success

Choose your “Difficult.”

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Nearly 12 years ago, I had a new little 3lbs. 15 ounce baby boy who was fighting for a normal life at 32 weeks old. I had no control over what was happening to him.
As I sat next to his little ‘glass box’ for hours at a time staring at him breath with wires and machines surrounding us – I was also thinking about my body and if I was ever going to get it back. I felt horrible….emotionally and physically.

Jacob preemie pic

Over the next 5 weeks of going to the NICU I hated my new ‘Mom’ body yet stopped by the Zestos seasonal ice cream drive-thru to get my daily blackberry smoothie to calm my nerves.
Does that make sense??
No – but at that time nothing made sense.
Why would God allow my baby to come early and create this fight for him, for us, and make me so worried/sad that I wanted to vomit everyday? I had no control over what was happening to my son, so I controlled my ‘wants’ with a blackberry smoothie. Damn, they were really good too!!
And, I’ll usually get one a summer because they are tasty, but they always remind me of those scary times. I don’t know why I still do that to myself?
Maybe it’s to remind myself to be thankful because Jacob survived those days and the ONLY reminder is a coil in his heart which does not limit him from activities. I’d like to think it’s to remind myself to be thankful.

jacob preemie with me

I really hated my body then and sometimes I still get irritated when I look in the mirror.  It never seems to change fast enough!!!  I hated how I felt in clothes and how I tried to conspicuously camouflage my stomach. I hated how I felt jiggly and was not the tight and toned athlete I used to be.

Then I had 2 miscarriages and my body seriously went to hell. I was envious of the other Moms who didn’t have pregnancy issues and looked amazing 12 weeks after delivery. I got pregnant a fourth time and ,y baby girl, Lydia, entered my life.
A full term gorgeous baby girl with dark black curly hair, full lips, and big blue eyes.
I knew then that I was done having children. I wasn’t pressing my luck any more!

AND….. therefore it was time to get my body back.

I wanted my husband and children to be proud of me and how could I allow them to be if I wasn’t proud of myself?  I do not believe in the “I’m a Mommy now so I must look like one” theory. I wanted to be a fit and feisty mom that was active and my kids could brag about.

I tried joining the YMCA and fad diets, but all I ever got was frustrations and disappointment. At first I thought if I stopped taking in so much food that the fat would melt off.  I was wrong.  I had no one to help me through it and was too embarrassed to talk to my friends about my weight. Can you relate? Is that normal?

I saw an infomercial on TV and quietly ordered the workouts. I did a few weeks of them without much success and frankly…..it bored me.
So, time to try something a little more challenging. I needed solid motivation and to start a real weight loss program. I ordered P90X , started using Shakeology for a quick nutritional drink, and joined Team Beachbody so I had a free coach who knew what she was doing to push me and answer my questions.
On my bad days, I reached out to her.
On my good days I reached out to her.

Beachbody before after

 

I lost 15 pounds and more importantly, FELT BETTER.
I’ve learned that self confidence and having energy without making poor food choices is the BEST FEELING EVER.
I started running, joined races, ordered more Beachbody home workouts (I now own over 16 programs) and even when I fail …. Which I do daily……. I fail forward.
I had knee surgery last spring which despite my best efforts created a few extra pounds that I’m struggling to get off. Stress and lack of sleep are the culprits —- I know that for sure!

Lisa Phone September 2014 soccer, family picnic, class reunion 2076

My fate was NOT to be a “typical Mom” who complained about her body and was jealous of others. It sucked many days but I had to choose my ‘DIFFICULT.’
It is difficult to: be fat and it’s difficult to workout each day and eat better.

—->> But one difficult is worth it and the other is just a waste of time and annoying for others to hear you talk about wishing you were smaller.

Some things in life we have NO control over —- such as a preemie baby or miscarriages.
Other things we have ALL the control over — such as what you’re putting in your food hole each day.

** Reminds me of this sweet little prayer I have plastered all over my house:
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Create your change. Change your difficult. 
Do it now before it’s too late and do it so you love yourself for fighting each day to be better than yesterday. The fight is worth it.
IMG_3463My son and I running his first 5K a couple years ago. 🙂

Did I wear the right underwear?

