10 Quotes That Will Motivate And Inspire You

For the third year in a row, I'm using my favorite page-a-day calendar: Today is going to be a great day! And yes, I'll be getting it again for next year because it's that good. It's full of motivational quotes that are pretty AND pretty inspiring. I've literally kept every single quote I've ever torn off the calendar (which is literally every page).

I thought it would be fun to sort through some of them (this is not all of them, I have a stack in my office at work). So today, I give you ten motivational quotes.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram, where I share the best of the best. And on Pinterest, where I've got an entire folder dedicated quotes (and some other folders, too, where quotes pop up).

Question: Where do you find inspiration? Is there an inspirational quote that you live by? What kind of calendar do you use? 

Spin with your eyes closed (and thoughts on impressing people). #pinspirationthursday

One of my Spinning students is blind. He's an absolute joy to have in class. He rides three times a week, just once with me. I won't reveal too much more about him because I respect his privacy, but I will tell you this—my class is significantly different when he isn't there. People feed off his energy. They respect him. They are inspired by him. But I think he's getting more out of my class than any other student. Why? Because he can't see.

He isn't distracted. He's focused, simply because he has to be.

He can't see what I'm doing.
He can't judge his workout based on the person sitting next to him.
He can't get lost in the action outside of the Spinning studio.
He can't see himself in the mirrors at the front of the studio.

All he can do is tune in.

To me.
To himself.
To his bike.

He has to feel his way through each and every turn of the pedal, and that's something a lot of students don't do. They ride, but without thinking. Dare I say they go through the motions? Maybe. It's so easy to succumb to this without even knowing it. So to help my students, I often ask my students to close their eyes, even just for a few seconds. Just to reconnect.

"OK, guys. I want you to close your eyes right now and really dig deep. Connect with the road, listen to your breathing. Ignore everything else and focus on your relationship with the bike. How does your body feel? Are you working or going through the motions? Tune into what you're doing. Eliminate the noise and push to the top of this hill. You can do it, this is only a few minutes of your day. Let's make it count..."

Here's the thing, though. I think we need to close our eyes more often. Sometimes literally, maybe just figuratively. Instead of seeing the world, looking at life...I think we need to step back and feel it. Absorb it. Really tune into the way we're living it.

Do you do this?
Are you aware of how you're living your life?

If you aren't, I'm sure that others are.

Pin / Source

We get so caught up in everything around us and everything about us, like our clothes and our hair and our muscles and the cars we drive. But what about the things we say? Those count the most.

One of the things I've learned from my sight-impaired Spinning student: What I say means way more than what I do. It's what truly defines me. My words, the things I say in the conversations I have.

Think about it.

And next time you're in Spinning class, try closing your eyes for a few seconds.

Maybe even some minutes.

(Just, you know, don't fall off the bike.)

3 Things Running Can Teach You #pinspirationthursday

Running is an educational adventure. It teaches you things. Not just how to go fast and increase miles, but actual life things. It takes you deep within yourself and changes you, it really does. Today, I thought we'd talk about three things running can teach you, although I'm certain there are more.

1) Running teaches you discipline.
It doesn't matter what your goal is. It could be "run to that mailbox" or "complete a marathon." A running goal is a running goal, and it takes discipline to get there. And when you do, you cross a finish line that you won't soon forget. And every time you're faced with a challenge, you can recall that finish line and (consequently) the determination and strength you put forth to get there. You dug deep, you did it. And you can do it again if you channel some discipline. You can do anything with a little discipline, actually.

2) Running teaches you that independence takes you places.
With the exception of relay racing, running is generally considered to be a solo sport. And whether or not you're an athlete on a team, if you go running, you can go it alone. You can handle the trials and relish the triumphs all by yourself. That sounds depressing? Well, it shouldn't. Running teaches you that life is a journey meant to be shared, but in those moments where we feel alone, we CAN rise above on our own.

Pin / Original Source Unknown

3) Running teaches you that you are enough.
See note above about independence, and make note of this: That you have the power within to rise above, to put one foot in front of the other in search of the end result. A little help along the way never hurt a runner, but it's ultimately the individual that walks across that finish line. In life lesson speak, that just means you can believe in yourself. You can believe that you are enough, no matter how fast, slow, tall, short, strong or weak you think you are. You are you, and you do you, which makes life...your life...incredibly awesome.

Question: What have you learned from running?

