Makings of an Iron-mom (Part II)

The 2nd Leg - A 2nd Child

The Second leg of a triathlon (the bike) is where you start to either think "I've got this" or "How am I going to do this?!". In terms of keeping life balanced, I have experienced a whole lot of both. One afternoon last December, I began the 2nd leg of my current IRON-MOM triathlon and we added another piece to the puzzle - a beautiful, miraculous, wonderful piece - but a piece nonetheless, just when I thought I had this scene all figured out. Our first son, our second child.  Here is a glimpse into a few perspectives I have gained the hard way. May these realizations (esp. #3) help your own journey be less rocky.

Each time I have given birth to a precious newborn, one of my first thoughts has been: How on earth did you fit in there?! It continues to blow my mind.

To answer that question, my body has so graciously told me everything I once wondered regarding how that amazing 8lb 13oz boy once fit inside (thank you, pain): the hips that don't rotate without a pop, the back that is still uncomfortable while sleeping, the abs that remain partially severed, the lungs that forgot how to breathe, the joints that feel the residual strain of added weight and imbalance, and the awkwardness of extra skin (and other things) that didn't used to exist. Yes, evidence still lingers that my body has been very much "broken" in order to create new life. I gave up mine for his. I gave it up for his snuggles, his smiles, his calm and happy demeanor blessing our home, his bright eyes, his strength, his love, his future, and all those he will one day lift and inspire. Worth it? Completely.

During the last 7 months of trying to get back to a more fit lifestyle, I have struggled to "fit in", myself - fit in my clothes, fit in my hobbies, fit in my workouts, fit in one-on-one time with my husband and kids, fit in to the personal expectations I have for myself, and fit in my spiritual moments of quiet and pondering that inspire my direction and purpose.

In the 2nd leg you have to have a rhythm. Mine had been completely demolished. It was time to find a new rhythm.  A few crash-and-burns have helped me create life's new cadence (wear a helmet).

Smack in the Face #1: The past is not coming back.

As much as I sometimes think "I want my old body back" (or at least my mind!), the reality is that I don't get it back, and I won't get it back. Life will never be exactly the same as it was before. Ouch. I have had to accept that in order to work with what I do have and improve the things I can still do. I used to fool myself into thinking I would never get older and that I would always be able to do anything I wanted just as spry and springy as ever. My competitive heart has broken at times as I come to grips with chronic pain, injury, and lack of flexibility. Reality has taught me that ice, stretches, and strengthening exercises are now the most important part of my current routine, even more than the workout itself! I am now a different person to some extent, with new passions and opportunities as I strive to play to my strengths, while still working on the weaknesses. Perhaps I can be better at what I do now than I ever was at what I did then.

My reality. Life hurts, but it's worth the pain to live it well.

Having two children now keeps my hands full (literally) and my lack of a certain cloning superpower sometimes makes me wish for those peace-any-time-I-want days to return or at least the days when I heard only one screaming voice demanding my attention. At least then I could think semi-straight. I don't have Inspector Gadget arms that can change a diaper in one room while simultaneously feeding a "starving" child in the other. The inability to be in two places at once, calm two sets of tears at once, feed two mouths at once, or put two sets of little clothes on at once (or even keep them both on!) makes the days of old sound dreamy.

And then I see it...

...my son, still an infant, gives me a look that could tell a thousand mysteries if he could speak. The unspoken words carry not to my ears, but to my heart, and I know - I am living the dream right now. I am in fact already doing more for my kids, myself, society, and the world than any other thing I could possibly be doing. The sacrifice is both real and rewarding. I am raising up leaders. I am teaching integrity and accountability. I am passing on knowledge and wisdom. I am fostering faith. I am instilling kindness and compassion. I am living and breathing hope and light into the lives of two individuals in a way that no one else can or ever will. Poopy diapers today - persistence and patience tomorrow.  My love will turn these bottles and binkies into brilliance and benevolence, messes and mayhem into miracles and masterpieces.  I am training the champions of tomorrow.

This is no easy thing. They don't call it endurance for nothing. But trying to live in your old self, or continuing to long for past circumstances is like trying to fit a puzzle piece in the wrong place, time and time again - pushing and twisting and demanding that it belong there. We all do it. It never works. Once you come to grips with that reality and accept other outcomes, you can realize that where it does belong is far better than where you had first envisioned; the opportunity before you is far greater than what was behind you.

