6 months ago my brother convinced me to sign up for the Las Vegas 1/2 marathon...he and his wife, Laura had signed up for it and wanted me to come visit them in Sin City (Drew is stationed at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas.) I had run the Nashville 1/2 twice before and figured why not - third time is a charm, right? The past two races, I had been an avid runner - following the typical training model...you know: short runs throughout the week and long runs on Saturdays; increasing each week how many miles I would run. Well, this time I decided to take a different approach...just continue my crossfit training (which often incorporates running, but never anything significantly long.) I've been a lot more focused on my goal of getting stronger recently.
For those of you that know me, I'm obsessed with crossfit and working out in general...often times workout twice a day. And recently it has been brought to my attention that I do not take NEAR enough rest days. But I'm a typical stubborn Aries and I plow through with a fatigued body and ignore how tired I can sometimes be.
I walked into the 1/2 marathon yesterday with a goal in mind. My past two 1/2 marathon times were 2:03 and 1:57. My goal this time - 1:55. First of all, I didnt take into account that both of those races were over two years ago...my body has changed in two years - I'm heavier and have more muscle. Secondly, I havent been a true runner by nature in two years...my knees arent use to the pounding nor had I run ANYTHING longer than 6 miles in 2 years.
A few factors about the race that were very different than the past two...1) Las Vegas 1/2 is at night...meaning I've spent all day getting nervous about the race. 2) Because the race was at night (in December) we started at 57 degrees and crossed the finish line at 38. Brrrr. 3)The course is about as flat as a pancake. I enjoy running hills because on every side of an up, there is a down to relax on. No hills = no relaxing. 4) Because the course is as flat as a pancake, there was change of scenery, but it was a VERY slow change and you could see where you needed to get to, but it never came quick enough. 5) The coral groups never spread out, never. I spent almost the entire race weaving through people. I have brusies on my arms from getting elbowed.
Laura and I started the race together and at about mile 3 my hip started feeling tight...I kept my mouth shut and just pushed throught it. At the 10K mark I admitted to her through teary eyes that my hip was killing me. "Are you ok??" she asked. "Honestly, no, but I dont want to stop. I dont want to quit." "Chelsey, your body is your tool - you need to take care of it...do you need to stop?" I told her I was just gonna slow down and for her to go on - I'd meet her at the finish line. I pulled over at mile 7 to stretch my hip and slowly watched her disappear out of sight. I stretched and felt a little better, running until mile 10. By 10 I was practically dragging my left leg because it hurt to bend my hip...It had gotten to a point that people were passing me left and right. I started crying (I know, what's new?) and pulled over to the right side of the course...and started walking. Yes, walking. I was so upset...There I was - walking (probably looked more like a limp to the crowds than the power walk I thougth I was doing) and crying in the middle of Las Vegas Blvd. I walked from 10-12. Everytime I started to think about running my brain said GO, but my body said NO. Once I reached 12 I knew I was close. I ran for 3 minutes, walked for 1 minute the last 1.1 miles of the race. I crossed the finish line at 2:16. I crossed in pain and in tears - I'm not looking forward to seeing that finish line photo. Haha.
This was the first time in my life that my body has failed me. There are many times in crossfit workouts where I feel like I cannot go on, but I find the internal drive to push through - because in reality I'm not that tired and/or sore. Well, yesterday was a whole new level of feeling like I couldnt go on. I push my body, and push my body and push my body...that I think it finally said SCREW YOU and shut down. Thanks for choosing a huge race to be my break point stupid body. BUT...maybe I needed this...maybe I needed to be reminded that this machine of mine needs a break. I need to listen when I'm sore, I need to take rest days, and I need to be reminded that I will not always perform at my best. Yesterday was very far from best. But, I finished. I'm upset and frustrated, but I accomplished finishing the race...and ahead of about 30,000 people. Not too bad, right? I walk away from this race knowing that God has HIS timing to teach us lessons - I suppose He wanted me to learn my lesson the hard way - the only way to stick it into my brain that I need to take it easy sometimes is to break me when it really counted.
I'm blessed with an awesome friend who always has the right things to say to me. Matt's text after the race: "I know you wanted to be faster than your last race, but maybe you just had one of those days. After all, you HAVE been hitting PR's in all your strength and oly lifts, and don't forget your muscleups...maybe your endurace took a little hit. 2:16 is STILL a pretty awesome time for someone that doesnt specialize in running. You are one of the best all-around athletes I know, and you are strong and fast and as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside. I'm proud of you no matter what." I needed that reminder from him...we even teach that idea to our 101 classes: We are not specialists, we are generalists. I'm generally good at a lot of things and that's ok. :)
I'm feeling like an 80 year old woman walking around Drew and Laura's house today because my hips and knees are in so much pain. And if you asked me right now if I'd ever run a 1/2 marathon again, my answer is HELL NO. I am super excited to get back into the gym and focus on the things I'm really starting to enjoy - lifting heavy weights. Will I take a few days off before I jump back in? Yes, but it will be hard.
Do I plan on setting any running PR's? Probably not. Is that ok? Yes...because I already have some new crossfit goals to chase...
*155# clean and jerk
*150# OHS
*30 muscleups for time <15 min
*300# deadlift
*free standing handstand
*200# backsquat
Monday, December 5, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Exhaustion...
THE longest day EVER…This is the typical Tuesday/Thursday in the life of Chelsey…
4:30 Alarm goes off…hit snooze til 5:05. Inhale 2 cups of coffee and read daily devotion.
5:30-7:00: Drive to Homewood High School. Coach The Movement – “Fran” test.
7:00-7:30: Meeting at OHenry’s.
7:30-8:30: Row 3K at ITF Homewood, eat breakfast (AFAP), shower, minimal makeup, then tackle 280 traffic to drive to The Summit.
8:40-8:55: Wait for the freaking shuttle – don’t get me started on my rant about that dang employee shuttle.
9:00-2:15: Work at Lulu. Leave the store in awe – pondering how that woman just spent over $1K on workout clothes and she doesn’t even workout. Would she like to share some cash with me?
2:15-2:30: WAIT for the dang shuttle.
2:30-3:00: Catch up on phone calls and POUND a Venti coffee from Starbucks.
3:00-4:30: Unsuccessfully attempt to catch up on emails, blog, etc. at ITF 280 – music blaring, make-ups sessions in progress, etc. Note to self…stay at Starbuck next time.
4:30-5:15: DOMINATE a 100 hang power clean/burpee WOD! (Feel better about stressfully long day.)
5:15-6:00: Attempt (again) to finish catching up on emails…
6:00-8:00: Coach crossfit class and new 101 group.
8:00-8:30: Set up for tomorrow’s WOD.
8:30-11:00: Dinner at Lacey’s house– and yes, we were both too tired to cook, so what did we eat…her ITF meals from the week. Exciting. Then, like we always do when we’re together: ponder life, faith, saving the world AND how to find extra time in the day.
11:00-12:00: Drive from her house (in Mount Laurel) ALL the way back downtown, unpack 18 million outfits worth of dirty clothes from the day, clean dishes in sink, thank God for coffee and Innerfire grill paleo meals, fall asleep with the light on…
4:30 Alarm goes off…hit snooze til 5:05. Inhale 2 cups of coffee and read daily devotion.
5:30-7:00: Drive to Homewood High School. Coach The Movement – “Fran” test.
7:00-7:30: Meeting at OHenry’s.
7:30-8:30: Row 3K at ITF Homewood, eat breakfast (AFAP), shower, minimal makeup, then tackle 280 traffic to drive to The Summit.
8:40-8:55: Wait for the freaking shuttle – don’t get me started on my rant about that dang employee shuttle.
9:00-2:15: Work at Lulu. Leave the store in awe – pondering how that woman just spent over $1K on workout clothes and she doesn’t even workout. Would she like to share some cash with me?
