BAREfit Adventure Training

BARE - /ber/ - without addition; basic and simple (google dictionary)

Pretty much sums up BAREfit Adventure Training which I recently had a chance to check out.  Even though it may be basic in equipment and in a simple garage like setting, it is definitely not easy and that  is the 'fit' part, my friends.  They are making the world your playground.

BAREfit is located near downtown at 1217 Logan St. It is neighbors to Falls City Community Bikeworks (with a review coming soon!). There is a parking lot off Logan St. that is fenced in with BAREfit at the back of the parking lot. The place is more of a garage setting. Be prepared to get a little dirty, but - hey, you are working out, so who cares? Some of the workout equipment includes tires, sledge hammers, homemade equipment such as rings and sleds. There is even an obstacle course for the upper body - something you might see on Ninja Warrior.

A tire for everyone's fitness ability

BAREfit is currently offering 1 day free to try them. Upon arriving, I saw Curtis leading a class and met up with Rob to fill out some paperwork,  so they could get a little bit of background on me and my fitness goals. The first Mondays and Tuesdays of the month they have testing. So I just happened to check out a testing class. Otherwise, their week is divided into push, pull, and whim days, so muscle groups have time to recoup. After a warmup on test days, you complete your test. Beside the body composition, you do burpees, push-ups, and planks for the tests. These are recorded so next month you can see how you improved. This is a great way to see progress and keep motivating yourself to work hard. After the testing, we did 4 exercises for 45 seconds with a 15 second rest. Then repeated this 2 more times. Throughout these sets, Curtis let us know how much longer we had and was encouraging. Once this was over, Curtis led us in stretching. At the beginning, he mentioned to let him know if at the end of stretching if you needed something specific stretched, he would be more than happy to help. I thought this was great. The last thing anyone wants is an injury! There were plenty of drink breaks and there was some water if you forgot your water bottle. There was also some lockers to put your keys and what not in them while you workout.

The week's workouts - Push, Pull, Whim

If you are looking for a place to workout that is unconventional, but still gets the job done, check out BAREfit. If you like Tough Mudder, Rugged Maniac, or Waterfront Challenge, this place can help you prepare for these events. Or maybe you are planning an adventure vacation. They can help get you in shape for that! If you are looking to get fit, lose weight, they can help with that too! Grab a friend and take advantage of the free class to see if this is a good fit for you! It is not your typical boot camp gym or gym for that matter. They offer group classes Monday through Saturday. All you have to do is show up. They demonstrate the exercise for all fitness levels. Check out their website for more information.

And be sure on the lookout for future Earn Your Beer Challenges - they are free and open to the public.

*For more first time is free classes check out this post.

**Know of another place that you love that I should check out or wondering about a place? Let me know: fitinlou@gmail.com

7 Months until Ironman! (Fundraising update too!)

Another month closer to Ironman Louisville and I still have not 'officially' started training. Still focusing on things mentioned from the previous updates with lots of ups and downs this month to deal with outside of training. Besides the 2 snowstorms, one son had strep and another had walking pneumonia besides the common sniffles. To top it off, a good friend and running gal pal got diagnosed with breast cancer. All of these things puts everything into perspective for me. I am thankful that this is the year for me to train and participate in the Ironman since it has been something in the back of my mind.  So take action yourself, if there's something on your 'bucket list', start making steps toward it.  Don't live with regrets or think you have more time.

"There will be a day that I cannot swim,

 that I cannot bike

 that I cannot run

BUT TODAY IS NOT THAT DAY!"

 As mentioned previously, I have connected with a great online women's triathlon group (Ironwilled: Women who Tri). They have a wealth of knowledge and experience that has helped tremendously. Through that group, I was able to get a great deal on my first wetsuit! Reality has been setting in - being all in for this adventure with that purchase! The Ohio River should be cold enough in October to be wetsuit legal. Now that I have my wetsuit, I have time to learn how to use it - just add that to the to-do list.... I have a mentor that has helped alot already and look forward to gaining as much knowledge as possible as I continue to move forward.

