Steppin' Out

Last week's challenge from Holley was to "think back to another time when you took positive action in your life. What’s one thing that helped you move forward that you could apply again now and someone else could benefit from hearing too?"

When I thought of these I thought of a big time in my life in college- but the journey goes back to high school.  See, I was a basketball player in elementary, junior high and my first year of high school.  My junior year I was cut- I was lost, my identity had been taken away from me; I was hurt, I struggled but pushed through it all and in the process got involved in athletic training.  I began working with ISU student trainers, went to a high school workshop at IU, and began working with the student athletes my senior year.  That included traveling with them and I became friends with a lot of them.  In December of my senior year one of the guys on the basketball team was in a car accident that led to his death.  It hit our school and team hard (the game prior he had had one of his best games).  I buried myself in my schooling and my training, and quite honestly burnt myself out.  I had no idea what I wanted to do- but through conversation with my parents a week before graduation (yep, nothing like cutting it close), I ended up going to Johnson Bible College (now Johnson University).  I did two years on the media program (tv/radio) and by year two I was miserable- but again, I had no clue what I was going to do.  In talking with a friend one night I realized that my heart was in working with kids, in teaching.  The semester had already started and we were at the last day before you could transfer classes and not lose credit.  I did a lot of praying and crying and with fear- yet trust- I went to talk to the advisor.  EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING, fell into place- that's how I knew I was doing exactly what God wanted me to do.

So the application today- continue to pray, continue to trust, continue to work hard and if this is where God is taking me- the pieces will fall into place.  They won't necessarily be easy, it won't necessarily be the path that I would have chosen, BUT, it will be one that is blessed by Him.

This little quote is actually a stamp- I LOVE this stamp and want to purchase it at some point (but it's a bit pricey at this point for just the one stamp).  I think it's perfect for this journey I am on!  Loving this!  

And this song- inspired my title of my post for today!  This has become one of my favorite songs with some amazing lyrics that stretch me and give me the permission to dream!

Motivation for Monday

Yep, it's Monday- I have been blessed to have some short work weeks these last few weeks and thankfully have used most of that time for the good- getting work done, exercising, and other odds and ends around the house (still couldn't have used it better but we are getting there).  Anyway, to start your week off I wanted to share a few pins that I have found that just really spoke to me.

This first one- speaks volumes.  Too often we put ourselves (or others) down.  Take into account the impact your words can have on someone- even yourself.  Rest in the fact that God created you who you are and while you may not be using your body to His glory... YET, it doesn't mean that it's too late.  If you are still breathing, you are still able to make a change.  :)  Encourage someone today!

This next one- I know my dad will like the picture- just a reminder that regardless of our circumstances if we want results- we HAVE to put in the time it takes to get there.  It didn't come on overnight- it won't come off overnight!

And this last one:
it goes back to the first one- same concept- You ARE beautiful!  This is one of those things that if you tell yourself enough- you will start to believe it.  We are created in His image- how much more beautiful can that be?  Are there days when you feel less than beautiful- yes, of course- I deal with it all the time- but again, I keep coming back to the fact I am made in HIS image- and He saw the creation of man and woman as VERY good while everything else was "just"(my addition) good.  Want to know more- feel free to shoot me an email and I'll be glad to chat with you!

Oh, and one last thing- this is going to be the workout I will be doing during Biggest Loser tonight- I made it up myself and can't wait to try it out.  What I think I'll actually be doing is making note of it and then Tuesday evening this will be my workout.  Just depends on the timing :) What do you think?  Feel free to share or pin!

Runs for Cookies...

Well, not me :)  But Katie does :)  Seriously though- Katie over at Runs for Cookies turned 31 today.  She has an amazing journey that she shared on her blog and it is quite inspiring.  I haven't been reading her blog long (only a couple of months) but I can tell just from the little bit I have read that this hasn't been a "cakewalk" for her.  She shares her struggles and her victories- and most of all her heart.  So, in the midst of this 13 in 2013 journey came this opportunity.  I took it :)

We had a "little" ice storm here today so that meant no work/school today (which is good because I was NOT looking forward to running this after school today).  Here are pics of the car around 5ish today (after it "warmed" up to 33) 

 