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Could I do it?  Would I be mentally strong enough?  Are my lungs having a good day?  Will my legs last?
Did I train hard enough?  Did I wear the right underwear?

Lisa Phone September 2014 soccer, family picnic, class reunion 2071

Yep…all thoughts as I drove myself to my 6th half marathon race on Saturday morning.  I had one goal in mind….. to set a new personal record (PR).  I had been trying for almost 2 years to break the 2:10 mark (2 hours: 10 minutes) and had almost succumbed to the fact that maybe I should be happy with a 2:10 and count my blessings.  But, the day before the race a very good friend of mine, Trisha, challenged me to beat her PR which was about 5 minutes faster than mine.  Game On.
Lisa Phone September 2014 soccer, family picnic, class reunion 2072
I usually have a couple adult beverages on Friday nights with some of my favorite people, but because of the race the next morning, I stayed in and tried to rest despite the butterflies in my belly.  Saturday morning I got up, showered, shimmied my way into my running capris and sports bra, grabbed my inhaler, pre-workout drink, IPod Nano, and out the door I went to meet my running group called “Running Sole Mates.”  Clever group name, huh??

Lisa Phone September 2014 soccer, family picnic, class reunion 2075

After going back to the vehicle to get the pre-workout drink I had forgotten, and then using the bathroom for the 100th time that morning, I met them under the clock as we do every year.  We are a group of running misfits who LOVE the runner’s high and have become addicted to the pain.  Then we headed to the start line, where I realized I had forgotten my hand held race bottle and keys sitting on the bench by the clock.  I panicked…..but had no time to worry about it.  I must focus.
Lisa Phone September 2014 soccer, family picnic, class reunion 2076
The countdown began….. 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1….and we were off.  The first 4 miles is a straight shot through downtown & then we start winding around parks & beautiful neighborhoods.  My comfortable pace is a 10 minute mile, but my last few training runs weren’t going so well.  I knew by mile 2 I was running under a 9:30pace.  By mile 4 came and I was still holding strong.  A dear friend tapped me on the shoulder and we chatted for about a half mile before she took off after her own PR.  I stayed behind her for about a mile before losing her at a water stop.
Mile 5: My pace was 9:27.
Mile 6-8: A bit of a blur.  I was working really hard to focus on my technique and find a fast paced song.
Mile 10: Pace had dropped to a 9:37. I was wondering if I could hold onto that pace for 3 more miles.
Mile 11:  Can I stop yet please??  NO.  But, I did slow my pace a bit.  I ran into 3 very tall athletic guys wearing neon green T-shirts with their names on the back.  They had a good pace & were having fun giving children high 5’s and chatting/being silly while they ran.  I wondered how that must feel to have energy like that at mile 11.  I knew I needed to stay with them and they kept me entertained.
Mile 12:  OMG – I. CAN. DO. THIS.  The dialogue in my head “Don’t slow down.  You will be so pissed at yourself.  If you slow down and are just a few seconds off you will have ruined all your hard work the past 12 miles.  PUSH!!!” (Followed by a lot of prayers.)
Mile 13: Upon nearing mile 13, the crowd starts to get thick as you run into the stadium and to the finish line.  This is the fun part.  Let me paint the feeling…. Your lungs are tired, your legs are aching, you are thirsty, Salt is covering your body, you cannot feel all of your toes, and people are watching you.  “Pull it together, Lisa…… Lead By Example!”  was the reoccurring thought at this stage.  Then there was a steep downward ramp into the stadium “Don’t fall, Don’t fall.  Please God… don’t let me fall.” 
Onto the red outer track of the outfield which runs all the way around and to home plate.  That is a little over .10 of a mile.  I was concerned about the clock…. So my pace picked up.  I also saw a lady who was older and bigger than I who was about 20 feet in front of me.  No way in hell was she going to beat me (did I mention I’m a bit competitive?)……and I sped past her.  My body was aching, but the finish line was 150 feet away.  I crossed the line, gave a fist pump, and immediately overwhelmed with emotion.  I knew I had PR’d but not sure by how much!!!!
Now….. once you finish a race, they usher you through a line towards water, food, and your medals.  I recognized no one, so made my way to the grass to sit down and stretch.  While in child’s pose, my eyes may have leaked a little….not from the pain of my body but from the accomplishment I had just done ALL BY MYSELF.  I DID IT!!  Then….my phone started blowing up with texts from friends who were tracking me and saw my finish time.  My friend, Drew, told me my time: 2:06:53.  I beat my old time by 3+ minutes!!  BOOM!  That medal was a sweet keepsake.
Lisa Phone September 2014 soccer, family picnic, class reunion 2078
The rest was surreal.  I made my way up the stadium stairs to find my childhood friend, Drew waiting on me with a Gatorade.  I may have cried, talked too fast, zoned out….. I’m not really sure!!  My brain and body was tired and I zoned out with my chocolate milk.  He walked with me to that bench under the clock and my water bottle with car key was still there!!!
As I was trying to clear my thoughts, more friends were coming up to me chatting about the race.  Some set new records, others had a difficult race, but we ALL crossed the finish line!!

