Motivation

This past weekend everyone was celebrating Memorial Day.  There were parades and cookouts and it felt like the first official weekend of summer. I know this because I was at the beach, ate a hotdog and drank corona. How much more summer can it get right?

This year I am proud to say that I also celebrated by doing my part to thank the troops. I participated in a 5K that benefited the Wounded Warriors, a group that provides assistance to families who have lost loved ones fighting for our country and to those who have been injured or disabled in battle.

I was able to run/jog/walk the loop in 37:10, a new personal best as I hate running and did not train.

When I had first arrived at the race I saw guys with ARMY shirts on and their 30 lb ruck sacks ready to go.  I thought holy crap they are nuts.  It was about 85 degrees when the race kicked off. I immediately fell to the back of the group. My goal was to stay out of people's way and scoop up some family friends children who fell back along the way. The run was beautiful.  We left from a parking lot but soon sought refuge on the shaded woody path.  We caught a breeze as we ran bast the river and under a bridge.  The frogs sat on the side of the river and as we ran by seemed to croak us a "keep going!!"

Further into the race I was passed by a man in full fatigues running in work boots with a helmet and the ruck sack and it hit me.  They aren't nuts.  They are the men of our ARMY.  This is their job. This 5K is a drop in the bucket to what they have done for me. Thousands of men and women just like this man risk their lives everyday to protect me. It was inspiring to me to see this man running. He would find people along the way who were over heating and just wanted to give up.  He'd run up behind them and say "hey brother! You've got this,  c'mon we can do it, lets go!"  Even though he wasn't talking to me I was still inspired.  I made it a goal to finish with him.  When the little girls i ran with felt like giving up I told them about this man and how if he can do it they could do it.

I started to feel a cramp with about a half mile left. I was so close I could feel it and I really did not want to give up.  I tried to exhale when the foot opposite hit the ground (I read that tip from a health magazine a while back) but it didn't seem to work.  Just as I started to slow down I thought about the soldier running now a little ways back.  I thought he doesn't get the option to give up.  I replayed his voice in my head "You've got this,  c'mon we can do it, lets go!"  It was just enough.  I jogged a little further and sprinted for the finish line.  I stayed there for a minute just on the out side of the shoot.  I caught my breath and waited.  I heard some people down the line start to cheer and others began to clap. I hollered and cheered as the soldier crossed the line with a smile from ear to ear.  I gave him a high five and said "thanks". He deserved more.  Everyone in the military does.  What they do is hard work. But my thanks was what I gave and I'm glad I did.

When you feel like giving up remember there are people who do not give up for you.  A complete stranger.  The run around and risk their lives in crazy situations and they bear a heavy load.  Next time you run up a hill or feel like stopping just before the finish think "You've got this,  c'mon we can do it, lets go!" and remember you aren't wearing work boots and fatigues.

Thank you to all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.  You are incredible people.

livestrong.livewell

Back in the Saddle

Last year my brother bought me a bicycle. A really nice one!


He had gotten into riding the previous year and dropped 40 lbs so I thought, Ok sign me up!  Last year was great. I rode about 35 miles 3 times a week, lost like 10lbs and finished the season strong with a century ride (100 miles) that took me like 6ish hours.  I trained over the winter, determined not to lose the muscle I had gained in my legs.

I had a goal:  Gain some power so I could ride longer, harder, and better and it worked! 


This season started great.  All the nice weather we had in March made it easy to get back on the bike and work my butt off!  I've been slacking lately though. Ya know when you start a diet or a work out plan and you're so excited and motivated that things go AMAZING?!  Then that 2 week mark comes and suddenly you aren't so into it.  You find excuses and reasons that are convenient to avoid that days work out. Well, that was me this week.  It rained a TON and I was so tired and lethargic and just really didn't have the energy to move.  I worked outside in the garden but found myself just wanting to sleep.


Saturday morning came all to quickly for me and I was seriously considering not riding with my group. That is a first for me. Saturday rides have become the norm and the group I set out with has become a little family to me. I thought ok lets go lazy, at least get one ride in this week.  


Let me tell you I am so happy I went.  
After taking a week off I realized how much I had lost! My legs wouldn't spin as fast, my shifting was off and I barely had the arm strength to hold myself up when I tucked down to try and catch the draft from the guy in front of me. Forget about the hills I hit.  The saying the chain is only as strong as the weakest link comes to mind.  It was definitely me this week. So why so happy?  I woke up the next morning feeling amazing. I was so tired the ride put me over the edge! I slept like a baby.  It's like someone pushed the reset button.  I see now that everything that I have been working for is slipping away and I DON'T want to start over!  I don't like seeing the numbers creep up on the scale and I HATE watching the wheel in front of me disappear!

