Untitled by fitnessempress at Garmin Connect - Details
BROUGHT IT tonight at FIT CLUB! So excited to have such a great group. Are you ready to change your life? Call me today! 480-200-9440 www.GetFitPhoenix.com
Monday, September 27, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
From Couch Potato to Mountain Climber - Into the Woods
Into the Woods....
Today I am sore. My muscles ache all over. But it’s an amazingly good feeling. You see, I scaled a mountain yesterday. Arizona’s tallest peak at that, Mount Humphrey’s – elevation 12, 637. It was one of those life changing experiences that I will always cherish and remember.
Now don’t get me wrong, Mount Humphrey’s is no Mount Everest, nor Mount McKinley for that matter (the tallest peak in the USA), but there is still something to be said for setting a lofty goal of climbing a pretty tall mountain and achieving that. Not only did I take up this challenge, but a group of 10 people joined in to see what their mettle was made of too. It was a beautiful thing.
Our group travelled up to Flagstaff from Phoenix the night before in order to settle in and get used to a higher elevation. Flagstaff as whole nestles in around the 7,000ft mark – so it is a decent change from the typical 2,000ft range of Phoenix. We all had a fun time going to dinner and talking about our plans for the hike. We even came up with a few jokes that went running on for the next day’s excursion. Our group, while geared towards fitness was by no means a stick in the mud for having fun!
We woke up at 6:15 with plans to have a healthy and somewhat good sized breakfast and then go over to the trailhead for an 8:00 start. We were on time with our goal and the group took a nice photo at the trailhead before setting off:
We all started together, but we quickly divided up into our own abilities and desire for speed. Josh Wagner was a clear leader and took off with my son Greg quite early. I didn’t see either of them again until I hit the summit. Josh is a specimen of human athleticism so he was an example of what can be accomplished when one is in tip top shape by summiting in 2 hours followed closely by my son at 2:25.
The second group consisted of two hikers, Clifton and Brittany followed relatively closely by me and my younger son, Nick. I am not sure what I was capable of achieving because my goal this time really wasn’t to race up the mountain, but to enjoy the vistas, take some nice breaks along the way to appreciate the weather, the lovely breeze, the comaraderie between Nick and me…which was something that I cherished every step of the way. For most of the group, I think the goal was just to achieve the summit, or as close as could be achieved within certain parameters of ability.
The first leg of the journey was fun. It was like being in “The Lor d of the Rings” or “Into the Woods” which actually kept playing in my head …
“Into the Woods…It's time to go,
I hate to leave,
I have to, though.
Into the woods-
It's time, and so
I must begin my journey.”
And so we plodded along…keeping time with a group of Boy Scouts who were there to do a signaling activity as many of them brought mirrors to do their exercise as they made their way along the path.
After the long summer in the desert, the shelter from the sun was incredibly welcome and the cool air and breeze was like being on a mini vacation.
As time went on, we lost sight of those in our group that had forged ahead. I have found that though I can run without getting out of breath, there is something about hiking that taxes my lung capacity and I end up having to stop every so often to catch my breath. Nick and I started to think of imaginings to keep the trail interesting. We settled on a happy role play of “The Lord of the Rings.” Nick was the ring bearer, and I was his faithful companion Samwise Gamgee. Apparently because Nick said “You are such a good cook.” Hey – at leas t it wasn’t because I was the “Fat Hobbit.” We enjoyed the twists and turns of the switch backs and stopped every so often to take in the spectacular views.
I tend to think in song… and as the “Lord of the Rings” and “Into the Woods” theme of our hike kept continuing, I contemplated how on earth I had gotten to a position of being there in the first place.
Rewinding to only February of this year, I remembered the couch potato that was feeling rather sorry for herself as the P90X infomercial came on. I remembered thinking “What do I have to lose? At that time, I couldn’t even do three pushups – I couldn’t run around my block, I got tired from doing 20 jumping jacks.
Now, only 7 months later, I was running 10 miles in a stretch, doing hundreds of pushups in a day and climbing the tallest mountain in my state. Now that is cathartic. I felt proud, I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I also thought about how at that particular moment, there were 10 other people on that mountain that were there because of my efforts to organize fitness activities for others in my community. I mean, it is one thing to change my own life, but to also inspire others and facilitate their journey towards health and wellness? THAT is something to hang my hat on.
"Into the woods
The way is clear,
The light is good,
I have no fear,
Nor no one should.
The woods are just trees,
The trees are just wood.
I sort of hate to ask it,
But do you have a basket?"