2:15-2:30: WAIT for the dang shuttle.
2:30-3:00: Catch up on phone calls and POUND a Venti coffee from Starbucks.
3:00-4:30: Unsuccessfully attempt to catch up on emails, blog, etc. at ITF 280 – music blaring, make-ups sessions in progress, etc. Note to self…stay at Starbuck next time.
4:30-5:15: DOMINATE a 100 hang power clean/burpee WOD! (Feel better about stressfully long day.)
5:15-6:00: Attempt (again) to finish catching up on emails…
6:00-8:00: Coach crossfit class and new 101 group.
8:00-8:30: Set up for tomorrow’s WOD.
8:30-11:00: Dinner at Lacey’s house– and yes, we were both too tired to cook, so what did we eat…her ITF meals from the week. Exciting. Then, like we always do when we’re together: ponder life, faith, saving the world AND how to find extra time in the day.
11:00-12:00: Drive from her house (in Mount Laurel) ALL the way back downtown, unpack 18 million outfits worth of dirty clothes from the day, clean dishes in sink, thank God for coffee and Innerfire grill paleo meals, fall asleep with the light on…
Monday, October 24, 2011
Another Scrapbook Entry
I ran across another entry from my senior year scrapbook while I was taking my trip down memory lane last week. This entry was a list of 50 things I wanted to accomplish before I died. These are the things I've accomplished so far:
1. Go Skydiving - Side note...NEVER go sky diving in January. If it's 32 degrees on the ground...just imagine what the temperature is 2 miles in the sky!!
2. Go on a mission trip - lots more to come of this.
3. Run a 1/2 marathon - Running number 3 in December.
4. Go on a Cruise - 2 to date. Still want to do an Alaskan cruise.
5. Visit the Bahamas - beautiful!!
6. Visit Another Country - lived in London for a mini-semester at Samford and backpacked through Italy...8 cities in 13 days!
7. Dye my hair a different color - what color hasn't my hair been now?
8. Go Rock Climbing - done indoors and outdoors. Working on getting over my fear of heights.
9. Coach a team - 5 year olds are the CUTEST soccer players ever. Loved them.
10. Take kickboxing classes - took a semester of karate as one of my PE's in college...close enough, right?
10 things in 10 years?!? Not too shabby. BUT...that means there are STILL 40 things left to do. In the next 10 years, here are the top 10 things I hope to mark off the list:
1. Participate in a Triathlon
2. Hike part of the Appalachian Trail
3. Take a vacation to Hawaii
4. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
5. Hike through the Grand Canyon
6. Swim with a dolphin
7. Fly in a helicopter
8. Get married
9. Write a book
10. Own my own business
When I made this list 10 years ago, I had no clue I would seriously be capable of completing so many things on this list. Maybe my subconscious knew I'd grow into this competitive/goal oriented/driven/passionate person. Maybe God was giving me signs of things to look forward to in my future. Makes me want to keep my eyes open wider and be more aware of my current thoughts and surroundings now...they are probably shaping my future...
1. Go Skydiving - Side note...NEVER go sky diving in January. If it's 32 degrees on the ground...just imagine what the temperature is 2 miles in the sky!!
2. Go on a mission trip - lots more to come of this.
3. Run a 1/2 marathon - Running number 3 in December.
4. Go on a Cruise - 2 to date. Still want to do an Alaskan cruise.
5. Visit the Bahamas - beautiful!!
6. Visit Another Country - lived in London for a mini-semester at Samford and backpacked through Italy...8 cities in 13 days!
7. Dye my hair a different color - what color hasn't my hair been now?
8. Go Rock Climbing - done indoors and outdoors. Working on getting over my fear of heights.
9. Coach a team - 5 year olds are the CUTEST soccer players ever. Loved them.
10. Take kickboxing classes - took a semester of karate as one of my PE's in college...close enough, right?
10 things in 10 years?!? Not too shabby. BUT...that means there are STILL 40 things left to do. In the next 10 years, here are the top 10 things I hope to mark off the list:
1. Participate in a Triathlon
2. Hike part of the Appalachian Trail
3. Take a vacation to Hawaii
4. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
5. Hike through the Grand Canyon
6. Swim with a dolphin
7. Fly in a helicopter
8. Get married
9. Write a book
10. Own my own business
When I made this list 10 years ago, I had no clue I would seriously be capable of completing so many things on this list. Maybe my subconscious knew I'd grow into this competitive/goal oriented/driven/passionate person. Maybe God was giving me signs of things to look forward to in my future. Makes me want to keep my eyes open wider and be more aware of my current thoughts and surroundings now...they are probably shaping my future...
Friday, October 21, 2011
Things Change...
So...I'm quickly approaching my 10 year high school reunion (!!) and I decided to take a trip down memory lane, and pulled out my senior year scrapbook. I created the scrapbook as a part of senior year english class - each entry having a written entry...almost blog like. (Dont know if blogs existed then, or if they did - you were quirky if you had a blog.)
One of the entries that caught my eye - Things I Love and Things I Hate.
It crazy how God is molding me into a new person...a large portion of the things on the "I hate" list are things that DEFINE me now, things that make me who I am...in 2001 theses were the things I hated:
*The color green. (Seriously?!? That's my favorite color...ask anyone. I have a green bedspread, green living room rug, green office chair, green coffee tumbler, waterbottle and protein shaker, green computer, green workout headband, etc.)
*Having people see me without make-up on. (It's a rare treat if you see me WITH makeup on these days...I'm completely comfortable with a naked face.)
*Sea Food. (Love it!! Paleo has changed my eating and I eat seafood at least once a week!)
*Being in charge of planning an event. (In college I was the social director and step sing director of my sorority. In the working world I was on every single professional organization possible. I love helping plan crossfit events, throwing birthday parties/showers, organizing book clubs. Any reason to gather people together...I love being the ringleader.)
*Cleaning. (I love to clean. It's calming. It makes me feel accomplished and I love coming home to a clean house or getting into a freshly made bed. I'm OCD now about cleanly-ness. Cannot go to bed with dishes in the sink or laundry in the wash.)
*Speaking to/or leading a group. (Very ironic. My previous job was a SALES position. I was paid to talk to people. I'm now a coach. Still being paid to talk to and lead people. I love it...I'm driven by the knowledge of making a difference by my words. The larger the group the better.)
*Reading. (OMG...I still cannot believe this one. In 2009 I set a goal to read a book a week. That year I accomplished reading 45 books - pretty darn close. I now read a book every other week. I love to read - it helps me relax, teaches me, challenges me, inspires me, and sometimes even humbles me.)
*Studying. (Granted I'm not in school anymore, BUT I seek knowledge now. I think this one goes along with reading...and I love to read/study about life. I study The Word, I study about crossfit, and I study about nutrition. I've even thought about going back to school for nutritional counseling...yeah, that would definitely require studying.)
*Walking down the hall and having someone knock me over. (I'm not sure what I meant by this...BUT I'm reading into it and I dont think I was very confident. I probably didnt hold my shoulders high, didnt own my personality. I'm extremely confident now and walk proud.)
*Seeing people cry. (Ask anyone (!!)...I cry more than any female should cry. I cry at commercials, I cry when others cry, I cry when I'm excited, I cry when I'm tired. I'm completely ok with myself and others crying. I am very aware of my emotions and I often expose them more than some.)
*Trying to lose weight. (I dont try to lose weight now...I dont even weigh myself - except when it's a WOD where I have to lift a % of my body weight. I've learned that "diets" dont work, nor do I even use that word...I've made lifestyle changes to my eating habits and have become comfortable in my own skin. It's about how you FEEL from what you're eating...it shouldnt be a battle, you should enjoy the foods you consume.)
