If you are looking for the best earbuds with ear hooks that have the best of everything - comfortable fit, audio quality, sweat proof, long battery life, AND at a great cost - look no further!

I have been on the hunt for the best wireless earbuds for quite some time now. I have small ears and most of the popular buds hurt after just a few minutes of wearing. Not wanting to work out with over-the-ear wireless headphones, I continued to try out different brands and styles. By far my favorite is the iLive Truly Wire-free Earbuds. Check out my full review of these super comfy earbuds that will give you hours of playtime at an affordable price.

Whether you are listening to music, a podcast, or chatting on the phone, you get great sound with minimal background noise. Check out the iLive website to order your pair of iLive Truly Wire-free Earbuds.

This post was sponsored by Reebok as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

I remember when I was a little girl, my mom wore bright white high top Reeboks almost daily. She loved them so much because they were always comfortable for whatever she was doing - grocery shopping, hanging with friends, or even teaching fitness classes. 

It almost felt like a rite of passage when I got my very own pair of bright white Reebok high tops at Christmas one year. Once I got them on I totally understood why my mother loved them so much, and I have been a Reebok girl ever since. 

Recently I got to share that love with my own daughter, with the new Reebok Zig Dynamica sneakers from Shoe Carnival. Just as I did when I was her age, she immediately became our third generation Reebok fan… and has worn them every day since. 

Reebok has long been known for comfort, value, and style, and the new Rebook Zig Dynamica are no exception.  With a re-engineered midsole based on Reebok’s iconic ZigTech - which premiered in the original Zig 10 years ago - these shoes keep her going all day long - from having to quickly change classes, to rehearsing dance chorus, and even when she accompanies me to the gym. 

She loves that they are bright white with just a touch of color so she can wear them with virtually anything. I love that they are comfortable on her feet all day, but it also makes me smile to see all three of us sporting our Reeboks.

The Reebok Zig Dynamica are technically a running shoe - because they give all of the support your feet need for even long runs - but they are great for everything - even if the only “running” you do is running errands around town. 

If you are looking for a great pair of shoes to gift to your loved ones this holiday season, be sure to check out Reebok Zig Dynamica available at your local Shoe Carnival. And be sure to grab yourself a pair too.

As much as I love time at the gym, having a great at-home workout that I can do at any time is a huge part of fitness success. When I had the opportunity to review Crossrope, a revolutionary weighted jump rope that comes with a free app with mixed workouts, I was stoked.

When I was a little girl I used to LOVE jumping rope. I remember one of my favorite days every year was the "JumpRope For Heart" day we participated in every year.

Back then I did not realize my favorite activity was actually incredibly beneficial to my health - I just knew it was fun.

Fast forward a bunch of few years when I joined a CrossFit Box, and part of our warm-ups and WODs nearly every day including jumping rope. It was again, my most favorite part... even if I wasn't quite about to master double unders.

Crossrope brings all of the health benefits of jumping rope and combines them with simple but effective exercises that you can do virtually anywhere.

With their weighted jump ropes and free easy to follow instructional app, you can build lean muscle while burning more calories in a shorter amount of time.  

I received the Get Lean set to review which includes their newly redesigned weighted jump rope with two weights - the ¼ pounds and ½ pound ropes - as well as a bag to carry it in.

The ropes are very easily changed out with secure clips in the new Slim Handles and the entire set is lightweight enough to take anywhere.

But Crossrope isn't just jumping rope. The app includes workouts for every fitness level with workouts that include strength training, HIIT, and cardio.

There is a timer that counts down each workout each exercise is announced and demonstrated in the app before you begin.

Crossrope has revived my love for jumping rope and given me full-body workouts right at home - making it top my list of best at-home workouts for 2020.

You can visit the Crossrope site to learn more and order your CrossRope kit today!

By now over 80% of people have abandoned their New Years Resolutions, but as spring approaches it is a great time to get back on the wagon to make 2020 your healthiest year ever! I was excited to try some of the hottest new health products for 2020 so that I could share. I could not choose a favorite - I love them all!

Smart Sips Coffee

Featured on Shark Tank, Smart Sips Coffee offers your favorite dessert flavored coffees that are zero calories, zero carbs, and 100% delicious.

