Tough Mudder Tuesday - Lessons 1 - 5

A week before the Tough Mudder event I injured my knee. It was looking dim and coach was advising me to sit back. The risk was too high. Yet, for me there was a higher risk. I was combating with OBESITY. I knew I had to make a change and there was some real fear; fear of complacency. I knew that on 03/28 I had to JUMP IN! NO OPTIONS. I would walk it if I had to...but I would do it.

Los Game Changers is a team of 6 people who combined have lost 494 lbs. They were doing this with me. I had a support group. On event day, my knees were in pain by mile 2. I was walking. I was in it for the long haul and I knew that was the smartest way. I officially was the weakest link on the team and after the 3rd obstacle all but one teammate left me. Or so I thought, I had a whole new team…it was the TM Team. It was the community. Each and every one of them…this still blows me away. So much, I add a disclaimer for possible rambling! 

Post TM, I am able to identify my recent behaviors and the difficulty I have with acknowledgement. I realize I stop myself because I do not want people to view me, my shape or my person. I knew this in some ways before…but Tough Mudder cemented something in me. I AM NOT MY FAT.  There is me and there is Fat. We are not one. I can not use fat to hide me because I am not invisible. No amount of weight I gain will ever hide me. The only thing fat does is shorten my life span. 

TM also reminded me I matter. There were so many people there ready to help. Cheering me on and then telling me I could do it. I borrowed their belief when I thought I could not go anymore. People saw me for me and did not shy away. They helped me. -- I CLIMBED WALLS!! All 228 pounds of me!! I could not do the bars but I JUMPED IN! I cramped up in CRY BABY got out…then jumped right back in and did it. I DID THE BEST I COULD. I PUSHED my LIMITS and COMPLETED TM. I own my power. 

This fuels me to lose the next 80. I will continue to share my story with those in my community. I accept my bright star and want to bring all that light to others. 

Here's to you meeting your weight and fitness goals! 

Training Tuesday

 

My game has been elevated. My knees. My sore muscles. My bruises. All there. I know I want to continue to participate in events like TM so there is no slowing down. I will create the April plan tonight. I'm also excited with my recent meetings.

I will be taking this a a step further by creating events for my community. 

Let's do this together!

Motivational Monday

Dream a little Dream.

There are so many emotions and feelings around tough mudder. I still cannot put it all into words without rambling. I expected to be able to blog away. Instead I'm here thinking of the best way to say it. Then I remember #1 on my list of lessons.

Some TM Lessons.

1. Don't overthink things.

2. Mental noise kills. 

3. Not everyone will be there when they said they would. You can't resent them. They have their own path to follow.

4. A friendly face goes a long way.

5. You can use your charisma and ask for help. Wait, I knew that. I have to be willing to accept it too.

6. Strangers can become friends. Let them in.

7. Just let go.

8. Everything is better when you're having fun.

9. Always do your best.

10. There are Angels out there.

11. I am worthy of someone else's help.

12. In life I go at my own pace. I am
only in competition with me.

13. Love and appreciate those who stay at your side. No matter your struggle. No matter your pain.

14. Trust others have good intentions.

15. Be willing to listen. Learn.

16. Encourage others. You matter too.

17. It takes a Village!

18. When you think you can't do something. Try again.

19. Don't quit when you're ahead.

20. Dig deep. You can go even further.

21. Stop pacing. Own your power! Yes it goes against 12! But explains 22.

22. Be flexible.

23. Push. Don't take the best of you to the grave. Let others see it now.

24. Jose really really loves me. I knew it before the challenge but him calling me his balsy wifey. A bonafide badass!!! That takes a big man! He really loves me for me! LOL

25. It ain't that serious. Jump in ... again!

26. Live the moment.

So go live. Be present. Shine big.

Sweet Saturday

At my weight watchers meeting with a -.8 loss. It is not a lot but I'm down and not up!

I keep moving forward.

Motivational Monday

Los Game Changers - T-Shirt Logo
Posting a page about the Team Soon

4:30A Yoga DONE!

It is always about what you choose in the moment. Sometimes they are not the best choices. Yesterday I had an ice cream binge. THE HEAT MADE ME DO IT! Well, that is what I told myself but I know, really, I did it.