Since they were calling for possible power outages (didn't happen here) I ran on the treadmill when I got up this morning (I have no desire to fall on my tush so definitely was not attempting anything outside).  I actually went longer but stopped to record my 3.1 time when I hit it.  Below is my instagram collage that I put together for my photo record.  You can see my time is 37:02- my original goal (for running it outside) was around 30:00 (lofty, I know) but considering I have been dealing with IT band issues I will take the fact that am cutting time off my 5K time.  I hadn't had any knee problems for about a week and a half- until today so not sure what was different this time...  I am thinking I might take a trip to the running store and see if someone can evaluate my form and give me some pointers.  I can't afford a coach at this point in time though.  We shall see!  I'm technically supposed to do another virtual run tomorrow but I don't think I'll be able to- will have to check on the knee in the a.m. and see. 

Reaching Out to Encourage

 

Holley challenged us this week to reach out to someone and share our God-sized dreams with them.  I have actually been doing this all along- my dad and my friend Rae Ann.  A little bit about each of them will follow and then an update of where things are! ** I am linking up to Holley in her God-Sized dream post

My Dad- Bill- not even sure where to start- other than to say that he has always (along with my mom but she doesn't blog)  been my biggest supporters.  They encourage me to take risks and step out of my comfort zone and are right there praying along with me.  He always makes it a point to comment on my blog when I post and he sure pushes me (in a good way) to always seek out God's truths and His purpose for my life.  He has never belittled my dreams and in fact has encouraged me to pursue every single one of them.  From looking at athletic training in high school to changing career directions in college to moving 1000 miles away after graduation to pursuing this health coaching dream.  I know that I can go to him with ANYTHING and trust that he will pray for me about it.  He has set the bar high ;) (which could be why I am still waiting in my singleness... LOL).  I love my parents and treasure any time spent with them and talking to them.  My only regret is that I don't get to do it more often and that I live 6 hours away from them.

My friend Rae Ann :)  What can I say about her?  Well, she's crazy, fun, an amazing spin and Zumba! instructor and friend.  She has been another that has encouraged me from day 1 of this journey.  All the way back in June when she went to my first spin class with me so I didn't have to go it alone.  She will post things on my FB wall if she sees them, sends me messages or texts to encourage, and she even has sent me information about a class taking place in May.  She pushes me also- in a different way than my parents.  She is a runner also so she helps me in that way for sure (my dad is a cyclist not a runner so no help there) She encourages me to dream and dream big!

As you can see- I have an AMAZING support system because those are just two of the encouragers I have pushing me and supporting me!  And, because of that support I start one of those classes I mentioned in this post this week!  Eek! 

A Few Days later...

I have no excuse for not posting other than life. This week was a little busy and I took a little time off of running except for Tuesday and Friday. Last Saturday (1/12) I ran race #2 in my 13 in 2013. It was a virtual run that was a fundraiser for Sandy Hook. I ran it outside (and might I add that the temp was about 60* and I ran in short sleeves- quite the opposite from the week before). Anyway, I was going to attempt a 5-6 mile run however, I cam in just short of 4. About mile 1 I started having issues with my knee- judging by the symptoms and what I read it looks like it's my IT band SO, this week I foam rolled, stretched it good before and after running, and bought two knee braces (#1 I wore Tuesday and it hurt by the mile point so tried a different kind on Friday and it worked much better and I did a 5K on the treadmill in 37:22.) I went with the treadmill for two reasons- one, we had quite a bit of ice out there plus it was cool and two, I wanted to be at home in case my knee gave me the issues from the week before.

 Okay, back to the SH virtual run. I started having issues but I knew I had to finish- my thoughts just kept going back to the fact that those babies, those moms and dads, those teachers suffered/are suffering through so much worse than a fussy knee and I needed to give my all for them. So, give my all I did... You can see the picture below (it's a collage)for a look at the bib- it listed all of the victims of that day.

 My next race is scheduled to be next Friday (the 25th)- they are calling for rain turning into snow so it's a possibility that it will be on the treadmill once again. I need to start getting some more outdoor running in but my schedule doesn't allow it during the week so I need to increase my mileage on the treadmill but it's so boring at times. Does anyone have any thoughts as to how to approach it? I thought about covering up the screen but at the same time I like to see where I am. I usually put music on but if anyone has any suggestions that would be great. I do try to play around with the incline while I am on it. I think that tomorrow (since it's supposed to be COLD in the morning and when I am off I like to run in the morning) I will try a treadmill interval workout I found and see how that goes- do you have a favorite?