*Stress. (This is kind of an oxymoron...I still hate stress, BUT I thrive on stress. I thrive when I have a jam packed day moving from one thing to the next. I excel when I have a lot going on vs. sitting stationary. I would rather have too much going on than be bored with myself.)
A few things that havn't changed that I STILL hate...
*Taco Bell
*Oreos
*Mayonnaise
*Seeing a dead bug on the floor
*Buying gas (who doesnt hate this?!)
*Being sick
*Procrastination (I HATE to be late!!)
*Panty lines with workout pants
*Popularity
Almost the entire "I love" list is still true. I guess I'm learning a lot about opening up to loving everything about my life...I pray I continue to find ways to move those items on my "hate" list to the "love" list. There is a plan to God's work...and he's unveiling the layers of myself and my life to me one year at a time. In 10 years from now I hope to look back and continue to laugh about how I've changed and and how there is a method in HIS madness.
"There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness."
Friedrich Nietzsche, "On Reading and Writing"German philosopher (1844 - 1900)
One of the entries that caught my eye - Things I Love and Things I Hate.
It crazy how God is molding me into a new person...a large portion of the things on the "I hate" list are things that DEFINE me now, things that make me who I am...in 2001 theses were the things I hated:
*The color green. (Seriously?!? That's my favorite color...ask anyone. I have a green bedspread, green living room rug, green office chair, green coffee tumbler, waterbottle and protein shaker, green computer, green workout headband, etc.)
*Having people see me without make-up on. (It's a rare treat if you see me WITH makeup on these days...I'm completely comfortable with a naked face.)
*Sea Food. (Love it!! Paleo has changed my eating and I eat seafood at least once a week!)
*Being in charge of planning an event. (In college I was the social director and step sing director of my sorority. In the working world I was on every single professional organization possible. I love helping plan crossfit events, throwing birthday parties/showers, organizing book clubs. Any reason to gather people together...I love being the ringleader.)
*Cleaning. (I love to clean. It's calming. It makes me feel accomplished and I love coming home to a clean house or getting into a freshly made bed. I'm OCD now about cleanly-ness. Cannot go to bed with dishes in the sink or laundry in the wash.)
*Speaking to/or leading a group. (Very ironic. My previous job was a SALES position. I was paid to talk to people. I'm now a coach. Still being paid to talk to and lead people. I love it...I'm driven by the knowledge of making a difference by my words. The larger the group the better.)
*Reading. (OMG...I still cannot believe this one. In 2009 I set a goal to read a book a week. That year I accomplished reading 45 books - pretty darn close. I now read a book every other week. I love to read - it helps me relax, teaches me, challenges me, inspires me, and sometimes even humbles me.)
*Studying. (Granted I'm not in school anymore, BUT I seek knowledge now. I think this one goes along with reading...and I love to read/study about life. I study The Word, I study about crossfit, and I study about nutrition. I've even thought about going back to school for nutritional counseling...yeah, that would definitely require studying.)
*Walking down the hall and having someone knock me over. (I'm not sure what I meant by this...BUT I'm reading into it and I dont think I was very confident. I probably didnt hold my shoulders high, didnt own my personality. I'm extremely confident now and walk proud.)
*Seeing people cry. (Ask anyone (!!)...I cry more than any female should cry. I cry at commercials, I cry when others cry, I cry when I'm excited, I cry when I'm tired. I'm completely ok with myself and others crying. I am very aware of my emotions and I often expose them more than some.)
*Trying to lose weight. (I dont try to lose weight now...I dont even weigh myself - except when it's a WOD where I have to lift a % of my body weight. I've learned that "diets" dont work, nor do I even use that word...I've made lifestyle changes to my eating habits and have become comfortable in my own skin. It's about how you FEEL from what you're eating...it shouldnt be a battle, you should enjoy the foods you consume.)
*Stress. (This is kind of an oxymoron...I still hate stress, BUT I thrive on stress. I thrive when I have a jam packed day moving from one thing to the next. I excel when I have a lot going on vs. sitting stationary. I would rather have too much going on than be bored with myself.)
A few things that havn't changed that I STILL hate...
*Taco Bell
*Oreos
*Mayonnaise
*Seeing a dead bug on the floor
*Buying gas (who doesnt hate this?!)
*Being sick
*Procrastination (I HATE to be late!!)
*Panty lines with workout pants
*Popularity
Almost the entire "I love" list is still true. I guess I'm learning a lot about opening up to loving everything about my life...I pray I continue to find ways to move those items on my "hate" list to the "love" list. There is a plan to God's work...and he's unveiling the layers of myself and my life to me one year at a time. In 10 years from now I hope to look back and continue to laugh about how I've changed and and how there is a method in HIS madness.
"There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness."
Friedrich Nietzsche, "On Reading and Writing"German philosopher (1844 - 1900)
Monday, October 3, 2011
Random Ramblings
So much for blogging once a week, right? It's been a month. A MONTH since I last blogged. I make a promise that I will get it together and be more dedicated to my blog. I blog when I have something (in my opinion) profound to say...and recently, I just have been complaining. I'm pretty frustrated with myself.
Not that it's an excuse, but I got completely overwhelmed with my life...reality set in. I had a week about 3 weeks ago where I cried every day. EVERY day for 7 days straight. The reality that my life is compeltely different than it use to be slapped me in the face. Hard. I got scared I had made a HUGE mistake by moving back, by quitting my job. I got scared and I got selfish. I had a few days where all I did was bitch to other people (anyone who would listen really) about how my life was overwhelming and stressful and I didnt know if I could do it. Then I had lunch with a friend who brought everything back full circle. "Chelsey - do you have any debt?" "No." "Do you have school loans or a car payment?" "No." "Do you have a mortgage? Do you have kids to care for? Do you at least HAVE a job? Do you have friends and family that will support you?" The list went on and on. After listening to my friend and drying my red, puffy eyes....I realized I was being selfish.
The whole reason for my move was I wanted to feel more satisfied in life. What made me feel satisfied? Serving others and making a difference!! And there I was feeling sorry for myself because I was tired and I was overworked and I felt financially strained and I felt pulled in a million directions. BUT when serving others, it's NOT about me and my needs...it's about getting the job done and knowing at the end of the day I made a difference. I was SO wrapped up in my own stress that I failed to see the difference I was making on others. And I WAS making a difference...just oblivious to those that I was touching.
I had dinner with a friend early last week, followed by coffee with a different friend the following morning where in BOTH conversations we talked about INTENTION. Intention and purpose. I have since changed my attitidue about everything. The first thing I do EVERY morning when I wake up is set my intention for that day. I literally lay there in my bed, staring at my ceiling and meditate on my day. What is my goal? What do I hope to accomplish? Who do I plan to touch? What will make that day satisfying? Then as I walk (run, stretch, talk, lift, etc) through my day I think about my intention. Is my intention being reached? It's crazy...I am still tired and I do feel stressed some days, but I'm totally ok with it because I've met my goal for that day. And when you set yourself up for success (achieving that intention) and focus less on the negative, you feel so much better about life. Who knew all I needed was an honest conversation with a friend to remind me it's not about me? She is one of the most self-less person's I've ever met and I'm so grateful to have her in my life. It is my intention to find more friends like her.
I've been coaching a 101 (crossfit fundamentals class) at ITF Homewood the past month and received a special facebook message from one of the girls in the class the other day...literaly made me cry. It said: "I loved talking to you today. I can tell you are a special person and God has his hand on your life. I am proud of you going after what you love. You are awesome." Message's like that are the nuggets of goodness that remind me to do what I love and love what I do. That day and those moving forward remind me that when I focus on others, they notice and it will return back to me.
