13.1 Thoughts During My First Half Marathon

"And they're off!"

I usually go to Keeneland only to hear that when the horses run.

Yesterday, it was MY turn to race.

Run the Bluegrass, which is considered "America's Prettiest Half Marathon," was my first ever experience with a half marathon and completing a 13.1 mile run/walk.

The course went through horse farms along the beautiful (and challenging) rolling hills of Lexington countryside.

Because it was my first half, I had an idea of when I wanted to finish (2:30:00), but my ultimate goal was simply crossing the finish line.

The feeling of running across the line, hearing cheers from strangers and having a medal placed around my neck was unforgettable.

I was proud of myself for finishing even if it was four minutes and 19 seconds later than my ideal time.

During the race, I had a lot of time to think.

So, here's a thought for each mile:

1. "I should have found a bathroom BEFORE the race started. Standing in line for several minutes is a total waste of racing time."

2. "I'm going to run all the way up this hill! I'm feeling good! I got this! This is SO easy. Oh, wait, it's only been two miles. OK, let's just keep this up for 11 more..."

3. "Yes! I ran a 5K. Maybe I earned a walking break. Nope, not yet."

4. "FINALLY...other people are starting to walk up these dreadful hills. I'll walk a bit too."

5. "Wow, it really IS pretty. Look at those beautiful horses take off running -- that speed and strength! I should take pictures like those other girls. Nope, gotta keep running... make up for that bathroom break!"

6. "Halfway there! Well...almost. Gosh, my knee is aching! I think I WILL stop and take a picture now."

7. "Who cares if I'm slow?! I'm doing this. There was a time I never thought I'd finish a 5K and THAT seemed scary. Here I am...achieving what I once thought was impossible! I'm going to keep going and cross that finish line and be an inspiration to everyone else who thinks they can't do it."

8. "Running and walking is truly a privilege. I'm never going to take it for granted. So many people have had this opportunity taken away from them. They'll never know what it's like to experience this. I'm running for them. I'll continue moving while I can and pray for those who struggle."

9. "Time for another peanut butter GU. Yum."

10. "Okay...just a 5K left to go. I got this."

11. "BEER?! They're giving us beer as we run by?! Would I like another one? Yes, PLEASE!!!" (Kentucky Ale is amazing, btw!)

12. "Big hills are better while slightly tipsy. I'm thankful to be a lightweight."

13. "I'm running this entire last mile -- no walking! Going out strong and fast! This is soo exciting! I see the finish line. I actually did it!!!"

13.1 "This medal is heavier than I expected. Nice! So pretty. Oh my! I get chocolate milk AND a banana! WHAT...a goodie bag with peanut butter, too?! Alright, where's my free slice of pizza? I need to stretch first. My brain is still flying low. I think my body is in shock of what just happened. It went so fast. I can't wait until next year!"

So, there you have it. What I didn't already say is I almost backed out earlier this month. Minor injuries and more freezing temps and snow than I expected really messed with my training, and I didn't feel ready until I tried for 10 miles last week.

After encouragement from Facebook friends who run, I decided to follow through with it, and I'm SO glad I did! The atmosphere was a lot less intense than I pictured for a half marathon -- many people competing and truly racing, yes, but also a lot of run/walkers like myself who just wanted to have fun.

All this to say, you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to and you should! Don't let fear or being afraid you're not good enough or strong enough or capable enough stop you. I have asthma, and I couldn't run all the way around a block when I first started trying. Now, I did this. YOU CAN TOO.

Just remember... "I can do all things through CHRIST who gives me STRENGTH."

To God alone be the glory. I'm blessed he's given me legs that allow me to walk and run.

***PHOTOS***

Before the run...bright and early! AND COLD.

 Getting ready to start!

Some of the gorgeous views along the way...

This sign made me laugh...

Keep moving, Feet!

Pizza! FINALLY!

Heading home with my lovely medal and feeling accomplished!

"Gym-security"

I just started the jumping, painful and challenging workout program called "Death By Kayla" -- I mean, the "Bikini Body Guide" by Kayla Itsines. Anyone who has done her workouts will understand how I got the name wrong at first. ;)

Anyway, it requires a lot of burpees, jump squats, mountain climbers and anything else that will get whatever flab you have jiggling. It gets the sweat pouring down your face -- we're talking to the point of droplets like rain hitting the floor. It makes your tidy ponytail come undone, and it sometimes leaves you collapsing on the floor in your sweat puddles trying to keep your breakfast from revisiting you and those around you.

Why am I going into such detail? It's not to review Kayla's workouts (although I'm thoroughly enjoying the challenge despite all I just explained!), but because gaining the confidence to do those exercises in front of others is often harder than the workout itself.

I've come a long way since I first walked into a gym. I'd walk in quietly, not making any eye contact, and then hop on a treadmill to play it safe. I finally gained courage to try some of the strength machines, but only if I had a friend there with me who I could pretend everyone was watching instead. Then I got a personal trainer. She helped a lot with my confidence, but it still took a lot of pushing to make myself stand in front of all those mirrors and lift dumbbells next to Mr. Buff and Ms. Skinny Strong. I got used to that and eventually squats. I still worried people were judging me with those, but I did them anyway.

Abs took a little longer. I wasn't about to let people see my belly rolls bunch up and spread out as I crunched and huffed and puffed on the gym floor. Eventually, I even did those.

Now, I've pushed pass the insecurities in almost all areas -- to where the scene described in the second paragraph is the norm and I'm absolutely okay with that -- even on fat days.

What surprised me this morning as I scrolled through Instagram, was finding another BBG girl expressing her own insecurities about doing the guides in front of others. Many others were posting comments agreeing with her. They were explaining how they could never do the workouts in front of others or they go to a private room at the gym or stay in the women's only area. A lot of these girls had abs already showing up along with toned legs and arms -- completely fit and beautiful. It shocked me they had so much insecurity.