Did I mention we all do this because the ‘runner’s high’ is amazing??  Truly, it is.  It’s a beautiful mix of body pain and mental jubilation!  I had done it!!!!  I had a new PR!!!  I have yet to run down Trisha’s PR….. but that gives me a new goal.  🙂  Post run activities included food, fluids, ice bath, and rest!  (Okay…. a couple pain pills too!)  Recovery is VERY important….it will help you to feel much better by the next day!  If you are unsure what to eat/drink…contact me and I will teach you.

Lisa Phone September 2014 soccer, family picnic, class reunion 2087

This Sunday, I’m running another half marathon.  This is the first time I will have ran 2 half marathons in consecutive weekends.  I will then be considered a ‘half fanatic’ – just another title for us crazy runners.

Crazy we may be…….. but we are also mentally strong people who love pushing ourselves to see what our bodies can do.  I challenge you to find out what your body can accomplish and how strong you are mentally.  You never know how great you can be until you give it all you have.

** If you need some assistance accomplishing your fitness goals, I’d love to chat with you!  You can reach me at Bashford.Lisa@yahoo.com or check out my website to find all my social media outlets!!  www.YourFitness-411.com

Are you saying ‘fat is beautiful’ because you can’t find the key to losing it?

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I’ve been seeing a LOT of social media posts on how we should ‘accept our bodies’ and not worry about wrinkles, losing weight, sagging skin, etc.  I’m calling it BS.  Yep, I said it…… BS.  It’s the excuses people are saying to themselves to help themselves deal with the fact that fighting for their own health is sometimes difficult, frustrating, exhausting, and not everyone can do it.  “I’ve tried to lose weight, but I can’t …. so I’ll just love my body and say ‘fat is beautiful!”

Let me clarify — I believe in aging gracefully.  Yet, I still color my hair, put makeup on, use wrinkle cream at night, stay up with trends, and wear supportive bras. I will age.  We all will and we are!  Whether you want to or not…. it’s going to happen. Honestly, many people grow more attractive as they age!  Accepting that your skin will lose elasticity, gravity will take over, and a few pounds will creep on is fantastic and I applaud people who accept it!!  (Smile lines and crows feet show a happy life, right?)  So, if that’s what all those social media rants are in referring too…. I agree!  If it’s referring to people who have suffered the pain of losing a limb, burned skin, scars from trauma, scars from removal of cancer….. I applaud those people too and those are battle wounds that you have earned!!
But, they aren’t.

Many of them are referring to weight.  Saying that you accept being 50+ lbs over weight (And mind you, some of these are people that are morbidly obese)….. is NOT OK.  We ALL struggle with our bodies – it could be extra skin around our belly buttons, the stretch marks from pregnancies, a flat butt, saggy arms, bird legs, or big belly.  But, sagging skin, stretch marks, wrinkles…. they aren’t going to effect our life expectancy.  Weight problems WILL!!
Would you click the ‘like’ button if someone posted “My extra fat is causing me to have diabetes and I’m getting my foot amputated next week!  Yeah Me!”  Would you think “good for them!  It’s great that they accepted their extra pounds!”  ?????
That’s kinda what’s happening.
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People are ranting in these posts that today’s world is consumed with being ‘fit’ and losing weight.  That there are people all over social media and infomercials ‘fat shaming’ others or constantly promoting weight loss programs.  Well, maybe if 1 out of every 3 people weren’t overweight, then you wouldn’t see all that!  It wouldn’t be in our faces all the time!  Maybe if childhood obesity wasn’t at an all time high and people didn’t care… you wouldn’t see it all the time.  Children are getting illnesses and disease that they should NOT be getting because of weight issues!  Can you imagine a world where most people were a healthy ‘average’ weight and actually took care of their hearts vs. enable others and accept an early death?