Same feeling happened this weekend at Tribe Quest. I HATED not being able to compete with everyone!! BUT it was such an amazing feeling judging and coaching everyone through the grueling WOD's. Had I not done my part that day on the organizational side, the members would not have had as enjoyable of an experience. I felt so proud listening to everyone rave about how much fun they had and how well organized the event was. It was about a team effort and had the ITF staff not been a team and served the members that day, the event would not have been such a success. I honestly think I had MORE fun judging than I would have competing as an individual, go figure.
The ONE area where I'd like to have internal focus on MYSELF is my study in the Word and commitment to prayer. I have found myself SO tired recently that I dont read the bible or say prayers as much as I use to. I'm physically and mentally so tired that I neglect the one who should give me strength? Ironic...
If I could use any moments where I'd like to feel selfish and shift them to focus on God's purpose for me and how he can effect/change/guide my life I think I'd be even better at serving others. I would really like to set my intention to have God time each day. I absolutely HAVE 15 minutes a day I can spare that I can devote to Him, his teachings and how to improve myself through Him. I pray that through dedication to this ONLY selfish moment in my life, that I will feel more energy to pay it forward to others. Like Gandhi said "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
New Meaning to "Hero WOD"
For those of you that don’t know, I have a younger brother named Drew. Drew and I are 19 months apart and growing up were not particularly fond of each other; we were constantly arguing about something. I paved the way through school – setting the “good kid” example that Drew didn’t really want to follow. He was known as “Chelsey’s little brother” to all teachers and, of course, expected to act and perform just as I did. Drew was one of those lucky kids that didn’t have to apply himself very hard and still made decent grades…I on the other hand really had to study hard to get my good grades. I think now looking back, I resented him for that.
I went off to college and Drew had two years in high school without me around…I’m sure he liked to pretend he was an only child at this point. BUT ironically enough, he followed me to Samford. If you don’t know much about Samford…you either LOVE it or you HATE it. I fell into the absolute love category, Drew fell off the charts on the hate end of things. Samford was too by the books for Drew…I think he made it his mission to see how many times he could get in trouble and how many classes he could skip. It was at this point, that I decided we needed to start weekly sister/brother lunch dates to spend “quality” time together. Our dates became almost a formality, rather than an enjoyed time together. Drew left Samford after his freshman year and moved back to GA to go to community college.
Like I said before, Drew didn’t have to apply himself very hard to get good grades…he just got them. So, attending community college was a walk in the park for Drew. I’m not sure at what point he’d had enough, but I remember him calling me and telling me he was going to join the Air Force instead. Really? You just left a school that was too straight laced for you and now you want to join the military where all they do is yell at you and tell you what to do?! Now that’s ironic. But at the same time, I remember thinking it would probably be a good thing for him and that he would do well.
Drew attended basic training in San Antonio that summer and the whole family went out to Texas for his graduation. Watching him walk across that field at graduation, I had never been so proud of someone in my life. He had worked his ass off, earning the honor of helping his sergeant hand out their graduation coins. Drew walked with his shoulders higher, stood straighter and spoke more refined that I had ever seen him do before. We were proud of him, but I think he was more proud of himself than anything.
He moved around a lot in that first year or so with different job options…Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Idaho and finally landed in Las Vegas where he currently lives. Since moving to Vegas, Drew has gotten engaged and is now married, purchased a home, and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. In a few short years my little brother has grown from a little boy into a true man – a man of honor. He’s a doting husband, a handy-man around the house, manages finances for their family all while working a mid shift (midnight to 8am) where he’s the one in charge.
Drew and I talk at least once a week now…not because we have to, but because we want to. We talk about everything – I get relationship advice from him, we talk about finances and saving for the future, we talk about our family, I’m learning a lot about the military and our government, but mostly we talk about fitness/nutrition. Drew has been hearing me talk about crossfit and the paleo diet for over a year now…he has always been someone who works out constantly and watches what he eats, but he has just recently drank my kool-aid and has fallen in love with crossfit. He has a training partner out in Vegas who’s on the bandwagon – someone to push him since I’m not there to coach him through WOD’s. It’s really exciting to hear him talk about his different workouts and new paleo recipes he’s found.
When I first started crossfit, I didn’t know about the militant background that came with the territory. I just thought it was a really great training program. I’ve since learned about all the hero WOD’s and even participated in Fight Gone Bad and a few Wounded Warrior events. Whenever I do one of these WOD’s dedicated to our fallen men, I think of Drew. I think about what he’s doing for our country – he’s protecting me. I think about how he busted his ass in basic training and if he can survive that, I can make it through a workout. Just recently, Drew has been given orders that he will be sent overseas to Afghanistan. Knowing he’ll be serving on enemy lines pushes me even more…it’s almost my way of giving back to him and all the men he serves along side. They fight for our freedom, often sacrificing their lives – and we’ve dedicated remembrance workouts in their honor…least I can do is give it my all.
A few days ago I received the following text message from Drew: “Just got done with the best Murph of my life!! I feel like garbage, but more alive than I have felt in a long time!! Thank you for inspiring me to better myself!! Love you sissy!!”
For those of you that don’t do crossfit…here is the irony of that comment. “Murph” is one of the most well known hero WOD’s in crossfit. This WOD was created in memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005. This workout was one of Mike’s favorites and he’d named it ‘Body Armor.’ From here on it will be referred to as ‘Murph’ in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is. I’ve only done Murph twice – it’s a sucky WOD: run a mile, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 air squats, run a mile. I improved 13 seconds from the first time to the second…just goes to show that every second counts!
Here Drew is, having finished a hero WOD, honoring one of his own and he’s texting ME to tell ME that I’m his inspiration. Talk about a humbled experience. In that moment, I felt like a true big sister…having paved a path for him that he was proud to walk down. Tears came to my eyes in that moment as I knew THAT is why I do what I do. If I can touch someone (especially someone so close to me) with my actions without even realizing I’m doing it – that’s the purpose of life. It was on that day that I’ve never felt closer to Drew…even though we live 2000 miles apart.
Staff Sergeant Andrew C McEntire,
I love you. I am SO proud of you. Thank you for serving our country and for inspiring ME to be MY best. You are MY hero.
I went off to college and Drew had two years in high school without me around…I’m sure he liked to pretend he was an only child at this point. BUT ironically enough, he followed me to Samford. If you don’t know much about Samford…you either LOVE it or you HATE it. I fell into the absolute love category, Drew fell off the charts on the hate end of things. Samford was too by the books for Drew…I think he made it his mission to see how many times he could get in trouble and how many classes he could skip. It was at this point, that I decided we needed to start weekly sister/brother lunch dates to spend “quality” time together. Our dates became almost a formality, rather than an enjoyed time together. Drew left Samford after his freshman year and moved back to GA to go to community college.
Like I said before, Drew didn’t have to apply himself very hard to get good grades…he just got them. So, attending community college was a walk in the park for Drew. I’m not sure at what point he’d had enough, but I remember him calling me and telling me he was going to join the Air Force instead. Really? You just left a school that was too straight laced for you and now you want to join the military where all they do is yell at you and tell you what to do?! Now that’s ironic. But at the same time, I remember thinking it would probably be a good thing for him and that he would do well.
Drew attended basic training in San Antonio that summer and the whole family went out to Texas for his graduation. Watching him walk across that field at graduation, I had never been so proud of someone in my life. He had worked his ass off, earning the honor of helping his sergeant hand out their graduation coins. Drew walked with his shoulders higher, stood straighter and spoke more refined that I had ever seen him do before. We were proud of him, but I think he was more proud of himself than anything.
He moved around a lot in that first year or so with different job options…Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Idaho and finally landed in Las Vegas where he currently lives. Since moving to Vegas, Drew has gotten engaged and is now married, purchased a home, and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. In a few short years my little brother has grown from a little boy into a true man – a man of honor. He’s a doting husband, a handy-man around the house, manages finances for their family all while working a mid shift (midnight to 8am) where he’s the one in charge.