While it was comforting to know I'm not the only one who struggles with gym confidence, it was also heartbreaking. We girls are WAY too hard on ourselves. We focus more on tiny jiggles while we jump and less on the hard work we're putting into becoming healthier and stronger. That has to change. No matter how fit you get physically, if you can't find confidence in your mind along the journey, it won't change much. Most of us start the journey hoping for happiness and confidence once we get our dream bodies, but it won't appear magically with defined arms and flat abs. We need to work just as hard at building ourselves up, celebrating our tiny successes along the way and recognizing the beauty we already have.

Like I said, I wasn't always panting like a puppy and jumping like a kangaroo in front of everyone at the gym, but I knew I needed to turn my insecurity into "gym-SECURITY," so I did, one little thought and action at a time.

Here's what has helped me:

1. If someone is taking time out of his or her workout to judge how I look during mine, that says more about them than it does me. Why should I care what some ugly-on-the-inside person thinks of me when I'm clearly there working hard to improve my body on the outside? I shouldn't.

2. Practice makes perfect. If someone judges my incorrect form silently...again, it's THEIR problem. No one does a squat or push-up perfectly the first few times. That judging know-it-all? They didn't know what they were doing at first either, whether they'd admit it or not.

3. I started with what I knew. Curls were easy. Straightforward. I knew I could do those correctly. So I started the workouts with what I was confident about doing. Then I added in ones I struggled with a bit more. Slowly, overcoming the struggling exercises became just as confidence-building as doing easier ones.

4. I smiled at people (and hopefully not in a creepy way!). This goes with the saying "fake it until you make it." Nothing makes you look more confident than a smile and brief eye-contact with someone you're standing next to as you pick up weights or get on the treadmill. Even if you don't feel it, you'll look it and it'll help.

5. I realized most other people were probably feeling a little insecure, too, and not even really watching me.

6. I learned to love myself. I noticed how far I was coming physically. I applauded myself for getting up off the couch. I realized I was strong and kind on the inside and that's all you really need to succeed with anything.

So, don't let the fear of coming across one mean-spirited gym rat keep you from feeling free to jump around and sweat and try new things at the gym. Have fun, smile, work hard and be strong mentally. The rest will follow.

The Circle of Inspiration

Cold weather. Snow. Clouds.

All of that makes me want to hide under the covers with a good book, a cup of coffee and a bag of Oreos or popcorn all day long.

Unfortunately, I actually have done that quite a bit lately.

So, I wake up the next morning with my leggings -- yes, my LEGGINGS, known for their loving stretch in every direction -- feeling a bit tighter.

Then I step on the scale and to myself say, "Today is the day, Kristin! You're eating clean ALL day. No sweets, just fruit. No entire bags of popcorn, just raw vegetables."

Then I discover a bar of dark chocolate hiding in my workout clothing drawer, skip the workout, and go back to bed again with my book and chocolate.

I blame it on winter. That's the easy thing to do. It's what even the muscular men and girls with visible abs occasionally blame a cheat meal on -- their version might be a little piece of white bread with their grilled chicken (not an entire pint of Ben & Jerry's, like mine). Excuses are found everywhere -- especially in winter. Everyone agrees on that. I bet people in Florida even find something about winter to blame a bad meal on if they search hard enough.

However, every day hasn't been like that, because deep down, I know I still want success on this journey more than I want to be lazy every single day and even more than I want to eat an entire jar of peanut butter every day (I tried that one very dark, sad night, by the way, and discovered it's actually the one thing I can't eat an entire jar of in one sitting... lucky for me!).

So, while eating doughnuts as long as they fit into my maintenance calories isn't giving me results right now, it's at least keeping me from undoing all my progress from last year. Yet, I still let myself feel down about it and have that fear of what if I DO undo it all little by little. Then I get discouraged.

That was until a couple of my friends -- who love cookies and movies as much as I do -- started eating healthy and working out. Yes, you read that right... IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER! Talk about inspiring. They've cleaned up their diets, are taking walks daily, and have a new confidence and glow about them! I was so excited for them.

I told them how they are inspiring me to get my glow back, because honestly, how does a doughnut make you glow even if it fits in your calorie allotment for the day? It doesn't. I'm like, sitting there thinking how I really love healthy food, so why am I eating crap (excuse my French). They didn't even start off loving it and they're eating more of it than I am lately.

So, after that talk yesterday, I changed again. I ate fruit and carrots and cucumbers in the middle of the night when I was hungry after eating well all day. Today, I'm going to do it again.

BUT...what was most surprising about the talk we had at a restaurant where we usually load up on the fried foods was not that we were happy to eat healthy there, but that I actually inspired THEM to start their OWN journey.

Yes, me who binge eats in the middle of winter nights now and then even after a good workout; but they don't see that part of me, they just see the results of my progress last year and finally realized they want to feel better, too. They know me, and they saw me change and knew if I could -- ANYONE could. I inspired them even in the midst of my struggle. That felt great to hear.

Now, while they didn't know my struggle lately and their journey is just beginning, they inspired me to really take a look at my diet again and get real with myself instead of staying comfortable.

It's the circle of inspiration! That's why...

ONE: You should never give up. You don't know who is seeing each tiny, positive step of your journey (like ordering a water instead of soda or getting on a treadmill instead of starting a Netflix marathon) and feeling inspired to make their own healthy decisions. Later, their success you in some way may have helped get started will help you when you want to give up again.

TWO: No one is perfect. It's those tiny decisions that eventually add up and allow you to progress. You're going to eat a cookie -- or a box of them -- now and then. One workout -- heck, even five months of workouts -- won't necessarily make you look like Carrie Underwood. But all those positive steps make you FEEL better, which makes you keep going and inspires those around you -- and later inspires you again when you need it most.

So, today, you can make excuses -- even where it's warm -- those are everywhere! Or you can let them go, and remember what you want most and go for it, all in, until you get there. I believe you can do it, but you've got to believe it, too! Just NEVER give up.