Sucker Punch #2: If I want to grow, I cannot stay in my Comfort Zone.

I hate mornings. The sound of the alarm always begins one of my most difficult daily struggles. I swear I just fell asleep (if I ever slept at all). And we all know once the kids are awake, all chaos begins. So despite my detest for standing on two feet after a long night with a sweet little one and the neighbor's obnoxious howling dog, I cannot deny the power of early mornings. Not some imaginary hope for extra energy, I mean real, pure, enduring power. Darn - I wish I could say that sleeping in and eating cookies all day was the key to health and happiness because that is what my natural human instincts want me to do... sorry folks.

Recently I went for a beautiful sunrise bike ride on country roads through green pastures and rolling hills, alongside a lake that reflected the pastel sky above, with mountains gracing the background. Nature's beauty = power. The wind whispered  inspiring thoughts to my mind that became my own. Even the beat of my pedaling cadence seemed to align my worries into a rhythm of peace and calm. That was power. Upon returning home, I turned to the Creator in prayer and the study of his words through scripture, giving me further understanding of who I am and how I can access strength beyond my own. That was power.  So imagine, it's only 7am, I've already pumped through a workout, my body feels strong, my mind is clear and full of positive thoughts, I feel closer to God, my confidence is on the ups, and I've even taken a shower with no interruptions or audience (such a rare occasion with a cute and curious toddler around)!  Now how could this not turn out a good day? What could break me? Even if something goes "wrong", the difference is, I don't care! I'm sure my family appreciates it, too, as these early mornings seem to turn an "every little thing bugs me" attitude into "every little thing is wonderful" gratitude. I sacrificed for peace, and now I can answer with peace. I gave up the physical comfort for mental confidence and spiritual control that carries me through the day.

I am still working on this particular area, but I have never once regretted utilizing any morning to set the tone of my day. Early to rise, or whatever it be, we have to face the truth: It's time to get uncomfortable. 

Blow to the Blindside #3: I cannot control everything, nor should I.

 A 2 year old breaks her arm falling off a chair. Someone rings the doorbell right in the middle of nap time who I want to curse and give a piece of my mind (it just happens to be the Sheriff). A baby gets stuck in the corner of his crib and wails for help when I think he is merely protesting my absence. I finally have a minute to run an errand on my own and the place I need to go is unexpectedly closed when I get there. A toddler throws a toy that strikes her little brother in the head. It's too hot (or cold) to go out and play. Someone turns the oven up to 450 degrees when I'm not looking and chars the last batch of cookies (I'll give you one guess...). A baby gets hit solidly by a stray basketball during a game, despite my efforts to dive to save him - I feel guilty as he screams in pain. Another night of little sleep and plenty to do the next day. An infant has to be taken to the emergency room when Daddy is out of town. A friend passes away too young. A child is in serious pain, and a mother is in tears, not knowing how to calm him. 

There are some things we cannot control. Furthermore, there are things we weren't meant to control. That is hard to accept sometimes. You can't blame yourself for every little thing that goes wrong or every choice others make or every misfortune that comes your way. As cliche as it sounds, all we can do is the very best we can, and have faith that the rest is under far better control than our own. I have learned and relearned this principle during this 2nd leg. 

So stop being angry with yourself for events you cannot change. Stop placing the weight of guilt on your own shoulders for things you cannot or should not control. Only then can you truly find meaning. Only then can you be fully encompassed by peace. Sometimes you have to let go in order to move forward. Sometimes those things we can't control become our greatest blessings. They teach us to take advantage of the opportunities we do have the power to act upon.  

 Life is a series of pedaling uphill and coasting down, births and deaths of different sorts, new chapters and old memories.  In this journey of new beginnings and sacrifices, we find these pieces to our puzzle, shaped to add fulfillment to our souls and magnitude to our life's mission. While still reverencing the life we have thus created, we can set our focus on new possibilities, new heights and depths that were previously unimaginable. We can find our new rhythm. Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it hurts. Always, it's worth it.

We're all on a "2nd Leg" somewhere. Pedal hard. We've got this.

Makings of an Iron-mom (Part I.5)

  

 Transitions           Read Part I Here!

Those involved in the world of Triathlon know that a well-planned and executed transition is key to a solid race and a faster time. The way we prepare for and handle life's transitions is key to building solid character and finding balance faster.   