What a Week

It's been one of those weeks- crazy busy!  And the weekend- well, it was crazy busy as well.  Spent some time running (more on that another day), with a friend, resting, and working on lesson plans.  However, I also did some blog reading and found out about a place called Coursera.  This place has online classes you can take (for free from what I see) through big name universities!  I found a couple that were so fitting!  One starts in April so I signed up for that one- it's called Nutrition, Health, and Lifestyle: Issues and Insights and then there's one in January that I am still debating on- part of me says yes, and the other part of me says 4-10 hours of homework a week...Fundamentals of Human Nutrition.

I SO want to do it and it fits perfectly in with my God- Sized Dream.  So, I think I am going for it- step 1- baby steps!  AND, there's a course in May here in Knoxville that I can take as well on health coaching.  So, all in all, I took some big steps this week in heading toward my dream.  I have some other things in the works as well and have enjoyed talking with several people (in person and online) lately that sort of help me feel as if I am headed in the right direction!  We shall see- I am continuing to pray for wisdom and that God will continue to open up doors for me!

**I'll be linking up with Holley Gerth's "series" on God-Sized Dreams

Big Dreams

A few days ago I read THIS blog post and it stopped me in my tracks because THAT is exactly where I am.  I could have written those words, those words have been written in my head and heart over and over again the last several months.  Then, I was watching a replay of a Passion2013 session with Francis Chan and I was reminded of this video (I had the video embedded but it appears youtube is being feisty so I highly recommend watching it)

 It reminded me that I have been called to dream and not dream little human sized dreams.  But, instead I am to dream BIG God-sized dreams!  And then pursue those dreams with a heartfelt passion to bring glory to Him...So, what is my dream?  I'm going to take you through some of the events that led me to my God-sized dream before I share it all:

• Back in January 2009 (almost 4 years ago to the date) I received a diagnosis for some sudden health issues that came up- I was diagnosed with Medullary Sponge Kidney (MSK for short) which is a "rare" (that is becoming more common) kidney disorder that causes me to make kidney stones pretty much all the time.  Sometimes I feel them passing, sometimes I don't, and my prayer is that now they are so "light" that they are as nonexistent as possible. :)
• From that diagnosis came the charge from the doctor to eat a low oxalate diet.  I know he meant well, and the two big things I cut out were chocolate and peanut butter, but the info that he gave me was WAY outdated.
• As time went on, I passed two big stones by December 2010 and then twinges off and on for quite a while.
• More time passed and in March of 2012 I got some news that I needed to change my diet even more.  So, I made those changes (mainly cutting out some more foods specifically wheat and soy) and did a retest in late June.  Those results came back with GREAT news that all of my levels had evened out and that what I was doing was working.  In the meantime I had started my journey so I was seeing double the benefits and at the time the dream was triggered (and the Physicians assistant at the dr's office really got the idea in motion when she made a comment about wishing I could come in and talk to other patients about the importance of following the diet prescribed by the doctor)

So, where does that take me- to the fact that through this journey I have been more and more convicted of the lessons I am passing on to my students, my family and my friends.  So, in the midst of all of that I started pursuing what it would take to become a nutritionist/dietician/health coach.  What I found was that to do the first two I would have to quit my job and go back to school full time (not doable right now).  But the third one... well, that's doable.  I'm pursuing some options and the biggest thing is trying to figure out how to afford it.  I have the heart for it, the passion, the drive- now to trust that this God-sized dream will come to reality!

Race Recap: No Excuses!

Cold (40ish- not cold to some but downright bone-chilling here) and rainy.  Those two words could sum up the New Year's Day Calhoun's Race---EXCEPT I chose two other words- NO EXCUSES!  As I followed the weather forecast I realized it was going to cold and rainy, I knew I had a choice- listen to my head or listen to my heart.  My head told me- go to the gym/home and run it on the treadmill.  My heart told me- no excuses and to give it my all.

Here's the deal, all of my life I have made excuse after excuse as to why it didn't happen, why I wouldn't go for it, why I was giving up.  If 2013 is going to be my year to "press on" then couldn't let a little rain stop me (okay, it was a lot of rain but still...)

Anyway, bottom line I ran the race, finished with a time of 35:13- not my best but it's a good place to start for the year.