The "FitGriddle"

It doesn't matter how much knowledge you have about the evils of most fast food.

You know the number of calories, the chemicals, and the questionable methods of preparation that goes into convenience like that.

Yet, the cravings still hit. I craved a McGriddle this morning, and I don't even remember the last time I went through the Golden Arches for a meal. 

Right as I began staring at my UGGs and wondering if I had a couple dollars in change to give in to one of my many guilty pleasures, I stopped myself.

I decided that my long-term goals were more important than my short-term cravings.

That makes me sound pretty motivated, right?! ;)

Truth be told, I really just had a healthy version come to mind (so as much as I'd like to say I'm all about that willpower, I just knew I'd still maybe get the taste!). I decided to give it a shot. It could be disgusting or it could be wonderful.

Five short minutes later (I still would have been sitting in that drive-thru line, btw!), I was taking a guiltless, wonderful bite of my newest kitchen creation.

So, if you like that sweet and salty combination for breakfast now and then, here's what you can do...

The "FitGriddle"

280 calories

-1/2 banana 

-2 eggs

-Walden Farms Pancake Syrup

-Jimmy Deans Fully-Cooked Turkey Sausage Patty

-Sargento Ultra-Thin Colby-Jack Cheese Slice

1. Mash the banana, and beat with one of the eggs. Pour two "pancakes" onto pre-heated pan over medium heat. Let them cook about a minute before drizzling syrup on each one. Flip when golden brown and finish cooking.

2. Meanwhile, make an egg "patty" in another pan while the turkey sausage warms up in the microwave. Melt slice of cheese on the egg in the pan.

3. Assemble like a sandwich & enjoy! 

P.S. I typically prefer "clean" foods, so these are a bit more processed than I'd like...but it's a nice treat and still a better choice than the drive-thru! Let me know what you think!

How You See Yourself

"You are one good looking, sexy beast of a chick!"

I wish I thought that when I looked in the mirror every morning.

"You're so strong and beautiful."

I rarely think that.

What DO I think?

"Ugh, look at that messy bed head."

OR...

"That popcorn last night left you quite poofy this morning, my dear! You should chug some lemon water...like yesterday."

On REALLY bad mornings, I think both -- and then even more pleasant comments about how my appearance is lacking in some way.

That's what's wrong with a lot of us ladies. We tend to focus on the negative whether we want to admit it or not. We grab onto it like we would a free pair of Nikes at a sporting goods store.

It's a sad truth, but it is a truth -- one I often try to disregard. After all, I'm the Queen of Positivity -- when it comes to other people. If you utter, "I'm sooo fat," around me, it's over with! I'm fussing at ya, sister! You don't need to speak so harshly to yourself. When it's me saying it, it's just the fact of the day.

I think most of us are that way. We can spot the beauty in someone else long before we see it in ourselves. Even if it's not immediately obvious, or doesn't match up to society's standard of beauty, we search and search for it until we find it. We then say, "Wow, your eyes are so blue!" Or, "You can really put together a stylish outfit!" We want to lift others up, because we know what it's like to feel down.

Yet, one glance at ourselves and we mentally peel off layers and layers of our beauty to find the one unappealing part that often only we can see.

Lately, I've been really bad about that. Someone says, "You look pretty." It's hard for me to smile and just say, "Thanks." Instead, I think, 'Wow, you must not have noticed that extra slice of pizza that made its way to my hips over the last couple days.'

While working out and eating healthy are important and necessary, it is possible to become too obsessed and unrealistic about your goals. It can lead to nasty remarks you make to yourself in your head if you eat an extra serving of dinner or give in to dessert. It can lead to unrealistic feelings of lost strength or endurance when you skip a workout. It can even make you want to give up if you can't measure up to that level of perfection you set for yourself -- but no one can. The most fit, leanest, prettiest girl eats pizza (or her guilty pleasure) now and then. It's life. You're supposed to enjoy it and sometimes that enjoyment is found in a brownie sundae. Fitness and clean eating are supposed to make you feel better -- mentally and physically -- not worse.

As I'm caught in the middle of my own storm of negativity tonight, I'm realizing that. The second you feel like you're not measuring up is the second you need to remember how far you've come and all the positive changes you've made. You've got to remember WHY you eat an apple instead of a cookie most days. You've got to remember WHY you make yourself sweat as your heart beats faster and faster. It's not to become perfect (there's truly no such thing) or to have the flattest stomach possible. It's to FEEL good and live a fuller, healthier life.

So, the second you want to tell yourself mean things because of a detour you took along your healthy journey, look at yourself the way others look at you -- search for the beauty. It's that sparkle in your eye, the little gap in between your teeth that makes your smile unique, your strong legs or feminine curves. You're fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Treat yourself like the special, one-of-a-kind creation that you are. What matters most is how you see yourself, and your beauty goes way beyond that mirror -- no matter what size pants you wear or how many carbs you ate today. Truly love yourself and your healthy lifestyle will become so much easier to live -- because when you love someone, you want to treat her in the best way possible.

Falling into BALANCE

You're in the middle of a yoga class. Everything is going great... until the instructor asks you to lift one leg off the ground. The wobble begins. You look around to see if you're the only one struggling. Others are standing strong and firm. Then you realize looking around only made matters worse. You're not struggling anymore, because your body made friends with the ground.

Okay, so maybe that's just me, and you're excellent at the Dancer's Pose; but regardless, that previous scenario summed up my entire year. I lacked balance. Not just in yoga, but in all areas of my life.

This year... that is going to change! A friend introduced me to the One Word Resolution. Instead of a list, the goal is to focus on one specific word daily for the entire year. I chose "balance."

Time. I need to balance that. I'm evaluating where I "waste" a lot of time -- on the Internet, watching Netflix, complaining about all there is to do instead of just getting it done. We all have the same amount of time. I just need to balance mine better.