Are you a runner? #pinspirationthursday

If you've been following A Daily Dose of Fit for awhile, you know that I like to share motivational images on Thursdays. I've been calling it #pinspirationthursday, and I want you to join me. If you like to share motivational images on your website or blog, do it on Thursday and add your link to the bottom of my post.

Do you run?
Do you know why you run?

How about this one: Do you remember when you first felt like a runner? Me, I used to hate running. And now I love it. A lot. And I actually believe that I'm a runner. For starters, I willingly set my alarm for ungodly hours. I mean, I don't need sleep. I need miles. And my collection of race bling is bigger than my actual collection of necklaces. Also, I get jealous when I see other people running.

And the gear! Don't even get me started on my need for all the gear.

But seriously, these things don't make me a runner.
They don't make anyone a runner.

They're just byproducts of the sport.

You don't have to train for a race or earn race medals to be a runner. You don't have to have the best of the best running shoes, either. Because here's the truth: To be a runner, you just have to run.

Pin / Original Source Unknown

Seriously, it's that easy. If you run, you're a runner!
Be it, live it, love it, and own it.

How to link up with me on Pinspiration Thursday: 
1) Write a post inspired by a pin. 
2) Use #pinspirationthursday in your post title and on your social media outlets. 
3) Use the Pinspiration Thursday image in your post (if you want to). 
4) Link to my blog (please and thank you!) so we can attract new participants. 
5) Add your link below, check out the others and followpinsharerepeat!

Diets are not about perfection. #pinspirationthursday #NNM

If you've been following A Daily Dose of Fit for awhile, you know that I like to share motivational images on Thursdays. I've been calling it #pinspirationthursday, and I want you to join me. If you like to share motivational images on your website or blog, do it on Thursday and add your link to the bottom of my post.

Did you know that it’s National Nutrition Month? I’m not really sure what one does during National Nutrition Month or why it’s held in March, but nutrition is something that really should be celebrated. Because when you celebrate something, you generate awareness. And in this day and age, our society is in dire need of some serious nutrition know-how.

I mean, have you been to the nutrition section at your local bookstore lately? Come on. There are stacks of books that promise the be-all, end-all truth to eating right and being healthy. And when it comes to the Internet, everyone is an expert. Including the experts.

So where do you turn and who do you believe?
Ah, yes. The million dollar question.

Now, I’m not going to attempt to give you an answer. As a certified personal trainer, nutrition and dietetics are out of my scope of practice. I know only what I’ve deciphered from the sources I’ve come in contact with and what works for me. But hear me out on this one point, something you can believe as truth no matter what:

It’s all about balance.

Revolutionary, I know. And yes, you’ve probably heard that before, like…a million times. But, seriously. It’s high time you believe it. And live it. Because:

Pin / Source

“Eating well isn’t about perfection.”

What is perfection, anyway?
Does it even exist?

Deep thoughts best kept for later discussions because, for now, we’ll stick to the concrete topic at hand: Diets are not about perfection. You don’t have to eat perfectly. You just have to eat well. And when you eat well, you eat balanced. And when you eat balanced, you leave yourself room for the things you love. And then, consequently you don’t go insane with absurd food obsessions.

For example, I like to indulge in vanilla ice cream from Dairy Queen with chocolate chunks, bananas and Teddy Grahams. Oh, yes. (Sometimes I add strawberries. Or peanut butter.) This is, indeed, a special treat. And not one I indulge in every day because I just can’t. Doing so would be an unbalanced approach to eating well.

But do I beat myself up about trips to DQ when the timing is right? Hecks, no.

Balance.
That’s what it’s about.

How to link up with me on Pinspiration Thursday:
1) Write a post inspired by a pin.
2) Use #pinspirationthursday in your post title and on your social media outlets.
3) Use the Pinspiration Thursday image in your post (if you want to).
4) Link to my blog (please and thank you!) so we can attract new participants.
5) Add your link below, check out the others and followpinsharerepeat!

An InLinkz Link-up

How to get through the "real" workout. #pinspirationthursday

If you've been following A Daily Dose of Fit for awhile, you know that I like to share motivational images on Thursdays. I've been calling it #pinspirationthursday, and I want you to join me. If you like to share motivational images on your website or blog, do it on Thursday and add your link to the bottom of my post. 

When I train my clients, there are a number of things I have to be responsible for. One such thing: Coaching them through those last few repetitions. Getting them to believe in themselves when they're at what they perceive to be the point of no return—the point where they want to just stop. That point, though, is often right at the most real part of their workout. The part that counts the most.



