Olympic Athletes = Inspiration

The 2012 Olympic Games are at the start of the second and final week.  I have enjoyed these games almost as much as the 1996 Olympics.  Granted, I was seven when the Atlanta games were on, I still remember watching as the USA Gymnastics team take the gold! All of the athletes were so inspiring and I wanted to be just like Dominique Moceanu.  Watching her beam routine made me want to learn how to do a back flip on the beam so bad.  

Around the same time as the 1996 Olympic games, I was getting ready to move up a level in gymnastics.  We were evaluated based on the skills we could do on each apparatus.  I was so weak on the bars, had a decent run for the vault (I only ever competed on the old school vault, thank goodness), and was okay on the floor.  When it came time for beam evaluation, I had no fear! I could barely do a handstand dismount on the beam and my coach said, "Can you do a back walk over?" I didn't hesitate. I threw my head back and tried to do the back walk over.  I had done one of the floor... It's the same thing as doing one on a beam raised four feet off the ground and only 4 inches thick, right?  My coach leaped up as soon as she saw me actually going for it.  I was no where close to being ready to do a back walk over on the beam but I wanted to be like Dominique so I had to do it.  It wasn't even a level requirement to move up, I think she just wanted to see how determined I really was.

The Olympic athletes always inspire me to put more effort into my workouts and into my daily routine.  But why do I only get this drive every four years? Why does everyone only get this drive every four/two years?  I've seen more people swimming laps at the pool than I have the whole summer.  Runners are out everywhere at all hours of the day no matter how hot it is.  Seeing people perform sports that everyone participates in at the most elite level gives people hope that maybe if they put in the extra effort, they could do it too.  It gives everyone the realization that anyone can be an Olympic athlete if you want it bad enough.  

I know no matter how much effort I put into my workouts or my runs, I will probably never be an Olympic athlete.  But watching the stories behind the athletes, seeing everything they gave up to get to this point, and then seeing their dreams become a reality or missing it by .03 seconds/points is enough to make me put in an extra 10 minutes at the gym.  If they can give up four years of their life to train for one race, I can better myself by running an extra mile.  I can make myself just a little bit better by doing more than I think I can do.

Not everyone has this mind set, I know.  I'm kind of a weirdo.  But think of something you have wanted so badly you would do anything to get there.  You probably made sacrifices in order to reach your goal.  Dreams are not unreachable if you set your mind to them.  You are good enough and you can make a difference in your own life or other peoples lives.  Don't sell yourself short.  Put in the extra 10 minutes at the gym for yourself.  For your family.  For your life.

How Bad is Life Really

Have you ever had a life event put your life into perspective?  I'm sure we all have had some kind of life event that has effected us in a way that we will never forget.  This week, I started following three gentlemen on Facebook that I do not know.  All three are US Army Soldiers and are at the Medical Center in Bethesda (10 minutes away from my office) where they are having surgery every three days to fight infection in their amputated leg(s).  They are also fighting to keep their arms without having them amputated as well.  I don't know any of these guys but it is a life event that has put my life into perspective.

I have had minor issues this week, hell my whole life, compared to these gentlemen.  Everyday I get on their Facebook page and read their updates and I am amazed by they're strength and progress.  It makes me cringe that people complain everyday because of the most minor issues.  My mind has been filled this week by the dramatic changes that will effect their lives forever.  Everything I have done this week, from driving to work to trying to balance on one leg during a workout, I have thought about how their life has been forever changed. This tragedy will effect them and their families for the rest of their lives but yet they are still positive and staying strong.  Our minor issues, from losing weight to car repairs, cannot even compare to their sacrifice.  

These men are American Heroes.  They have sacrificed their legs for us to live safely in America.  Next time you are having a rough week, think about the million of men and women who have fought for our country and are living (or not living) with injuries because they don't even know you and they decided to sacrifice themselves for you.

Many of us know at least one person who has served in the military.  Take a moment to thank them for the service they provided you.  And next time you see a soldier just take a moment to say thank you.  After you walk away from them, think about everything they gave up so that you could walk around this world and not have a care in the world.  We all have issues that come up, big and small.  I'm not saying that your issues are any less important.  I just want people to realize that it could always be worse.  When you think you are at your lowest point, think again.  I promise you someone is suffering worse than you are.  Find strength in that and pull yourself together.  Stay strong and believe in yourself!

Why Should You Not Be Motivated?

Lately, people have said to me "You are so positive." "You are so motivated." "How do you do everything you do?" Most of the time my response is, "No I'm not. I just know how to time manage my time." When really I should just say, "Yeah, I guess I am." Without motivation from people in my life I would not make it through some of my days.