My relationships with people. I realize I'm a little more introverted and self-centered than I should be. So, some days, I'm going to have to say no to reading an extra chapter in my book or just staring off into space daydreaming, and actually go spend time with the people I love or call them to catch up, so hey, they might realize I actually DO care about them more than it appears.

Health. Here's a biggie: I tend to obsess over my workouts and calories. If I fall short, I beat myself up over it. If I eat that cookie, I feel guilty and it throws my entire day out of whack... because sugar is bad for you and all the healthy people avoid dessert always, right? Nope. I mean, some do, but most don't fret over the occasional treat. Skipping workouts? That, like, NEVER happens. I love working out. Almost too much -- refer to above -- I'd rather go to the gym than go to dinner. That needs to change. Working out is good, but I need to let my body rest more when it needs it. Now, the holidays have been a different story. I ate too much -- even healthy foods -- and spent a bit more time on my butt than pounding the pavement, but I know how I was the majority of last year and it was NOT balanced.

So, here's to hoping for healthy minds, relationships and bodies for ALL of us in 2015. I'm hoping my word will keep me focused, and I'll achieve that balance I need after falling on the ground so much last year.

Anyone else make resolutions? What's your plan for keeping them?

SIMPLY STRONG: How I Lost 25 Pounds This Year

It's been a while since my last post -- too long of a while! Along with beginning my studies to become a certified personal trainer, I started a job as a barista at a bookstore and have been thoroughly enjoying getting to spend more time with friends and family during this busy holiday season. However, I miss blogging and definitely hope to do more of it again in the upcoming new year!

One question I've been asked a lot in the past few months is, "How have you lost weight? What's your secret? What diet are you doing?"

All I've really said is, "I'm not on a diet. I am just trying to live a healthier lifestyle."

It seems the simplicity of that answer takes some people by surprise. You often expect results to come with a long list of rules and strict dieting and killing yourself at the gym. That may work for some, but it didn't work for me. What worked this year started with a mental change. For once in my life, I didn't want to look better for other people or to live up to some unrealistic expectation society often tries to place on us women. Instead, I was tired of feeling tired and bloated. So I changed...for MYSELF. I became simply strong because I wanted to be, and it would not have happened without a change that first started in my mind and lead to healthier eating and exercise habits.

I say all that knowing I'm still not quite "there." I'd like to lose a little more weight and tone up some more, and I definitely still have moments where I eat way too much; but overall, I've changed drastically in this past year, and being asked how I've done it made me decide to really reflect on it.
It all came down to taking my journey one day at a time with "strength" in mind for each choice I made mentally, nutritionally and physically.

I decided this morning to write it all down in detail as I reflected on the year, so I could let friends read it when they asked me what I did. I decided to share it on here, too, as (hopefully!) an inspiration to you! So keep in mind, I'm by no means a nutritionist, psychologist or trainer (YET!)... this is just what I did this past year that worked for me personally. Always check with your doctor to make sure you're doing what's best for YOU. :)

SIMPLY STRONG

How I Lost 25 Pounds Without Dieting or Following a Complicated Exercise Program

MENTAL STRENGTH

Strength is more than a physical attribute, but a mental one. Gaining mental strength is the foundation on which physical strength is built. You've got to believe you can do something before you can actually do it. You've got to believe you're worthy to make those positive changes in your life. You've got to see the healthy, happy person waiting to be let out on the inside for that person to appear on the outside. You've got to love yourself enough to work hard for a healthy, strong body everyday. That can only happen when you allow yourself to see the beauty that already exists within you and know the only person you're wanting to be even better for is yourself.

You have the power to create a healthier you one tiny step at a time – you just have to choose to use it. It won't happen overnight, but it will happen sooner than you think if you never give up. You just have to stay focused on the positive even on the bad days, keep your long-term goals in mind when you face temptation of any kind, and never let a setback take you all the way back.

Love yourself as you already are so you'll treat your body like it deserves.

NUTRITIONAL STRENGTH

Feel deprived at the thought of not eating a cookie or cupcake? I get that. Missing out on sugar means you'll miss out on having less energy, fewer nutrients, and a weaker immune system. Eating that piece of fruit instead might do something crazy -- like give you an energy boost and a decent dose of vitamin C while actually making you feel satisfied and full! ;)

To be nutritionally strong, you've got to ask yourself if treating your taste buds to something seemingly delicious for a couple minutes is better than treating your body to something that will make it feel amazing for the rest of your life. You can't think of eating healthy as deprivation or a diet or something that causes you to miss out on fun. Focus on what you can eat rather than what you feel like you can't.

The occasional dessert or piece of pizza won't hurt you. You can eat it whenever you want – just don't do it every day. You've got to make the healthy choices more often than the not-so-healthy ones and really think about why you're doing it. I like to study up on the health benefits of different fruits and vegetables, because it always makes me want to eat more of them, rather than waste my calories on foods that don't benefit my body.

So, to feel healthy and lose weight, it's really very simple: Eat healthy and not too much.

On average, people burn 2,000 calories a day – the more active you are, the more you burn. Just like if you sit down a lot, you're probably burning fewer. You can search for calorie calculators online that tell you what you burn naturally everyday based on your weight, age and activity level. Eat 500 calories less than that to lose about a pound a week. I wouldn't recommend eating much less than that, and NEVER eat fewer than 1,200 calories. Slow weight loss is lasting weight loss.

You can have one bad meal a week – not an entire binge day – without losing progress for that week. Just listen to your body – eat slowly, stop before you feel full (it takes about 15 minutes for your body to send a “full” signal), and think before you eat. Focus on your meal – not the TV or other distractions. Being mindful of what you're eating is key.

Always eat breakfast and make it your biggest meal of the day to supply energy throughout the day. Dinner should be your smallest. It's best to eat every three hours – a small 200-300 calorie meal. You'll figure out what works best for you, but eating small meals frequently is typically best for your metabolism.