Another group that has been beneficial is Louisville Mom's Run This Town Chapter (MRTT). It is a local group of moms that run - pretty simple idea. They have fun monthly running challenges that have helped to make the winter go by with group runs with and without kids. There's a wide range of paces and experience in this group too which is helpful.

Squats with my oldest

Riding with my youngest

I am still working on my strength and core. I try to get an Insanity class in when I can, but also like Mike Hermsanson's videos, a Workout App, and Skimble Workout trainer app. These I can just do at home in a short amount time with the kids around. They enjoy trying the workouts too. It is fun to see the kids join in with me and show off their strength skills.  The apps are the free version and require very little equipment. I like that I can choose the time as short as 5 minutes to get the training because some days that is all I have time for. I also like Runner's World Yoga for Runners series. The power yoga is my favorite. My kids enjoy Cosmic Kids yoga when I do some yoga. Hoping all of this will prevent injuries!

Light reading....

And now for nutrition update which is where I have been doing most of my reading and research since it is a weakness...... I bought the Feed Zone Portable book. I had heard great things about it. I have tried a few recipes which were pretty good, but am unsure how my coordination would be able to unwrap aluminum foil and eat a rice cake on the bike. I had trouble not making a mess while eating them in my kitchen. There's several more I want to try as well. Once my training picks up I plan on trying out the race nutrition and hydration options that will be on the course, but do not have high hopes that my GI system will like those.

Next month marks the official training for my Ironman journey. The same week I start is my taper week for the Derby half marathon I am running with some friends -  so a perfect way to end one journey and start another. I keep focusing on having fun, moving forward, and being consistent. Logging lots of miles for my I Run 4 buddy - Kaiya - keeps me motivated too! I recently just broke the 1000 miles mark since we have been matched (which was at the end of this month last year) by running, biking, and swimming for her. Hard for me to believe!


Team Ironman Foundation Update!
 Donate for a chance to win Waterfront Challenge Entry

A huge thanks to those who have already donated and helped me reach 1/3 of my fundraising goal!  The money donated stays local which is great.  I am excited to announce that Waterfront Challenge has donated one free entry to their race on June 6 for me to give away. So for this month anyone who donates $25 or more will be put in a drawing to win this free race entry. I did this race last year and had a fantastic experience as you can read in my race recap. For every $10 more, I will give you an extra entry - so what are you waiting for - donate here. At the end of the month, I will announce the winner of the Waterfront Challenge free entry.

I'd be more than happy to throw in some baked goodies to anyone donating over $30 too! Lots of options including gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian friendly.... Just let me know!!

A few baked good options: pretzel rolls, sourdough bread, sugar cookies, cinnamon twists, muffins..... And yes my kids would be more than happy to 'sample' and decorate some cookies for you.

Also if you are interested in volunteering at the race this year (I did last year and had a blast!), the volunteer registration is open. I volunteered helping the athletes check-in their bikes. Interacting with the athletes and hearing their stories was pretty fun. I would love to see some familiar faces around! Plus a free t-shirt!

Running in my hometown

 Thanks for your support and to everyone that has run and swam with me so far. I look forward to future swims, bikes, and runs together. It makes the journey even more fun.

Running with my brother at his farm

2015 Valentine's Days Ideas and 8 months til IRONMAN!

Valentine's Day Ideas

Why not try something new this year with your significant other? Do something active first and then join in for some yummy treats at a local restaurant.

Lululemon Athetica has FREE events all month long for couples to workout together. Orangetheory and a crossfit class are coming up.

Feb. 13 - Dancing - Take a beginning dance class together and then stay for the Valentine's Party Dance with Bravo Dance Studio.  

My other half and I taking a trapeze class.

 

Feb. 14 - Partner Yoga - You Do Yoga - 3 hour workshop with partner yoga, Thai massage and acro yoga

 Feb. 15 - Family Yoga - Rainbow Blossom- Bring the whole family to enjoy a free yoga class.