Drew and I talk at least once a week now…not because we have to, but because we want to. We talk about everything – I get relationship advice from him, we talk about finances and saving for the future, we talk about our family, I’m learning a lot about the military and our government, but mostly we talk about fitness/nutrition. Drew has been hearing me talk about crossfit and the paleo diet for over a year now…he has always been someone who works out constantly and watches what he eats, but he has just recently drank my kool-aid and has fallen in love with crossfit. He has a training partner out in Vegas who’s on the bandwagon – someone to push him since I’m not there to coach him through WOD’s. It’s really exciting to hear him talk about his different workouts and new paleo recipes he’s found.
When I first started crossfit, I didn’t know about the militant background that came with the territory. I just thought it was a really great training program. I’ve since learned about all the hero WOD’s and even participated in Fight Gone Bad and a few Wounded Warrior events. Whenever I do one of these WOD’s dedicated to our fallen men, I think of Drew. I think about what he’s doing for our country – he’s protecting me. I think about how he busted his ass in basic training and if he can survive that, I can make it through a workout. Just recently, Drew has been given orders that he will be sent overseas to Afghanistan. Knowing he’ll be serving on enemy lines pushes me even more…it’s almost my way of giving back to him and all the men he serves along side. They fight for our freedom, often sacrificing their lives – and we’ve dedicated remembrance workouts in their honor…least I can do is give it my all.
A few days ago I received the following text message from Drew: “Just got done with the best Murph of my life!! I feel like garbage, but more alive than I have felt in a long time!! Thank you for inspiring me to better myself!! Love you sissy!!”
For those of you that don’t do crossfit…here is the irony of that comment. “Murph” is one of the most well known hero WOD’s in crossfit. This WOD was created in memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005. This workout was one of Mike’s favorites and he’d named it ‘Body Armor.’ From here on it will be referred to as ‘Murph’ in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is. I’ve only done Murph twice – it’s a sucky WOD: run a mile, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 air squats, run a mile. I improved 13 seconds from the first time to the second…just goes to show that every second counts!
Here Drew is, having finished a hero WOD, honoring one of his own and he’s texting ME to tell ME that I’m his inspiration. Talk about a humbled experience. In that moment, I felt like a true big sister…having paved a path for him that he was proud to walk down. Tears came to my eyes in that moment as I knew THAT is why I do what I do. If I can touch someone (especially someone so close to me) with my actions without even realizing I’m doing it – that’s the purpose of life. It was on that day that I’ve never felt closer to Drew…even though we live 2000 miles apart.
Staff Sergeant Andrew C McEntire,
I love you. I am SO proud of you. Thank you for serving our country and for inspiring ME to be MY best. You are MY hero.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Ta-Ta Tamers and Humble Beginnings
You'd think working retail would not be a life altering job...but any average high school student could work retail, right? Ironic that every single girl at Lululemon that I work with is college educated? We're smart, talented, and see our retail jobs as more than "sales people of athletic clothing"...we are there to make a difference in the world. I had a life altering day a few days ago at Lulu...not once, but twice in one day I was asked to step into a fitting room with a woman to help her into her bra.
The first woman, 76 years old approached me when she came in the store telling me her daughter-in-law had told her about the "Ta-Ta Tamer" bra and how she needed the "girls" under control. I helped her make a few selections and she stepped into the dressing room to try them on. A few minutes later, she poked her head out and asked for my opinion. She was nervous about stepping out into the fitting area, so she asked me to come into her room. She stood in front of me, almost in tears asking if it fit her body ok. She was a 38DD and said NEVER in 60 years had she put on a bra this comfortable. She told me she'd been waiting her whole life to find a bra like this that didnt cut into her shoulders or make her feel like she was carrying around mellons on her chest. She hugged me and thanked me, saying she would pay a million dollars for this bra. I told her she was in luck - they were only $68. She smiled and said she would take 4 of them. As I carried her bras to the checkout counter, she told me she was so happy she'd had my help. It's the little things in life that matter - and to Maude, it was an associate in a store who lead her to the "perfect" bra.
The second woman was a mid-50's woman who originally came into the store looking for a surprise gift for her daughter...the daughter was having ACL surgery and she wanted to give her a gift to lighten her spirits. I bonded with her over my ACL surgery and then the conversation turned to the own woman's needs. She tried on a few tops with no luck, then admitted that she really needed a new bra. She came back to the fitting room with a couple options, the first of which she tried was the "Ta-Ta Tamer". She poked her head out of the room and asked if I minded stepping in her room and giving her an opinion. I stepped in and she looked nervous. She admitted to me she had a mastectomy a few years ago and was very self-conscious about her chest. She said "look at me - I look normal...are you sure it fits ok?" Had she not told me, I would have had no clue she's had the surgery. She confided in me, she trusted my opinion, and she bought 2 bras that day.
For those of you who said retail is not a satisfying job, I beg to differ. That day I helped two women feel better about themselves. During training, they teach all of us that our vision at Lululemon is to "Elevate the world from a place of mediocrity to greatness." I think I did my small part that day...
Later that day, while I was in the shower (random, I know), I was thinking about life...a thing I ponder more and more recently and I was thinking about my last blog entry. I was thinking about my mantra, my purpose and my breathing. In that moment, my mantra found me. The statement: Humble Beginnings. That's it - the phrase that "creates transformation" in my life.
I've been humbled by all the new beginnings of my life.
*I'm new (again) to Birmingham - having to learn all these new places that have popped up since I moved away and how everyone's life kept going on here without me.
*I'm new to yoga - I look like a toddler learning to walk compared to the yogi's I go to class with. It's hard because I'm athletic, I should be able to do this with ease, right?
*I'm new to Lululemon - yes, we're all new, but I'm the newest of the new girls...having to learn the system, the products and the culture.
*I'm new to IronTribe - everyone knows everyone. The cliques are already developed and I'm the outsider...having to learn 400 names and faces is overwhelming.
*I'm new to the ITF coaching staff - the staff all know each others personalities and coaching styles. The other day at coaches development, I got called into the middle of the circle to coach them...NEVER have I been nervous to coach someone on anything...this time I was. I'm having to learn to coach like a unit - not an individual.
*I'm new to not having routine - every day of my life is different. I'm a planner, a scheduler. For the first time in my life I cannot plan more than a week in advance...I dont know what my work schedule will be. It's really nice...it's teaching me to just role with it.
*I'm new to a church. I haven't found a church home yet, so no matter which one I visit, I'm always a visitor. I pray that I find my place to call "home"...
*I'm just new. I have friends and friend groups already established here, but they have friends I dont know. And to those friends I'm new...I'm the kid from Atlanta. I'm learning to be super social with strangers and expose myself to as many (to me) new people as possible.
So...with all these new beginnings, I'm learning. They say life is a constant learning process...God apparently thinks I have the capacity to learn a million different things all at once. I marvel at His teaching process and know that every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end. Here's to the humbling process of admitting I'm not in charge of the change in my life...Cheers.
The first woman, 76 years old approached me when she came in the store telling me her daughter-in-law had told her about the "Ta-Ta Tamer" bra and how she needed the "girls" under control. I helped her make a few selections and she stepped into the dressing room to try them on. A few minutes later, she poked her head out and asked for my opinion. She was nervous about stepping out into the fitting area, so she asked me to come into her room. She stood in front of me, almost in tears asking if it fit her body ok. She was a 38DD and said NEVER in 60 years had she put on a bra this comfortable. She told me she'd been waiting her whole life to find a bra like this that didnt cut into her shoulders or make her feel like she was carrying around mellons on her chest. She hugged me and thanked me, saying she would pay a million dollars for this bra. I told her she was in luck - they were only $68. She smiled and said she would take 4 of them. As I carried her bras to the checkout counter, she told me she was so happy she'd had my help. It's the little things in life that matter - and to Maude, it was an associate in a store who lead her to the "perfect" bra.