Drink lots of water. Hydration is important, and I've learned it's easy to think you're hungry when you're really thirsty.

Know your weakness. I tend to overeat chips, popcorn, and ice cream. I can't have that easily accessible or I'll eat too much of it. It's about having good-for-you foods nearby and not-so-good-for-you ones out of reach most the time.

Finally, keep it fun. Try something new once a week. Play with spices. Make eating healthy as fun as possible. I like taking a craving for an unhealthy food and making it as healthy as possible – like pancakes. Instead of using flour, I mix up two eggs and a mashed banana and it tastes just as good! There are all kinds of substitutions you can do like that one.

All it comes down to is burning more calories than you're eating and making healthy choices without allowing yourself to feel deprived. The tips and ideas for doing this are endless, but you've just got to play around with it to find what works for you. Every body is different and needs different amounts and types of food.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH

Finally, exercise plays such an important role in overall health and weight loss. If you don't exercise much, start with a 15-20 minute walk down the street or on the treadmill at an easy pace three times a week. Work yourself up a couple minutes each week as you start intensifying the pace. Just listen to your body – it'll tell you when you need to slow down or if you can go a little faster. It's good to get your heart rate up, but don't overdo it if you aren't used to much activity. Once you feel comfortable with that, try biking or dancing or other fun forms of cardio to switch it up so your body doesn't get comfortable with the same kind of exercise. Your goal should be to work up to getting about a half hour of moderate cardio in 3-5 times each week.

Strength training is also very important. You burn more calories at rest the more muscle you have. Start with one session a week and work up to 2-3 each week. You can focus on full-body workouts or breaking it down into individual muscles groups (abs, arms and legs). The possibilities are endless. You can use weights and machines, or simply use your bodyweight. Plank, pilates and yoga workouts are easy on the joints and great for building lean muscle – a great starting point if working out is new to you. I safely learned a lot of new things by getting a personal trainer for a few months and taking fitness classes.

No matter where you're at with physical strength, it's important to know you DO have the time for exercise and to actually take the time for it. Schedule it into your day like the necessity it is. Make it a priority. Even if you break it up into a 10-minute walk here and there throughout the day, all that matters is you make the effort and move your body – a little bit of exercise is better than none at all.

Switch things up and don't be afraid to try new workouts – classes, DVDs, programs in books. You've got to make it fun and you'll only find what's fun for you by trying new things.

Most importantly, only compare yourself to yourself. It doesn't matter if someone you know can run six miles every day without breaking a sweat, and you sweat after two minutes of walking. Someone will always be faster, stronger and fitter than the healthiest person you know. You've got to be encouraged by your own progress – like being able to walk an extra minute than the day before or simply putting one foot in front of the other and trying your hardest when it's the last thing you want to do that day. No one ever really wants to workout when first starting the journey to better health, but even on my weakest days I have NEVER regretted a workout once I accomplished it. Try each day just to be a little stronger than the person you were yesterday. Weigh yourself and take pictures at the start of your journey and every month after to see your progress and get the motivation you need to keep going. You are worth it!

WHERE TO FIND...

INSPIRATION: Instagram hashtags for fitness, searching quotes online, reading magazine articles about healthy transformations, health documentaries on Netflix

RECIPES: Pinterest has TONS of clean eating, healthy recipes to try out – quick & cheap or more involved & more ingredients – you'll never get bored looking there! You can also find ideas through clean eating hashtags on Instagram or, of course, in magazines and recipe books.

WORKOUTS: Again...Pinterest is loaded with them! Also, check out online versions of Fitness & Women's Health magazines. Bodybuilding.com explains how to do strength exercises at the gym. YouTube has great Zumba workouts to follow. If you want a specific workout program, a personal trainer would be beneficial.

Tasty Tuesday: Going Bananas Grilled Sandwich

This is a simple lunch I make on days I have an extra large sweet tooth.

Simple, yet delicious!

Having chocolate, peanut butter and bananas all in one makes for my perfect meal.

GOING BANANAS GRILLED SANDWICH

Ingredients:
Coconut oil, about a teaspoon
Two pieces of bread (I like Ezekiel!)
Banana half, sliced
Peanut butter, a tablespoon or two
Dark chocolate square, cut or shaved into little pieces
Cinnamon

Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Coat one side of both pieces of bread as it melts. Spread peanut butter on bread. Place the banana slices over it. Sprinkle the dark chocolate over those. Grill both sides until it browns a bit and the chocolate melts. Then sprinkle some cinnamon on the sandwich. And finally... enjoy the sweet deliciousness!

I'm beginning to see a trend in the recipes I post -- all sweet and all include bananas. So, my goal for this week will be coming up with something that is not sweet and does not include bananas for next week's post! ;)

LATELY

So, I haven't blogged in over a week... :/ BUT I'm finally all finished with my move and gearing up to start this new chapter in my life -- and hopefully blog more regularly! :)

I saw this cute post on a blog I follow -- A Foodie Stays Fit -- and thought it would be a fun one to do to get back in the habit of blogging now that life has slowed down a bit again.