Let me tell you about the craziest, most excruciating, unpredictable, exhausting workout of my life and how I survived. The first 8 hours were kind of exhilarating. Rolling hills - moments of intense focus, followed by a return to a calm rhythm. A clear vision lay before me. I could see the next climb ahead and get motivated for the upcoming drive. Gradually, the hills became steeper and more difficult. I was starting to feel the burn. Not just the metaphorical burn, it was a real burn... in muscles I previously didn't even know existed! Sometimes I forgot to breathe, so I had to talk myself into it. I was drenched - not in rain but in sweat, and a few tears. A shear test of my will-power and concentration were on display. All the while, my mind fixed on the prize. I had to finish now - there was no turning back. Suddenly that vision of what to expect vanished. Standing before me was the steepest, most jagged peak I had ever seen and there was no way to tell just how far or how difficult the final push would be. Beyond exhausted, I gave it my all, though there was nothing left. I honestly thought I might pass-out, but stopping was not an option - no breaks, no breathers. Prayers were uttered silently, cheers from the "crowd" encouraged, and thank goodness for the Lord of the Rings soundtrack! It was now everything on the line. It was "buckle up/can't stop this ride/how am I still alive?!" intensity.  I gutted through it those final 2 hours like a champ and finished strong to claim my reward: the most beautiful newborn baby boy, wrapped in my arms.

10 hours of natural childbirth. Talk about a transition. Why did I choose this for myself? I would like to tell you that it was all for the baby's health, or for a smoother recovery, or for the joy of the wholesome experience, or some respectable motive. Truth be told, the answer is rooted in the fact that I am a competitive-to-the-core, proud woman who has to prove she can do anything. I did it simply to say that I could handle it. The nurse told me after, "Wow, I don't know if I've ever seen someone in such control for the entire delivery!". I wanted to laugh...sure fooled her. So was it worth it? Of course! Anything is worth it to bring my child into the world. But will I do it that way again? Not likely.

The method of labor and delivery is irrelevant, everyone has the way that works or is necessary for them - the lesson that matters is this: I had a method and a purpose, and I stuck to it. When you come to the crossroads in life, focus on your purpose and use that as your guide for whatever your personal transition may be. In triathlon, it doesn't necessarily matter if you put on your helmet or your sunglasses first. What matters is that you have a systematic approach to your purpose of changing, refueling, and continuing on efficiently. 

I'm not going to tell you how to deal with your life, that is your decision, but that's the kicker - you have to actually make a decision about what your own methods will be in order to fully capitalize on these transitions. It is important to decide in advance how to handle even the unexpected events that almost always arise. It's like emergency preparedness for the variables of life - work, school, family, health, etc. Most of the time, for life changes, my "system" involves a whole lot of prayer, gaining more knowledge (reading), goal-setting, and a solid dose of faith (action). The more I practice, the better I get at it, and the quicker I can move on to the next "event" instead of being stuck in limbo. Though we may be tempted, the "whoa is me" mentality only digs the hole deeper, making it nearly impossible to see out of the mud and realize the opportunities the situation brings.

Worth everything and then some.

There is also such a thing as transitioning too quickly. Right now you're probably thinking, Wait I thought you just said the whole point is to be fast? Well, efficiency is more the key. There are some parts of the process that simply cannot be overlooked or cut short. A friend of mine once told me, "There is a difference between wasting time and taking the time for the things that need the taking of time for."  For me in a triathlon, that is my fruit snacks :) - I have to have my fruit snacks. Easy to chew, quick energy boost, morale boost, and yummy! I always have a bag open and ready to pop in right after the swim. As an individual and especially as a mother, it's communication with God. I have to have it or I'm lost (and trust me I have been lost before). Some things can't come later. If I forget my helmet, I'm disqualified. If I don't get enough fluids, I may pay for it later on. Same with this journey through life. Skipping steps can be detrimental. 

Furthermore, my latest transition of childbirth has taught me that limits mean nothing - thresholds are breakable, strength (in all forms) can and will stretch beyond boundaries - especially for your children and those you love most. When you stop placing limits on your goals, that is when you will see yourself soar, and others around you will be inspired to do the same. Think about that thing you've "been meaning to do" - consider that dream you think is just out of reach. Why not you? Is it that you can't do it, or that you won't do it? Let that marinate for a bit.