This little portion of the song leads me to tell you about what I forgot…I forgot that not everyone would stay together. I forgot that it didn’t matter if I had all the first aid or P90X bars in the world, if the people weren’t with me, it wasn’t going to help them. My oldest son who was on the summit a good hour and a half ahead of us, was sitting in a high altitude with NO sunscreen on. He also didn’t have any of the food I’d packed but had in MY backpack. Thankfully he DID have a Camelback full of water. That still didn’t prevent him from getting a nice altitude sickness headache and a very red sunburn.
Hence, things to know for our next extreme excursion: Make a first aid kit for EVERY person’s pack. Make trail mix and divide up for each member. Sunscreen up BEFORE the trip even if it seems cloudy and cold and provide EXTRA sunscreen for the hours later when the sunscreen has been sweated off. (I put sunscreen on my face, but my neck and shoulders are beet red today.)
"Into the woods
And down the dell,
The path is straight,
I know it well.
Into the woods,
And who can tell
What's waiting on the journey?"
So my point is, you don’t always know what is waiting on the journey. Thinking ahead and “being prepared” (thank you boy/girl scouts) is really what it is all about. I’m not saying bring 5 years of rations on a day’s hike, but when you are talking a real mountain, you must be ready for a number of possibilities. I have to say that the weekend of September 18th was perfect weather in our experience – we truly could not have asked for better. I think our “annual” Mount Humphrey’s trip will fall approximately around the same time each year.
One last thing I would recommend for a group of varying abilities, is a game plan if people fall off and don’t complete the hike. Are you going to meet up afterwards? If so, where? Is it a “free for all” – that kind of thing. One of my good friends, Laura and her guest never made it to the summit and after departure from the trailhead in the morning I didn’t see her again. I was worried. Cell reception was very spotty so she didn’t get my text until later.
"Into the woods,
It's time to go,
It may be all
In vain, you/I know.
Into the woods-
But even so,
I have to take the journey."
What did this trip mean to me? To the others? I’m sure each person had their own goals for the trip. For a couple of our hikers, as mentioned before, they were truly interested in testing their limits in athleticism. They powered up the mountain, they realized how strong they really are. For others, it was just a matter of getting to the top and a few of us just dragged ourselves up there by sheer willpower…a true accomplishment in itself. Sometimes, just proving to yourself that you CAN do something is a life changing moment. At the same time, there were others of our group that weren’t attached to “reaching the top” – they were there to do the best they could that day and enjoy the scenery and cool weather. I say THAT is a lovely day in my book.
"Into the woods
Without regret,
The choice is made,
The task is set.
Into the woods,
But not forget-
ting why I'm on the journey.
Into the woods
to get my wish,
I don't care how,
The time is now."
After 7 months of really changing my lifestyle, the way I thought about health and fitness, learning to love exercise and a good healthy diet….I was amazed at the power of NOW. That day I had been watching the P90X infomercial, I could have changed the channel. I could have ordered it and let it collect dust on my shelf. But I DECIDED and COMMITTED to a new life. Being able to reach the top of Mount Humphreys last year would have been inconceivable to me and now, yesterday I SUCCEEDED in achieving a fitness goal that I really didn’t think I would ever accomplish. I know a few of my friends felt the same way yesterday. How amazing.
"Into the woods,
Without delay,
But careful no
To lose the way.
Into the woods,
Who knows what may
Be lurking on the journey?"
But the journey was NOT without hardship. I know even in the decent shape I am in, I was truly in pain by the last couple of hours. Each step hurt and my youngest son was completely fatigued in a way he had never experienced before. At times he reached points of feeling he couldn’t finish and I wondered if I had the strength to carry him out. We passed a swarm of bees and it made my son truly frightened. Nature answers to no one and the reality of some of the dangers that lie in a remote environment DID hit home. I will most likely invest in an adrenalin kit for future extreme hikes AND probably some bear spray. The beauty that lies around in nature can quickly become a dungeon if one becomes afraid. It is best to be ready for many of the possibilities good and bad.
We passed a man that took a bad spill and twisted his ankle horribly. He even had the support poles that people use on tough hikes (walking sticks?) and he STILL hurt himself badly. His ankle was wrapped in an ace bandage, but there was no way he was getting out of the forest any time soon. I thought to myself - what if one of our members had hurt him/herself like that? I was taking notes….
"Into the woods!
Into the woods!
Into the woods,
Then out of the woods,
And home before dark!"