So how do I get them through it? Also, how do I get myself through it when I'm working out? There are some tricks of the trade, and some things to consider. Because as you know, it's not always smart to push it when you feel like stopping. But how do you know when to stop?

Let's discuss that first.

Don't push through your workout if:
1) You are pregnant.
2) You are injured and/or recovering from an injury.
3) Your doctor tells you not to.
4) You feel sharp pains.
5) You are nauseous, dizzy and/or lightheaded.
6) You can no longer maintain proper form.

Safety is always more important than making fitness gains. And you must always listen to your body and your physician if either one of the two are telling you not to push. But, if you're an everyday Joe or Jane without restrictions, there are ways you can get through the "real" part of your workout. In no particular order:

1) Remind yourself why.
Never lose sight of why you're exercising. Focus on the benefits, your goals and the fact that every last repetition gets you one step closer to them.

2) Lighten up your weight.
Don't get caught up on the numbers. Focus on your muscles. If you can't finish your set with whatever weight you're using, lighten them up and take your muscles to the very last repetition. Or, drop the weights completely and go through the motions. There's no shame in working hard, and you are not defined by the number on your weights.

3) Modify the exercise.
Modifications exist not to make things easier, but to make them safer. Use them. They're not for wimps—they're for people who want to keep going when they're faced with a workable obstacle.

4) Listen to the voices.
Whether it's a group fitness instructor, your trainer or your friend—tune in to what is being said. Listen to the words, not just the sound. Embrace the meaning behind them and let them guide you forward. Because when I say "you can do it" to my students/clients, I really believe it. And so should they.

5) Believe in yourself.
Put yourself down and you'll stay down. Lift yourself up and you'll go up. You are your biggest cheerleader. So never stop cheering for yourself.

6) Focus on the work.
Forget about the struggle. Forget about the sweat. Just focus on the exercise. Focus on moving the weights, flexing your muscles, breathing in and out. Focus on the work, and you'll find a way to DO the work.

Remember, everyone approaches their workouts differently, but what we all can agree on is this: You can't stop when it gets tough. If it were easy, it wouldn't be work. And we couldn't call it a workout.

How to link up with me on Pinspiration Thursday:
1) Use #pinspirationthursday in your post title and on your social media outlets. 
2) Use the Pinspiration Thursday image in your post (if you want to). 
3) Link to my blog (please and thank you!) so we can attract new participants. 
4) Add your link below, check out the others and followpinsharerepeat!

5 Ways to Stay Positive at the Gym (#pinspirationthursday)

We all have those "life is lame" and "woah is me" and "leave me alone" days. We're human, and life on an cloud of perma-positivity is virtually unheard of. Introduce me to someone that's never angry or doesn't feel down (like, ever) or insecure and I'll drop and give you a million burpees.

That person doesn't exist.
And I'll never do a million burpees.

Furthermore, that person doesn't exist at the gym, either. The fitness funk hits everyone, I promise you. Not every workout is amazing. Group fit class isn't always great. And sometimes your goals will seem virtually impossible to reach. So why try, right?

Wrong.
So wrong.

Yes, you're allowed to be negative or feel funky.
You're also allowed to hate the gym.

But you're not allowed to give up on it. Or yourself. And I promise you, it's entirely possible to find positivity when you think it's lost forever. Today, I'll tell you how to do this at the gym.

But first, put a smile on your face. Smile = Positivity. Right?

1) Don't let numbers rule you.
They are just one small part of the story. You are not defined by how much you can lift OR how much you weigh. You define yourself by fighting resistance and getting stronger (and leaner). You define yourself when you remind yourself that, yeah...that exercise was hard and those weights burned my muscles. Look at you, strong friend.

2) Accept that it's not supposed to be easy.

Pin / Source

Exercise is supposed to challenge you, right? So if you're feeling particularly weak, or if you're struggling with a particular exercise (I see you pull-ups), let those frustrations fuel you. It's absolutely OK to struggle. The struggle is, and should be, completely real. (Unless you're about to hurt yourself, at which point you need to just stop and figure out what the problem is...remember, there's a "good" struggle and one that just leads to injury).

3) Seek help from available resources. 
Members of the fitness staff at your facility are there to help you with your fitness. If you need help, if you're not seeing results—use that staff. They'll pick you up and get you to where you need to be. They'll give you exercises and a hefty dose of pep talk.