LATELY

Making: handmade Christmas gifts
Cooking: quinoa anything
Drinking: Coffee, coffee, COFFEE! :)
Reading: Mr. Miracle by Debbie Macomber (already in the Christmas spirit!)
Wanting: some warmer running clothes
Looking: at the sun shining through my blinds
Playing: phone tag
Wasting: pumpkin-flavored foods in the pantry... Hello, Peppermint!
Sewing: haha I wish
Wishing: *see above* No, I'm really wishing everyone could see how much potential and strength they have inside them just waiting to be used.
Enjoying: being surrounded by friends and family
Waiting: for Channing Tatum to knock on my door (a girl can dream!)
Liking: this quiet, peaceful morning
Wondering: what my life will look like 10 years from now
Loving: my parents
Hoping: I'll keep my weight off during this holiday season ;)
Marveling: at God's beautiful creation
Needing: more time
Smelling: coffee
Wearing: red striped thermal PJs
Following: Jesus
Noticing: the little things in life more
Knowing: I need to get busy with my to do list!
Thinking: too much
Bookmarking: magazine articles with great recipes I want to try
Opening: too many LARA bars lately ;)
Giggling: over silly inside jokes
Feeling: peaceful

A blank list for you to copy and paste…

Making : Cooking : Drinking : Reading: Wanting: Looking: Playing: Wasting: Sewing: Wishing: Enjoying: Waiting: Liking: Wondering: Loving: Hoping: Marvelling: Needing: Smelling: Wearing: Following: Noticing: Knowing: Thinking: Bookmarking: Opening: Giggling: Feeling:

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

It's a common phrase: "One step forward and two steps back."

When hopelessness sets in after an unhealthy meal, ice cream binge or missed workout, it's easy to think that one wrong move erased all progress. It's easy to think you're turning around, walking backward, to stay there. It's easy to think you haven't really changed -- your weight will all come back, you'll lose your strength, you'll overeat everyday.

You know what? That is the farthest from the truth.

There's not a single person in this world who hasn't in some way fallen short of their daily goals. We all have them, and we're all human. It's going to happen.

For some, it may happen more than others. Maybe you're just starting your journey toward a healthier lifestyle and "accidentally" ordered a dessert when you went out for salad with a friend.

So what? You ORDERED that salad, and you ate it. You chose healthy first. You don't and you won't eat dessert all the time, but as part of a lifestyle (permanent change), you'll eat dessert now and then. It's balance.

What matters is that you don't kick yourself when you're down (except for donkey kicks, those are okay!) and you don't let yourself eat desserts or white bread or drink soda EVERY day.

I've been busy moving still -- in the middle of a HUGE transition in life -- and sometimes these past few weeks, I've turned to some of my old favorite comfort foods (pizza and ice cream, for example). Each bite, I enjoyed only to leave the meal with a fear of going back to my old ways, gaining weight again, reversing my progress. Then I realized how silly I was. Yes, you shouldn't be PROUD of yourself for eating those potato chips, but SHAMING yourself can be just as damaging.

I realized that this time.

I realized I overate several days these past weeks. Yet, because it wasn't everyday, I didn't gain a single pound. Remember, over time 3,500 extra calories = 1 pound. It's an average over time. One bad day, won't bring back all the weight. It'll slow your progress down, yes, but not reverse it. Just don't overeat everyday.

I got sick for a day and had to miss a workout. Life happens. Sometimes your body needs rest. That rest day or two -- or even three if need be -- won't kill all your strength and muscle tone. It took MONTHS to get as strong as you are now, you won't lose that in one week.

I'm not writing this post as an excuse to have those days. None of us should want that miserable, sluggish and bloated feeling that comes with eating foods that harm your body. None of us should want to be lazy and miss workouts or not give our all to each workout we do, leaving us with no other choice but to remain still later in life. But negativity and hopelessness and shame when we do mess up can be just as damaging, and that's not good at all.

You've got to get back up after you fall down. You've got to realize yesterday is over and it does NOT have to define you. You've got to recognize your weakness and wake up fighting them harder than the day before.

It's where a "lifestyle" is different than a "diet." Diets end when you lose weight. Diets make you eat soup everyday for a month or allow cookies all day as long as the pounds fall off. That's not healthy. Healthy FOREVER should be your goal. Strong should be your goal. Not immediate results that disappear the moment you get them. Learn how to deal with a detour the healthy way -- maybe do a plank after you eat that cheeseburger to remind you how strong you are even on a bad day -- and get back on track as soon as possible. Don't stay in the ditch.

Most importantly, you have to realize that every day you wake up and TRY YOUR HARDEST, you're still moving forward.

Here are some thoughts I had on my "bad days" that lifted me up and gave me the push to keep going the next day:

Eating a bad meal is going to happen. Don't be proud of it. Don't give it the power to destroy you.

I am better than this. My body deserves better. I deserve better.

Eating healthy is a choice. I don't HAVE to do it. I WANT to do it.

It's a brain thing as much or more than it's a body thing. You've got to always be strengthening your mind to control the cravings and the urge to binge. Let each bad meal teach you where you went wrong, so it doesn't have to happen again.

Recognize your weaknesses, but don't let them blind you from your strengths.

Hope my musings can be of at least a little help motivating you today! After all, we're all in this together! :)

Finding Strength in Each Struggle

I love running.

I don't always FEEL like running.

Just like you enjoy biking or kickboxing or walking, but don't always feel like it.

This past week was a struggle. I woke up feeling lazy or stuffy from allergies. It was the first time in a while I didn't WANT to go to the gym or head outside for a run, but it was also the first time I was in a "funk" and pushed through every single workout.

And you know what? I felt BETTER after each one!

What's funny to me is that I KNOW this. I read about it. I hear about it. I experience it. ALL. THE. TIME.

"Exercising gives you energy."

So why is it so hard to remember that until you do it each and every time?

What matters is you try to.

Anytime you're feeling weak, remember your typical strength and let that push you to at least try.

Yesterday, it was time for a long run for my half marathon training. I woke up with a pounding headache, stuffed up nose and even some dizzy spells. I was also exhausted, even after a good night's sleep, but I knew I wanted to run this half marathon in a few months more than I wanted to give in to how I felt in that moment.

Obviously, there are times you physically CAN'T or SHOULDN'T workout -- according to doctor's orders or that deep ache in your knee -- but I knew this probably wasn't one of them.

So I went.

I had a 6-mile goal. I didn't even feel like running one mile. I knew it wouldn't be my best speed or distance, but even three miles would be better than none.