At the end of the day…it was the “out of the woods” that gave us all the most trouble. It was QUITE a feat to make the summit. But what we didn’t realize was that even though the way out was down hill…we were all so weary. Even Josh and my son Greg, who made it up the mountain so quickly thought the passage out was never ending. By the time my younger son Nick and I came down the mountain, I started to question if I had taken a wrong turn. It just seemed so long. I was tired and the altitude headache and my concern for Nick’s fatique was making me question the path and the amount of time it was taking us to get out. The woods are tricky my friend. Even after Frodo threw the ring back into the fire, he still had to make it out of Mordor. And this was no Mordor. We were in a great environment with warm sun and beautiful pines. We grew to hate them by the end. “Doesn’t this forest ever end?” Nick and I were both remarking by hour THREE of hiking down. We still had an hour to go.
“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.” ~ Robert Frost
But those final steps, when the trees cleared and we made it out onto the meadow were like finding Heaven. The happiness, the weary joy that we felt was so gratifying, no one can ever take that away. An endeavor like that of climbing a mountain does not leave one unchanged. So my message to you today is find your mountain and take that first step…you will be amazed at who you truly are.
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.” ~ Robert Frost
Mountain Climber Empress Out.
Today I am sore. My muscles ache all over. But it’s an amazingly good feeling. You see, I scaled a mountain yesterday. Arizona’s tallest peak at that, Mount Humphrey’s – elevation 12, 637. It was one of those life changing experiences that I will always cherish and remember.
Now don’t get me wrong, Mount Humphrey’s is no Mount Everest, nor Mount McKinley for that matter (the tallest peak in the USA), but there is still something to be said for setting a lofty goal of climbing a pretty tall mountain and achieving that. Not only did I take up this challenge, but a group of 10 people joined in to see what their mettle was made of too. It was a beautiful thing.
Our group travelled up to Flagstaff from Phoenix the night before in order to settle in and get used to a higher elevation. Flagstaff as whole nestles in around the 7,000ft mark – so it is a decent change from the typical 2,000ft range of Phoenix. We all had a fun time going to dinner and talking about our plans for the hike. We even came up with a few jokes that went running on for the next day’s excursion. Our group, while geared towards fitness was by no means a stick in the mud for having fun!
We woke up at 6:15 with plans to have a healthy and somewhat good sized breakfast and then go over to the trailhead for an 8:00 start. We were on time with our goal and the group took a nice photo at the trailhead before setting off:
We all started together, but we quickly divided up into our own abilities and desire for speed. Josh Wagner was a clear leader and took off with my son Greg quite early. I didn’t see either of them again until I hit the summit. Josh is a specimen of human athleticism so he was an example of what can be accomplished when one is in tip top shape by summiting in 2 hours followed closely by my son at 2:25.
The second group consisted of two hikers, Clifton and Brittany followed relatively closely by me and my younger son, Nick. I am not sure what I was capable of achieving because my goal this time really wasn’t to race up the mountain, but to enjoy the vistas, take some nice breaks along the way to appreciate the weather, the lovely breeze, the comaraderie between Nick and me…which was something that I cherished every step of the way. For most of the group, I think the goal was just to achieve the summit, or as close as could be achieved within certain parameters of ability.
The first leg of the journey was fun. It was like being in “The Lor d of the Rings” or “Into the Woods” which actually kept playing in my head …
“Into the Woods…It's time to go,
I hate to leave,
I have to, though.
Into the woods-
It's time, and so
I must begin my journey.”
And so we plodded along…keeping time with a group of Boy Scouts who were there to do a signaling activity as many of them brought mirrors to do their exercise as they made their way along the path.
After the long summer in the desert, the shelter from the sun was incredibly welcome and the cool air and breeze was like being on a mini vacation.
As time went on, we lost sight of those in our group that had forged ahead. I have found that though I can run without getting out of breath, there is something about hiking that taxes my lung capacity and I end up having to stop every so often to catch my breath. Nick and I started to think of imaginings to keep the trail interesting. We settled on a happy role play of “The Lord of the Rings.” Nick was the ring bearer, and I was his faithful companion Samwise Gamgee. Apparently because Nick said “You are such a good cook.” Hey – at leas t it wasn’t because I was the “Fat Hobbit.” We enjoyed the twists and turns of the switch backs and stopped every so often to take in the spectacular views.
I tend to think in song… and as the “Lord of the Rings” and “Into the Woods” theme of our hike kept continuing, I contemplated how on earth I had gotten to a position of being there in the first place.
Rewinding to only February of this year, I remembered the couch potato that was feeling rather sorry for herself as the P90X infomercial came on. I remembered thinking “What do I have to lose? At that time, I couldn’t even do three pushups – I couldn’t run around my block, I got tired from doing 20 jumping jacks.