4) Stop comparing yourself to others. 
I do it, you do it...you walk in the gym and see that one person with "perfect" abs. Chiseled biceps. Whatever. And suddenly, you suck at life and exercise. HELLO. Stop comparing yourself to that person. Just stop. They have issues, too. They're not perfect and most importantly—they're not you.
You do you to the best of your abilities. Wipe away the negativity with a hefty dose of "I can do this because I am awesome and beautiful and wonderful."

5) Leave negativity at the door, and don't pick it up on your way out.
If something is bothering you at home or at work, check it at the gym door. Use the gym to escape that funk. You deserve an hour just for yourself. And in that hour, you can virtually transform yourself one bicep curl, one mile and/or one plank at a time. Because endorphins, right? Those feel-goods that surge through your body when you exercise. Truly embrace what they can do for you, then give that funk you checked at the door the cold shoulder as you walk back out again.

Bottom line, stay focused at the gym. On yourself. On all that you're setting out to do, and all that you're capable of doing now and tomorrow and all the days to come. Positivity isn't always easy, but it's always possible.

Find a way.
In AND out of the gym.

PS: If you need more inspiration today, please check out 15 more inspirational quotes to knock the hibernating Winter blues out of you. It's where I found the above quote.

Question: What exercise makes you happy? Me? Burpees. No, seriously...burpees.

I didn't run today (and why that's acceptable). (#pinspirationthursday)

Is anyone else having a crazy week? Show of hands...

Alright, good. I'm not alone. I'm never alone, at least that's what I tell myself. What would life be without a little bit of crazy? Boring, that's what.

I started the week off without my usual Monday client, which led to a morning full of meetings. And a 2-mile run, since I'm technically training for a race (maybe). And then on Tuesday, I taught Spinning.

After which I sat through another meeting.

See, I've had this disorganized to-do list in front of me all week. I can't get it together, and I can't get it to go away. I've also had an unusual amount of meetings this week in addition to regularly scheduled classes and clients, so that could be the problem.

Let me continue:

On Wednesday, I taught my Barre Fit class, then spent the rest of my shift trying to get a few things done only to return back to the gym at night for another meeting. Before which I treated myself to a PiYo Live class. I like being a student every once in a while because it helps me keep my knowledge of the choreography in check.

Which brings me to today.

I had every intention of checking off another training run—three miles, to be specific—and then ANOTHER meeting got the best of me. So I didn't run today. When I realized that it probably wasn't going to happen, I started to freak out a little because #training.

I could have headed back into the gym after dinner, but I wasn't willing to give up time with the husband and kids. Not today. I just felt like being at home was more important since I was gone last night.

And you know what, as I sit here right now typing this, I'm totally OK with my impromptu rest day. It happened, I enjoyed it, and I'll pick up again tomorrow where I left off because:

Pin / Source

I can't restart the day, so I'm not going to dwell on it. But I can still focus on what's to come, whether that has anything to do with running or not.

Sometimes we have to do that. We just have to move forward. Because that's where life is. In front of us. And in this time of resolutions, goals, hopes and dreams, it's incredibly important to remember that the past is in the past. So, you know...

Let it go...
Let it go...
Don't let it hold you back anymore.

Let it go...
Let it go...

Geeze, sorry.

We're clearly not over Frozen in this house.

Question: When it comes to working out/balancing life/doing all the things, what's the first to go if you need more room in your schedule? When you miss a workout, does it stress you out? How does it make you feel?

Resolutions aren't necessary (but they can be helpful). #pinspirationthursday

Oh, man—the gym is hopping right now! It's that time of year. We employees refer to the new faces as "resolutioners," because that's typically why people join a gym in January. Or why they come back to the gym in January. This is a good thing, of course, as it's always nice to see a crowd of people making strides (literally and figuratively) toward good health and fitness. But here's the thing: A lot of these people disappear again before Spring.

This is common, yeah?

People make resolutions and set goals and get all gung-ho about them, but life ultimately gets in the way and those same resolutions and goals get pushed aside. And then the guilt sets in. I've been there. You've been there. You know that nagging feeling. Part failure, part self-inflicted kick-in-the-pants.

Resolutions are hard. 
Goals are even harder. 

But they don't have to be. See, sometimes I think the words "resolution" and "goal" are enough to make a person squirm. There's pressure involved in both. Pressure we put on ourselves, and we either crack or succeed under it.

If resolutions and goals work for you, then you should absolutely employ them as change tactics. They are not (at all) bad things and can have a very healthy place in our lives. 

But they're also not for everyone.
I repeat: Resolutions and goals are not for everyone.