Flavors like Chocolate Cherry Cordial and White Chocolate Hazelnut Truffle are just a few of the flavors I received in my “Perk Box” - perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Smart Sips creates delicious and unique gourmet flavored coffees, decafs, hot chocolates, lattes, cappuccinos and teas that are free of sugars, carbs, nuts and gluten and are under two calories per cup.

I was super impressed with how strong the flavors are in each coffee pod. While many flavored coffees give just a tiny hint of flavor, the Smart Sips truly taste like the dessert!

Pure Synergy

Pure Synergy offers a full line of all-natural supplements and superfood powders to help you feel and perform your best.

I received the Pure Synergy Organic Beet Juice Powder, SuperPure Astaxanthin Organic Algae and SuperPure Turmeric.

SuperPure Astaxanthin supports optimal athletic performance and recovery, so you have fewer injuries and sore muscles. Also, this magical algae capsule promotes healthy skin tone, texture, elasticity, and moisture levels - so bye bye, dry winter skin!

SuperPure Turmeric is known to help with inflammation and sore muscles, however, it also is a powerhouse for healthy joints, bones and skin.

Beet Powder is great for cleansing our blood and promoting a healthy circulatory system providing more oxygen to your system for better workouts.

CHUM Fruit Bites

You may have seen me sharing my love for these delicious little treats on Instagram - we absolutely love these! I joke that they are fruit snacks for adults - but my kids love them too.

CHUM Fruit Bites are 100% real fruit and come in four delicious flavors - Apple, Peach, Strawberry, and Berry. There are no artificial ingredients, added sugars, or colors. Just whole, natural, delicious fruit.

CHUM Fruit Bites donate 15% of their profits to WildAid.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving endangered species.

BrocSprout 2 Capsules

Now, I eat a lot of broccoli, but I know not everyone does. BrocSprout2 Capsules give you the health benefits of broccoli sprouts in an easy to swallow capsule.

BROC SPROUT 2 is a unique supplement that delivers the pure power of broccoli sprouts in an easy to swallow capsule. They contain the key Myrosinase enzyme and Glucoraphanin compound - two decisive components needed to produce Sulforaphane.

Whether you are climbing back up on the New Year's Resolution Wagon or simply wanting to look and feel your best for 2020, these products can help you achieve just that.

Check them out for yourself and let me know what you think!

This ZonePerfect Keto Shakes shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ZonePerfectKetoBOGO #ZonePerfectKeto #MacrosMatter #ZonePerfect #MadeForBetter #CollectiveBias

These delicious Keto Shakes from ZonePerfect can help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals this year! Designed specifically for Keto with macro blend of 75% fat, 20% protein and 5% carbs, these keto shakes are perfect for anyone living a ketogenic lifestyle.

There is something about the New Year that just feels so fresh. New Year, New goals, new resolutions. I actually began my New Years Resolution a bit early, and have been strict Keto for more than 3 weeks now. I feel FANTASTIC.

The truth is the first few weeks of any dietary lifestyle change can be tough - there is temptation everywhere. Being prepared and having ketogenic foods on hand is the key to resisting temptation and staying on track with your goals.

ZonePerfect is helping Ketonians like me stay on track this New Year with their brand new ZonePerfect Keto Shakes from Publix.

Keto Shakes

ZonePerfect Keto Shakes are ready to drink shakes that come in three delicious flavors:

• ZonePerfect Keto Pineapple Coconut Ready-To-Drink 4 pack
• ZonePerfect Keto White Chocolate Coconut Ready-To-Drink 4 pack
• ZonePerfect Keto Butter Coffee Ready-To-Drink 4 pack

Not just any ratio of macros will work to get benefits of Keto. ZonePerfect new shakes are crafted with the precise, purposeful macro blend of 75% fat, 20% protein, and 5% carbs. This specific macros breakdown - 75/20/5 - is ideal to stay on track with Keto lifestyle.*

They work great as a Keto Meal Replacement Shake or just as a snack when you need a little something sweet. Each Keto Shake has only three grams of carbs - far less than the competitors.

ZonePerfect Keto Shakes are made with Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) and real coconut and are gluten-free, soy-free, and made without artificial flavors or coloring or artificial sweeteners.

