I worked out.

I didn't do it because I wanted to, I did it because I'd told you and every person at the studio and all of my friends that I was going to reach my goal weight by December 10. I can't do that if I don't move and I know myself well enough to know more than one unexcused day off spells disaster for me. I started slowly on the bag- Kaylen was a very patient partner :) and within about 20 minutes, my back loosened up and my body felt good.

Tammy pushed.... the music blared.... the room was full of some of my favorite people and it happened.....I won the battle with my body and I beat down the words of self doubt in my head and.....

 I fell in love! 

and it feels good :)