I'm human. I won't harp over it. I am not going to spend time on: OMG why did I do that? -- Instead I woke up bright and early to follow my best me Yoga routine. I focus on the fact that I am working on me.

So if you make a bad choice...change your game. Then get up and keep going!

Here's to better choices!

Sunday ... Lucky 13

Escondido Falls Hike - 03/14/15
Los Game Changers

Thought

There is a reoccurring need...to let go. Let go of pain, anger, doubt, missed love, fear, and past situations. They can all stop me.

I let go. On the other side I see victory. I see grandness. I visualize me at goal.

Hike Day

Accomplished and Ready. I'm smiling!

Yesterday was group hike day. I was out of my element. Part of the hike was very easy. The other part was strenous and had me confronting fear. I also had to talk others through their fears by acting strong and collected.

When I thought I would fail I became present to all of my training. The multiple times coach told me, "You got this!". I thought about my weight loss achievements. Then I told myself, "This is next level for you. Don't think ... let go!"

I let go of fear and got through it with confidence.

Action

I applaud myself for what I do. I continue with training. I am 13 days away from tough mudder. It is all about beleiving in me...it is the clarity I need. Thanks this great day. Thanks to lucky 13.

Here's to believing in you. Be amazing.

Remain coachable

I'm not over thinking just moving forward because I have 15 days before tough mudder. I'll keep the posts shorter but trust me I'm giving it my all.

I remain coachable by remaining focused on the goal!!

Here's to completing this sucka!

Tough Mudder 2015 Redefined | Official Video: https://youtu.be/Jim-ksScOoc

Wonderful Wednesday

My Juicing Station

I've been drinking vegetable and fruit juices regularly for months now but I rarely did it myself. My daily order at the local Courtyard Cafe or at Puerto Nuevo included green veggies, pineapple and ginger. NUMMY! When I wanted a treat I would go to Simply Wholesome where they add the coconut water for that extra tropical flair. There were days when I juiced all day just to reboot the engine. After the Freeology Seminar on 02/07 I decided to start doing it at home. This allows me to have more control over the flavors and I make sure my boos, Jose and Andy, are getting their green goodies too.

If you do not know where to start with juicing or are new to the idea I suggest you watch  the documentary Fat Sick and Nearly Dead . I have yet to do the 28 day cleanse and my max is usually 3 days. Nonetheless with clean eating and proper nutrition I feel I get the benefits. 

Below is a quick list of some of my favorite veggies and fruits. I do not use oranges, tangerines, or grapefruit due to allergies but I invite you to research for your own blends. We all have different ailments and nutritional needs. Juicing for Health has a lot of good information and recipes. I will also start sharing some of my favorites.

The Base Types are the Vegetables or Fruits that are good starters e.g. green apple and celery. Then I have the add-ons which add a good tasteful punch and are full of nutritional goodies. The boys favorite blend is green apple, celery, carrot, spinach, cilantro, parsley, and mint. I add 1/2 tsp of  manuku medical grade honey. 1 tbs of organic apple cider vinegar and 1 tbs of chia seeds to every morning juice. I was drinking these items daily in a horrible mix and decided to add it to my morning juice instead for a tastier blend.

Here's to happy juicing!