Many people see transitions in life as a nice way of saying "chaos-creators" or "madness-makers". I believe they can be transformed into "opportunity-openers" and "destiny-designers". I just hope my next transition like this goes a little bit faster than 10 hours. :)

Makings of an Iron-mom (Part I)

Pregnancy. Baby #2. Terrible Twos. My Current Triathlon.

Parent or not, everyone has their endurance tests, this just happens to be my current course. Welcome to my life this past year. Welcome to the beginnings of added chaos, exhaustion, uncertainty, and overwhelming...joy? Funny how that works. The most challenging situations often produce the greatest satisfaction. 

You may be familiar with the Ironman Triathlon - one of the most grueling, gutsy races in all of sports: 2.4 mile swim in open water, 112 mile bike, finished off with running an entire Marathon (26.2 mi). Well may I introduce you to my personal Ironman - the one that tests the limits of the body, mind, heart, and soul: the "Iron-mom".

 "Challenging" is exactly what it has been to re-schedule, re-prioritize, and re-balance my life during/since the carrying and birth of my son, especially when it comes to fitness. Let me share a bit of what I have gained from this real-life endurance race so far. Life lessons are everywhere.

First Leg - Second Pregnancy.

Expect the Unexpected. Wow. That was totally not like the first. Perhaps because this time I had a one-year-old daughter to chase around, or maybe it's that my body was already partially out-of-order from the first go, but whatever the reason, it was different. And that is just how it is for everyone - you don't know what it will be like for you or for anyone else. For myself, compared to round 1 it was harder to sleep, easier to focus, harder to remember things, less nausea (thank goodnes!), more tired during the day, and bigger appetite. I became huge way faster, but I was less hard on myself because I knew what to expect. Or did I? I suppose you never know, and that is okay. Just because you puked your guts out the first time, doesn't necessarily mean you will this time. Even if you craved dish soap or constantly wanted to ingest some other unnatural product, this time you may just want fruit, like a normal human being. In the same sense, just because you struck out once, doesn't mean it will happen every time. Sometimes I have caught myself sinking into that mindset - expecting the worst in order to protect myself from unmet expectations. I get myself worked up about camping with kids because last time I was up all night to a wiggly, attention-seeking, adorable little girl (slightly less adorable at 3am in a cold tent...). The problem with that is the fears of yesterday taint the experiences and opportunities of today. The expectations make me not want to go at all, but the truth is that it can be better next time around, and it likely will be if I allow myself to take the risk to enjoy and make precious memories.

Not only do we hold ourselves back based on our own expectations, but the expectations and assumptions that others try to place upon us. This second pregnancy was like that. I read up on every possible article or book or random post on Facebook to tell me what was going to happen to my body, baby, and way of life for those 9 months, even though it wasn't my first rodeo. These are some things I heard:
-  "[So-and-so] ran a marathon at 30 weeks, so you can too!". Wait, why can't I do that? 
- "Don't sleep on your back ever, or your baby will definitely die". Ok, so I exaggerated that one, but I still found myself paranoid every time I woke up in the middle of the night on my back. 
- "If you find yourself eating lots of salty things, it must be a boy". Or you could just wait til your 20wk ultrasound and know for sure! 

We all try to find out or pretend we know what's going to happen before it happens and get ourselves flustered about something that may or may not really happen! [Deep breath]. Relax. Have a little faith. Whatever does happen will be worth it and for the best in the end. It is good to be informed and educated. Expectations and curiosity are normal, but I learned (and am still learning) to not let them run away with my head... or my energy.

Hike to Grinnell Glacier, Glacier NP. Worth every step. (4 Months along)

Energy is like money - invest it, don't just spend it. You only have so much of that anyway, especially when pregnant. Make sure to channel it in the places that really matter and will pay back dividends. For instance, prenatal exercise. For many out there, pregnancy and exercise in the same sentence brings about the drudge look and that "not gonna happen" sigh. I myself had plenty of "I don't feel up to it" days, and many moments of feeling like a train wreck circus in hot air balloon form, but I never once regretted a workout. Perhaps the biggest thing I did right was to simply keep trying. I knew I couldn't do everything, but what mattered is that I could do something, and I gave it my all to do that something. I often failed, but I never stopped trying. The persistence itself was a big-time gain.

(Hint to the men: If you think your wife needs to exercise more, don't ever try to solve her problem by telling her she needs to exercise, or you can expect some sort of projectile in your general direction. Simply ask, "What can I do to help you, honey?", and mean it.)

