Runner's High

I never thought that I would be the type of person who loved to run, but as they say, "I have seen the light!" Running has been a release from all of the negativity and stress that has built up over the last few months. Between Saturday, May 20 and Friday, April 26 I have managed to run a little over 17 miles, and each day proved to be easier than the last! Not only has my stride improved, but I have also noticed how much more of a desire I have to fuel my body with healthy food. Oatmeal has become a staple in my diet. I am not the biggest fan of sweet oatmeal; so, instead, I scramble egg whites to add to the oatmeal alongside a sprinkle of cheese and green Tabasco sauce. The oatmeal allows me to feel full and fueled for the long day ahead. I've also started to crave water again. My goal is to begin each day with 24 oz of water, then consume the daily minimum intake (64 oz). I suppose the moral of this story is that we all need to realize how much we allow negativity to permeate our lives and we need to find an activity that makes us happy. Running has always been a challenge for me, but now whenever I run I feel empowered and I look forward to the next day just so I can run a little faster and a little longer. Here's to finding your passion!

A Recipe for Success

I have read the research, searched for the perfect diet and fitness plan, and have made many an attempt to get healthy. But what I have finally learned is that I need to cater to my body. We are all unique and our bodies respond differently to the various "recipes" that are out there. For the first time in my life, I have stuck to a nutrition plan for an entire week and I feel FABULOUS! The plan is based off of the meal plan I posted in this month's food for thought but I have added a few ingredients; i.e. greek yogurt. More importantly, the six small meals are working to help keep me full and satisfied. In this time, I have also managed to fit in three days of working out because I feel energized and motivated. Staying positive is certainly a plus, but remembering who inspired me to rededicate myself to healthy living is key. More progress to come...

New Beginnings

Sometimes it takes a real life moment to make you realize you haven't been living...

My grandfather passed recently. He was a truly incredible man. He found an amazing woman to share his life with, was blessed to raise three loving daughters, and spoiled the hell out of his grandchildren (like any grandparent would). My papa (as we called him) was an avid runner. In his last few months of life, his memories of running often came up in conversation, and you could tell how passionate he truly was about the sport. I credit his love of running to his healthy 84 years of life, and what a beautiful life it was.

Now that he is gone, I can't help but dwell on the memories we shared. One of which included traveling down to St. George to support papa and my mom in running the St. George Marathon. This is probably one of the most vivid memories I will always have of him.

I have been trying to think of ways to celebrate his life, and then it hit me...I need to start living my life! I need to get healthy, and find something that gives me the same satisfaction that my papa once had with running. I have dwelled too much on the negative in the past. At this point, I just want to be around to enjoy the little wonders that life has to offer. I want to get married to my best friend (T.J.), I want to make beautiful children with him, I want to make a home with my family, and then I want to be around to see my grandbabies grow and live. I want to always be remembered as an active person who worked hard to stay healthy and live.

My challenge begins today. I have found an incredible meal plan on the "Blogilates" website that I feel will help fuel and cleanse my body, I have found some great workout routines to help me get strong and lean, and I have the spirit of my papa to guide me on my journey. This is MY recipe for success, and I dedicate it to my papa. You will always be an inspiration to me, and I know I will see you one day soon.