Now, only 7 months later, I was running 10 miles in a stretch, doing hundreds of pushups in a day and climbing the tallest mountain in my state. Now that is cathartic. I felt proud, I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I also thought about how at that particular moment, there were 10 other people on that mountain that were there because of my efforts to organize fitness activities for others in my community. I mean, it is one thing to change my own life, but to also inspire others and facilitate their journey towards health and wellness? THAT is something to hang my hat on.
"Into the woods
The way is clear,
The light is good,
I have no fear,
Nor no one should.
The woods are just trees,
The trees are just wood.
I sort of hate to ask it,
But do you have a basket?"
This little portion of the song leads me to tell you about what I forgot…I forgot that not everyone would stay together. I forgot that it didn’t matter if I had all the first aid or P90X bars in the world, if the people weren’t with me, it wasn’t going to help them. My oldest son who was on the summit a good hour and a half ahead of us, was sitting in a high altitude with NO sunscreen on. He also didn’t have any of the food I’d packed but had in MY backpack. Thankfully he DID have a Camelback full of water. That still didn’t prevent him from getting a nice altitude sickness headache and a very red sunburn.
Hence, things to know for our next extreme excursion: Make a first aid kit for EVERY person’s pack. Make trail mix and divide up for each member. Sunscreen up BEFORE the trip even if it seems cloudy and cold and provide EXTRA sunscreen for the hours later when the sunscreen has been sweated off. (I put sunscreen on my face, but my neck and shoulders are beet red today.)
"Into the woods
And down the dell,
The path is straight,
I know it well.
Into the woods,
And who can tell
What's waiting on the journey?"
So my point is, you don’t always know what is waiting on the journey. Thinking ahead and “being prepared” (thank you boy/girl scouts) is really what it is all about. I’m not saying bring 5 years of rations on a day’s hike, but when you are talking a real mountain, you must be ready for a number of possibilities. I have to say that the weekend of September 18th was perfect weather in our experience – we truly could not have asked for better. I think our “annual” Mount Humphrey’s trip will fall approximately around the same time each year.
One last thing I would recommend for a group of varying abilities, is a game plan if people fall off and don’t complete the hike. Are you going to meet up afterwards? If so, where? Is it a “free for all” – that kind of thing. One of my good friends, Laura and her guest never made it to the summit and after departure from the trailhead in the morning I didn’t see her again. I was worried. Cell reception was very spotty so she didn’t get my text until later.
"Into the woods,
It's time to go,
It may be all
In vain, you/I know.
Into the woods-
But even so,
I have to take the journey."
What did this trip mean to me? To the others? I’m sure each person had their own goals for the trip. For a couple of our hikers, as mentioned before, they were truly interested in testing their limits in athleticism. They powered up the mountain, they realized how strong they really are. For others, it was just a matter of getting to the top and a few of us just dragged ourselves up there by sheer willpower…a true accomplishment in itself. Sometimes, just proving to yourself that you CAN do something is a life changing moment. At the same time, there were others of our group that weren’t attached to “reaching the top” – they were there to do the best they could that day and enjoy the scenery and cool weather. I say THAT is a lovely day in my book.
"Into the woods
Without regret,
The choice is made,
The task is set.
Into the woods,
But not forget-
ting why I'm on the journey.
Into the woods
to get my wish,
I don't care how,
The time is now."
After 7 months of really changing my lifestyle, the way I thought about health and fitness, learning to love exercise and a good healthy diet….I was amazed at the power of NOW. That day I had been watching the P90X infomercial, I could have changed the channel. I could have ordered it and let it collect dust on my shelf. But I DECIDED and COMMITTED to a new life. Being able to reach the top of Mount Humphreys last year would have been inconceivable to me and now, yesterday I SUCCEEDED in achieving a fitness goal that I really didn’t think I would ever accomplish. I know a few of my friends felt the same way yesterday. How amazing.
"Into the woods,
Without delay,
But careful no
To lose the way.
Into the woods,
Who knows what may
Be lurking on the journey?"
But the journey was NOT without hardship. I know even in the decent shape I am in, I was truly in pain by the last couple of hours. Each step hurt and my youngest son was completely fatigued in a way he had never experienced before. At times he reached points of feeling he couldn’t finish and I wondered if I had the strength to carry him out. We passed a swarm of bees and it made my son truly frightened. Nature answers to no one and the reality of some of the dangers that lie in a remote environment DID hit home. I will most likely invest in an adrenalin kit for future extreme hikes AND probably some bear spray. The beauty that lies around in nature can quickly become a dungeon if one becomes afraid. It is best to be ready for many of the possibilities good and bad.
We passed a man that took a bad spill and twisted his ankle horribly. He even had the support poles that people use on tough hikes (walking sticks?) and he STILL hurt himself badly. His ankle was wrapped in an ace bandage, but there was no way he was getting out of the forest any time soon. I thought to myself - what if one of our members had hurt him/herself like that? I was taking notes….