 

Why not try ice skating, rock climbing, MegaQuest, or Mega Underground Bike Park ? 

 

Feb. 21 - Fitme Studio - Why not try Insanity with your significant other?  

Whatever you decide to do, just create some fun memories with one another and have a great Valentine's Day! 

 

 

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IRONMAN UPDATE!

So today marks 8 months until the big day! Nothing much has changed since my last update.  Still in the building base, technique, and strength phase. I have found a great group of fellow women triathletes on facebook that have a wealth of knowledge that loves to share as I venture in to the long distance triathlon. 

 

I took last week pretty much off because I had a nasty respiratory infection. This week I am back on track and meeting up with a few friends for workouts which makes it fun. Let me know if you ever want to join me!

The end of January, I held a bake sale to help raise funds for Team IMF which was successful, so a huge thanks to all those supporters. Still looking for financial support for the fundraiser. I would be happy to make sourdough bread to anyone donating that lives locally! Nothing beats fresh, homemade bread. Thanks again for all your support. It makes an intimidating journey that much more fun.

Race Recap: The Frigid - January 17, 2015

The first race of 2015 - The Frigid - fortunately did not live up to its name. This past Saturday was sunny and warm for January making the 4 hour - Rogaine that much more enjoyable.  361 Adventures put this meet on and also offered a 4 hour nighttime Rogaine that we (my husband and I) opted not to do. Considering we are still fairly new to the sport and after finishing the first one, we knew we made the right decision.

Frigid Map

A Rogaine is a type of race where you choose your route based on where the checkpoints are located on the map. For this particular one, there were 14 main checkpoints plus 4 extra checkpoints that would be revealed at one of the main checkpoints. You are given a map and this time the 14 checkpoints were already mapped. Everyone has the same start and finish points, but then you and your team decides what is the best route for your team's ability. A team is made up of 2-4 people or you can go solo.

This registration was from 8-10am, maps passed out at 10:15am, and race started at 11am. We made it to Explore Brown County (Indiana) way too early - 8:30am. It was a short drive where I grew up in Columbus, IN which was nice, so my parents could watch our 3 kids. Registration was quick and easy. We had already signed the waiver form so we picked up our bib number and waited. My brother-in-law and cousin made a team and joined us shortly after we arrived, so it was nice hanging out with them while waiting for the race to start. 

The main meeting place was inside a red barn like building that had plenty of room for the 100 or so participants. The race directors had a short meeting reviewing  the rules and tips such as be careful of the black ice on the gravel. Once that was done we had about 30 minutes to look over the map to plan our route. We gathered our gear and was ready to start. Each person had to carry hydration, a light, a whistle, hat, and a long  sleeve shirt. Each team also had to have spaceblanket, compass, the map, passport (paper that you punch when you find a checkpoint), charged cell phone, and the race number.


This year, our plan was to try to get all the main checkpoints. Last year, my husband and his brother got all but one, so we wanted to do a little bit better. We planned our route to follow the easiest navigation route, run the flats, and walk the hills. We stuck to the plan and ended up getting all the checkpoints plus one of the extra checkpoints finishing in 3 hours 33 minutes. You get penalized if you are late, so we wanted to make sure we were not late! Only one checkpoint gave us trouble as it did for a few other teams that we met up with while trying to find which we were eventually successful.

It's not all seriousness with The D team as we look for our next checkpoint.

Overall, the rogaine was fun. I had my fill of the Brown County hills for sure. Some places, I was sliding down since it was so steep and then climbing up on all fours. Fortunately, my feet stayed dried since most of the creek crossings were shallow and slightly frozen still. After the race, there was vegetable soup, bread, and cookies with water or lemonade to drink. There was about an hour between the end of the day race before the maps were being handed out for the night race. Awards were handed out to the top 3 teams and top 3 solo finishers. We finished as the 5th team, 10th overall. Next year, the plan is to clear the course and get a few more checkpoints. That will only happen if I practice some hills so I don't keep saying, "oh, hill no!" sarcastically in the race again.