All three flavors can be found at your local Publix in the nutrition aisle near the pharmacy. In fact, now through January 17th, they are Buy One Get One Free of ZonePerfect Keto RTD 4 pack 11oz Shake or 5 count Powder Packets!

I tasted all three flavors, and my favorite of the three was the ZonePerfect Keto White Chocolate Coconut. I love white chocolate anything - so it was no surprise this one was my favorite.

It was nice to get to enjoy this sweet treat knowing that I was staying perfectly in line with my Keto lifestyle and loved how refreshing it was after my workout!

If you are starting - or even restarting - Keto this New Year, here are my three best tips for staying on track.

Three Tips for Success With Keto

1. Keep it simple - for every meal choose a protein, add in two low carb veggies, and then fat. Overcomplicating Keto with elaborate recipes from the start can derail you quickly.
2. Move your body in a way that makes you happy. Whether you go to the gym, workout to videos in your home, or just go for a stroll through your neighborhood, find a low impact exercise that you love.
3. Keep Keto compliant food on hand to avoid getting hangry. My husband jokes I am part squirrel because I have snacks packed away at all times. These ZonePerfect Keto Shakes are a great snack to keep on hand along with nuts, sliced cucumbers, meat sticks, and other satisfying keto snacks.

Another thing to note: In the beginning especially when you feel hungry - EAT. Once you get into ketosis (which can take several days to several weeks) your appetite will normalize - but until then feed your body healthy keto foods.

You may gain a couple of pounds in the beginning - trust the process... once you shift into fat-burning from carb-burning (ketosis) you will feel amazing and the extra fat will melt off your body easily. Just hang in there and give it time to work.

I am so excited to find another product supporting this healthy way of living that has significantly changed my life for the better.

All of the ZonePerfect products are backed by the ZonePerfect Great Taste Guarantee: love the great taste or get your money back! Can't beat that!

Starting Keto was one of the best things I ever did for my health, and I am super excited to get to enjoy these grab-and-go Keto Shakes this New Year.

Check out all of the BOGO offers available now at your local Publix and grat some ZonePerfect Keto Shakes to help keep you on track. Keto on friends!

*Claim based on multiple studies showing the effectiveness of a ketogenic diet with similar macronutrient distribution.

I received a DEXA Scan free for the purpose of this review. All ideas are my own. 

The last few years I have really been focusing on my health and fitness - using the scale and my clothing as the form of measurement. As I approach 40 I wanted to go a bit deeper and really figure out what is happening on the inside. 

I was excited to find a DEXA Scan Near Me right in downtown Pensacola. I was so excited I made an appointment for literally the very next day. 

What Is a DEXA Scan?

A DEXA Scan is a full body composition scan that is non-invasive and measures your body density to show how much muscle and fat as well as the density of your bones. 

You simply lie flat while the DEXA Scan hovers over you. In less than seven minutes you have a detailed picture of your body's composition.

What was once used only to diagnose osteoporosis is now being used to help men and women achieve their fitness and physique goals. 

DEXAFit Pensacola is a complete health and wellness studio that offers the DEXAScan, V02, RMR, and even 3D imaging. They are located right in the heart of Downtown - right on Palafox!

The owners, husband and wife team Robert and Erica Thomson, are licensed physicians that will take the time to go over your results and help you develop a plan to achieve your goals. 

Robert was incredibly patient while I asked at least 50 questions about my results - which were shockingly thorough. He was even knowledgeable and supportive of the ketogenic lifestyle - which is always a win in my book.

Why Get A DEXA Scan?

If there is one thing I have learned over the last few years, it is that using the scale is NOT the best way to measure health. The scale only tells you one thing - how much you weigh - but there is so much more to optimum health than a number on a scale! 

When you change your diet to something like the ketogenic diet, there is some risk of losing muscle mass instead of fat. So on the days I see a drop on the scale I have to wonder... was it fat that I lost? 

With the DEXA Scan, I can measure and monitor my muscle mass to make sure I am staying on track with losing body fat while maintaining muscle. And as an added bonus, I can see that my bones are nice and strong! 