The second woman was a mid-50's woman who originally came into the store looking for a surprise gift for her daughter...the daughter was having ACL surgery and she wanted to give her a gift to lighten her spirits. I bonded with her over my ACL surgery and then the conversation turned to the own woman's needs. She tried on a few tops with no luck, then admitted that she really needed a new bra. She came back to the fitting room with a couple options, the first of which she tried was the "Ta-Ta Tamer". She poked her head out of the room and asked if I minded stepping in her room and giving her an opinion. I stepped in and she looked nervous. She admitted to me she had a mastectomy a few years ago and was very self-conscious about her chest. She said "look at me - I look normal...are you sure it fits ok?" Had she not told me, I would have had no clue she's had the surgery. She confided in me, she trusted my opinion, and she bought 2 bras that day.
For those of you who said retail is not a satisfying job, I beg to differ. That day I helped two women feel better about themselves. During training, they teach all of us that our vision at Lululemon is to "Elevate the world from a place of mediocrity to greatness." I think I did my small part that day...
Later that day, while I was in the shower (random, I know), I was thinking about life...a thing I ponder more and more recently and I was thinking about my last blog entry. I was thinking about my mantra, my purpose and my breathing. In that moment, my mantra found me. The statement: Humble Beginnings. That's it - the phrase that "creates transformation" in my life.
I've been humbled by all the new beginnings of my life.
*I'm new (again) to Birmingham - having to learn all these new places that have popped up since I moved away and how everyone's life kept going on here without me.
*I'm new to yoga - I look like a toddler learning to walk compared to the yogi's I go to class with. It's hard because I'm athletic, I should be able to do this with ease, right?
*I'm new to Lululemon - yes, we're all new, but I'm the newest of the new girls...having to learn the system, the products and the culture.
*I'm new to IronTribe - everyone knows everyone. The cliques are already developed and I'm the outsider...having to learn 400 names and faces is overwhelming.
*I'm new to the ITF coaching staff - the staff all know each others personalities and coaching styles. The other day at coaches development, I got called into the middle of the circle to coach them...NEVER have I been nervous to coach someone on anything...this time I was. I'm having to learn to coach like a unit - not an individual.
*I'm new to not having routine - every day of my life is different. I'm a planner, a scheduler. For the first time in my life I cannot plan more than a week in advance...I dont know what my work schedule will be. It's really nice...it's teaching me to just role with it.
*I'm new to a church. I haven't found a church home yet, so no matter which one I visit, I'm always a visitor. I pray that I find my place to call "home"...
*I'm just new. I have friends and friend groups already established here, but they have friends I dont know. And to those friends I'm new...I'm the kid from Atlanta. I'm learning to be super social with strangers and expose myself to as many (to me) new people as possible.
So...with all these new beginnings, I'm learning. They say life is a constant learning process...God apparently thinks I have the capacity to learn a million different things all at once. I marvel at His teaching process and know that every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end. Here's to the humbling process of admitting I'm not in charge of the change in my life...Cheers.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Finding my Mantra...
So after quitting my job with Designtex and moving back to Birmingham, I took a full-time Educator position with Lululemon. It's crazy to me that not many people here in Birmingham have heard of Lululemon. Well, at least not as many as Atlanta. At kickball the other day, I was telling Kendal that every girl in town (crossfitter or not) would be walking around in a pair of speed shorts or wonder under leggings. Instead...I was the chick on the kickball field with the abnormally short shorts. I. LOVE. ME. SOME. SPEED. SHORTS. :) I will (hopefully) break the mold that chicks have here of wearing those Nike running shorts.
So...anyways...Lululemon. One of the best companies to work for. Period.
My job is more than retail, it's a culture. It's a lifestyle. It's a company dedicated to making an average life great. I work with some of the coolest chicks on the planet. They love fitness. They love healthy lifestyles. They are all so relaxed, so calm and so well rounded. They know their own value and how to value others. They see the importance of giving back to others. They remind me that I'm not crazy to have quit my corporate job to do something that I love. They instead think that's the way it should be. When I'm at work, I dont feel like I'm at work. I'm having fun and sharing my passion; their passion. Lululemon is a unique company - they are a company that focuses on finding the inbetween of work/life...making it a cohesive unit. And I get to wear some of the most comfortable workout clothes everyday.
One of the perks of my job is that I get to travel around the community to different fitness communities - crossfit gyms, yoga studios, pure barre locations, even running clubs - and represent Lululemon. I get to use our products and speak authentically about how they function. I had my first experience of Bikram Yoga this morning. THE hottest yoga I have ever experienced. But amazing, none the less.
I use to be one of those persons that made fun of yoga...thought it wasnt really a workout. But after practicing hot yoga for the past few months, I have a new-found understanding for it's importance in my life and the healing nature it has for my body. Yoga has helped clear my mind of unwanted thoughts....helping me become more focused on my body and how it moves. When it's that darn hot in the room, there is nothing else to focus on besides not fainting, not falling over and controlling your breathing. I walk into a yoga class stressed about something, but leave having let go of whatever thoughts were controlling me. It really is an amazing feeling. Almost everyone I've met at yoga speaks softly. They move slowly and deliberately. I find myself trying to mimic these concepts - slow down. Absorb. Enjoy. Live with intention.
Yoga has really helped my crossfit workouts too. I'm am sore less often. I can bend deeper into my squats. Pushups are easier. And I feel less out of breath than I use to. What a concept?! Stretching really works. I just wish I had started this practice many, many years ago.
So...my mantra...that's a good question...
According to Wiklipedia...A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation". BUT as I continue to surround myself with these positive influential Lulu ladies and yogies, I think I'm getting one step closer to finding my phrase.
So...anyways...Lululemon. One of the best companies to work for. Period.
My job is more than retail, it's a culture. It's a lifestyle. It's a company dedicated to making an average life great. I work with some of the coolest chicks on the planet. They love fitness. They love healthy lifestyles. They are all so relaxed, so calm and so well rounded. They know their own value and how to value others. They see the importance of giving back to others. They remind me that I'm not crazy to have quit my corporate job to do something that I love. They instead think that's the way it should be. When I'm at work, I dont feel like I'm at work. I'm having fun and sharing my passion; their passion. Lululemon is a unique company - they are a company that focuses on finding the inbetween of work/life...making it a cohesive unit. And I get to wear some of the most comfortable workout clothes everyday.
One of the perks of my job is that I get to travel around the community to different fitness communities - crossfit gyms, yoga studios, pure barre locations, even running clubs - and represent Lululemon. I get to use our products and speak authentically about how they function. I had my first experience of Bikram Yoga this morning. THE hottest yoga I have ever experienced. But amazing, none the less.
I use to be one of those persons that made fun of yoga...thought it wasnt really a workout. But after practicing hot yoga for the past few months, I have a new-found understanding for it's importance in my life and the healing nature it has for my body. Yoga has helped clear my mind of unwanted thoughts....helping me become more focused on my body and how it moves. When it's that darn hot in the room, there is nothing else to focus on besides not fainting, not falling over and controlling your breathing. I walk into a yoga class stressed about something, but leave having let go of whatever thoughts were controlling me. It really is an amazing feeling. Almost everyone I've met at yoga speaks softly. They move slowly and deliberately. I find myself trying to mimic these concepts - slow down. Absorb. Enjoy. Live with intention.
Yoga has really helped my crossfit workouts too. I'm am sore less often. I can bend deeper into my squats. Pushups are easier. And I feel less out of breath than I use to. What a concept?! Stretching really works. I just wish I had started this practice many, many years ago.