If you are interested in learning more about orienteering, rogaining or adventure racing check out some of these groups for more information and races. They are fun for all levels whether you hike or run, if you like being out in the woods, these races are for you.

361 Adventures

OLOU

DINO

Flying Squirrel Adventures

TOPO Adventure Sports

Meeting Barn at Explore Brown County

ROGAINE stands for Rugged Outdoor Group Activity Involving Navigation and Endurance

IMLOU 2015 Preparation

So as I posted a few weeks ago that this year's posts will be fewer with updates on my progress towards Ironman Louisville. So here's a brief update on where I am 9 months (9 months!) away from the race.

After volunteering at last year's event, I have been reading, listening to podcasts, and asking lots of questions about moving up to the long distance triathlons. It's been really fun reading other's journey towards becoming an Ironman. Everyone's journey has been different with unique obstacles to overcome and no doubt mine will have its share of up and downs as I test the limits I can push my body.

Right now, the biggest things  I am FOCUSing on: (Focus is my one word for 2015)

Not getting burned out or stressed out with my 'A' race far away - keep fitness fun 

• Meeting up with friends to run and swim (shoot me an e-mail if you want to join me!)
• Have a few fun races planned such as The Frigid (4 hour orienteering race) this weekend.

 Pick weak areas to work on 

• Swimming techniques  - Everything I've read and tips from others suggests hiring a swim coach. So last Fall, I bought 4 swim lessons. I still have 2 more lessons to go, but it has proven to be a great investment. I am gaining more confidence in my swim.
• Biking techniques- Also getting a bike fit was highly recommended. I was recommended a great bike fitter who could probably fit bikes in his sleep. I now have a fitted road bike with aero bars that I am adjusting too. I'm learning how to improve my biking with some one legged drills. These drills seem to slow down time!

Learn as much as I can about nutrition

•  Reading, asking lots of questions, reading, and repeat. I know nutrition and hydration is one of my weakest areas so really trying to work hard in this area. Making sure I stay hydrated to avoid headaches and migraines which I easily get anyways. Trying to refuel after a working out within that 30 minute window.  Also trying to eat more frequently throughout the day. 
• Researching different ways to stay fueled during races so I will be ready to practice these when mileage picks up.

Strength and core exercises

• Several of the ironman books I have read have functional strength suggestions and stretches which are easy to fit into my schedule
• Fitting in a group class makes it more fun - such as Insanity when I can make it or a class at the YMCA. 
• Strength and Conditioning videos by Mike Hermanson - professional triathlete - recently discovered these and learning lots from professionals in the sport.

So that's where I am at now. Thanks for the encouragement and support so far.
It's really appreciated! Some days it hasn't really sit in that I'm training for an IRONMAN! Other days it has and I think uh, oh! 
Here's the link (Team Ironman Foundation) again if you would like to support me in achieving my fundraising goals too.

2015 - Non-typical Races: Mud, Obstacles, And More

Mud, obstacles, orienteering, stair climbing, color, zombie races - don't look for the "pound the pavement" type road races here!

Here's a list to help you find something new to try with your friends - to keep you motivated to run, bike, train all year long. Plan an unforgettable racing season with these one-of-kind races.

 January

• January 17 - Frigid ROGAINE - Brown County, IN  - Adventure Race- "Just like a standard rogaine there will be a certain number of controls/checkpoints (CPs) for you to find using a map and compass. All CPs will be worth one point each. To challenge our faster racers we'll have a number of bonus CPs available."

February

• February 7 -Fight for Air Climb - Louisville, KY - "National City Tower was built in 1970 and stands  512 ft. high. The climb is 38 floors. Participants will range from beginners all the way to Elite Climbers, who are a special group able to run the 38 floors in 4 minutes or less!"

•  February 14 - Undie Run - Louisville, KY - "This Valentine's Day weekend, come put the hilarity in charity with hundreds of half-naked runners taking to the streets in celebration of their fundraising for the Children's Tumor Foundation."