I like to stay busy. I like having numerous things to do and challenging myself to get all those things done in one day. But without someone saying to me "You can do it." every once in a while I would be really down sometimes. It's a nice reminder to know that there are people around me that want to support me and want to help me through life.

But you have to have a drive within you as well. I feel very blessed in my life. I'm healthy, have great friends and family, I have a part time job, and I could not ask for anything more. I think about the people in this world who aren't as blessed as me. That motivates me to be the best I can be. How could I be miserable when I don't have anything to complain about?

Yes, I have problems. But dwelling on them isn't going to help me. And those extra pushes from those special people in my life that just tell me that one sentence "You can do it." make the world of difference in those situations. I hope you all can find those special people in your life so you are able to make the most out of your life.

God bless,

Kayla

The Past Year

It's been a long time since I last blogged.  I finished summer classes and have been working and traveling for the last couple of weeks.  I went home for Father's Day, had company in Auburn the next weekend and I went to Destin this weekend for the Fourth of July.

As I was in Destin, I began to reflect on how fast this year has gone by.  A year ago a few weeks ago my parents put my Dad's dog to sleep.  I remembered this this weekend because my Mom called my boyfriend to break the news to me because she knows how much I love animals that I wouldn't take the news lightly over the phone.  Also a year ago this weekend I lost someone who was a dear friend to me and my family, Dr. Lynch.  His family touched my life in so many ways and he had such an impact on who I was coming into college.  I still try to be the person he helped me be today but I find myself slipping back in to my old ways.  Dr. Lynch also encouraged me to run and finish what I always wanted to do.  With that motivation, I completed my first half-marathon this year and am currently training for my second one right now.  I was also reminded how fast this year has gone by when my boyfriend's mom asked me how long we had been together.  A year and a half in a week.  The time sure has flown.

Starting this blog has helped me grow as a person and remember all the feelings I've endured in these last few months.  I hope it continues to inspire people and maybe teach them something about themselves that maybe they did not realize until reading a blog post.  Lesson of this blog is to not take life for granted.  I have never realized how fast time flies until I reached college.  The last four years have been the best times of my life and they have certainly passed quicker than any other time in my life.  Live in the moment and do not live for the future or in the past.  Life is too short to take waste the precious time we have been given.

Living life to the fullest,

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

Back at Square One

I am embarrassed to be typing this blog post but I believe it is necessary.  I have completely fallen off of my pedestal of running and staying focused on being in shape.  I cannot seem to get the motivation I need to workout and eat healthy except that my body feels awful so I go out to get a run in just to feel a little better.  It seems I cannot find the motivation to run unless I have something to run for.  Without a race, or someone to share the same passion with, what do I do?

I have been in search for a 5-K, 10-K, Half-marathon, or Full-marathon ever since I posted my blog, "Post Race Blues".  I found quite a few but haven't picked one to actually run in.  I'm running in a 5-K in August with one of my dear friends but other than that I don't have anything else to do.  I can still run a 5-K but my time isn't what I want it to be.  I am putting that on myself because 1. I haven't been running like I should and 2. I haven't been eating like a should.  And I won't be running the race in August for time so I don't see the point in practicing speed.

But in reality that is exactly what I should be doing.  Since I'm bored with myself and my workouts, I need to incorporate speed work to keep myself entertained.  But more importantly I need to change my diet.  I have never been able to grasp the concept of diets.  If I workout, why should I diet? Well, going on my run today made me realize that I have to give my body the nutrients it needs to function.  If I feed it all this bad stuff my body rejects it and cramps up.  

I feel like everyone losses focus every once in a while.  Maybe not as often as me but I know Jillian Michaels has to slip up sometimes and so do you.  It's okay as long as we realize what we are doing wrong and fix it.  I am trying this new app on my phone called MyFitnessPal.  It is keeping me accountable to what I eat.  You can add friends on it so they can keep you accountable too.  If you find yourself having trouble, add me.  I'm the worst when it comes to sweets which I'm realizing now needs to be cut out of my diet completely.  My body does not like sweets, even though my mind and mouth thoroughly enjoy them.  Try and regain focus even if there is nothing you have to work for.  Work on yourself.  Stay focused on yourself because in reality working out and dieting is all for you.  The only way you can continue a diet or exercise is for yourself.  Just know that everyone slips up.  Don't let yourself slip up so much that you can't regain control over yourself.

Taking the reigns,

Kayla

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

Motivation

Today, I was asked by one of my Twitter followers, "How do you stay so motivated to workout?" I gave him my short answer and told him that he inspired me to write this blog post.  So this is to him and anyone else who has a hard time making yourself do the dreaded workout.