Sounds crazy, right? Let me explain:

This year, if you've struggle with sticking to resolutions and goals in the past, I challenge you to step outside the box. Don't think in terms of black and white line items you have to abide by. Instead, focus more on the big picture. Because really, it's not about January and starting fresh and getting X, Y and Z done in a set amount of time. That's only part of the story, and it's the part that gives us the most trouble.

The true story is about living life, your life, the way it should be lived day in and day out.
Think outside of the traditional resolution/goal box. Think big picture:

Pin / Source

And then live your life accordingly.

Because when you do that, you live freely, and then it's much easier to enjoy the road to goal achievement, the process of making changes, the transformative experiences and even the little, most precious moments.

Promise yourself.
Do it right now.

Question: Do you make resolutions? Do you use January as a refresh/restart opportunity? How are you approaching 2015?

Write this note to yourself:

Pin / Source

#thatisall
#happynewyear

Believing is seeing. #merrychristmas

A few days ago, I was walking out of the grocery store with my two kiddos in a cart, when a friendly man stopped us for a chat. He directed his conversation to the kiddos, asking my daughter about her "coffee" from Starbucks and then asking me what aisle I had found "this little guy" in because he hadn't seen the display of handsome baby boys. I had never seen him at the store before, and have only seen him once since then. There's always that thought about strangers, and sometimes I get a little nervous when they approach my kiddos, but this guy...an older gentleman...was nice and genuine. And he really made me stop and think about Christmas, because he said to me (I'll paraphrase it for you):

"This is such a great time of year for you. Christmas with kids is wonderful. It really puts the magic and wonder back into this time of year. You can see it through their eyes and remember how you once saw it. Santa, the elves...we all need to keep believing."

I can't even make that up. 

He's totally right. As adults, we go through this time of year in a complete hustle... Holiday shopping at busy stores that test our patience, wondering if the presents we're buying will actually be liked. Stressing over party schedules and perfect Christmas trees, time off and actually relaxing for just a minute. I mean, you know.

So this year, as you wake up and go about your Christmas traditions, I encourage you to see the day through the eyes of a child, whether or not you have children of your own. Embrace the wonder, awe and magic of it all. Believe in Santa and all that he stands for: Love, joy, giving, sharing. Because even though you might never see "the big fat man with the long white beard" coming down your chimney, you can see the essence of him everywhere. 

And there's nothing unreal about that.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Pin / Source

5 Things You Should Do Every Day (#pinspirationthursday)

I wake up every day and go about my business. Most days are pretty predictable, at least during the week, with the exception of jumbled afternoon naps and the occasional cancellation at the gym. But truly, despite those things, I can pretty much anticipate how my day will go. Weekends are different because there isn't a work schedule to abide by, so we tend to really, truly go about our business as we see fit. The to-do list is there, but it's not a deal breaker like it seems to be throughout the week.

But, there are a few things I try to do each and every day at least once because they make my day feel that much better. I'm not talking about "30 minutes of cardio" or "three square meals"...while they're important, they feel like rules to me and rules aren't always fun. These things I'm about to share, they're more like pieces of glitter peppered throughout.

1) Smile.
It doesn't matter what brings it out of you, but you shouldn't let a day go by without putting at least one genuine smile on your face. Because only the genuine smiles are backed by joy, and we all need more joy in our lives. There's just too much out there that brings about the frown.

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2) Learn.
Your brain needs to be challenged. Not just by daily tasks placed upon you by your employer or by your school curriculum. But seriously, it needs to be challenged by YOU. So if you click on a link to read an interesting article. Read it with all of your focus! Don't just skim it, don't just blow through a magazine. Or half-listen to a podcast. Stop and let yourself absorb it because even if it's about something trivial, challenging your brain to think about a new topic (or maybe even an old one), can be fun and exciting. Stop learning, and you really stop living. Amiright?

3) Move.
I could spew out a bunch of statistics about how frequently you need to exercise each week, but that's not really what this point is all about. Figure out those stats, but also keep it simple: Don't just sit there, get up and move. Do something that uses the body you've been given. If that turns out to be exercise, so be it. If you take a quick walk to the beach and back just to smell the fresh air, or throw down an impromptu dance party with your kids (she says admittedly), then so be it. Just move, y'all. We are a far too stationary bunch.