Type	Vegetable/Fruit/Herb	Benefits
Base	Apple	Most of an apple’s nutrients are stored on the skin or just under the skin. There are the phytonutrients: ellagic acid, malic acid, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin. There are many more phytonutrients in an apple, some yet to be discovered and named. These compounds are high in anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
	Beetroot	Beets are known for their amazing health benefits. They are good for almost every part of the body. It is good for such ailments as anemia, blood pressure and cancer.
Base	Carrot	It is rich with biotin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, organic sodium and some trace minerals. Good to control blood sugars, vision, acne breakouts and water retention.
Base	Celery	Celery is associated with lowering blood pressure. It is a good post-workout tonic since it replaces lost electrolytes and rehydrates. It is also known for its natural sodium properties.
Add-on	Cilantro	It is a very good source of vitamins A, C, K and traces of the B vitamins.  In the minerals department, it provides high amount of calcium and potassium.  Both of these would have already been helpful for relieving various ailments.  Then there are  iron, manganese and sodium. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate blood sugars. It is an immune booster and helps with insomnia.
Base	Cucumber	Good for blood pressure control, cooling, fever, inflammation, hair growth and water retention.
Add-on	Ginger	This herb contains essential oils, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin C, choline, folate, inositol, manganese, panthotenic acid, silicon, and a small amount of vitamin B3.
	Kale	Kale is one of the very few vegetables that contain a decent amount of Omega 3 ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). It is rich in calcium, copper, iron, potassium, and also high in Vitamin B1, B2, C, E and K.
Add-on	Lemon	Good for inflammatory disorders, digestion, gums, asthma, cold and sore throat.
Add-on	Lime	Good for inflammatory disorders, digestion, gums, asthma, cold and sore throat.
Add-on	Parsley	Parsley provides carotenoids and is a nutrition powerhouse of a few known anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and flavonoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, apiole, rutin and apigenin). It is good before menstruation because it helps prevent bloating and water retention. It is also a good immunity booster.
	Spinach	Spinach is one of the most nutrient-packed vegetables and its raw juice is an excellent source of chlorophyll. It is also a superb source of vitamins A, B complex, C, E, K, carotenes, folate, manganese, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, some trace elements and many valuable amino acids
	Item	Benefits
	Chia Seeds	High quality protein with Omega-3 fatty acids and improves certain blood markers. This in theory helps lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They have bone nutrients and can improve your exercise performance as much as a sports drink.
	Manuko Medical Grade Honey	Helps with reducing high cholesterol, reducing inflammation, treating diabetes, eye, ear and sinus infections.
	Organic Apple Cider Vinegar	Helps with sore throats, colds, lower cholesterol, prevent indigestion, clears a stuffy nose, aids with weight loss, boosts energy, and helps control blood sugar.

Motivational Monday

Yesterday was group hike day. This hike was a backwards hike. A backwards hike is when you start with the beautiful view at the height of the mountain. It also means you are challenged at the end of the hike as opposed to mid-hike. The group was smaller this time and I was able to spend one on one time with everyone. It was perfect because I had the opportunity to play with perspective just as I had planned.


Beauty

I started the hike by explaining the trail from the top. I also told everyone to take in the view because I wanted them to make a before and after comparison. I said, "the view will be the same but your perspective about what is around and below will change. Trust me and just take it all in you will appreciate it a whole other way after our hike." Then we started trailing ahead.

We each appreciated the beauty of the trail. The beautiful yellow flowers. The ocean and mountain tops. We laughed and had great conversation. We met the challenge and before we knew it we were at the top. I told them all to gaze out again and what I got was, "OMG you're right it does change. WOW! It is so much more beautiful".

The way I relate to this specific hike is ... You can get life's goodies handed to you. You may have beauty all around you but sometimes you do not appreciate it unless you work for it. There is something about how it may make you feel. Then and only then can you really appreciate the beauty with the depth your soul desires. Put it simply, sometimes hard work and meeting the challenge provides you with a new perspective that overfills you with joy. It is the feeling of accomplishment.

Sometimes you just need to get in the trenches and work on your challenge to really appreciate the journey. So just as it gets tough...keep going! Do not stop because the view on the other side ... can really surprise you. --- I must remind myself of this whenever I lose fuel. I say there is a reason for the curve ball. I must persist and remain grateful for there is an abundance of beauty around me.

Here's to keeping it going.

Sweet Saturday

Clearing.

This weeks loss -.6

Things happen for a reason. Sometimes it is to test us. After setting my mind on staying on track no matter what...my workout routine was shaken up.

I could easily fall into the stories and logistics. I was gonna stay home cook up a storm and have a big breakfast. Instead I decided I could also just go with the flow and make it work for me. I told myself something good will result out of this change. It will all work out for the higher good of those involved.

The workout was okay. It made me break a sweat. Its not my preferred instructor but I remained open to the benefits. I went to my WW meeting and the topic was on point! Do not eat your feelings. 

After the Meeting

I decided to keep going and follow with the yoga class I used to take before. Adrienne never fails to inspire me. It is what I needed to fuel my soul.

So today's shake up: I see it as new opportunities and that keep me on my toes. It is a test that allows me to meet challenges with intent.

Here's to keeping it going no matter what!