• February 14 - Hot Chocolate 15/5K - Nashville, TN 

•  February 15- Fight for Air Climb - Cincinnati, OH - "The Carew Tower Cincinnati, OH. Climb up the Carew Tower's 45 flights for a total of 804 steps. Choose between a competitive experience or climbing at your own pace."

March

• March 14 - Death March - Bike race visiting cemeteries through Hoosier National Forest
  

April

• April 25 - Urban Adventure Race - Cincinnati, OH - "Racers will navigate the city with a map, expect to be on foot for part of the race and on bike for other parts of the race.  Any bike can be used, but you may find yourself off road at times."

May

• May 9- Dances with Dirt - Gnaw Bone, Indiana  - (near Brown County) "The world’s most difficult 10K. Expect double your road time and triple the effort! The other race distances, 13.1, 26.2, 50K, 50 miles and 100K relay courses."
• May 9- Mission Lite - 4 hour adventure race - Indiana

• May 9 - Stampede Mud Run - Louisville - 5K Mud obstacle run for adults and kids
• May 31  - Double Road Race - Indianapolis, IN - "Thousands are running the Double Road Race - this new and exciting challenge features a 10k, the halftime recovery zone and then a 5k."

June

• June 6 - Go Dirty Girl - Indianapolis - "Dirty Girl is a 5k mud run for women of all ages and athletic abilities. Don't worry - it's not a "race" in the traditional sense. It is an untimed obstacle course designed to push you slightly out of your comfort zone, but only as far as you are comfortable going." Keep an eye out for Groupons a week or 2 before the race. 

• June 6 - Unbridled Adventure - Dale Hollow - 6 hour Adventure Race - Kentucky

• June 6 - Waterfront  Challenge "The Waterfront Challenge is a 5k Urban Obstacle Night Race on the River in Louisville, Kentucky. We’re combining cross country running, road racing, and obstacle conquering, with a PARTY ROCKIN’ good time.  The course winds through the most beautiful parts of Waterfront Park and will present you with natural and temporary obstacles, along with military drills and CrossFit challenges.  The race is designed to be fun yet challenging for all fitness levels.  After you’ve crossed the finish line, join the festival!  Celebrate by staying to party the night away on the Big Four Lawn where there will be music, dancing, food, beer, and more."
• June 13 - The Color Run - Louisville, KY

• June 20 - Indiana Tame The Terrain - Jennies County, IN "The T3 race is roughly four miles. It may seem longer after going up and down the hills of Jennings County, rock walls, ravines, cliffs, ponds and, oh yeah, a river. Participants are expected to complete all the obstacles. If you are too scared, unable or just plain don't want to do an obstacle, no worries. Our volunteers will provide you with an alternative; can you say "burpee?" Good! Can you DO burpees? Start your training NOW!"
• June 27 - Warrior Dash - Crawfordsville, KY
• June 28 - Patriot Challenge - Lucas Oil Raceway- Indianapolis, IN - "Patriot Challenge is dedicated to honoring America's heroes: Our military, police, firemen and first responders. Especially heroes of 9-11. Proceeds are donated to Wish For Our Heroes.Patriot Challenge is a FAMILY-FRIENDLY course and event. Children of all ages may participate. If you or your child cannot complete an obstacle, simply go around it." 

July

• July 25 - IronEagle - Run, paddle, run - Indianapolis, IN

August

• August 1 - Mudathon - Cincinnati, OH "Did you ever think 3 Miles and 40 Obstacles would come out in the same breath? At Mudathlon, it is daily verbiage and we guarantee to bring you the most fun and muddiest adventure in the Midwest. Mudathlon is all about acting like a kid again because All the Big Kids are Doing It! From the costume contest to the Post-Race Party and oh yeah the 40 obstacles in between, you are sure to have a Mucking Good Time!"
• August 8 -  Glow in the Park Run - Owensburg, KY - "Glow in the Park has doubled the foam and will be adding special UV glow tunnels at each of the color stations!" 
• August 8 - Urban Stampede - Louisville