Breast cancer awareness is everywhere too – clothing, tv, social media, etc.  WHY?  Because it’s killing us and being proactive saves lives!  Do you hear people complaining about that??  (Shaking your head no?)  Yet, there are complaints when the disease is in another form such as ‘fat.’   I just don’t understand.

I am NOT saying people need to have hard bodies and be a size 2.  I am NOT saying that everyone needs to eat clean 100% and fit into skinny jeans.  I am NOT saying that magazines need to have thin models and 6-pack abs on their pages.  A few pounds overweight is one thing and it’s natural because our weight fluctuates, and I find no problems with that.  I find NO PROBLEM with people who are overweight and trying to live healthier lifestyle!  Many of my friends fit into that category and I myself should lose 8-10 more pounds!  I’ve been on prednisone many times and gained the weight… but I’ve NEVER accepted it.  I’ve worked very hard to take it off each time I’ve finished that round of treatment.

A friend recently told me “It’s okay to love yourself even though you may not be happy with your body” and I 100% agree because I am one of those people.  Loving yourself and loving your body are not synonymous.  She also said, “You don’t have to hate yourself as a person to admit that you dislike your body (or parts of it) and want to change it.”    Once again… I agree.  I’m thankful to have amazing friends and that we can have discussions like this without losing a friendship.

I am growing fatigued with the notion of folks who say, “I can’t lose weight, I’ve tried everything, so I’ve just learned to accept it.” That’s not learning to accept it because I guarantee you don’t think it’s beautiful when your doctor tells you he won’t replace your knee until you lose weight.  Or, when the nurse is helping you roll side to side in a hospital bed to clean between the skin folds to prevent skin breakdown and infection.  What you are ‘accepting’ is that you haven’t figured out what will unlock your body and create weight loss.  There is a key for each of us!  It may take many times of turning the lock to see which key fits, but there is one out there!  I know it gets depressing, frustrating, annoying,& maddening.  I myself have experienced it and have been on the journey with my clients.  I’m FULLY aware of that side of weight loss.  But, when it happens and you find even a little success…. it’s joyful.  Pure joy to calculate the inches that have been lost and to see your ‘before’ picture compared to the current one!!  And that joy makes it worthwhile.

 Accept things that you cannot change….. find the courage to change the things you can…… and the wisdom to know the difference.

That Serenity prayer holds true for all things in life.  The problem is…. many people can’t find the wisdom to know when to accept a healthy weight and when to fight for better.   You do NOT need to fight the battle alone.  As you know.. there are plenty of us on social media that will help you fight that battle.  Be Better.  Do Good.  Pay it forward.  Lead by example.

YOU are in control of Your Fitness!  Let’s do something about it.
Be true to who you are – but ‘fat’ isn’t who someone ‘is.’  It’s tissue inside a body which comes and goes. Let it Go! (Did you really not expect a FROZEN reference in this blog?)  🙂

www.YourFitness-411.com

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I teach my folks ——> ‘small changes = big results.’

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As this year winds to a close….. please re-evaluate your health & body image.  If you are not pleased with either, then it’s time to put the excuses away and start to focus.

I would STRONGLY suggest joining me or someone you trust (& knows their information) for accountability & support.  Don’t ask the random guy in the gym!  I am always accepting new folks onto my coaching team and will personally help you learn the products, figure out what works best for you, and help you to make some extra cash if you wish.  Please join me!! Stay on as long as you want/need……but let’s work together to make 2014 your BEST year yet!