Remain Coachable

Anthony is aware of my ongoing vertigo and suggested meal tracking. I've tracked in the past and I know part of the gain in February was my lack of tracking. I thought about his suggestion. I decided I would take it a step further and stick to the body for life food list. This means I will have basic simple clean foods. It may get boring but I can establish any vertigo triggers easily. This will also help me clear my skin since hot peppers have been causing acne break outs.

I remain coachable and focus on the big picture.

Today's meals and snacks:

7a protein smoothie
10a oatmeal with almonds.
1p shrimp, brown rice and steamed vegetables
4p fruit and Greek yogurt
7p fish, quionoa and roasted vegetables

Here's to good eats.

Wonderful Wednesday

Self-Motivation

The workout schedules I create keep me on track. I have not created a schedule for a few months because I was working with "Los Game Changers" and our team schedule. I was also sick in January and most of February. My motivational Monday share from 03/02 was an eye opener. The endomondo e-mail made me want to plan and do more.

Activity Boundaries

I created my workout schedule and have set some supportive boundaries for myself. For example, I have a few "EXTRAS" on the schedule like Kickboxing/Under the Belt on Tues. & Thur., ROAR as a double on Mon. & Wed. Which means if I feel good and energized I will take the EXTRA class. If not I will go home and rest after ONE class. This will still put me at 2 hours of exercise a day since I am sticking to yoga and PiYo mornings. Activity in the morning keeps me focused and balanced. I notice the difference in my performance right away. I am also walking, hiking or jogging for a minimum of 30 minutes 4 days a week.

Playing Big

The goal is to keep a steady pace and shoot for at least 2 hours of activity a day. Friday's are my OPTIONAL active recovery days and will be the exception with an an hour of activity. If I am sick I will not make myself wrong. I will listen to my body and provide it with self-love. If that requires rest so be it. However, I will not use illness as a cop-out so if I feel I can remain active...I will keep pushing. I am playing big!

Here's to lighting the fire and keeping it moving!

True Thursday

SHARING IS CARING

Three people shared their stories with me this week. They each shared about where they were in their journey. Some mentioned the transitions they have experienced and what they have learned about themselves in the process. One person touched on the difficulty of sharing but felt she needed to talk to me. The other shared about the avoidance of feeling pain and how food helped her numb it all. Then there was the share about life's unexpected changes and how to cope with it all. Each share ended with a big thank you for sharing and providing positivity.

What these three people did not know was I was aching too; questioning, fighting and having difficulty sharing. I was pushing to stay positive but feeling like I was failing. Then just as the light seemed dim, they appeared.

FEELING THE PAIN

Being sick is never fun. Not knowing what my body is doing can be frustrating and even builds anger. - Vertigo spins, dizzy spells, constant colds, fever days and nauseous moments take a toll. -They discourage me and make me seek comfort foods for "soothing". Bad habits creep in...Bread, lovely fluffy bread. Lemonade, sweet and tangy lemonade. "Papas"...mmmmm...give me some creamy "papas". Then my body craves good foods so I go back to good eating. But the back and forth and the tastes, here and there, ADD UP. They also send my body into confusion mode.

Mental games relating to fears about people invading my space and touching me inappropriately became real for me in February. He called it playful, I call it disrespectful and uninvited. Threats of slapping and boxing him for his unwarranted advances were made. He stopped and brushed it off as "friendly" men behavior. I called it, "unpleasant I am going to slap you the next time" behavior. It is this type of behavior that triggers something deep in my being. It puts me in a panic. It caused a down spiral effect and furthered my already frustrated and angered state of mind. It brought mindfulness to a halt.

Daily stressors from work and family life only add to the mix. Not being able to voice what I am thinking or making errors sends me into a frenzy. I like to manage things and plan. With time I have been able to cope with unforeseen changes with flexibility. However, when I am the cause of the error or I am ignored, well I do not do so well with it and over think the correction process. I seek balance by surrounding myself with positive affirmations. In February, my affirmations were not enough. It all took a toll and the negativity added up. It added up to a 10 pound gain in a month! Yes, "taste" eating, fear from past triggers, and stress from day to day living put a 10 pound dent on my goal. My light was dim.

