Bring it!

A couple weeks ago I debated a decision.  Should I go with my gut or with my heart?  Almost all of you suggested the latter and I'm so glad I followed your advice.

Instead of running my favorite 20K race, I opted to attend a day long seminar with Mr. P90X, Tony Horton.  Who's Tony Horton you ask?  Turn on any channel that shows infomercials and you'll find out quickly.  He's the face behind the workout phenomenon, P90X.  

P90X and Insanity are just two of several home DVD workout programs, made by Beachbody that are literally transforming so many people's lives across our country.  It was extremely inspiring to be in a room full of motivation mamas and dads, who share my same passions.


The day started with an exhilarating workout with Tony.  I snatched a front row spot.  How often will I get that opportunity?  That's me in the green top!

After the workout, and a fresh change of clothes, we had the opportunity to learn about the success of Beachbody.  I was sitting next to a lady who was smokin' hot.  She turned to me and said 'hello' and introduced herself.

A bit later, during the Success Stories segment, a picture of a unhappy, overweight mother, with familiar looking eyes appeared on the big screen.  I turned to look to the hot woman next to me and sure enough, that picture was her just over a year ago.  A mother who had given up on herself had a friend that motivated her to get her life back. Now, she not only looks incredible, but her spirit was contagious.

I sat there listening to success after success and felt such a tremendous amount of gratitude not only for my health but for my willingness and desire to help other people. Most of the people behind the success stories had lost significant amounts of weight or several inches off their bodies, but they all had gained tremendous amounts of joy in their lives. 

I was meant to be in that room and it further solidified
my unrelenting passion to lead people to a healthier lifestyle.

Some key things that Tony Horton said made a significant impact on me.  I jotted down a few of his phrases that resonated deeply with me.

"Doing nothing does nothing" - If you want to make a change in your life, you have to do something about it.  It starts with making a decision to be healthier.

"Abs are made in the kitchen" - Getting that perfect six pack doesn't come from exercise alone.  We have got to start eating better and being more accountable for what we put into our bodies.

"Rock What You Got" - He referred to a new book by Katherine Schwarzenegger.  You can only work with the body you have so make it the best for you and don't worry what you'll never have.

"Stop caring about what people think of you!" - This is the hardest one for me, but I am getting better.  After all, why should I worry about the opinions of the naysayers when my intentions are only meant to them?

We finished the day with an hour of the hardest yoga I've ever done and my body is unforgiving today. My decision was worth every ounce of pain I'm feeling.  I know what Insanity and Beachbody have done for me and I can't wait to start leading others to begin a journey to a new, happier and healthier life.

Inspiring and motivating others makes me happy. If I can lead you to a healthier life, let's not make any more excuses or waste any more time. Let me know how I can help you get started.

 That's me...with Tony Horton!  Bring It!

Gardening

What a pleasant surprise I had this morning.  Each morning I drop Jackson off at daycare, I always hope he is safe and in a nurturing learning environment.  We are so fortunate to have caregivers that provide this haven for him.

I learned the other day the school age children have planted a garden behind their building.  I had my first glimpse on Tuesday of the soon to be picked corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, cantaloupe and my favorite, yellow squash.  Not only did the children play a role in planting the fruits and vegetables, they are taking an active part in watering it, watching it grow and most importantly, tasting the deliciousness of the freshly picked garden harvest.

Teaching kids healthy habits, especially healthy eating habits is so important and when you make it fun, it becomes a life lesson and good habits are established at an early age. 

Can you see the enthusiasm in his face for picking his very own cucumber for his mommy?

As you might expect, I savored every last bit of the cucumber for dinner on a fresh salad or field greens.  Nothing compares to a freshly picked vegetable, grown with your own hands. DELISH!

Just when we think we are supposed to teach our kids everything, we learn so much more from them!  Teaching healthy habits for healthy living!

Stay Healthy!  Stay Motivated!

INSANITY / FITNESS UPDATE:  Day 42 of Insanity.  I'm rewarding myself with a wonderful and much deserved rest day tomorrow.  I've lost a total of about seven pounds.  For someone who never loses weight, this is a pleasant surprise.  My pants are very loose around my waist, but more importantly I feel so good and so strong.  Marathon coaching starts at 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning.  I can't wait to motivate and inspire!

Overcoming Fear

Hi.  My name is Rhonda, and this is my first year coaching.  I DID IT!  It was that easy. 

Tonight was my orientation meeting for marathon training.  Up until tonight, I still had those initial self-doubts about whether I'd be a good coach.  The whole confidence issue I've struggled with for so long opened it's ugly doors again.  UGH!  I walked in timid and somewhat dreading the first day of training, and I left feeling so excited and so eager to get started.

We had to introduce ourselves and say a few words about our marathon history.  As I spoke, I saw these eager, novice eyes watching me and smiling back and it was at that moment, I KNEW that this is what I'm meant to do.  I'm so excited to share my knowledge and motivate others through my experience and hard work.   As the participants asked questions one by one, I envisioned molding them into successful marathon finishers! 

Marathon training is a journey and I can't wait to take my group on a fantastic trip traveling several miles through rough terrain and hot, humid temps.  A journey that will transcend all former experiences and will place a definitive check on many bucket lists.

Tonight I felt like I finally had the confidence to lead those that I would at one point rather follow and tonight I knew that my motivation is going to be the cause of many individual successes.  What I was apprehensive about this morning, I can't wait to begin tonight. 

Don't ever let fear keep you from following your passions.  Don't just dip your toes in the water.  If it's something you truly love, jump in feet first.  Your head with surface, I promise!

My mentor and dear friend Jo!  Thank you for encouraging me to pursue coaching!  I'm learning from the best!

INSANITY UPDATE:  I'm getting extremely anxious to begin Month 2 and I'm getting extremely antsy.  And quite honestly, the last two minutes of Core Cardio and Balance just blows.  I seriously feel flames in my legs.  I know now that I'm definitely going to become a Beachbody coach.  It just makes sense and after tonight, I think I'm going to make that jump rather quickly...feet first!