Too many people believe that in order to get healthy they need to clean out all cupboards, eat food that tastes like cardboard, be miserable, and do cardio for an hour a day.  I’m here to tell you …… that’s WRONG & you are setting yourself up for more disappointment.  I teach my folks ——>  ‘small changes = big results.’ 

I’ve been helping others through a legitimate company (Team Beachbody) for 3 years, and it motivated me to study sports nutrition so that I had a background in nutrition to further help others.  I’ve also recently become a distributor for Advocare because I believe in their supplements & nutritional teachings.  I believe a person needs to understand their body & why it’s behaving certain ways….. otherwise you will never know which avenues to take that lead you to overall better health.

Weight loss without the journey will teach you nothing and you WILL return to that ‘old self’ again.  You must LEARN a few tips, tricks, and knowledge to figure out what the key is for YOUR body and then unlock it!  I’m ready to be your assistant…… but are you ready to try?  Are you tired of being disappointed when looking at yourself naked in the mirror….or do you avoid mirrors in general?  That’s no way to live.

Let’s start 2014 off well… mind, body, and spirit.

Contact me so we can get started!!  Bashford.Lisa@yahoo.com

My personal journey towards a fit lifestyle. **BELIEVE**

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Lisa mug shot

As a child… I was always active and had a ‘gymnast’ build.  I was an athlete….. Who am I kidding…? I am still an athlete!

I participated in sports year round….and tended to lean towards team sports.  I was the starting volleyball setter and softball pitcher in high school.  I have won many awards and set records, yet I was NEVER the smallest on the team.  I was a muscular 125 as a senior….and I loved it.  That body was rockin!

Then, I left the safe zone of high school and went to college. I had 2 colleges ask me to try out for their volleyball team, but they didn’t have the degree I wanted.  So, I studied physical therapy assisting at the University of Cincinnati.  After the first college quarter, I pulled my act together and was a good student.  I graduated with a 4.0 GPA.  However, that first year of college was not pretty.  I am from a small country town in Ohio.  I graduated with 49 people and I knew most of their parents.  People knew my name (from a large family & sports) and I was very comfortable, but really wanted to leave that little town.  College was my opportunity, and I didn’t waste any time throwing myself into big city life.  My new found independence also included making my own meals…. or, ordering them.  Pizza and Chinese carry out were popular among dorm life (I think we kept “Red Pepper” Chinese restaurant in business)!  I never drank in high school, but I quickly learned that I loved the taste of “Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill” – cheap alcohol.  I didn’t gain the freshman 15 because I cont. to stay active with exercise and playing Volleyball on intramural teams.  However, my body did change in college.  My breasts decided to start growing & my metabolism slowed and I went up a size.

Post college, I joined a gym and got fit again.  I wanted my therapy patients to respect me and believe in me, and I felt like if I was young & overweight, then they would wonder why I didn’t exercise like I was asking them to do.  I remember doing a kickboxing workout and seeing my abs. I was about 22 years old.  I LOVE defined abs!!

Then, I met a boy, moved to Fort Wayne, got married, and my life changed yet again.  I was making meals for 2 of us on a budget while working long hours as a therapist (12 hour days).  We ate out often.  The bartender at Applebee’s knew our drink order when we walked into the door!  Because of my age, my metabolism was still clicking away (mid-late 20’s) and I was still working out at the gym, although I always felt a little lost…. as in ‘Well, what do I do next?  I did the treadmill and elliptical… guess I should lift some weights….. But I don’t want people to think I’m an idiot because I’m doing it wrong.” (Sound familiar??)

At 29 years old, I was blessed with a baby.  My son was a preemie, born at 32 weeks.  I spent my days sitting beside his tiny glass incubator, watching the machines that monitored his body temp, heart rate, breathing….. And prayed they kept moving.  It was rough… I won’t lie.  My body went through some horrible stress problems…..it was ugly.  I wasn’t eating well at all and would make myself feel better by getting a black raspberry smoothie from Zesto’s on the way home from the hospital…. at least 4-5x/week.  I thought…. “I need the calories and its milk/berries, so I’m doing something good.”    (OMG!)