They say that exercise is also supposed to help you gain energy, and usually it does, but for me during the first trimester, it seemed to only make me narcoleptic. It was ridiculous. I specifically remember several times playing with my daughter, only to find myself waking up! I had actually fallen asleep right in the middle of building a Mega Bloks tower and who knows how long I was conked out! Luckily my daughter was found reading books to her doll, but that is the kind of exhausted I was. Still, I tried to do as much activity as possible for the long-term benefits, even if I felt like a slug while doing so. I walked (or shuffled), I swam (or flapped in the water), I hiked (huffing and puffing), I biked (belly and all!), and had to keep telling myself it would be worth it. One foot in front of the other. Keep the momentum. One thing I did have in my corner was double motivation - my body and my baby. Like I said, I kept trying, and it did pay off. Though exhausted, both my mind and my body began to feel more fit and strong - the results that really matter - and I had an inner belief that strength was transferring to my baby in some way. And who knows, maybe those extra walks helped me be able to look down and see my feet just a little bit longer.  I couldn't do everything, but I could do something.

What was my biggest "something"? When I was 4 months pregnant with Joseph, I decided to TRI again (something I love) with a local sprint triathlon. Somehow I came in 1st place in my age group! But it is more about the journey than the destination. Although the first place medal was an exciting surprise, the true accomplishment was that I had consistently sacrificed in order to train. Every day? No. For hours? Not even close, but enough to still feel a change for the better, mentally and physically. Because of that, race day was incredibly rewarding. I had set the goal months before, which was key. Discover the something that motivates you and go for it.

Myself (center) and fellow placers in my age group

Cherish Your Children. Another place to put that hard-to-come-by energy. I have realized that whether we give them the energy or not, they will take it one way or another, so why not take charge of how it gets passed along?

As baby boy came closer to his arrival, I began to understand how our lives would be forever changed. In all the excitement preparing for his birth, I had scarcely realized the truth that soon my daughter would never be an only child again, and my special time with just her would significantly diminish. I then made a point to hold on a little tighter to those precious moments, and create more of them. We went on more walks, we read more stories, we snuggled more, we crafted and baked together (aka we made messes together), we learned together. My changed perspective contributed to a more positive attitude on my part, which in turn produced a happier, cooperative child on her end. 

Last picture taken of my daughter as an
only child, the day before her brother was
born. Playing in Daddy's slippers. I live
for moments like this.

There are numerous things out there demanding our time and attention, many of which are good, but not best. Our children and families deserve the best we can give them, even when.... no, especially when they push our buttons. Which leads me to my last point (for now).

Find Sanctuary. Toward the end of the 9-months my aching back, loose hips, and lack of any sort of balance told me that I should stick to walking or swimming. Being in the pool was an absolute sanctuary from the weight and stress of carrying around a wiggling, karate kicking bowling ball (aka my little man). In the pool my thoughts became miraculously clear. My body could finally, really relax. Sometimes I would lie on top of the water, face down, doing the jellyfish float to fully enjoy the weightlessness. Looking back, that may have made the lifeguard a little nervous, but they hardly pay any attention during lap swim anyway.


My other opportunities for moments of clarity came from someone else. I now believe this is a must for moms. I made friends with another young mom who was searching for someone to swap babysitting during the day. We quickly learned that we both had similar wellness goals and would watch each other's girls weekly for a couple hours in order to help accomplish them. It was truly a win-win: good for the kids' social skills, and essential for our sanity! One of those mornings I went on one of the most refreshing hour-long bike rides of my life to a little place called Paradise. Yes, that is a real town, and boy did it live up to the name that day. I was then able to come back a more engaged, patient mother to an adventurous, independent toddler. When I allowed myself to fortify me, I then had the capacity to give to those I cared about most, without completely emptying the tank.  Simple accounting - if you spend more than you make, you are left in the hole. Investing the needed energy in myself, when appropriate, continues to produce exponential returns.

All that said, I share my experiences simply for ideas. Find what works for you and keep trying. Others' opinions may be noteworthy, but you know yourself better than anyone or any article (including this one). No comparing to others (no sense wasting energy with that). Set your goals, no one else's. Find your passion, keep your pace, and run your race.

(TO BE CONTINUED...The 2nd Leg)

Share with us:

What is your current life race and how are you enduring?
Where do you invest your energy?
What helps you cherish time with loved ones?
 How do you find your sanctuary?