So...my mantra...that's a good question...
According to Wiklipedia...A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation". BUT as I continue to surround myself with these positive influential Lulu ladies and yogies, I think I'm getting one step closer to finding my phrase.
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Pursuit of Happiness?
I keep waiting for the reality of moving to set in. I keep waiting for that moment where I go "OMG...I quit my job, I moved, I left all my friends, I'm not sure what I'm doing!!"
And that hasnt happened.
That makes me think that this was the right decision. :)
I keep telling everyone that I feel calm. Completely calm. I've gone 3 days without my neck cracking. I sleep completely through the night. WITHOUT melatonin. I've cooked EVERY day. I breath with slowly and never feel rushed. It's weird...and awesome...and unfamiliar.
The pursuit of happiness is a constant changing concept for me. What is the happiness that I'm seaking? For SOOOO many years I've been a planner - planning every moment of my day. SUPER stressed out when it doesnt go as planned. I think God is teaching me about taking life as it comes....teaching me patience....and teaching me to relax. TO. BE. CALM. And just be present.
Does happiness = being absolutely present in the moment and being a sponge and just absorbing?
For now? Yes.
And that hasnt happened.
That makes me think that this was the right decision. :)
I keep telling everyone that I feel calm. Completely calm. I've gone 3 days without my neck cracking. I sleep completely through the night. WITHOUT melatonin. I've cooked EVERY day. I breath with slowly and never feel rushed. It's weird...and awesome...and unfamiliar.
The pursuit of happiness is a constant changing concept for me. What is the happiness that I'm seaking? For SOOOO many years I've been a planner - planning every moment of my day. SUPER stressed out when it doesnt go as planned. I think God is teaching me about taking life as it comes....teaching me patience....and teaching me to relax. TO. BE. CALM. And just be present.
Does happiness = being absolutely present in the moment and being a sponge and just absorbing?
For now? Yes.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Goal Setting...
So, recently I attended a goal setting workshop at IronTribe Fitness. Forrest Walden (the owner of ITF) started the lecture off by talking about failure. "The fear of failure is the greatest single obstable for success in an adult's life. We have to understand that failure is part of succeeding."
Worry is a sustained form of fear caused by indecision. As soon as we make a decision to ACT the fear and tension and stress (should) begin to diminish. Everything we are or ever will become will come as a result of the content of our minds. Fear is something you rarely can see - it's this lingering thought hiding deep in our minds that makes us scared to take that first step and act. Change is constant and it is not going anywhere. We fear it because of the possibility that we might be worse off after the change.
Forrest gave us something to consider before setting our goals:
**What can you be excellent at?** He said, "You can only become excellent doing what you love to do. Our primary responsibility in life is to find what we love to do and then spend the time and energy necessary to become excellent in that area. Opportunity is usually in our own back yard with your OWN talents and passions and often comes disguised in work clothes."
He then reminded us: "Only two things are required to be successful at anyhting: Decide exactly what is it you want to accomplish and Determine the price you will have to pay and resolve to do anything possible to pay it."
Too much was said at the lecture for me to even begin to capture the depth of knowledge I walked away with - but one thing is for certain, I went home THAT night and began thinking about my goals. Short term and long term. We were encouraged to write down our goals - if it is not written down, then it is only just a wish. Writing the goal down is how you program the goal into your subconscious. Well...I spend a few weeks really thinking about my goals and have no, FINALLY written them down. I keep a journal, but figured putting them in writting in two places will really hold me accountable to then. :)
Chelsey's Goals:
1) Dedicate at least 15 minutes of alone time to God daily.
2) Save $100 a month.
3) Write on my blog 2-3x a week.
4) Squat clean 150# by November 1st.
5) Connect multiple muscle-ups by end of year.
6) Cook from my paleo cookbook 2-3x week.
7) Sub 5 min Fran by end of year.
8) Find a mentor.
9) Travel to San Francisco.
10) Read a book every other week.
11) Recycle.
12) Complete all wod's rx HSPU.
13) Go hiking backpacking through Grand Canyon.
14) Do one random act of kindness a week.
15) Practice yoga 2-3x week.
16) Talk to my dad monthly.
17) Go on an overseas Mission Trip.
18) Send snail mail instead of emails whenever possible.
19) Be able to perform free standing handstand by end of year.
20) Let go of always needing to be in control.
21) Make teaching others about fitness lifestyles my career.
Lots of goals...maybe even too many goals for the first goal setting experiement. But I have a lot of things I want to accomplish and/or maintain. I just pray that God gives me the drive to achieve them, then once accomplished, set new ones that are even higher. I pray for Him to take away my fear of failure and to surround me with positive cheerleaders. I pray for guidance and strenght because whenever goals are set - obstacles always have a way of placing themselves directly in your path.
Worry is a sustained form of fear caused by indecision. As soon as we make a decision to ACT the fear and tension and stress (should) begin to diminish. Everything we are or ever will become will come as a result of the content of our minds. Fear is something you rarely can see - it's this lingering thought hiding deep in our minds that makes us scared to take that first step and act. Change is constant and it is not going anywhere. We fear it because of the possibility that we might be worse off after the change.
Forrest gave us something to consider before setting our goals:
**What can you be excellent at?** He said, "You can only become excellent doing what you love to do. Our primary responsibility in life is to find what we love to do and then spend the time and energy necessary to become excellent in that area. Opportunity is usually in our own back yard with your OWN talents and passions and often comes disguised in work clothes."
He then reminded us: "Only two things are required to be successful at anyhting: Decide exactly what is it you want to accomplish and Determine the price you will have to pay and resolve to do anything possible to pay it."
Too much was said at the lecture for me to even begin to capture the depth of knowledge I walked away with - but one thing is for certain, I went home THAT night and began thinking about my goals. Short term and long term. We were encouraged to write down our goals - if it is not written down, then it is only just a wish. Writing the goal down is how you program the goal into your subconscious. Well...I spend a few weeks really thinking about my goals and have no, FINALLY written them down. I keep a journal, but figured putting them in writting in two places will really hold me accountable to then. :)
Chelsey's Goals:
1) Dedicate at least 15 minutes of alone time to God daily.
2) Save $100 a month.
3) Write on my blog 2-3x a week.
4) Squat clean 150# by November 1st.
5) Connect multiple muscle-ups by end of year.
6) Cook from my paleo cookbook 2-3x week.
7) Sub 5 min Fran by end of year.
8) Find a mentor.
9) Travel to San Francisco.
10) Read a book every other week.
11) Recycle.
12) Complete all wod's rx HSPU.
13) Go hiking backpacking through Grand Canyon.
14) Do one random act of kindness a week.
15) Practice yoga 2-3x week.
16) Talk to my dad monthly.
17) Go on an overseas Mission Trip.
18) Send snail mail instead of emails whenever possible.
19) Be able to perform free standing handstand by end of year.
20) Let go of always needing to be in control.
21) Make teaching others about fitness lifestyles my career.
Lots of goals...maybe even too many goals for the first goal setting experiement. But I have a lot of things I want to accomplish and/or maintain. I just pray that God gives me the drive to achieve them, then once accomplished, set new ones that are even higher. I pray for Him to take away my fear of failure and to surround me with positive cheerleaders. I pray for guidance and strenght because whenever goals are set - obstacles always have a way of placing themselves directly in your path.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Giddy...
OMG I am in the best freaking mood.
I'm not quite sure what happened in the middle of the night last night, but I woke up on the RIGHT side of the bed today! I think I will attribute my insanely fabulous mood to a HUGE glass of wine right before my melatonin/ibuprofen/fish oil cocktail I take each night before bed.
Even with this foggy, overcast, cold weather I'm excited for my day.