"Into the woods!
Into the woods!
Into the woods,
Then out of the woods,
And home before dark!"
At the end of the day…it was the “out of the woods” that gave us all the most trouble. It was QUITE a feat to make the summit. But what we didn’t realize was that even though the way out was down hill…we were all so weary. Even Josh and my son Greg, who made it up the mountain so quickly thought the passage out was never ending. By the time my younger son Nick and I came down the mountain, I started to question if I had taken a wrong turn. It just seemed so long. I was tired and the altitude headache and my concern for Nick’s fatique was making me question the path and the amount of time it was taking us to get out. The woods are tricky my friend. Even after Frodo threw the ring back into the fire, he still had to make it out of Mordor. And this was no Mordor. We were in a great environment with warm sun and beautiful pines. We grew to hate them by the end. “Doesn’t this forest ever end?” Nick and I were both remarking by hour THREE of hiking down. We still had an hour to go.
“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.” ~ Robert Frost
But those final steps, when the trees cleared and we made it out onto the meadow were like finding Heaven. The happiness, the weary joy that we felt was so gratifying, no one can ever take that away. An endeavor like that of climbing a mountain does not leave one unchanged. So my message to you today is find your mountain and take that first step…you will be amazed at who you truly are.
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.” ~ Robert Frost
Mountain Climber Empress Out.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Triathalon Training for the Non-Athlete
Triathalon training for the non-athlete
I have never been an athlete. Oh I remember playing sports on the playground with my friends and doing all right, but when it came to organized sports or just keeping myself active, I have to admit, it just didn’t happen. Over the years, I would have brief periods of activity if my weight went above what I was comfortable with, but as soon as I reached my goal weight again, I was right back to my sedentary lifestyle.
Basically I allowed that lifestyle to continue until after my 4th child was born and although I lost a great deal of the 70 pounds I typically gained with each pregnancy, I was still overweight by at least 40 pounds. When I finally ordered P90X off the infomercial, I was truly ready to make a change because what I had been doing was no longer working.
One day, after doing P90X for almost two rounds I had the notion to go to my local high school track and see how far I could run. After doing such an intense workout program, I wanted to see what that meant to other activities. I thought I ~might~ make it once around the track without a problem. So I tentatively started on my run, going fairly slowly and I found that after one time around, I wasn’t even winded so I went around again. THEN I started thinking – hey maybe I can actually make it one mile! A mile came and went – I was shocked at how good I felt.
I texted a friend while I was running to ask “how many miles is a 5K?” The answer of 3.106 had me wondering…could I actually run a 5K that night? I kept going round after round absolutely shocked at my endurance. I have NEVER been able to run at all – I couldn’t even have run around my block just four months prior and now I was cruising around that track!
After I was certain I completed a 5K that night I pondered, “if I can do THAT in one impromptu night, what am I REALLY capable of now?” That was when I realized I wanted to seriously train for a marathon. I did some research and found a group that helps people train for their first marathon. Now I’m running 3-4 times per week with my big run on Saturday mornings with my group. I absolutely love it. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve become a runner!
So how about it? Do you want to be a marathon runner? Do you want to be in the best shape of your life? Join me – I love working out with other people who want to change their lives. I highly recommend you start with a great workout program you can do anywhere like P90X – yes you can get it at my store and I will coach you through it for free!
I will be posting my progress on my training here each week so come back often. At the very least you might chuckle a little bit. I do see some interesting people on my runs! Some people are very inspirational – like the 70+ year old man that was jogging along with me – amazing! I love to see the people who are over weight but obviously motivated to change their lives and are running out there. It keeps me moving for sure – if they can do it …so can I! You will be most impressed by what YOU are capable of – and believe me folks it is WAY more than you ever imagined. Me? A runner? You must have me confused with someone else.
Now, I see that triathlete is just one of my many descriptors! Stay tuned- a new life in the making.
Fitness Empress the Triathlete Out!
GetFitPhoenix.com
coach@GetFitPhoenix.com
I have never been an athlete. Oh I remember playing sports on the playground with my friends and doing all right, but when it came to organized sports or just keeping myself active, I have to admit, it just didn’t happen. Over the years, I would have brief periods of activity if my weight went above what I was comfortable with, but as soon as I reached my goal weight again, I was right back to my sedentary lifestyle.
Basically I allowed that lifestyle to continue until after my 4th child was born and although I lost a great deal of the 70 pounds I typically gained with each pregnancy, I was still overweight by at least 40 pounds. When I finally ordered P90X off the infomercial, I was truly ready to make a change because what I had been doing was no longer working.