Over the next 3 years, I suffered 2 miscarriages and had gained 15lbs.  I belonged to a local gym, however my son always cried and my name was announced on the loud speaker to please come get him within 15 minutes of getting on cardio equipmemt. I soon quit the gym.  I pushed the stroller 2 miles almost daily and did some home workouts, and did exercises with my patients to lose some of the baby weight.   Almost 3 years later, I got pregnant for a fourth time.  Once again, symptoms of miscarriage & high risk pregnancy wreaked havoc on me.  My highest weight was about 175lbs when pregnant.  My daughter was born at 38 weeks and very healthy!!  That’s it… we were blessed with two and I was content.  Now that I had my family and was done having babies….it was time to get that rockin’ body back!!  I started running because my SIL wanted to run a 5K.  It was a perfect time for me to run with her & I didn’t want her to beat me.  She still beat me… and she was in her first trimester of pregnancy at that time!!  AAh… embarrassing!  That led to me wanting to become a stronger runner.  I realized that ‘speed’ wasn’t my thing…however,  ‘endurance’ was, so I focused on that and am now a marathon runner.  I will be running another marathon next month!

Running alone will not cause much weight loss.  I needed something to help me with my diet as a full time Mom and part time therapist.  I needed a structured exercise/strengthening program too & didn’t want to join the gym.  My friend was a Team Beachbody coach, and so I tried the ‘Slim in 6’ program, and got bored.  I wanted more, but didn’t want to pay full price, so I became a Team Beachbody coach!  Helloooo discount!!!  I then completed the P90X program, which led me to the Insanity program.  During this time, I did a timed mile run each week and my speed was increasing…. Without actually running!
I began drinking Shakeology and lost 10 pounds with P90X, but more importantly, gained back my muscle!!  Insanity helped me to lose another 5lbs. and I felt great.  More energy, better patience with the kids because my frustrations were being put to use during a workout, mentally I felt better, and I wanted to shout it from the rooftops!!  I decided at that time to ‘pay it forward’ and share my journey with others.  People believed in me; realizing I was a typical Mom & if I could do it, others could too.  So, I went big and started my own company that I use as an umbrella for all the other fitness/nutrition work I do…it’s called “YourFitness-411.”  Have you heard of it?  (coy smile)  I have about 40 coaches on my team at this time and we are always looking to grow.  These people have some AMAZING s journeys that will inspire even the couch potatoes who get tired walking to the mailbox!  I’m excited about the diversity of people on my team & how truly inspiring/caring they are for others.  It makes my heart smile to think about them and see what a difference they are making in people’s lives, but more importantly… in their OWN life.

I decided that if I wanted people to trust me and choose ME over all the other Team Beachbody coaches, I needed to have a great team & I needed to be a successful leader.  I already had the therapist degree under my belt which was marketable, but I needed more and becoming a personal trainer didn’t interest me too much.  Therefore, a friend whom I met through Team Beachbody and I took online courses together through the ISSA to become specialists in sports nutrition.  Writing those papers and doing that research ate up a lot of my time & created sleep loss/frustrations!  Thank goodness running helps my brain/emotions in tact!  During all this, I completed my first marathon….and quickly added that to my resume.  Who wouldn’t want a coach who has her own company, nutrition certification, therapist degree to assist with injuries and muscle building/body knowledge, has experience in weight loss, has people with AMAZING personal journeys on her coaching staff/team, and is completing marathons?  #LeadByExample

I still have 10-15 pounds I want to lose!!  I’m still on my journey!!  And I’m ok with that. I’m built like a rock….I do not feel as though I look like other women who are my weight and I’m proud of what my body can accomplish.  Did I mention I ran 20 miles recently and my only pain is a little ITBand tendonitis and mild quad muscle soreness??
I’m not going to allow that weight goal to stop me from accomplishing other fitness goals or helping others.  I know that once this marathon is over (all this running does NOT create much weight loss, don’t let anyone fool you) that I will lose the weight because I will be doing much more strength training.
Now, you know my journey.  You know more about me as a person, and not just a cyber-fitness coach.

Did you also know that my favorite word in the dictionary is ‘BELIEVE?’  It represents many things for me and makes me smile when I read it.  I believe in each person on my coaching team and my clients.  I believe there is a greatness inside each one of us.  Thank you for believing in me!  I believe in you too!  Question is:  Do you BELIEVE in yourself?