4) Eat.
Obvious, yes. But let's stop and think about how we eat: Rushed? Without thought? Or maybe without enjoying what you're actually stuffing into your face? Stop that, you. Tune into your food and actually enjoy it. Because food is wonderful. Even the healthiest of healthy eats. It's wonderful, all of it, and it's meant to be enjoyed. So stop worrying about it and start enjoying your meals. And start eating them a bit slower...which is what I struggle with, truth be told. I scarf big time. But I try not to, and if I want that chocolate truffle, or that extra bite of whatever, I take it and enjoy it. Otherwise, I'll worry about it for whatever reason..."oh, me...I shouldn't eat this because it's not good for me and I'm stuffed," but whatever. Life's too short.

5) Hug.
Human contact is incredible. Obviously it needs to always be appropriate, but when it is, it goes a long way. Case and point: A solid hug from a spouse, friend, parent, whomever. But I get that not everyone is a hugger, so I'm not saying you need to hug at least one person every day. I'm just saying human contact is incredible. Seal the deal with a solid handshake. High-five after a good sweat session with your buddy. Hug your kid at bedtime, then snuggle with your spouse. Whatever contact you get, take it. And if you give it, make sure you're being respectful. Always.

And here's a bonus thing. 
Listed as such because it might not be for everyone.

6) Pray.
I'm not sure what you believe in with regards to prayer. I grew up Catholic, so I've always believed in the power of talking to God. But if God isn't your thing, I think praying can take on a different meaning: Talk to whomever or whatever you believe in. Or, just talk to no one. Think. Ponder. Meditate. Get lost in your thoughts. Now, this happens to me way more than once a day. Don't call me crazy, but I've had some pretty good conversations with myself. Some based on prayer, others based on deep thinking. If we can't talk to ourselves, can we really talk to anyone? If you think about it, I bet you're actually a pretty good conversationalist. Which is awesome because then, what's boredom? I'd be cool with a coffee date with me, myself and I. And maybe God, too.

Question: Do you incorporate any of the above into your daily routine? Tell me how!

Stop being unhappy with yourself. (#pinspirationthursday)

My son still wakes up in the middle of the night, just once, but he wakes up hungry. If I don't play with my phone while I feed him, I will typically fall asleep which is definitely not a good thing. So I play with my phone. Otherwise known as "surf Pinterest" because what else is there to do when you need to kill time? I mean, you know.

My son (typically) wakes up in the middle of the night. Just once, but he's always hungry. Since I'm breastfeeding, that means I'm up, too—barely. If I don't play with my phone while I'm feeding him, I will fall asleep, which is definitely not a good thing. So I play with my phone, otherwise known as search Pinterest.

I'll just leave this gem of a find right here:

Pin / Original Source Unknown

It's true, you know.
You are amazing.

Speaking of amazing: Did you enter my giveaway yet?
I'm giving away a pretty sweet 2015 calendar. Go check it.

G'night.

Question: What kind of workouts would you like to see on Daily Dose? I'm always looking for new ideas for Workout Wednesday. I intended to post another barre workout this week, but...you know...kids. So stay tuned for that one next week.

Run a #HalfMarathon by Yourself (...plus, it's #pinspirationthursday)

Can I just say: I absolutely hate the flu. With a passion. Because it's so annoying. It's one of those illnesses that has such great power to make you feel like crap. And even though it's not typically life-threatening and is almost always manageable, it has this power over the body. Almost like the little virus enters your system with an evil grin, totally excited to just mess up you and your week. And after it does, it moves on to your family. Maybe even your friends. And probably some other people, too, despite your best efforts.

So yeah, we had the flu this week. But I'm trying not to dwell on it anymore because there are so many people out there suffering from such greater, incurable, unimaginable things.

#endrant

I ran a half marathon on Sunday.
I did it all by myself. Literally, all by myself.

No race signs. No fuel stations. Just me and my gear.

I really didn't think I could do it. But I did:

A few months ago, I worked with Jost Running to promote their virtual races. Specifically, the Beat the Heat 5k and the Home Run 10K. I had an unused voucher for one of their half marathons, and since I ran a little over 11 miles at the Grand Rapids Marathon relay—I mean, I couldn't let it go to waste. What's two more miles, right?

Shoot, those two miles were hard! Not physically, but mentally! If you train for marathons, you might think this post is silly because a solo 13-miler might be a walk in the park for you. But it wasn't for me because I don't train for marathons. I train for half marathons, and I prefer to run them with a ton of people. Would you believe I've only gone the distance three times previously?

1) Chicago Half Marathon, October 2009
2) Chicago Women's Half Marathon, June 2013
3) Indianapolis Women's Half Marathon, August 2013

No recap on that first one. Daily Dose wasn't up and running (ha!) yet.