One day, after doing P90X for almost two rounds I had the notion to go to my local high school track and see how far I could run. After doing such an intense workout program, I wanted to see what that meant to other activities. I thought I ~might~ make it once around the track without a problem. So I tentatively started on my run, going fairly slowly and I found that after one time around, I wasn’t even winded so I went around again. THEN I started thinking – hey maybe I can actually make it one mile! A mile came and went – I was shocked at how good I felt.
I texted a friend while I was running to ask “how many miles is a 5K?” The answer of 3.106 had me wondering…could I actually run a 5K that night? I kept going round after round absolutely shocked at my endurance. I have NEVER been able to run at all – I couldn’t even have run around my block just four months prior and now I was cruising around that track!
After I was certain I completed a 5K that night I pondered, “if I can do THAT in one impromptu night, what am I REALLY capable of now?” That was when I realized I wanted to seriously train for a marathon. I did some research and found a group that helps people train for their first marathon. Now I’m running 3-4 times per week with my big run on Saturday mornings with my group. I absolutely love it. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve become a runner!
So how about it? Do you want to be a marathon runner? Do you want to be in the best shape of your life? Join me – I love working out with other people who want to change their lives. I highly recommend you start with a great workout program you can do anywhere like P90X – yes you can get it at my store and I will coach you through it for free!
I will be posting my progress on my training here each week so come back often. At the very least you might chuckle a little bit. I do see some interesting people on my runs! Some people are very inspirational – like the 70+ year old man that was jogging along with me – amazing! I love to see the people who are over weight but obviously motivated to change their lives and are running out there. It keeps me moving for sure – if they can do it …so can I! You will be most impressed by what YOU are capable of – and believe me folks it is WAY more than you ever imagined. Me? A runner? You must have me confused with someone else.
Now, I see that triathlete is just one of my many descriptors! Stay tuned- a new life in the making.
Fitness Empress the Triathlete Out!
GetFitPhoenix.com
coach@GetFitPhoenix.com
Monday, August 30, 2010
Waiting by the Mailbox
I start my blog sometimes, not really knowing what I’m going to write. I just know that write I must and I am happy when putting the “pen to paper,” even if it isn’t as glamorous as using a quill pen dipped in ink put on parchment any more. True our technology makes things less than romantic at times – okay all the time. Gone are the days where people carefully wrote out letters in classic penmanship – and to those of us that actually had an entire class dedicated JUST to penmanship AND you got an “A” in that class, I say you are a kindred spirit.
But this is my letter to you. Think of it as the envelope you carefully ripped open with a hand written note to you in it. “What does this have to do with fitness?” -you might ask. I say everything. You see, when you embark on a fitness program, you still have life to live, thoughts to deal with, memories that warm your heart or hurt to reflect upon and by golly, you’d better know how to handle that or you’ll be back on the couch watching “The Biggest Loser” with a bowl of ice cream in your hand crying at the great stories wishing that you were getting screamed at by Jillian Michaels.
A lot of people might spend their time talking about a good fitness regimen, or what your nutrition should be. True, that information is here should you wish to seek it. But I want to talk about WHY you were out of shape in the first place. You see, you can attempt all of the world’s best fitness programs, you can get a clean eating chef to cook you all your meals, but if you don’t address what’s “eating you”, then you will find yourself right back where you started when all is said and done.
So tell me, how did you get here? Seriously, I want to know. You didn’t get fat over night. You have a story. What is it? Together, as your coach we will peel back the layers. We will see step by step, pound by pound how you gained the weight you did and how you feel about yourself today. Once you know what got you to where you are, you will be able to address how to look at things differently. You CAN change! You CAN heal and through that, you will be able to stick to a new lifestyle and healthy habits that will stick with you throughout the rest of the long life you’ve given yourself.
Do I want you to commit to a fitness program? Yes! Do I want you to have excellent and healthy meals? Of course. But I want to know you too. As a coach, I will be the person that you can call when you are ripping open the bag of Doritos and know I won’t chastise you, just talk you off the ledge. I will be the person you can look to whom will not only hear but understand your challenges. Why? Because I’m a normal person just like you. I have tough days. I didn’t just sign up for P90X and get thin overnight. I didn’t even get thin over the 90 days of my first round. I didn’t get thin over my SECOND round either, but I DID lose weight and most especially get stronger, both emotionally and physically. It took a THIRD round to get to the point where my metabolism kicked in, where I really was better about watching my diet and I was able to workout steadily through these extreme programs that I have grown to love like P90X® and INSANITY®.