10 Tips for More Consistent Exercise

Like they say, the hardest part is just showing up! Once you get moving and the *endorphins* kick in, the natural high makes you want to keep going! The tricky part is showing up consistently, with the least amount of drudgery possible. With an active 13-month-old daughter, I have come to understand the beginnings of the "mother's dilemma" when it comes to staying active yourself (and I only have 1 child!). Through my own experience, I have come up with 10 ideas to consider and implement that may change your life in a healthy way. I am completely unaware if any have been scientifically proven, but I stand by them just as firmly, as they have been game-changers for me in pursuing my athletic goals among the chaos of motherhood and life.

1. BELIEVE IN CHANGE - So it's been a while, huh? For you, a while could be a day, a week, a month, or even a year or more since you really buckled down and gave your body some healthy exercise. Well, the first step is mentally shoving away that attitude that you "haven't done anything for [this] long, so why start now?". To me that's just like saying, "I don't want to be happy today" because with all the benefits of exercise (more energy, *endorphins*, healthy heart, stronger muscles, de-stressing), it is a flat out lie to think that every missed opportunity in the past negates today's decision.Ever heard of "sunk costs"? Today is a new day. This is a new hour - your hour! Believe that it does matter and you can start fresh. I fall in the same trap sometimes, but it's crucial to get out of it as soon as possible to allow for a happier you.

2. EXERCISE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE "EXERCISE" - When you hear that dreaded word "exercise", what image runs through your mind? Perhaps a super-flexible-crazy-skinny woman doing some intense yoga pose? Is it a gigantic macho man lifting ridiculous weights that make every vein in his body come near to explosion? Or maybe it is the quickness and skill of a professional athlete making impossible moves look as easy as tying your shoes. Sounds daunting doesn't it? Well I have good news for you! Exercise doesn't always have to be "exercise". You don't have to do 100 pull-ups at a crossfit club or run 5 marathons like everyone and their dog on social media are doing to get in better shape and be consistent. An active lifestyle is just that - active. Be creative and find something you enjoy and maybe even love! Dance in the kitchen, race your children up the stairs. Play at the park (yes, even on the monkey bars!). Go for a walk downtown to see the sights. Take out any built-up aggression on a kickboxing routine from the library/internet. Even cleaning can be a calorie burner if that's what you're into - I sweat every time I scrub the tub! Practice an instrument - fiddling on the violin kills my arms, and it feels great! Learn something new and make it fun. Variety makes life beautiful.

3. GO FOR THE GOAL - Ever heard the quote, "If you don't know where you're going, you'll never get there"? To strengthen your resolve and foster a little excitement and motivation, set a challenging, yet reachable goal, and then keep track of your progress. For myself, that includes signing up for several triathlons throughout the year, or determining that I am going to go on at least 10 hikes with Leilani this Spring/Summer. For one thing, I know it will be major pain come race day if I don't train well! Pick what works for you, big or small, but set goals and do all you can to reach them. Plus, knowing you're on a journey to achieve something sparks an extra fire in every workout. 

4. GIVE YOURSELF A CARROT - Just like your children's sticker chart and fuzzy jar, even adults can be persuaded by a simple incentive. With goal setting comes goal achieving and celebration. Make your reward something fun, and perhaps something you normally wouldn't do or receive otherwise; something you are willing to work for. Know yourself and put out a carrot for an extra boost.

5. PLAN IT ON PAPER - Be honest, how many times has exercise fallen to the back burner because you "didn't have time" or you said you would "do it if there is time later "? As with many valuable activities in life (family bonding, spiritual growth, etc), sometimes you have to make and set aside specific time for things that are of most worth, since it is so easy to get distracted by the mundane and unimportant. Specific is key in this effort. I have recently been planning out my detailed workouts a week in advance, up to how many reps or how many minutes and at what intensity I plan on doing a specific activity each day of the week. It's a lot harder to come up with excuses when my mind has decided in advance precisely what I will do to strengthen my body that day. Writing it down makes it stick. The thought is not enough. Establish a training schedule. I circle all the workouts I actually finish and it is extremely rewarding to see the progress right in front of me and realize how much hard work I have done.

