Running for Life: Motivation to start!

It should come as no surprise to you when I say I love running.  Well unless you are reading this blog for the first time.  To which I have to tell you, I love running. 

But want to know something else I love (Oh, I know you do!).  I love helping others find their love for running!  I realize that not everyone wants to be a marathon runner.  Some people would be content to never run more than 3 miles.  That's fine!  But I just love helping others find that exhilarating feeling that running can give.  That moment when you push yourself beyond what you thought possible and you can't help but smile because it was oh so sweet (and exhausting at the same time!).  If you haven't experienced that with running before I can't explain it to you, but I would love for each and every one of you to experience it!

I think there are two big reasons why people don't start (and this applies to a number of things in life).

1. It is easier not to start than it is to fail.

Okay, I get that.... No one likes to fail (Me especially!).  But how do you know you'll fail if you don't even try!?!

2. It's just plain hard to start!  The hardest step is the first step out the door. 

So, because of these reasons I have decided to start a running clinic.  The goal of the clinic is to get you (yes, you!) to be able to run a 5k.... Without stopping AND without dying at the end (well really the goal is always to not die at the end!)  :)  I realize that sometimes all it takes it just a little motivation.  I want to coach and encourage you the whole step of the way, and help you see the potential that you have, when maybe you can't see that potential yourself.

So how is this going to work?  Well... it really depends on the interest I get.  But here is the general idea.  For 12 weeks, starting the week of June 24th,  I am going to put on 1 running clinic once every two weeks.  The location will change every time we meet (or we may rotate back and forth).  We will start off doing track work and build up to the longer runs.  We'll practice interval training, hill training, and do some shorter run/walks.  The workout will be designed for your running level so don't worry if you aren't at the same level as anyone else.  During the times we aren't meeting I'll have "homework" for you to do (running homework that is!). I will also be encouraging you and passing along fitness and nutrition tips.  Basically I'm going to be that inner voice that continually tells you that you can do it!  :)

But here's the best part about this whole thing (well in my opinion!!!).  After the 12 weeks is up we will be running in The Blue Shoe Run for Prostate Cancer on September 15th in Denver.  I picked this race because my father in law had prostate cancer and it's definitely something worth running for!  We can also register and run as a team which will be very fun!

The cost for the 12 weeks, which also includes the entry to the race is $55.  

So, who is this for you?  Good question!  This is for the beginner runners who have never ran in their life.  This is for the occasional runners that want to push themselves a little harder.  This is for the fitness enthusiasts that want continued health and this is also for that long time runner who wants to just improve their PR. So... that's pretty much everyone!  :)

So like I said the details will depend on the interest. If I get enough people to sign up I will do a clinic in Bailey and a clinic in Denver.  If you want to be included but just can't make it work, or maybe don't even live in Colorado, message me and we'll see what we can do!

So... Let me know if you are interested!  I will be sending a formal invitation soon, so if I don't have your email address and you want to join in the fun message me that too!

And lastly I leave you with this thought...

You know my passion for fitness.  I want to convey to you that it runs far deeper than just being able to run 3 miles.  Anyone who puts their mind to it can do that.  This is so much more than that!  This is about living your life to the absolute fullest. We only get 1 shot at this life...

"Do you not know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit... you are not your own, you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body."

                                                                                            ~1 Corinthians6:19-20

What do I want to be when I grow up!?!

I never thought at 30 years old that I would just now decide what to do with my life!  Now don't get me wrong, I've been doing exactly what I have wanted to do for the last 10 years.  I've been a mom.  I don't say that lightly.  I think it is one of the most important jobs and it's one I'll continue to have for the rest of my life.  I have been blessed to have a stay at home job so I could also be a stay at home mom.  I have had ZERO desire over the years to pursue anything else. 

So here I am... Just 30 years old.  My kids will all be in school in August (can I get a holla!!!!!) and I have a good 30+ years left of working left to do.  I'm not sure I'd be content working for Homeaway.com for the next 30 years.  It's a great company to work and I feel completely blessed to have had this job now for 8 years, but 30 more years????

So this weekend I was given the most amazing opportunity to attend the Shape Magazine, Oakley Progression Session and then run in the Diva Dash the next day.  What the Progression Session included was:

* Mass Boot Camp
* Yoga Class
* Nutrition Seminar with Recipe Demo
* Access to a pop-up Oakley Store to see the latest products
* Product giveaways, photo opps, delicious lunch and more!  

PLUS, the opportunity to interview to become an Oakley Ambassador.  

So I brought my friend Gretchen with me Friday and she snapped this picture of me interviewing.  You can tell I'm pretty into it!  :)  Come on, I was trying to sell my charm!

Don't they look completely engaged!?!  hahaaha!  :)

 

Great group of women!

So I didn't win as Oakley Ambassador.  But I did walk away with some awesome Oakley stuff!

How's that for advertisement Oakley!?!  Should have picked me for Ambassador!  I would have been awesome!  :)  (note: the towel is dirty from the bootcamp we did in the mud!  Yep, hard core!)

We also learned some awesome yoga moves as well!

Gretchen and I were pretty beat after Friday with all of the fun in the sun!  But we were up and at em early Saturday morning to race it up!

Oh yay, we are always ready!

Before I go on, I must tell you that Gretchen has never ran a 5k...... Let me rephrase that.  Gretchen has never ran 3 miles in her life ever.  Yes, that's how hard core she is!  Never ran ever, and she's out here running with this crazy!  That's why I love this lady!

The day could not have been more perfect!  The obstacles were a blast and I felt nice and strong for each one.  The run however.... My legs wanted to give out halfway through.  Probably because I haven't been running a whole lot lately and probably because of the crazy day we had on Friday.  But either way, every race is a fun race!

I shared this on facebook.  This was on the Diva Dash facebook page!  Pretty cool huh!?!  :) 

Then Gretchen's husband Matt took these other photos.  Yep, that's totally my butt in the first one!  hahah!

 

Awesome weekend in deed... But it's left me really wondering what I want to do with my life.  I mean what I really wanted was to win as Oakley Ambassador.   But as Lysa Terkurst said "I can rest in the assurance that if something is meant to be, it isn’t up to me. It’s up to God. I give what I can give. And then wait for Him to give what only He can give."  So I'm at the stage of giving what I can give, and waiting for what only He can give!

I stumbled upon this quote this morning.  All day long I think about encouraging others to continue on their fitness journey's.  That all it really takes is a choice... A choice to be what you want and go for it.  And that does not mean it is without pain and it isn't always fun.  But it's always worth it.  I decided I needed to start taking my own advice for once in the area of my life and my future!

I don't know yet what the future has in store for me.  But I do know that I can sit on my butt and wait for something to happen, or I can go for it.  I decide.....