DEXA Scan Results

The DEXA Scan Results is a four-page comprehensive report with exact measurement of your lean mass, body mass, and fat tissue percentages. It even measures your lean mass balance - which is great to see if your training, past injuries, or even a health condition could be leading to disproportionate mass differences.

My results were... well hard to hear. But they were what I needed to hear to really get refocused on my goals. No, I won't show you my actual results - not yet anyway.

I am so excited that several of my friends and family are joining the DEXAFit Annual Memberships to help us see our progress in 2019! That way we can all challenge each other and achieve our fitness goals together!

DEXAFit Memberships are designed to fit your specific needs and goals. With the DEXAFit Annual Plans you can monitor your progress every month - which is great for accountability! 

You can cancel any time and all plans are HSA/FSA eligible. You can pay monthly or save by paying it all up front - totally up to you. 

I am choosing the 4-Pack Starter plan for $29 a month. I will go in for quarterly follow up DEXA Scans starting in January and then 3D scans each month. 

I feel so much more confident about achieving my fitness goals now that I know just exactly what to work on, and I am super excited to have "progress pictures" that are more than just me standing in front of a mirror. 

If you are in the Pensacola area, check out DEXAFit Pensacola to get started or visit the DEXAFit Website to find a location near you! 

 The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

For several months now my favorite online fitness guru has been raving about how much she loves her Jaybird Wireless Headphones. She is an avid hiker and does incredible workouts at the gym - all with her beloved Jaybirds. When I had the opportunity to try the new Jaybird Run True Wireless Headphones at BestBuy I jumped at the chance. After only a week I can see why she loves these so much.

First, let me start by saying I am the worlds worst about headphones. I have asked for recommendations numerous times on Facebook trying to find a pair that will fit comfortably and STAY in my ears! I can confidently say I have tried over a dozen different brands and styles, all of which have fallen short... until now. There is nothing more frustrating than getting into a good stride on your run... and having an earbud come flying out. My Jaybirds stayed in for my entire workout for the first time ever. And they are sweat proof... thank goodness.

Related Article: Best Earbuds with Ear Hooks

Jaybird Run True Wireless Headphones fit securely and direct music into your ears for full uninterrupted audio. They have little "wings" that go right into the crook of your ear to hold them comfortably but securely for virtually any workout or just going throughout your day! They pair easily with your Bluetooth-enabled device from up to 33 feet away. Supports hands-free, headset, A2DP, AVCRP, SPP profiles.

I also love this little case that actually charges your headphones as well as protects them. You can get up to 4 hours of audio streaming per charge and up to 8 hours with the included portable charging case. The little case fits perfectly inside my purse and gym bag and charges with the included USB cord.

For the first time ever I am completely in love with a set of headphones that I can comfortably wear without any fear of them falling out. I could not be more excited. You can get a set for yourself and save $30 right now at your local Best Buy or at BestBuy.com! They would also make the perfect Fathers Day Gift for any guy on the go!

This post was sponsored by Reebok as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

In the last year, I have been trying to focus more on finding the work/life/fitness balance and being more intentional about my workouts and nutrition while still running three businesses and helping my husband with his business. It is not uncommon for me to go from one business to the gym and then to the next business - which is why when I had the chance to check out the new Reebok Trilux Running Shoes, I was intrigued. I love nothing more than a comfortable workout shoe that is chic enough to even be worn at work. It is a total win-win.

Finding time to work out when you run three businesses is tough - and in all honesty, there are more days where I do NOT workout than days I do. But I am working to change that. I fall into the excuse of having too much work to do and end up putting off the workout... over and over again. I have had to just realize that when you own a business, work will always be there, and I have to prioritize my workouts right up there with a webinar or meeting.

One of the changes I have made is that every morning I get up and get dressed to work and work out - which is why I adore these Reebok Trilux shoes. They are not crazy wild colors like some tennis shoes I have seen, so whether I am heading to lift weights or meet a client, I am appropriately dressed.

The new Reebok Trilux shoes are made for running, but I actually love them even more for lifting weights. They are truly the lightest weight shoe I have ever worn - but they still offer great support even for long days when I am on my feet for hours and hours at a time. Because they are so lightweight they are also perfect for hot months because they allow my feet to breathe... something much needed here in Florida.