I swear I felt all the negative energy leave my body. My skin was itchy from the toxins I was burning off. It put everything in perspective for me.  I am more motivated than ever to get the body I want and I have the time to commit to exercise. I'm looking forward to the week ahead and the painful workouts to come.  If you ever feel like you can't or you just don't have the motivation take a minute to see how far you have come.


Maybe yesterday was the farthest you've ever run.  Think about where you started and laugh about that first run when you had to keep stopping and pretty much walked your whole loop.
Maybe yesterday you decided to get in shape.  Think about how you stopped yourself from eating the extra serving of food or boycotted chocolate for the night.  You've made a mental change that not everyone can.


Take the time to do the workout because you will feel better and say "Yeah that was completely worth it... I would have been mad at myself had I skipped that"

live strong.live well

Why now?

Growing up I always had pretty friends.

They had the perfect hair, perfect makeup, and always knew what to say.  They were popular girls and had the friends to show it, but they were all nice and kind and I am still friends with them today. Maybe being friends with them made me popular by default, but I never felt like it.  I constantly stacked myself up against them.

Was I as pretty? Was I wearing the right thing? Did I have the right shoes?  

I scraped by through my middle and high school years avoiding the finger of teasing and bullying but I always felt I was lacking in one area: my body.

Looking back on that time in my life I've realized a few things.

It didn't matter how popular I was.  I made good decisions and found amazing friends.

It didn't matter how pretty I felt. I had (and still have) a boyfriend who loved me and thought I was beautiful.

And I certainly was not fat.

I still am not fat.  But I've grown into my body and a few sizes higher up in my pants.  This probably has to do with a few things.  The first being I'm older and naturally bigger.  The second being I'm in college and under a considerable amount of stress that causes me to occasionally over indulge in pasta, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, ice cream and the ever taunting treat chocolate.

I am comfortable with who I am... but I am capable of being better.  Not skinnier or thinner but stronger.

I'm in nursing school and for the past few years I have been bombarded with information about unhealthy habits, how your body works, and the effects of obesity. I've been hit with the freshman 15, jealous of the skinny girls on campus who get trashed every weekend and manage to avoid weight gain, and overtly aware of the flashy wrappers plastered with "low calories, low fat, low carb, and low sugar".

But things have changed for me.  The past year has shown me the effects of living your life eating a little more than you should, over indulging in sweets, smoking and a whole mess of other things.

Fact: It lands you in the hospital when you are 60.

I've seen countless adults come in every 2 or so weeks for treatment in the acute setting because they can't breathe, or move, or for my favorite, having "chest pain".

“Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness”      -Edward Stanley 

When you eat like crap, smoke and don't exercise you blood vessels harden and get all "crunchy".  When you become "crunchy" blood can't flow correctly.  Blood carries oxygen.  Less blood to your heart muscle = less oxygen.
Chest Pain is your heart gasping for oxygen just as you would if you were being strangled.


So why do I want to change my lifestyle? Why now?
I don't want to strangle myself.
I don't want to be in the hospital at 60.
I do want to enjoy the world and all it has to offer and its a lot of space to cover.  I figure it's going to take me a while so I better make sure I am around to enjoy it all.
And the kicker... My brother is getting married in a year and I'm a bridesmaid so I'd like to look good in the pictures.

(Okay, a little vanity never killed anyone!! Right?)

I am writing this blog to use as a tool to help me on my journey to (yes) weight loss, muscle and strength gain, and a healthier and happier me!


It was my friend Laura's idea.  We have teamed up for our adventure!! I encourage everyone reading to follow her journey at: http://fenton888.blog.com/ AND to start your own fitness blog.


As a nurse one of the most important tools we offer patients is education and lifestyle changes to make that will not only improve quality of life but prevent future hospital stays.  I know what to do and how to do it.  Its time for me to be an example for my patients and start taking my own advice.


There is no time like the present.  No time for excuses.  I have tried and failed before and I am making a promise to myself to never stop.  This is not my story of a diet but of a whole new lifestyle.

live strong.live well

A bit about me

My name is Elena.


I'm looking to make some changes in the way I live my life.  I guess you could classify this blog as a fitness/motivational thing.


My fitness goals:
-Get slim and trim
-Lose about 20 lbs.
-Find some inner strength
-Challenge myself mentally

I've never found success alone but I'm not giving up! This summer with the help of friends and (hopefully!!) readers I will be able to break down every obstacle that has stood in my way and start down a new path in life.

Follow my "Motivation for Strength" page on pinterest! http://pinterest.com/ereamrod/motivation-for-strength/

live strong.live well