Head still fuzzy, I ran down the road. Half a mile and out of breath. I wanted to stop and walk two miles -- if that -- and turn around.

Then I remembered what my trainer told me during a plank once, "Mind over body."

I pushed through a solid run for more than a mile.

I stopped to catch a breath and walk for a few.

I kept doing the running/walking thing, until finally... guess what? I walked up to my front door after completing SEVEN miles.

My head was clear. I felt energized and calm all at once.

So, I'm sharing this as a reminder (because I don't believe we can ever have too many!) that even when you don't FEEL like exercising, you should. You'll feel better. Know it might not be your best, but you can still give it your all in that moment and be proud of it -- proud of yourself for finding strength in each struggle.

Shopaholic Saturday: Fitbit Review

Well, I can thank the Fitbit for making me look like an idiot to get in extra steps the past couple weeks -- walking laps around stores or looking half asleep walking slow as a turtle on the treadmill on rest days. But hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to get those 10,000 steps in each day!

I can also thank it for increased awareness of my calorie intake and burn. I already used a food diary app on my iPhone, but Fitbit's is much more motivating than the one I was using.

For those who aren't familiar with it, it breaks down calories eaten vs. calories burned. You can set a daily budget based on how quickly you want to lose weight. I've found the graphs showing the past several days motivating -- either for the progress you've made or if you didn't do as well as you usually do.

It's made me realize that on days I walk a lot, I burn more than I thought; and days I spend reading in bed for too long, I realized I actually can't afford the standard 2,000 calories.

The activity accuracy seems excellent. I ran on the treadmill, looked at steps taken, distance and calories burned -- then entered the workout manually based on what the treadmill said, and they matched up nicely. (The only time it seemed to get "confused" is when I worked out at midnight on a day I traveled to another time zone. I don't blame it.)

It also tracks your sleep patterns, and I'm sure you've read all those studies about the importance of sleep for losing weight!

So, basically, if you're looking to get that extra push by constantly reaching and setting new goals (who wouldn't want a "bracelet" that lights up and vibrates when you hit your steps goal for the day?), learning what areas you need to improve (fewer calories for me!) and making sure you're drinking enough water, the Fitbit Flex may be the best $100 you'll spend.

Thirsty Thursday: Black Coffee

How do you like your morning cup?

More than half of all Americans drink a total of about 66 billion cups of coffee each year. Sales continue to grow. This information is according this website I found right here.

While caffeine is a drug -- an addictive one -- that some experts suggest having no more of than 400-450 milligrams a day or a few cups, it comes with some health benefits. A coffee addict like me LOVES focusing on those.

One of my favorite books is Reader's Digest's Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal. In the book, it says caffeine may boost mental alertness and concentration, improve athletic performance temporarily, and even stop an asthma attack or headache by relaxing constricted muscles and blood vessels.

Other articles I've read suggest coffee can help you burn fat -- I like the sound of that!

However, the book I mentioned also says it can cause insomnia and the need to hit the ladies room where you may lose extra calcium or feel your blood pressure rising.

From all I've read and experienced, I've learned -- like with most things -- moderation is the key to feeling your best.

So, I shall continue drinking my cup (or two) of black coffee each morning and maybe try cutting back just a little by skipping my afternoon latte.

Tasty Tuesday: Peanut Butter Mocha "Crownies"

So, I'm beginning to do A LOT of experimenting in the kitchen with the goal of finding the best taste for the lowest amount of calories and as "clean" as possible.

I had a little fun and made a video as I tried out an idea I came up with for the first time.

I intended to have "balls," but they ended up being flat like cookies with a texture similar to brownies, so that's why I'm calling them "crownies."

RECIPE

Ingredients:
1 mashed banana
1/2 cup of oats, 1/4 blended into a fine powder
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 1/2 tablespoons cool coffee
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Dash of salt

Process:
Mash the banana in a bowl. Put half the oats in a blender to make a fine powder. Add to bowl with remaining oats. Add all other ingredients. Mix well. Drop spoonfuls onto coconut oil-greased baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

Entire batch: 650 calories
Makes 10-12

Let me know what you think!

Shopaholic Saturday: Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Before I get to Ollie's, I HAVE to share this amazing body butter I bought from Trader Joe's earlier this week. It's vegan & cruelty free AND a great price! It felt so good massaged into my sore legs and smells like fall.

Be warned: There are all kinds of tempting pumpkin foods there right now as well!

Now...off to Ollie's! If you've never been to one, you NEED to go. 

Yesterday, in Bowling Green, my parents and I went a little crazy.

 

We got a lot of books...

All of those cost right under $20!

I also got some yummy organic food & coffee for just over $20...

And finally...workout equipment galore!

All of that for about $50!

I bought ONE kettlebell for $20 elsewhere, so that really puts it into perspective.

So, if you're a shopaholic on a budget, Ollie's is a GREAT place to splurge.

Thirsty Thursday: Turmeric Tea

I first heard of turmeric from a former co-worker who would microwave his water before putting a spoonful of yellow stuff in it each afternoon.

I asked what it was and he told me. He said it had many health benefits and it didn't taste so bad.

I was already enjoying my lemon-cayenne water mixture and wasn't interested in trying something else right away.

This week, however, I found a bag of organic turmeric and decided to give it a try.

I just so happened to remember that I heard it's a good natural anti-inflammatory, and I was suffering from congestion and a headache and ankle pain.

So, I looked up a recipe -- there are many -- and decided on this simple one:

1 cup of warm water
1 tsp turmeric
Juice from half of a lemon

I also read adding black pepper or honey and cinnamon is enjoyable.

I actually really enjoyed just the simple recipe for it. I thought the flavor was really unique -- citrus meets spicy!

Anyway, whether it was the turmeric or not, my headache disappeared almost immediately and my congestion has really cleared up for it to be a really awful time for allergies for me. It also boosted my energy.

Here's a great article I found that explains some other health benefits of turmeric.