THE AFTERMATH: FOCUS ON LOVE

Regardless of how ill I felt. I kept going. I kept going to workout when I could. I stayed active for as long as I could. It resulted in a little over 29 hours of activity. While I was at home making myself wrong for not doing more...I did not consider I was doing as much as I could. Old habits will creep with ease and so can disease. While I may not know the cause of this cycle of vertigo. I can do my best to manage it. The doctor may not be able to provide insight to the cause but I can search for alternatives to create balance.This means sticking to clean eating and soothing with other things like music, reading, yoga, a massage etc. I practice self-love with lovable actions. I have done it before. I can do it again.

Remaining Mindful can be tough when I am trying to forget acts that are part of my past. Forgetting the past is not possible. Forgiving past acts is doable. Remaining rooted in my being and connecting with my inner strength is key. People's behavior will not impact the core of my being and I manage this with mindfulness. - I cannot escape with food. I cannot escape my power. There is no escaping me. - Instead I choose to focus on the support system I have created. The people who share their stories and tell me I inspire their journey. I focus on all the good in my life and remain grateful for the positive opportunities that surround me. I choose to focus on the bigger picture : a world full of endless positive possibilities and love.

We all have trials. We all have stressors. We also have a choice to deal with those negative occurrences with grace. I know I have grown leaps and bounds in the last five years. I also know I must remain humble and grounded for I do not know what my future holds. I create light around me and no matter the struggle I tell myself it will get better. It all works out for my higher good. Above all I choose to lift those around me too.

LIGHT

I need it. So I come clean to create anew. I remain true to the goal of a healthy me. I am human and share to bring light to you. Together we all make things much brighter.

Here's to making a positive imprint in our  life's journey. Much love to you.

Monthly Feature - Inspiration Cycle

March 2015

Kelly

I met Kelly in the 7th grade. She will gladly tell you the story about how we first met. Our mutual friend Edna  invited her to our lunch table. She did not care that she could not understand our spanish rants; she was just so happy she made new friends. Her wide eyed look and crazy laugh would fuel our friendship. She soon became our "Guera". We remained friends through middle school and high school. After high school we both married into the same family but rarely saw each other due to life's busy schedule. We would see each other at the occasional family event and our connection was that of old friends. We had the ability to pick up right where we left off...no matter the time we spent apart.  

Facebook was really what kept us in touch. I saw the boys grow-up and then I saw Kelly loose weight. She would post pictures of good healthy eats, race events, before and afters. As I sat at home studying I thought, "I am next. I will be like Kelly". - I never reached out to Kelly for advice. She just fueled me in a whole other way. Her big smile and positive outlook was one I already had a deep connection with and I knew I just had to get on board. I would surprise her!

Kelly soon started to comment on my before and after pictures and took notice of the changes I was making. Before I knew it she was my biggest cheerleader. My Guera and I were connected again and a year after mutual facebook stalking we connected "LIVE". The screeching and high-pitched screams of yesteryear were a daily occurrence again! YAY!

Kelly is an active part of my life. She is game for any activity and we set up goals together regularly. We created Los Game Changers on that 01/01/15 hike with Lola. We have a one for all attitude and remain positive about the changes we want to make in our lives. 

Gracias mi Guera for being a part of my inspiration cycle. Thank you  for your spiritual ways and for always shining a positive light. You were key in my journey. Your cheers pushed me when I thought I would fail and YES GIRL, your cheers were so loud I could hear them through FB!!! We have an unspeakable connection framed with LOVE. te AMO mi dulce Guera. 

Motivational Monday

February my Failure Month; this is what I called it in my head. I was sick for most of the month and did not workout for weeks at a time. I did not train as planned for the tough mudder. I was feeling down. I ate comfort foods then I juiced for nutrition. I sought balance while I was going haywire. My inner workings were all over the place. I made myself wrong and was angry when all I needed was some self-love. It was a month of self-criticism and illness. 

Then today I get this via email. I worked out 29:11:51 hours!!! WHAT?!? If I average it out it is more than an hour a day! AND I burned a little over 891 calories a day...not bad! Was it less than my average amount? Yes! Is it acceptable for how I was feeling...YES! 

My point is this...February is gone. March is here. I can hold on to how I did not do things the way I planned. I can hold on to how I do not look or feel how I am supposed to feel. I would much rather focus on what I did accomplish and what I will accomplish today. I invite you to do the same. 

Make the change one day at a time. One pound at a time. 

Here's to focusing on the good things!