When you look at these videos and think “I can’t do that.” I am here to tell you that YES you can. You may be one of those lucky and dedicated people that achieves his or her goals in the first round, but even if you do you can’t stop there, you must keep going. This isn’t a “90 day program” – this is a LIFELONG program. You will be able to achieve anything you try to if you set realistic goals and take steps each day to achieve them.
Go ahead, write me that letter. Tell me your story – I want to hear it. I want to help you overcome what ails you and together we will go on to realize our most cherished dreams.
Here is my personal email address: coach@GetFitPhoenix.com. I know you can’t write me a hand written letter, but I will treat it as though you painstaking wrote in your beautiful penmanship on your best stationary. Your story is the best story you will ever tell. Start now. I know you are the most extraordinary person who can achieve anything you set your mind to. I wait by the mail box.
Fitness Empress out.
www.GetFitPhoenix.com
But this is my letter to you. Think of it as the envelope you carefully ripped open with a hand written note to you in it. “What does this have to do with fitness?” -you might ask. I say everything. You see, when you embark on a fitness program, you still have life to live, thoughts to deal with, memories that warm your heart or hurt to reflect upon and by golly, you’d better know how to handle that or you’ll be back on the couch watching “The Biggest Loser” with a bowl of ice cream in your hand crying at the great stories wishing that you were getting screamed at by Jillian Michaels.
A lot of people might spend their time talking about a good fitness regimen, or what your nutrition should be. True, that information is here should you wish to seek it. But I want to talk about WHY you were out of shape in the first place. You see, you can attempt all of the world’s best fitness programs, you can get a clean eating chef to cook you all your meals, but if you don’t address what’s “eating you”, then you will find yourself right back where you started when all is said and done.
So tell me, how did you get here? Seriously, I want to know. You didn’t get fat over night. You have a story. What is it? Together, as your coach we will peel back the layers. We will see step by step, pound by pound how you gained the weight you did and how you feel about yourself today. Once you know what got you to where you are, you will be able to address how to look at things differently. You CAN change! You CAN heal and through that, you will be able to stick to a new lifestyle and healthy habits that will stick with you throughout the rest of the long life you’ve given yourself.
Do I want you to commit to a fitness program? Yes! Do I want you to have excellent and healthy meals? Of course. But I want to know you too. As a coach, I will be the person that you can call when you are ripping open the bag of Doritos and know I won’t chastise you, just talk you off the ledge. I will be the person you can look to whom will not only hear but understand your challenges. Why? Because I’m a normal person just like you. I have tough days. I didn’t just sign up for P90X and get thin overnight. I didn’t even get thin over the 90 days of my first round. I didn’t get thin over my SECOND round either, but I DID lose weight and most especially get stronger, both emotionally and physically. It took a THIRD round to get to the point where my metabolism kicked in, where I really was better about watching my diet and I was able to workout steadily through these extreme programs that I have grown to love like P90X® and INSANITY®.
When you look at these videos and think “I can’t do that.” I am here to tell you that YES you can. You may be one of those lucky and dedicated people that achieves his or her goals in the first round, but even if you do you can’t stop there, you must keep going. This isn’t a “90 day program” – this is a LIFELONG program. You will be able to achieve anything you try to if you set realistic goals and take steps each day to achieve them.
Go ahead, write me that letter. Tell me your story – I want to hear it. I want to help you overcome what ails you and together we will go on to realize our most cherished dreams.
Here is my personal email address: coach@GetFitPhoenix.com. I know you can’t write me a hand written letter, but I will treat it as though you painstaking wrote in your beautiful penmanship on your best stationary. Your story is the best story you will ever tell. Start now. I know you are the most extraordinary person who can achieve anything you set your mind to. I wait by the mail box.
Fitness Empress out.
www.GetFitPhoenix.com
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Better than a Pink Cadillac
I do my best thinking in the shower. Today, I was getting ready for my Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University class and thinking of all the things I want to incorporate into my Beachbody business. I thought about the other MLM success stories first and foremost popping into my head was Mary Kay. Once upon a time, long long ago, I was a Mary Kay Representative. For those of you who are too young to know that Mary Kay Ash was a real person, Mary Kay was an innovator in the Direct Marketing arena. She was a woman of grace and class and if you want to succeed in business, I highly recommend you read Pink Cadillac or one of her other books. She was a marketing genious. And she knew how to make women (in particular) feel good about themselves.
Fast forward (mumble mumble) years and now we have another true innovator on our hands with Carl Daikeler and Beachbody. Back in the hey day of Mary Kay (yes I can be a poet), the big allure was getting that shiny new Pink Cadillac when you made it to “Director.” When you got to that level and drove around in your luxury vehicle, you knew that your hard work had paid off.