Add this one now:

4) Jost Running Strength In Numbers Virtual Half Marathon, November 2014

But anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I'm a firm believer in that, so I sucked it up...well, laced it up and got my butt outside. And I ran. I ran 13.1 miles on what might have been the last sunny Fall day of the season.

It was perfect.
Again, the last two miles sucked.
But it was perfect.
(And then I got the flu.)

If you're thinking about running 13.2 miles by yourself, you should consider the following:

1) Register for a virtual race and earn that proof. Because, #bling.
2) Be very strategic about your fuel—remember, no aid stations.
3) Pick a path that travels close to home, just in case you (insert problem here).
4) Be your own cheerleader. Literally...out loud.
5) Stay safe, aware, and let others know where you're going and when you might return.
6) Believe in yourself. #mostimportant

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You can be sure I'll share my medal when it comes. Are you following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You might see it there first.

Tomorrow, November goals. I've been thinking about them...

Question: What's the furthest distance you've ever gone by yourself? How did you get through it?

What could go wrong? Thoughts on teaching my first PiYo Live class. (#pinspirationthursday)

See it over there in my sidebar? That new badge? PiYo instructor. That's me. I did it. And I've been working so hard to learn the choreography because PiYo Live is one of those classes. It's timed out to the very last second, which means I have 3,600 seconds to memorize (because that's how many seconds are in a 60-minute class). Realistically, it's not that hard to learn the choreography. But my nerves are killing me.

I feel like I'm in speech class all over again.

Which is silly because this isn't my first group fitness class. I've been teaching for four years. (What?!) But this is the first time I will be responsible for actual, can't-mess-up-or-wing-it choreography. Translation: This is the first time I won't be able to rely on a class outline or other form of in-front-of-me notes.

So all I can think about is what will go wrong next Friday.

What happens if I forget what comes next?
What happens if I lose count?
What happens if I forget to cue a modification?

I mean, total disaster will strike.

Or maybe it won't.
Maybe I just need to teach my first class.

That's what I tell all of my new instructors: That they just need to teach their first class.

Because everything will be OK.

It will be OK, right?
Class will pass just fine?

RIGHT?

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Time to shift gears.

I need to stop thinking about totally messing up in class and start thinking about how awesome it's going to be...

...to bring this new format to my club.
...to stand in front of a class again in a studio that feels like home.
...to help people increase their strength and flexibility.
...to see people smile when they realize how good it feels.

So much can (and probably) will go right next week. So what if I mess up. Our members are awesome and I think they'll understand. They've understood before, so why not this time? I've messed up before and they keep coming back to my classes.

Fitness isn't black and white, it's not be-all and end-all...it's everything. It's getting together and moving. It's following a format and leaving room for mistakes, changes, updates, whatevers.

I can, and I will teach this class.

I can, and I will believe in myself.
Because why take myself down before class even starts.

Confidence.
I need confidence.

Wait...

I have confidence.

And you do, too.

Don't ever let anyone, anything or any situation convince you otherwise.

Question: Did you ever have to take a speech class? Did you like it? Why or why not?

Does the world tell you who to be? (#pinspirationthursday)

Every once in a while, I open up Facebook and my feed explodes with the same post over and over again. One person posts it and everyone shares it. Usually this annoys me, but today, it was this little gem:

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And of course, it's all over Pinterest, too. Original source? I have no idea, but I wish I did. Not only is it a beautiful image...it's a beautiful message, too. Let's stop and think about it.

1) Remember when you were little and you had no interest in fashion magazines? Remember when you grew up and, all of a sudden, you needed to be and look like the models in fashion magazines or else you weren't real and true and worth accepting?

2) Remember when you went to college? And when you thought that a piece of paper would be the sole definer of your professional existence?

3) Remember when you went to your first Disney movie and the pretty princess met a prince (and some funny little animals)? Remember how you longed for your prince to find, save and validate you?

4) Remember when you didn't have a "smart" phone, and when the Instagram time-suck didn't exist? Remember when you weren't inundated with selfies that somehow challenged your self-esteem?

5) Remember when you used to, quite simply, play with friends? Remember when it became ever so important to play with (and consequently be like) the right friends or else your social existence would be nothing?

Can you remember who you were before you found these things? Before the world had such a profound hold on your existence. Before ads and movies and magazines—and even people—started to shape you? It's hard, right? Hard to remember the innocence of life uninfluenced. It's a constant thing, and it's virtually inescapable. We are always being influenced, even when we don't think so, which makes it harder and harder for us to be who we really are.