And in full disclosure - no I do not work out every day - even when I am dressed for it - but I have been wearing the Reebok Trilux shoes every day and I have to say they are my new favorite shoes for literally anything. So much so that I plan to head to Academy Sports this weekend to get a pair in grey as well. I mean, it is Spring after all, right?!

If you are looking for the perfect shoe to wear every day - definitely stop by your local Academy Sports to check out the new Reebok Trilux.

#advertisement I received compensation from Dr. Scholl’s® to write this post. All opinions are entirely my own. #CustomFitRelief #DrScholls

There is something about this time of year that makes me stop and reflect on all of the changes that have happened in the last 12 months. It was this time last year that I officially hung up my running shoes after completing more than 2 dozen races the year before. While I may have hung up my running shoes for races, I have still made a conscious effort to get in 10,000 steps per day – even though I work from home. It has been a bit of a challenge some days, both mentally and physically. And while I know it is best for my health in the long run, foot pain has been keeping me from achieving my daily goal.

Even just the minimum amount of steps has often led to me dealing with tired, achy feet at night, and since hockey season has begun again I find myself having lower back pain as well. It has been frustrating and disheartening to not be able to make my goal each day. Knowing that I am just starting to get in the “crazy season” with my businesses – which loosely translates into about 80 zillion steps and eleventy billion hours on my feet – I knew I had to start now if my poor little feet were going to make it through the season.

Recently I had a chance to team up with Dr. Scholl’s® to try their Custom Fit® Orthotic Inserts. Now, truth be told I had heard about these a long time ago by my father who has struggled with knee and lower back pain. He has raved about what a huge difference they made for him, so I headed down to my local Walmart to try the Dr. Scholl's kiosk out myself.

The Dr. Scholl's kiosk is located right in the Walmart Pharmacy and takes just a few short minutes to discover which of the Dr. Scholl’s® Custom Fit® Orthotic Inserts are perfect for you. The kiosk uses Footmapping® technology to measure your arch, foot length, and unique pressure points with 2,200 pressure sensors! How cool is that!?

All you have to do is step on, and then the touch screen computer walks you through a couple steps to create your very own unique map of your feet. You perform just a couple simple tasks – like leaning forward on the ball of one foot while holding on to the easy built in grips right on the machine while the pad on the bottom measures your foot during each movement. The Dr. Scholl’s® kiosk then evaluates all of that data and recommends which of their Dr. Scholl’s® Custom Fit® Orthotic Inserts will best fit your needs to give you the ultimate comfort.

Based on my specific Footmap, the kiosk suggested I get the CF310 – which was available right there attached to the kiosk. Talk about easy. It took me less than 3 minutes from start to finish and I was out the door and on my way to happier feet.

Once I got home I immediately put my new Dr. Scholl’s® Custom Fit® Orthotic Inserts into my favorite pair of tennis shoes. Custom Fit® Orthotics are comprised of 4 layers but are still thin enough to easily fit into all of your favorite shoes – I even put them in my boots!  Each layer is designed to help provide support and cushioning, to immediately relieve foot and lower body pain and provide you with all-day comfort. Immediately I could feel a difference in the support of my arch as well as the cushion around my heel – which is where I most often felt pain.

I have only been wearing my Custom Fit® Orthotics for a couple of days but I can already tell a huge difference in how my feet feel at the end of the day – especially when I have hit my 10,000 step goal! I have also noticed my lower back does not hurt near as bad either – talk about a win-win.

If you are experiencing tired, achy feet, knee pain or even lower back pain, run by your local Walmart and check out the Dr. Scholl’s® Custom Fit® Orthotic Inserts.

You can Try Custom Fit® Orthotics risk-free, with the Dr. Scholl’s® Money Back Guarantee, plus, save $10 on your purchase from the Custom Fit® Online Rebate Center. Click here to find the Custom Fit® Kiosk nearest you.

Working from home has its own set of challenges – and one of them is making sure to get the recommended 10,000 steps per day.  If you are looking for ways to increase your step count and make it to 10,000 steps each day, here are a few tips that have helped me along the way.