I'm no workout guru and I definitely do not have any special tips on how to lose weight the fastest.  Tonight, I simple want to talk about motivation.  That's all working out is.  Taking something inside of you or around you and making yourself get through a workout.  Without motivation, you can't workout.  I tell my Mom all the time that when I run, I could run forever if I just didn't think about it.  I told my follower three things that keep me motivated to workout.  1. Dr. Lynch 2. My boyfriend  and 3. Myself. (Note: These are not in an order of importance just of how I will talk about them.)

Dr. Lynch:  I have talked about him before on one of my blog posts.  I saw him on Sunday's when I would finally decide to come home from college.  But before college he was my mentor/Sunday School teacher my senior year.  He changed my life dramatically.  Like I talked about in my New Year's Resolution post, one of my goals is to run a half-marathon in honor of Dr. Lynch.  I set a marathon last year and didn't reach my goal.  When I run my half-marathon, finishing it will give me the motivation to push for a full and I hopefully I will accomplish that goal before graduation.  Dr. Lynch, even though he is not here with me, gives me the motivation to get myself out of the bed, go for a run, and complete this challenge for him.

My boyfriend:  I haven't talked about him much on my blog but he has made a huge impact on my life.  He could be a workout guru, if he wanted. (haha) He is 6'5" and is built like a basketball player.  This summer, he set a challenge for himself to complete the P90X workout and in return I told him I wanted to do it too.  Well, we both completed the workout and did not get the results we wanted (probably because we weren't as strict with our diets).  I got bulky, like I was in high school.  All muscle covered with little bits of fat.
          B (my boyfriend) eats extremely well.  He isn't obsessive over his diet but he knows what is good for him and he eats it.  I use to always feel bad at the end of the day when B would ask, "Well what did you eat today?" My response, "Kraft Mac-a-roni & Cheese for lunch and a frozen pizza for dinner."  His response, "Well, that would be why you feel bad." I LOVE Mac-a-roni & Cheese, pizza, any kind of desserts, and Diet Coke!! It's so hard for me to cut these things out of my diet.  Honestly, I haven't completely cut them out.  I just manage how much I eat, when I eat it, and what kind it is (meaning Lean Cuisine Mac-a-roni and low fat desserts).
          What I'm getting at is you have to have an accountability partner.  Without someone to keep you on the same page you will stray.  You won't get up and workout and you'll sit on the couch eating.  BUT with someone helping you, reminding you, pushing you, you will have to get up and workout and in my case eat healthy.  B and I do not workout together, but at the end of the day we always talk about what we did that day.  It use to suck hearing him say what workout he did and what he had to eat for the day.  Now, I've gotten so much more focused, and at the end of the day I'm proud to talk about my workout and what I ate.  Now we have an actual accountable relationship.  Before, he was doing all the reminding and pushing.

Myself: The hardest thing in the world is to make yourself workout.  If you do not have that drive to want to change your body, want to feel good about yourself, or want to do something for yourself you will not be motivated to workout, ever.  Working out is not fun (for the most part).  You put yourself through pain, sweat, and it uses up a lot of free-time.  My workout time is my me time.  I do my best thinking when I have headphones in and I am running outside.  I continue to stay motivated because I have a HUGE fear of becoming overweight.  I know it sounds snobby but I have had nightmares about being obese.  I do not want that.  Therefore, everyday I make myself do some kind of workout.  I stay fairly busy.  So sometimes my workout may consist of a small run and abs.  Other days I can take a class at the gym, use the elliptical, treadmill, and the bike all in one workout.

You are your biggest motivation.  If you do not want the feeling, the results, the power you have after a completed workout, it is very hard to motivate yourself to spend an hour in misery.  An accountability partner is a huge plus for me.  You can stay motivated all by yourself but if you see you are having a little bit of trouble call a friend.  They will be there to support you on those days you just want to lay in the bed, on the days it rains, and on the days you have no time.  Set a goal for yourself.  By having small, attainable goals you will keep yourself motivated for short amount of times and once you reach that goal, set another one.  Make your goals attainable.  If you never reach your goals you will be defeated and very unmotivated.

I hope this helped a little bit.  If you have any other questions or want to know more about how I stay motivated write a comment, Facebook me, Follow me on Twitter.  I will be happy to share with you all the other things in my life that keep me motivated.  These are just the top three reasons I wake up and make sure throughout my hectic schedule I get a workout in for those things.  Have a blessed Friday and do something for yourself! It's totally worth it!

Love and hugs,
Kayla