AND...I'm fitting into size 2 pants from HIGH SCHOOL. People...these pants are 10 years old and I make them look amazing. WOO HOO! When I was in middle school and high school, my mom would often tell me I had a "pretty spell" that day. I'm defintiely having one today...
I pray this mood continues the rest of the day...
I'm not quite sure what happened in the middle of the night last night, but I woke up on the RIGHT side of the bed today! I think I will attribute my insanely fabulous mood to a HUGE glass of wine right before my melatonin/ibuprofen/fish oil cocktail I take each night before bed.
Even with this foggy, overcast, cold weather I'm excited for my day.
AND...I'm fitting into size 2 pants from HIGH SCHOOL. People...these pants are 10 years old and I make them look amazing. WOO HOO! When I was in middle school and high school, my mom would often tell me I had a "pretty spell" that day. I'm defintiely having one today...
I pray this mood continues the rest of the day...
Monday, January 31, 2011
The River of Life...
Do you ever feel like you're just floating along...in life...?
I constantly feel like I'm sitting on a raft in the water that doesnt have enough air to float along, slowly sinking as the weight of my body bears down upon it or like I'm on the part of the river where the current is not flowing freely - obstructed by fallen logs or huge rocks that have collected overtime.
I feel like I'm watching others soar past me in sturdy motor boats - breezing through the water and having nothing slowing them down. They smile...not having a doubt in the world; not stressing about making it to the end of the journey.
I on the other hand freat the rapids - small and large. Stress over them. Over analyze my approach. Analyze the drop after I've passed it. Wonder how well I completed that part of the river compared to others...did I struggle more than they did? Will I continue to question how much longer this will take to be over.
What can I not just enjoy the ride?!
I accredit this problem to my controling nature. I am a control freak; I will admit that. I hate to not have control, but I must learn that when it comes to the most important parts of my life - I must relinquish that control and sit back in my raft and just ride. Just enjoy. Just trust. Just know. Know I will make it to the end with a much better peace if I just relax.
I know I can pull a million biblical parallels for this metaphor I've just written. I just pray that God's river for my life continues to make millions of twists and turns, challenges me, pushes me to my limits, but yet I walk away having had the best ride of my life - walking away knowing I just survived the most amazing experiences instead of sitting on the banks watching others live it up.
I constantly feel like I'm sitting on a raft in the water that doesnt have enough air to float along, slowly sinking as the weight of my body bears down upon it or like I'm on the part of the river where the current is not flowing freely - obstructed by fallen logs or huge rocks that have collected overtime.
I feel like I'm watching others soar past me in sturdy motor boats - breezing through the water and having nothing slowing them down. They smile...not having a doubt in the world; not stressing about making it to the end of the journey.
I on the other hand freat the rapids - small and large. Stress over them. Over analyze my approach. Analyze the drop after I've passed it. Wonder how well I completed that part of the river compared to others...did I struggle more than they did? Will I continue to question how much longer this will take to be over.
What can I not just enjoy the ride?!
I accredit this problem to my controling nature. I am a control freak; I will admit that. I hate to not have control, but I must learn that when it comes to the most important parts of my life - I must relinquish that control and sit back in my raft and just ride. Just enjoy. Just trust. Just know. Know I will make it to the end with a much better peace if I just relax.
I know I can pull a million biblical parallels for this metaphor I've just written. I just pray that God's river for my life continues to make millions of twists and turns, challenges me, pushes me to my limits, but yet I walk away having had the best ride of my life - walking away knowing I just survived the most amazing experiences instead of sitting on the banks watching others live it up.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Dear God...Thanks for SUN!
Today was the most beautiful day I've seen in a really long time.
Garrison and I got up and went to crossfit for a wod - lots of running which I actually didnt mind because it felt so darn good outside. I was in shorts and a tshirt at 10am on a Sunday in January. After we left the gym, we went to Dicks and bought a can of tennis balls. After two sets of tennis at my apartment complex we had each won a set: 6-2, 4-6. We sat in the rocking chairs at the pond and tried to get a sun tan. Working out, tennis and sun lounging of course demanded Menchi's yogurt...so we sat outside with 30 screaming kids and their parents and ate $10 worth of yogurt and toppings. YUM!! All of this sun (and a little sugar) has done something to my soul...I'm a firm believer in seasonal depression. Today was the day that I needed to drag myself out of my winter blues rut and remind me that life is too short to sit around waiting for something exciting to happen.
Now...here I sit on my patio - soaking up the last bit of amazing day with a glass of wine. Do I have patio furniture you ask, no. Did I bring my ottoman to my lounge chair onto the patio for some comfortable relaxation, yes. :) A little ghetto, but sitting inside alone tonight just didnt seem appropriate - especially considering Garrision and I checked the weather for next weekend. It's supposed to be 30 degrees and raining. Back to typical January weather...awesome.
Cheers to a taste of summer, a cleansing of the soul with some good ole' fashion warm weather lounging, and wearing shorts in January. Thanks God - I needed today.
Garrison and I got up and went to crossfit for a wod - lots of running which I actually didnt mind because it felt so darn good outside. I was in shorts and a tshirt at 10am on a Sunday in January. After we left the gym, we went to Dicks and bought a can of tennis balls. After two sets of tennis at my apartment complex we had each won a set: 6-2, 4-6. We sat in the rocking chairs at the pond and tried to get a sun tan. Working out, tennis and sun lounging of course demanded Menchi's yogurt...so we sat outside with 30 screaming kids and their parents and ate $10 worth of yogurt and toppings. YUM!! All of this sun (and a little sugar) has done something to my soul...I'm a firm believer in seasonal depression. Today was the day that I needed to drag myself out of my winter blues rut and remind me that life is too short to sit around waiting for something exciting to happen.
Now...here I sit on my patio - soaking up the last bit of amazing day with a glass of wine. Do I have patio furniture you ask, no. Did I bring my ottoman to my lounge chair onto the patio for some comfortable relaxation, yes. :) A little ghetto, but sitting inside alone tonight just didnt seem appropriate - especially considering Garrision and I checked the weather for next weekend. It's supposed to be 30 degrees and raining. Back to typical January weather...awesome.
Cheers to a taste of summer, a cleansing of the soul with some good ole' fashion warm weather lounging, and wearing shorts in January. Thanks God - I needed today.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Is it really 2011?!?!?
Ok...so about a year and a half I had really good intentions of starting this blog, blogging all the time, and really finding an outlet to talk about my life and all the crazy things happening in it. Well...that obviously didnt last. Good Job Chels.
So...it is a new year and I vow to myself that I WILL BE a better blogger in 2011. :) So...to recap 2010: took new job in Atlanta, started crazy workout program - Crossfit, made awesome new girl friends with lots of silly stories, chopped all my hair off, little brother got married, met the most amazing man ever - Garrison, lots of Crossfit competitions, and mom got married.
A few of my 2011 resolutions:
1) Eat less carbs.
2) Drink less coffee.
3) Spend more time learing about God.
4) Be more patient.
5) Visit at least 2 places on my bucket list.
2009 was one of the worst years of my life, 2010 had some pretty significant changes...I have a really good feeling about 2011 being one of my favorite years on record. :) Here's to 2011...
So...it is a new year and I vow to myself that I WILL BE a better blogger in 2011. :) So...to recap 2010: took new job in Atlanta, started crazy workout program - Crossfit, made awesome new girl friends with lots of silly stories, chopped all my hair off, little brother got married, met the most amazing man ever - Garrison, lots of Crossfit competitions, and mom got married.
A few of my 2011 resolutions:
1) Eat less carbs.
2) Drink less coffee.
3) Spend more time learing about God.
4) Be more patient.
5) Visit at least 2 places on my bucket list.
2009 was one of the worst years of my life, 2010 had some pretty significant changes...I have a really good feeling about 2011 being one of my favorite years on record. :) Here's to 2011...
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