**This is race #1 in my 13 in 2013 and my January race for 5 by the 5th.

It’s almost time

for school to start back which means that my goals will be put to the test.  Life will return to “normal” and I will not have the free time that I have had the past two weeks.  That means my schedule changes, my habits change, my time management has to kick in- the one thing that will not change- my goals.  They remain the same- and they should. I will be working hard to get to the point where I am reaching those goals!

In the meantime- you will see my visual for my word for 2013.  I posted that HERE and used the printable from Run to the Finish.  She also walked me through how to add the computer text on it rather than me using my own handwriting.  I loved this!  Have a blessed day!

*btw- this post is short and simple- I am testing using the Microsoft LiveWriter on my computer to see how it works with blog posts!

January

the month where all of the "newbies" hit the gym (make sure you click those words to read a great blog post about that),  resolutions are made (and some broken), and where it's just too cold- that bone chilling cold that you can't seem to recover from (and I'm in East TN where it's not really THAT cold).

The post on Tuesday's race will be next week. I will be linking up with a 5 by the 5th challenge and I think the posts go live either Monday or Tuesday (also the day I go back to work- boo)...

Anywho- today's post is designed to be all about those goals for January (and this is where I admit that I am tweaking them already)...
1. At the most- eat fast food only 1 time per week (but shoot for none)
2. Meal plan and stick to the plan (and I think I'm going to work on some freezer dinners at the same time).
3. Change one "habit" a week using the following schedule (and yes, I am waiting until Sunday to start this since that is when my routine starts back up again)-

      January 6-12- Cut down the (diet) soda no more than 3 or 4 per week (this is where I am tweaking- I will admit I am not ready to quit it cold turkey so I am going to wean myself off.  Hopefully by February I can get down to 2-3 and then continue as time goes on.  I would like to eventually go to occasional/special treats.  As of today (January 2) I have had 2- one each day-which is better than I used to do.  Of course the opposite side means that I will be drinking more water- which is what I need anyway (and my goal is to actually drink the water first anyway).

January 13-19- no added/processed sugar.  Sugar has been a downfall through the holidays.  I am allowing myself some splenda or stevia (can't do much of this one) in my muffin and/or my greek yogurt.  Candy- MUST quit the Candy (and I can't even have chocolate!)

January 20-26- 4-5 servings of vegetables/day.  I already get at least 2-3 but I want to make sure I am getting more.  I know I feel better when I fill up on veggies.  And, since there are so many vegetables that I can't have I want to find new ones to fix those that I can.

January 27-31- Finish out the month strong and in those last 5 days of the month at least 2 of them be meatless. 

I figure that if I make little changes for the week then that will give me things to build on!  Anyone want to join me!

 

...and the next Chapter begins (warning long post)

Welcome to 2013!  Wow!!  It's been so much hype leading up to it and it's finally here- 2012 flew by (as many of the previous years) and 2013 looks to be a great year.  I know that as a year passes life's ebbs and flows take you through many valleys and peaks but for me, I know whose hand I am holding during this journey and he has promised to never leave me nor forsake me so I can truly rest in that promise...

My post today is going to be built on my "word"/phrase for the year- Press On (aka perseverance).  I heard this song recently (and anytime it comes on my music I tend to hit repeat) and encourage you to take a listen.  I love the part where it talks about pressing on and that's when it hit me what my personal theme for 2013 would be:

Oh the day will come
As we press on
When the battle's won

So lift up your eyes
Cause we're not forgotten
And hope will lead us on



Perseverance is defined by Webster's as such: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering : steadfastness

THAT is a perfect description of where I said life is going to take us- it's all in our journey- whether that be our physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual journeys.  

With that said I have some goals for the coming year- I don't make resolutions because they are to easily broken- I do make goals because in my thinking goals are that which I can work toward.   If I achieve them-Fabulous, if not then that's okay too, as long as I have made the steps forward.

2013 goals/dreams

• run 13 races in 2013 (I have referenced this before).  
• add lifting and strength training to my healthy living
• Complete one RAK (Random act of Kindness) every day.  This may be as simple as smiling at a stranger when I pass them.
• Share my journey with others
• Pursue what it would take to become a health coach (this is the scary one)  

** I had more to say including January's goals but I think I'll end this here and post my January goals on Wednesday.