September

• September 19 - Rugged Maniac - Southern Indiana

October

• October 10 - Zombie Stampede - Kentucky

To Be Announced Races

Green Derby Gallop 4K - March - Kentucky
Stampede - Kentucky
Survive the Stampede -Kentucky
Tough Mudder - Kentucky
The Glo Run - Louisville -
Urban Bike Challenge - Kentucky
The Great Amazing Race -  summer Kentucky

American Beer Run - Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville
The Color Vibe -Indianapolis, Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati
GoGlow! - July typically


Check out these 'Not your normal Race Promoters' for more races!
Dinoseries - Trail running, mountain biking, triathlons, adventure racing in Indiana

Planet Adventure -  Road and trail races, triathlons, run-paddle-run, bike races and more  - Indianapolis area

Topo Adventure Sports- Trail running, mountain biking, urban adventures and more - Ohio, KY, IN

361 Adventures - Adventure Races

JAM Active Events -  Triathlons, Glow, Tap-n-Run

What are your favorites? Know of others? Comment below and I will update this list.

Ashley's Fitness Journey

 I have always been into fitness from a very young age. My Mom enrolled me in gymnastics at the age of three, in hopes of curbing my excessive activity. This led to a fourteen year career, occupying much of my childhood, and laying a foundation for physical activity in my life. In a highly competitive sport and my desire to be the best, I spent hours in the gym every day, forgoing other activities of what one might consider a normal childhood. This eventually took its toll and during my high school years and the desire slowly faded. So, like many teens I rebelled and quit gymnastics. Fitness overall took a distant back seat in my life. This would last throughout my college days.

Fast forward ten years, I married my best friend and we started a family. I was working night shift as an RN in the NICU at Kosair Childrens Hospital. Fitness seemed a luxury that I simply could not have time for. I know now that you must make time.

My husband had taken up running along the way and had completed the Triple Crown and the Mini Marathon with some friends. So after the birth of our second child I figured why not join him. Nothing like some friendly competition between spouses to motivate you. I started training on a tread mill and hated it but eventually completed my first Triple Crown series in 2007 at the age of thirty three with my husband by my side. While I did not properly train, I again found that drive to compete and complete what I set out to accomplish. The thrill of crossing the finish line is pretty amazing! Recovery from each race was difficult because I did not train properly but we got it done. From there I exercised sporadically but fitness was not yet a priority. Through it all I did find a fondness for running.

I completed another Triple Crown series and Mini Marathon in 2009. My goal was to run each race in its entirety. I accomplished that goal. It was not fast or pretty but I ran every mile. This time I ran alone but seeing my family and friends at the finish line was rewarding enough to keep my drive alive. I’m pretty sure I was crying as I crossed the finish line of that 13.1 mile race.

In 2010 life became a little crazier as we added a third blessing to our family. Going from two to three children is difficult. The parents are outnumbered and someone always seems to need something, leaving little time for you. So I thought.

Fast forward again to 2013. I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions but my Birthday is in January and I was turning thirty nine. I felt as though I had let myself go. I was not consistently doing anything in the way of exercise or for myself. I was still working night shift but now with the demands of three kids, two of whom were already in school and involved in their own activities as well. I felt exhausted most of the time. I knew turning thirty nine that the big 40 was on its way. I hate to admit it but that age is what motivated me into a fitness routine. My goal was to get toned and feel better. I did  not have lots of time or extra income so I figured the best plan was to start working out at home. I picked a program, Jillian Michaels Thirty Day Shred and committed to completing it. I made it known to my husband so that he could help hold me accountable. I feel if you make your goals known, you are more likely to complete them. My husband would work out with me as he could. We would work out after getting all three kids tucked into bed, or I would get it in while the older two kids were at school and while my youngest played around me or joined in. I finished the program two times but each time took a little longer than the actual thirty days. The important thing was, I completed my goal.

Along the way a funny thing happened, I began to feel much more alive. I quickly found a renewed passion for fitness. Seeing changes in the way I looked and how I felt inside spurred me on to want to do more.