Pace While On The Phone

Instead of sitting at your desk during conference calls and one-on-ones, get up and pace your hallway or home office. You will mindlessly be getting in steps while your focus is on the phone call.

Choose Walking Over Driving

What is your home office close to? Is the post office near by? Maybe the grocery store? Instead of hopping in your car for those super quick trips, lace up your tennis shoes and get some steps in.

Set a Timer

Many Smart Watches have activity reminder notifications that will tell you if you have been sedentary too long – but I still suggest setting a timer to remind you to get up and walk around. I have also used an app that reminds me to drink more water – and I know every time it goes off that I need to walk to the kitchen to refill my glass. These little mini “walk and water” breaks can add up quickly!

Take a REAL Lunch Break… and Go For A Walk

Chances are you have been sitting all morning… you do not need to sit down for lunch! Resolve to taking a true lunch break and hit the pavement while listening to your favorite playlist or podcast. You will be amazed at how fast 30 minutes – and several thousand steps – will go by!

Park in the Very Last Parking Space

Working from home doesn’t mean that you NEVER leave – so when you do go out, start parking as far away as you can. You have probably parked a ways away from the entrance before – but have you ever sought out the absolute last spot in the lot?

Take the Stairs

Instead of standing still in an elevator or on an escalator – opt for taking the stairs up and down to your destination. Not only will you get the steps from the actual stairs – but often times the stairs are further away – bonus steps!

Get A Challenge Buddy

Nothing is more motivating than someone holding you accountable – so team up with a bestie for a challenge to “out step” each other. You can take your friendly competition one step further and have a prize at the end of the challenge!

Whether you make it to your goal of 10,000 steps every day or not, these are great habits to help you increase you step count on a daily basis. And if you ever experience foot pain, knee pain or even lower back pain, check out your local Walmart and let Dr. Scholl’s® Custom Fit® Orthotics help you stay on your feet comfortably!

Are you looking for the best at home workout? Look no further than Figure 8 Fitness! Check out my Figure 8 Workout Review!

If there is one thing I have learned in the last three years since deciding to completely overhaul my life to be the healthiest version of myself possible, it is that you have to treat working out as if it was an appointment with your best friend.

It is so easy to put off working out or put other things higher on the priority list so that you “run out of time” to workout. Since exercise is such an enormous part of getting healthier – not to mention the most fun part – making time to get even 30 minutes a day is crucial to your long-term success.

Recently I had a chance to try Figure 8 Fitness, a complete fitness and nutrition program that is 100% online – meaning you can access it anytime, anywhere.

Even though my gym is 24 hours, I still find myself crunched for time and needing to workout at home.

As much as I love my gym, nothing beats being able to simply log into my computer and get my workout in without having to pack my gym bag, drive to the gym, wait for a machine, drive home…well, you get the idea.

Figure 8 Fitness is not only a great workout – but it is probably the most fun workout I have ever done too! That may sound cliché – but even the girls have had fun joining in for the “dance party” Mom is having in the living room.

Figure 8 Fitness Founder Jaana Kunitz is a former competitive Latin Ballroom Dancer who brings her love of dance to the fitness community with workouts including moves from the Merengue, Samba, Salsa and more.

You will not only get a great workout – but also learn some great dance moves! How cool is that?!

I have just begun using Figure 8 Fitness workouts – and I have to tell you, they work your core unlike anything else I have ever tried! Having been a fitness instructor for the last two years, I thought I had a pretty good grasp on full body workouts – boy was I wrong.

From the very first workout, I knew this was not your typical at-home fitness routine, and I immediately fell in love knowing that this was going to change my body unlike what I have tried before.

When you join Figure 8 Fitness you are given immediate access to their complete library, which includes the Figure 8 Fitness Book, The Figure 8 Nutrition Book, the Figure 8 Full Workout Plan, Figure 8 Express Workout Plan, and – my favorite – the Success Trackers, where you can literally track your changes as you go through the program.

You also gain access to their exclusive Facebook Group where you will meet thousands of other men and women on the same journey as you – sharing their stories, successes, and support from all over the world.

Check out this great video from people who have succeeded with their fitness goals with the help of Figure 8 Fitness:

I am really excited to continue to use Figure 8 Fitness throughout the summer with the goal to wear something I feel absolutely fantastic in for my upcoming birthday!