For more information on my company, how to join my team, & where to follow me on social media – Click **HERE** YourFitness-411

Gettin’ Fit & Fiesty

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I’ve been wanting to blog for a couple of weeks now.  But, it always seems to be the last thing on my list of 20 ‘to-do’ things every day.  I’m always too tired by the time I get to it! 
*  Spend time w/ kids = Check
*  Workout = Check
*  Errands (mail out samples, bracelets, grocery, dog’s nails clipped, etc.) = Check
*  Laundry and Vacuum = Check
*  Answer emails & do a little marketing on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram = Check

You get the idea.  Tonight is different. I completed a 9pm – 3 mile jog after a stressful day (which included a flat tire at the ball park).  It was refreshing.  NEVER did I EVER think that I would say a 3 mile jog was refreshing!  Running is my time to reflect, talk to God, think about problems/find solutions, and remind myself of my personal goals and what brings me satisfaction.  Helping others to their goals makes me internally satisfied.  I want to beat the trend of obesity!!  (such an ugly word!)  But, I can only do it with a few souls at a time.  The BEST way I can help more people at once is by creating a team of people like myself and through them, we can help many more folks.  So, I have a nice little team of like-minded people on my Beachbody team under the “YourFitness-411” umbrella.  Some are there for the discount only, yet others are wanting to grow a biz and help others too.  I’m proud of all of them, because in each person’s own way, they are beating the trend of obesity!  I try to work personally with many of them to help them succeed with their health/fitness and to make extra money.  It can be difficult at times, but everyone knows someone who could lose a few pounds, and Beachbody offers tried and true successful programs, and being able to recommend a program that suits someone’s lifestyle & taste, then watching them succeed is truly gratifying.  My coaches (teammates) come from all over the country and have all kinds of different backgrounds.  Some are athletes, others are not.  Some have established careers, and others are getting educated.  I have people who have met their weight loss goals, and others who are just beginning.  Some have been my friend for years, run marathons, have injuries, are parents, new brides, bravely starting new careers, or even in the “INSANITY” workout infomercial!  We build one relationship at a time to help others.  I am proud of each of them. 
I wanted to share Tera’s story.  She’s been on my team for a while now, and I’ve seen her struggle in business and personal life, live in pain, raise a son, and yet through it all she smiles and has a passion to help others.  She’s honest and ready to teach others her strategies and bring them aboard our team! 

This is HER story, in HER words……

My story started a couple of years ago. I can’t remember exactly why, but I wanted to start running and to lose a few pounds. My sister told me about Lisa Parrish Bashford being a Beachbody coach, and since I knew who she was since she went to my high school, I decided to talk to her about it. Let me just say that Lisa rocks! She doesn’t just rock, but she IS my rock. I know this isn’t supposed to be about Lisa, but without her I honestly wouldn’t be where I am. Ok…back to my story. I had neck surgery 2 1/2 years ago, and was having trouble recovering those muscles in my neck/shoulder area.  I started with PT…but that wasn’t helping on its own, and I ran out of cash to pay for more.  I then found an awesome Chiropractor, who finally got me on my way to less pain.  Once I started talking to Lisa, I learned much more about strengthening my shoulder/neck muscles, and along with my Chiropractic treatments I started to feel human again.  I still have some pain, but I don’t let that stop me because I know now that the stronger I can make those little muscles in my shoulder/neck area, the better I’ll feel. 🙂   Then, Lisa told me about Shakeology and I wanted to try it, but couldn’t make myself pay that much money. I’m a single Mom, and extra money is hard to come by. So, when Lisa said she was having a 7 day Shakeology challenge I couldn’t pass that up. I absolutely LOVED Shakeology! I decided I had to find a way to get it each month. I adjusted my budget and the rest is history. I can’t live without it now! I continued joining Lisa’s challenge groups to keep myself on track. Then, last February I decided to save a little cash by joining up as a coach.  Now I just can only hope to inspire and help as many people as my own coach does.  We are all part of a great team, and a great company. It’s win-win all the way!!