I challenge you: Stop and think about who you are. Put the phone down, close the magazines, turn off the television. Just...think. Lean into yourself and say "hello" to a person so unique, yet possibly so hidden.

Love that person, and let them shine.

How to Attack the Day (#pinspirationthursday)

Funny story: I actually published this yesterday because I thought yesterday was Thursday. Clearly it wasn't, so I'm reposting today. On Thursday. Because that's when I post Pinspiration Thursday. Can I play the "mommy brain" card, maybe just this once? Or maybe I just "attacked" yesterday with a little TOO much enthusiasm. Either way, I give you this:

OK, so right now BOTH OF MY KIDS ARE SLEEPING. In their respective beds, I might add. Not such a big deal for Hannah, but having Evan in his crib means that I can use the monitor...which means that I can put myself on a different floor of the house...which means that I can use the computer uninterrupted.

Sigh, this is nice.
And a good sign that our days are getting more and more predictable.

#happymom

Here's how I'm making it happen:

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I like having a schedule. I like knowing and/or being able to anticipate when things are going to happen. But that rigidity, that structure...not really sustainable with two kids. Also not sustainable if I want to make the most of this life I've been given. So I'm doing my best mentally (and physically) to adjust, attacking each day as it comes to me.

Here's how I do that:

1) I smile, then I smile again.
2) I plan ahead, but do my best to stay flexible.
3) I do what I can, when I can.
4) I absorb all the moments.
5) I try hard to let go of all negativity.
6) I make time for all the fun, whenever possible.

Question: How do you attack the day with enthusiasm?

Go with the flow. (#pinspirationthursday)

It's funny, I'm totally the kind of person that likes to get stuff done no matter what. If I'm walking out the door and I see a pile of papers in disarray, I'll straighten them before continuing. Obsessive, slightly compulsive? Perhaps. Neat freak? Undoubtedly. But all that's out the window right now as I learn the ropes of caring for two children. Granted, I've had some help lately...first, from the husband while he was home on a babycation. And now, from my mom who took a few days off work to come help.

It's been great, and I have no idea how I'll function when I'm on my own during the day, but I am absolutely certain that I'll figure it out. Gone are the days of neat freakness, I'm sure. Life is a new kind of unpredictable now, at least until we get ourselves into a new normalcy. And until we do, I'll continue to embrace the help that I've got. And when that help runs out, I'll go with the flow. Because in that flow, well...that's where life is lived.

And I trust in the life that has been given to me.

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Question: Is it easy for you to "go with the flow?" Why or why not?

Are your memories too public? (#pinspirationthursday)

For the longest time, I fought the whole Facebook thing. I fought all social media, actually. I'm so...old fashioned and protective when it comes to my life. Especially now that I'm a mother. There's something about splashing my child across the Internet that, even though these social sites can be private, doesn't sit well with me. If you do it, I don't judge you. At all, actually. To each his/her own. Seriously. I love seeing pics of your kids, your adventures and your selves. But that's really not the point of this post. I should be speaking more generally, and specifically about the fact that we humans love our dang phones now that they're essentially computers.

We have easy access to the world that's not right in front of us. To our friends and family that can't stand next to us. Often at the expense of those that ARE right next to us.

I'm guilty of it.
You're probably guilty of it.

People everywhere are guilty of it. Go to a public place and you'll see proof. Sign into your social accounts and you'll see proof. Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. It's fun to share, we all have levels of sharing in which we participate. (Hello, I have a blog with public social media accounts.) But here's what I propose:

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Because doesn't that sound positively refreshing? It is, after all, just a phone and a social website. But memories, they're equal parts heart and soul. And it's not Facebook or Instagram (or whatever) that keeps them front and center. It's you. It's your friends and family. It's face-to-face interaction.

It's life.

Question: What's your take on social media and over-sharing? Do you follow people that drive you nuts with this? Are you protective of your family and friends? 

Notice when you are happy. (#pinspirationthursday)

We all have those days. They suck, right? Nothing seems to go right. Nothing at all. And it kills your mojo, not to mention your mood, and all you can think about is everything that happens to be going wrong. Well, this:

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How about we all stop focusing, dwelling, living in, hanging on the negative and starting doing all that for the positive. Because I'm thinking if we do, if we can incorporate the above, we'll be shiny, happy smiling people. All of us.

Here, I'll start us off:

Now, go. Be happy. It's worth it.