A Decision Has Been Made

First of all, I want to say thank you to my devoted readers. I started this blog when I started training for my first half-marathon.  I had planned to keep this blog devoted to fitness, working out, being healthy, and documenting all the ups and downs of training for a long distance race.  After I trained for my first half-marathon, I was injured from training so fast that I was not in the mood to run another race anytime soon.  Then one year later, I ran in my second half-marathon.  I wrote about training some of the time but my blog was mostly filled with posts about my boring life.  And yet you all continued to follow me and my obnoxious I-Know-All blog posts.  Thank you for continuing to read!

Today, I write to inform you all that I will be following my title and topic a little bit more closely than you are use too.  This blog was started with one goal in mind: to one day run a full marathon.  With polite bragging from some of my crazy running friends, my competitive spirit got the best of me and I have decided I too am capable of running a full marathon.  Since I have moved to Washington, DC my miles have decreased but my heart has gotten stronger for the love of running.  If I wanted to there are races every weekend within driving distance that offer all different distance races.  It is hard to not want to join in on all the fun (for me, at least).

The marathon I have committed to running is the Rock N Roll Marathon in Washington DC on March 16, 2013.  Yes this is far away, date wise, but it is right around the corner with the 22 week training program I have decided to train with.  This is going to be a long, grueling road.  I will start training in October with this 22 week program.  Until then, I need to build up to the mileage it starts with in order to keep up with the program.

I have read a Marathon Training for Dummies book twice now.  Along with millions of running blogs, running articles, and many more running tips.  The first rule of thumb when training for a marathon is support.  You have to have support from your family, friends, and loved ones in order to complete this journey.  There is only so much the runner can do for his or her self to keep their mind, body, and soul into running 26.2 miles!!  It will take a lot of personal time to run the distances required of the training program.  That time could be spent with family and friends but instead I'll be running.  Since I am in DC, mainly by myself, I think this is the perfect time to do it.  But I will need your help.  The more I put my end goal out there, the more likely I will be able to complete it.  I wanted to write this blog post so you all know 1. where the direction of this blog will be for the next year and 2. to ask for your support while I strive to do what less than 1% of the US has already done.  Thank you in advance for your support.  I hope you will follow my journey and share with your friends.

Let Me Explain Myself

It's been a recurring comment I've gotten that my blog, Twitter, or Facebook make people feel terrible about themselves.  I wanted to take some time to write a blog hoping to clear some things up.

First, my blog, Twitter, or Facebook were never intended to make people feel bad about themselves.  I only hope to motivate people or maybe make them think about themselves, life, or choices they may come across in life.  I would never want to tell someone what to do or make them feel like I know everything because 1. I don't and 2. I don't like when people tell me what to do either so I wouldn't tell my followers what to do either.

Second, my blog, Twitter, or Facebook are there to help me just as much as they are to help the people that read them.  Putting things out there so the world can see it keeps me accountable and makes me realize that people are watching (or reading) and that I need to be the best version of myself at all times.  Also, it's a great way to track different problems I may be having and see how I handled it in a previous scenario.

Lastly, if it bothers you that much please don't waste your time reading my social media stuff.  I honestly only do it to help better myself and other people.  It is my passion to motivate and encourage other people.  So I won't stop what I write (or type).  I know this doesn't apply to everyone that reads my blog, Twitter or Facebook because sometimes I get excellent comments back that make me feel like I am actually helping someone out there.  But if it hurts you or makes you feel terribly about yourself first off ask me or tell me about it and hopefully I can change something to make you feel better about yourself.  But if that doesn't work for you please feel free to de-follow me in the social media world.

Thanks to all my followers who enjoy my blog, Twitter, and Facebook.  I only do it to help other people and I hope that I can make some change, motivation, or encouragement for you!

Goodnight,

Kayla

Fitness Instructors

For the longest time I have thought about becoming a certified fitness instructor.  I worked at the front desk of a YMCA for a year because I thought they would eventually promote me to class instructor.  I had no idea you actually had to take a test, take a few classes, and then get your certificate.

Fitness instructors aren't there to just teach a class.  They are there to inspire you and keep you motivated.  Without them, would you really go to a class? Some people would say yes, I would love it if I could take a class without an instructor but most people (I believe) would say, no, the instructor is the only reason I go.  If you said yes, then you probably are meant to be an instructor.

I love taking fitness classes.  Working out with other people keeps me going (because I'm so competitive) and it makes me know that there are other people in this world that want or are trying to do the same thing as me; lose weight or burn calories so they can eat whatever they want (let's be honest, that's what I workout for!)  Whatever the reason people come to fitness classes whether it be to get enjoyment out of a workout, try something different, become inspired, or be surrounded by people who want the same thing as them, none of it could happen without the fitness instructor.

In January, I realized that I was meant to encourage people.  I was put on this Earth to serve people.  Whether that be in hospitality, working out, helping others with problems/projects/etc., I have a desire to help them.  Watching the Biggest Loser, inspires me to do something with my life.  Reading about other peoples success makes me want to do better.  Being around certain people makes me want to be a better person.  I think it's time for me to take that extra step and become a fitness instructor.  I am already crazy busy but I think it is important to be somebody that someone else can turn to or confide in.

You don't have to be a fitness instructor to do that.  You can just be a positive influence in someones life.  Keep that smile on your face and show people how awesome it is to walk through life happy.  Be a light in someones life.  You matter even if you think you do not.  I promise there is someone wishing they could be more like you.

Smiling a little bigger,

Kayla :D

Goals

Having goals is how I get through life.  Making it from one goal to the next makes me realize I'm actual accomplishing things I want to get done in my life.  Writing things done helps me actually finish a goal.  When you set a goal what are you thoughts behind it?  Is it something you've always wanted to do, something you want to be better at, something that isn't achievable until you are a little older and a little wiser? That's the joy behind goals.  A goal can be as short-term or as long-term as you want it to be.

Today is the Boston Marathon and I'm following the updates on Twitter: @Runnersworld.  These runners are amazing.  Did they have this race in their mind their whole lives? Is this something they've been training for for years and years or is this something that they decided, "I'm going to win the Boston Marathon!"  How amazing it must feel after running 26 miles in less than 2:30!  I would just like to complete a marathon (long-term goal).  

Setting goals are meant to lift you up and make you feel confident about yourself.  If you set a goal that is too unrealistic, you won't accomplish it and you'll feel even more down than you were before you even started trying to accomplish a goal.  To do list are great ways of accomplishing goals.  I like lists and crossing things off.  This will help you notice the success your making! Also, make it known to everyone.  The more you put yourself out there the more likely you are to finish a goal.  Don't be afraid of the unknown.  Do something you've never done before and you'll become a more confident and more thriving you!

Reaching for the stars,

Kayla