6. KNOW YOUR WEAKNESSES - For some it may be the opposite, but when it comes to my energy cycle, I tend to peak mid-morning (which just happens to be during my daughter's nap) and slump beginning in the early evening. The more I do throughout the day, the more there is to do (go figure)! If I put exercise off til the latter end of the day,by the time I finally get to it, I am so burnt-out tired and exhausted from the day's events that I don't have much desire to even do anything resembling lifting my lead bum off the couch! My 8-hour-ago-self may have been keen on that determination, but the current just shakes her head and begs for a pillow. Now I make a conscious effort to allow myself time before noon to enjoy a workout. Recognizing your tendencies of body and mind, and adjusting accordingly, can make all the difference 

7. ATTIRE FEEDS DESIRE - Believe it or not, sometimes the decision of "to run? or not to run?" can be heavily swayed by what I am wearing at the time I finalize that choice. For some it may be the shoes or the shirt, but for me it is the pants. I know it may sound like a ridiculous idea, but I am convinced that I am much more likely to follow through with my workout when I am simply dressed for the test. For instance, if I am wearing jeans for the day, I have about 60% less desire to work out, perhaps because it took 60% of my energy to get dressed in the first place! :) But if I take 20 seconds to do a simple change of wardrobe (i.e. into comfy, lightweight shorts/pants) before I make up my mind to workout, "voila!", my outlook shifts dramatically! I am that much more willing mentally to JUST DO IT when I am physically closer to that outcome, even in the tiniest sense. So if you are having a day where you "just don't feel like it", simply try changing outfits! Works for me! 

8. SOMETHING IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN NOTHING - Pretty self-explanatory. 10 minutes is better than 0 minutes. Even if you need to start small to be consistent, then do it. It is always better than doing nothing at all. 

9. PHONE A FRIEND - This isn't about "who wants to be a millionaire", but it is about who wants a rich and fulfilling lifestyle! Seek support from those who share similar goals and passions. After my college basketball days, I used to get up bright and early with a friend (Kim!) to run. It's something I would have never been able to do on my own, but knowing I was working together with someone else and that they were counting on me to be there too, pushed me to roll out of bed and put on the kicks. Every now and then we ended up falling asleep on the couch (not morning people), but overall it was more than would have happened had we not banded together. Find a buddy or a group - it does wonders. Currently, I'm looking forward to having new stroller running buddies and road biking companions to explore a new area since we have recently moved to Hyrum, UT!

10. HEALTH CLEAVETH TO HEALTH" - There is a scripture that says, "For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light..." (Doctrine & Covenants 88:40) In this same sense, I believe that as we do things to strengthen other parts of our lives (our relationships, diet, financial wisdom, service to others, spirituality, intelligence & education, etc.), it ignites a fire within that seeks after more of its kind: health. The more you do it, the more natural and easier it becomes to do it - the more it becomes a part of you - an attitude memory, similar to muscle memory. An active, healthy life is not just a habit, but a state of mind and an essence of being. 

Joy in the Journey

Well, 2014 was quite an active year, full of new adventures while being a new mom.  One of hiking.......

Cecret Lake UT

.........Climbing....................

Maple Canyon UT

..........Camping, Fishing.........

Washington Lake, UT

...............And Triathlons!

The first of the year was the Rock Cliff Sprint Tri at Jordanelle Reservoir. Great to get back into the open water again, although the cold temperatures made for an incredible headache on the water exit! 

 Someone even had a special present for Mommy at the finish line! Explosion diaper! Hooray!

The next was Saratoga Springs, a sprint triathlon I had done the previous year when I was 4 months pregnant with Leilani. This year it was more training than anything, getting ready for my first Olympic distance. But I did manage to get a huge PR (personal record) on the course by 13 minutes, as well as place 3rd overall for the women! LOVE the new bike, it cruises. 

Saratoga 2014 - Leilani checking out the award

The final tri of the year was the more grueling Olympic Distance at Pineview Reservoir, my first attempt at that length, and perhaps my last! :) There was frost on the grass as we arrived in Huntsville, quite a cold September morning. But the water was perfect for a nice 1 mile swim - that was my favorite part. There were times when my stroke was so in sync I felt like a fish gliding through the water - nothing like it. I worked a lot in the pool on my freestyle technique, so that was a huge payoff. The bike section, however, was loooooong.... come to find out afterward that one of my brakes had shifted so the pads had been partially braking me the entire ride of 34 miles.... nice one....

The run had been the hardest to train for. Having pretty much thrashed my knees from sports in high school and college, I have a difficult time running more than 3 or 4 miles without joint pain. And yes, I am not even 30! But I survived and it felt great to accomplish the feat. 

But I must say............

The joy is in the journey!