Have you had any form of turmeric tea before? What are your thoughts?

Work It Out Wednesday: "Shake It Off"

It was a long day.

I didn't get a lot of sleep. Then I ran errands and drove three hours in the rain to Bowling Green to pack up and move more things back home this weekend.

So, you would imagine, I wasn't quite as eager as usual to go to the gym tonight. I was tuckered out.

However, I also ate too much popcorn today and told myself a few curls and dips were better than none at all.

I got to the gym and ended up doing a pretty hardcore arm workout.

Since my long run on Sunday, my ankle has been acting up, so I decided to hop on the elliptical for some cardio that would be easy on the joints.

Halfway through, I was feeling pretty drained, and then it came on -- "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift.

I didn't want to love that song when it first came out, but now it's become part of almost every workout. It never fails to give me that extra boost of energy and motivation to push harder when I'm nearing the end of a workout -- and it's a fun song! I mean, how can you not smile when you hear it?

Then I started thinking of the other songs that always help me push harder -- even if I've heard them a thousand times before. Here they are:

COOL DOWN FAVORITES

Check them out, let me know what you think, and share your favorite motivating music with me!

Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Cheesecake "Pancakes"

The windows are open. The rain is falling. The leaves are turning.

Each changing season is a gift I welcome as I take in all the little details that make it unique.

While I enjoy the intense sun of summer and the white, snowy world of winter, autumn is my favorite season.

That's why I can't seem to consume enough pumpkin -- I'm even drinking black pumpkin spice coffee as I write this.

Saying I'm addicted to pumpkin-anything is an understatement.

That brings me to this Tasty Tuesday...

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE PANCAKES

After seeing multiple photos of fluffy pumpkin pancakes loaded down with syrup and whipped cream swarming my Facebook feed and Instagram, I decided I needed to dress up my healthy pumpkin pancakes to make it feel a little more naughty -- all the while saving myself from the bajillion calories in the ones I've seen posted. Here's what I came up with:

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 banana, mashed
1/2 cup pumpkin
Spices to taste (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger... or just pumpkin pie spice!)
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. cream cheese

First off, mix up the banana and pumpkin. Then sprinkle in the spices, and mix it again. Add the eggs, beat them, and mix it all up until it's completely combined.

Meanwhile, allow your pan to be heating up over medium-high heat. Then drop spoonfuls of batter onto the skillet. You can make them any size you want, but if you make four bigger ones, cook them for 13-15 minutes -- until they're a bit easier to flip. These "pancakes" can be challenging to flip, but cook them a little longer if they're sticking too much. Like typical pancakes, the edges will dry as bubbles rise to the top when they're getting close to ready for flipping.

After that, it only takes a couple more minutes on the other side before they're finished cooking.

Put them on a plate, spread the cream cheese between each one, and top them off with some extra cinnamon.

My favorite part? Gobble them up! :)

I calculated the calories in them TWICE because they were so delicious and satisfying I was sure they couldn't be only 310 calories! But they are.

My dad isn't even a pumpkin person, and when I let him try mine, he wanted his own plate!

Enjoy!

Side note: My dad informed me that my pronunciation of "voila" was not the correct French form. I told him, it's because I'm using Kentucky French! ;) Coming at you like a true Southern Belle! Maybe I should watch Julia Child before my next cooking video...

Success on Sunday

I have several successes to share with you this Sunday (technically, it's Monday, but I haven't gone to sleep yet, so I'm still on Sunday)!

1. For starters, this week, I signed up for my first half marathon. It was quite daunting to pay $80 for a race for which I have much training left to do by March. However, today was successful in that I accomplished my longest run ever -- 7 miles -- really getting serious about that training. While on that run, I enjoyed exploring a path I hadn't been on before and found this lovely trail just over two miles away from my house...

The last few longer runs I've done, I'm noticing a change in my endurance. I feel like I can run without stopping to walk much if I just keep a steady pace and really focus on my breathing. I still hit some rough spots during the runs and have to talk myself up to keep going, but two miles now feels easy after seeming nearly impossible for so long. It gives me hope that I'm capable of and will be ready to run the 13.1 in a few months.

2. Another success this week: My parents. They've done a fabulous job counting calories and working out since Thursday. I've got my mom to try quinoa, chia seeds and several other healthy foods she hadn't tried before. I introduced my dad to some workouts, including the kettlebell swing.

Basically, they made the decision to jump aboard the healthy train, and I'm so excited to see where the ride takes them! :)

3. Finally, my blog! I put a lot of thought into how I plan to keep myself accountable to writing posts, and even had my dad take some cool pics to go with the new name -- "Runs with Pearls."

So now the rain has begun to fall and I do believe this weather is the perfect kind to fall asleep listening to, so I'm going to hit the hay and get rested up for another week of success -- and please let me know in the comments below what successes you've encountered this week!

Shopaholic Saturday: Old Navy SALE

So, I've really been working to downsize during my move. 

Today, I was feeling really good about the trunk load of clothes I dropped off at the consignment shop before noon. 

However, then I went to Old Navy to make a return, and I took a few steps backward -- not out of the store, of course. That would have been what someone else trying to save money and downsize would do, but not me, not after being greeted by a sign that told me all athletic clothing was half off until one o'clock.

I pulled out my cell phone and checked the time. I had 15 minutes to pick out my favorites and make it through the massive line with other ladies holding yoga pants with that same guilty smile I knew I'd have in just moments.

So I found this great tank top...

And then these yoga pants reminded me a bit of a space, and I decided they'd make my booty look "out of this world" (#cornyjoke)... 

Then I was like, hey, a girl can never have too many sports bras...

Before I knew it, I was in that line with just two minutes to spare before the sale ended.

I walked away with all this for just around $33.

That's about $40 cheaper than the original cost would have been.

So,I pretty much saved myself a lot of money by shopping today.

Timing is everything.

Now, for some squats!