Today, I want to tell you that our bodies are the new “Pink Cadillac.” If we are in tip top shape and can wear whatever we want and feel healthy and good about ourselves, then that is far better than any luxury vehicle and I don’t care if the seats are heated. Get your own seat heated by working out!
Obesity is an epidemic in the United States today. Even achieving “Couch Potato” status is something that can be seen in just about every home. What good is having luxury if you are not healthy to enjoy it? What good is having a “pretty face” if your body doesn’t match? Inside those of us who carry a few extra pounds, there is a reason that we got there. We have to face those reasons and make a decision to fix what is wrong and commit to changing our behavior to make ourselves well again.
The day I sat eating my potato chips watching that P90X infomercial changed my life. I couldn’t get that ½ hour of television out of my head once I saw it. I went for months thinking about doing the program and I had to wait until I could afford it before I could get it. But the day that box got dropped on my doorstep was one of the best days of my life.
It began a new chapter for me. It meant taking control of my life and working harder than I ever have before to be a better person. I have almost reached day 60 of my initial round of P90X. I have been SO impressed by the program that I have signed up to help motivate others to take control of their lives too. It doesn’t matter if you want an intense program like P90X & Insanity or you want to do something fun like Hip Hop Abs or Turbo Jam, Beachbody has a program to help you get healthy and thus happy.
Just think, years ago how proud someone would feel to be seen in a Cadillac. Now I sure love Cadillacs, but let me tell you that nothing makes me feel more proud than walking around in a body that is healthy, in shape, strong and driven. Let me help you achieve that in your life. If you want to be in the best shape of your life, or maybe you already are in good shape but want to tone and build your endurance, go to my website. Join me and thousands of others who want to make a difference.
The best part of all, is that not only am I getting to be in the best shape of my life, but I get to get paid by being a coach. I am one of the lucky people in the world that gets to earn money doing what I love. You know the saying, do what you love and the money will follow.
To join me just go to my website www.getfitphoenix.com or shoot me an email at coach@getfitphoenix.com. I will be your accountability partner and help you achieve your dreams. Boy, that is better than any pink Cadillac.
Fitness Empress Out.
Fast forward (mumble mumble) years and now we have another true innovator on our hands with Carl Daikeler and Beachbody. Back in the hey day of Mary Kay (yes I can be a poet), the big allure was getting that shiny new Pink Cadillac when you made it to “Director.” When you got to that level and drove around in your luxury vehicle, you knew that your hard work had paid off.
Today, I want to tell you that our bodies are the new “Pink Cadillac.” If we are in tip top shape and can wear whatever we want and feel healthy and good about ourselves, then that is far better than any luxury vehicle and I don’t care if the seats are heated. Get your own seat heated by working out!
Obesity is an epidemic in the United States today. Even achieving “Couch Potato” status is something that can be seen in just about every home. What good is having luxury if you are not healthy to enjoy it? What good is having a “pretty face” if your body doesn’t match? Inside those of us who carry a few extra pounds, there is a reason that we got there. We have to face those reasons and make a decision to fix what is wrong and commit to changing our behavior to make ourselves well again.
The day I sat eating my potato chips watching that P90X infomercial changed my life. I couldn’t get that ½ hour of television out of my head once I saw it. I went for months thinking about doing the program and I had to wait until I could afford it before I could get it. But the day that box got dropped on my doorstep was one of the best days of my life.
It began a new chapter for me. It meant taking control of my life and working harder than I ever have before to be a better person. I have almost reached day 60 of my initial round of P90X. I have been SO impressed by the program that I have signed up to help motivate others to take control of their lives too. It doesn’t matter if you want an intense program like P90X & Insanity or you want to do something fun like Hip Hop Abs or Turbo Jam, Beachbody has a program to help you get healthy and thus happy.
Just think, years ago how proud someone would feel to be seen in a Cadillac. Now I sure love Cadillacs, but let me tell you that nothing makes me feel more proud than walking around in a body that is healthy, in shape, strong and driven. Let me help you achieve that in your life. If you want to be in the best shape of your life, or maybe you already are in good shape but want to tone and build your endurance, go to my website. Join me and thousands of others who want to make a difference.
The best part of all, is that not only am I getting to be in the best shape of my life, but I get to get paid by being a coach. I am one of the lucky people in the world that gets to earn money doing what I love. You know the saying, do what you love and the money will follow.
To join me just go to my website www.getfitphoenix.com or shoot me an email at coach@getfitphoenix.com. I will be your accountability partner and help you achieve your dreams. Boy, that is better than any pink Cadillac.
Fitness Empress Out.
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