Tera pretty picTo join Tera’s team or simply learn more about her, visit her Facebook page called “Gettin fit and feisty” at http://www.facebook.com/TeraShull24        She’s an amazing coach & leader.  Allow her to help you too!  Experience is the best teacher. 🙂

Exercise isn’t an option, it’s a Lifestyle. Don’t allow anything to stop you.

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I have been an athlete my entire life. About four years ago, this 30-something mother of two signed up to run my first 5K. During training, I was very discouraged when I started having trouble breathing after running just a quarter mile. I felt out of shape, even though I knew I wasn’t. I was frustrated and discouraged. I brought up my struggles with breathing while exercising during my next doctor’s visit. I was diagnosed with EIB and given a rescue inhaler to use prior to exercise.  After starting treatment, I was thrilled that I could run without gasping for air and feeling as though I couldn’t get a deep breath into my lungs.  My training took off and I completed my first 5K, which led me to complete many more and to grow competitive as a runner. I decided to attempt my first half marathon in September of 2010.  The training was going well until a month before the race, when I came down with a head cold and experienced an asthma attack. I was put on steroids and some other medications and told I needed to see an asthma and allergy doctor right away.  This asthma attack forced me to take three weeks off of training, but I still completed my first half marathon!  It may have been slow, but it was steady, and my rescue inhaler was attached to my hip. My allergy and asthma doctor works with me to keep me active and doesn’t let EIB stop me from exercising. Exercising isn’t an option for me, it’s a lifestyle.

My most prized goal that EIB didn’t stop me from accomplishing? That’s easy…..my first marathon!  I ran a full marathon in Columbus, OH, on October 16, 2011 as a birthday gift to myself! I carried my inhaler with me and crossed the finish line with tears and a smile!  I am proud to say that I am a part of the small group of people who have finished a marathon and I feel like a good role model for my kids. Although that marathon was the most difficult journey of my life in regards to the wear and tear on my body, training time and mental toughness, it also taught my children that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I know the symptoms of EIB can be exacerbated through many triggers, and for me, a head cold is one of them. Leading up to the marathon, I caught another cold. I took very good care of my body that week, which included lots of fluids, breathing treatments and rest. I also spent a lot of quiet time envisioning the race and my plan of attack.  With one of my running partners at my side, we crossed the finish line.  My running and fitness journey has continued to progress in many ways.  I even started my own online business a couple years ago as a way to teach others about their bodies & educate them on safe & effective weight loss strategies along with proper exercise techniques.

My marathon finish

(Us crossing the finish line.  I am on the left)

Lisa’s message about taking control:

Why are you going to allow a treatable diagnosis to stop you from living a full life or accomplishing personal goals and dreams?  Why allow symptoms to control how you live your life?  As a physical therapist assistant & fitness coach, I understand the importance of exercise. I encourage people to go to the doctor, get the tests, and work with their doctor to manage their EIB.  Decide. Commit. Succeed.

Activate your motivation button

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Confession:  I do not always eat healthy and I definitely have my food weaknesses. (I even sometimes experience emotional eating! GASP!)  But, want to know what keeps me mostly on track and motivated?  My workouts.  I’m always telling you that your food choices are 80% of your success, and I believe this is true.  BUT, before you roll your eyes, try thinking of it this way…… My workout is the thing that helps me make good food choices.
* What I eat effects my workouts & how well I complete them.
* What I eat AFTER a workout effects my muscle recovery and how I feel the rest of the day.
*  If I’m going to bust my ass in a workout, I don’t want to ruin it with poor food choices.
*  Less pounds on my joints, makes my workouts better.
So, even though your food choices account for 80% of your success, I use my workout to help me stay motivated with food choices.  I’ve eaten the wrong things before a run before and had HORRIBLE runs, then I’m angry at myself.  And, if I don’t eat/drink well enough post workout, then I get hour long headaches and my joints/body aches.
Once again, proving that EXERCISE + NUTRITION = SUCCESS.
They work work together to help the body achieve goals.
PEOPLE: I think about you guys all the time and how I can motivate you and keep you healthy!!!  I am constantly thinking of new ways to explain things to you.  And, by doing this for YOU, I’m doing it for ME too.  It helps keep me on track.  So…..THANK YOU! 🙂