One at-home workout led to another. A friend eventually introduced me to the Insanity workout program which is a 60 day high intensity program. Even with my new found drive and love of fitness I was intimidated by this program. But I knew all along in the back of my mind that I would complete it. I did complete it! Although it took me more like five months rather than sixty days. This program made me not only physically strong but mentally strong as well. During this time another friend invited me to join her at an Insanity class at FitMeStudio. I was nervous. Group exercise was not my thing. Working out at home was what I did and what I loved. It was my comfort zone. But being that I had done Insanity at home I thought I knew what I was getting into. I gathered up my new found mental strength, squashed my fears and took that class. It was amazing! I don’t know if it was the simple fact of sharing a sweat with a group of welcoming and encouraging people or the motivation from the instructor or that little competitive spark still inside me. These group exercise classes ignited my true love of fitness that I still have today.

In January of 2014 I turned 40 and was in as good of shape as I had been in a very long time, perhaps ever! It was also rubbing off on the people around me. My kids would often join me at home when I would work out there. My Husband and I would take Insanity classes together when we could and coworkers started asking me for fitness advice. I tried other classes at FitMe Studio and fell in love with Zumba which was unimaginable from this 40 year old who does not dance! Feeling stronger each week and knowing that variety was keeping this whole fitness thing a priority for me, I took up running again. I could not believe how much easier it was for me now having a stronger body, properly trained along with a stronger mind and will. A highlight of my 40^th year of life along this journey was completing the Rugged Maniac. The Rugged Maniac is a 3.1 mile course through the hills of a ski slope (Paoli Peaks Indiana) with 25 obstacles thrown in along the way. Self-doubt be damned! I completed the course and managed every obstacle except for one. I ran this course with an amazing group of friends and my husband. I don’t think I would have done as well as I did without the push, encouragement, and support of those people. It was a challenge but a fun one, and I can’t wait to run it again this year!

People often say, I just don’t know how you have the time or how you keep going. To this I often simply say that you have to make the time somehow, some way. Like anything in life, if it’s important to you, you will find a way. It’s not every day I wake up and think I can’t wait to work out, but I get it in because I know afterwards I will feel so much better. My body needs it and my mind needs it. It makes me a better Mom to my three, a better wife to my husband, and a better me to myself. Somewhere along the line in these past two years it has simply clicked for me. I know how good we are meant to feel; how surrounding yourself with others who share similar goals can provide you with the motivation you need on those days when you just don’t want to do it. Being strong is more of a mental feat than a physical one. That one good habit can snowball into a mountain of change for the better in your life. And how the support from those closest to you can build you up and lead you to believe that you can accomplish anything.

As I go into my 41^st year of life my fitness journey will continue to evolve. I work out five to six days a week. I schedule time for it in my calendar around my work schedule, kid’s school, and activities. I actually write it down so I will hold myself accountable and check it off as it is completed. I run one day a week, do Zumba twice a week, Insanity class once a week, and fill the remainder of my days at home with weights, Insanity, T25, Circuit training, and Yoga. I listen to my body as well and will do what it tells me it needs.

A few goals I am striving for this year are to keep up my current pace at which I work out, try new classes when they’re available, run the Louisville Triple Crown of running (already signed up), and maintain my 8 minute mile pace for each race. I want to overcome a fear and actually teach/instruct a fitness class. I want to continue to motivate and be motivated by those around me, especially my family. I will focus on nutrition and make why whole health circle complete. I believe I will do all I set out to do.

What has worked for me is to first set small goals that you know you can achieve. As you achieve the small goals your confidence will grow and eventually you’ll feel like attacking the larger goals. Take it one day at a time. You will have road blocks, one step forward two steps backwards! Focus on the forward and stay positive. This is a constant struggle for me. Find your passion for fitness. Variety is what works best for me. Keep it interesting. Find the support you need and embrace it. Surround yourself with goal oriented friends and let your goals be known to those people so that you will be held accountable! Finally, don’t let one bad day get you off track. Bad days happen, life happens, but refocus and move on anew to the next day!