I know with the help of the 14 workouts, the full nutrition plan, Jaana, the community support, and all of the “standing crunches,” I will be rockin the mid drift in no time!

You can learn more about Figure 8 Fitness by checking out the website.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Figure 8 Fitness. I have been compensated through the SheSavvy Influence Network. All opinions remain my own.

You may remember about two years ago when I posted that I had discovered a new workout called POUNDFit which was being taught at my local church. I took the class one time and fell so head over heels in love with it I wanted to do it all the time. Finally, I had found a group fitness workout that felt like ME. Loud rock music, hitting hard, and just truly an all out jam out session. There was nothing "cutesy" - no powder puff, dainty movements - just a full 45 minutes of hard core jamming out. It was perfect.

Within 2 months of that first class, I became an instructor. I couldn't get enough and I wanted to share the mission of rocking out with everyone. I jumped in with two feet and within just a few weeks I was teaching six classes a week. Yep, six. I went from the "girl who barely works out" to an instructor with six classes around town all with a great following of ladies ready to rock. It was fantastic. I could do it anywhere, anytime, and even with my wicked plantar fasciitis and tears that I got while running.

However, things have changed. Passions have changed. Priorities have changed. With The Teen graduating this year, Midge in her final year of elementary school, Mike buying into his new company, and me continuing to struggle with my fitness... (plus the work/fitness balance!) I have decided to hang up my RipStix for a while. It has been coming for quite some time... first taking it down to 5 classes a week. Then four. Then two. And now - happily - zero. It was bittersweet to sit on the couch yesterday during the time that I would normally have been at class for the last two years.

I have said a few times that it was like 2017 flipped a switch inside of me, and I have been systematically moving away from all of the things that no longer bring me joy. As much as I love POUNDFit, I began to dread having to leave Midge at home alone, dread dinner having to be an hour later, dread having to learn new songs and put together new playlists. It was then that I knew it was time to let it go.

I am not sure what my next chapter is - but I know right now it feels good to have a completely open schedule for the first time in years. My community no longer has live scheduled webinars, I no longer have scheduled classes, and I have even left the women's group that I was a part of behind in 2016. The Teen is driving herself everywhere and her sister most places too. Mike is no longer home during the day. It feels almost like I am an empty nester.

I've written often about a "Season of Change" here on MoscatoMom... I have to say, this feels like the strongest one yet.

Last week I had the pleasure of joining nearly 300 bloggers in gorgeous Orlando Florida for the TypeA East Social Media conference. Even though I have gone to several TypeA's this one was by far my favorite. Maybe it was because I met some of the best bloggers in the world, maybe it was because we had amazing speakers and I learned so much... or maybe it was because it made me realize that I have been focusing my time, energy, and money on the wrong things. The truth is I have not been "fully present" in several aspects of my life - including this blog - because of distractions that I have let get in the way. One of those distractions that kept coming up... was running.

The truth is that running is a sport that requires more time and dedication than I have to give. As much as I love it...I just don't have the passion for it that I once did. I have not been able to run well since I tore my fascia in July of last year and now every time I run even one little mile, I have to spend the rest of the day icing and stretching and hobbling around. No amount of therapy I have done over the last 15 months has improved that. The only thing that helps... is not running. Because of it being so painful it has not been a priority - which has only made it worse because I go so long between runs. It has made the goal of doing longer runs seem more and more impossible with every passing day. It has been a vicious cycle - and one I am ready to let go of.

So... I have decided I am not going to do Battleship next weekend. Nor am I going to worry about the marathon in February. In fact, I doubt you guys will see me running more than a 5k anytime soon. As much as I love running, I do not have the time to dedicate to longer runs. Instead, I am going to enjoy my occasional little 3.1's - and the beers at the end with my SweatSisterz - and be happy! The 5ks are a fun distance, and I can keep my addiction to race bling going with all of the awesome virtual runs that I can do, and I can let go of the stress of feeling like I "need" to run longer (or else I am going to die a slow and painful death on a race course somewhere.)

It was a tough decision to make - I feel like a "quitter" on some level - but it is a necessary one. And making the decision felt like an enormous weight being lifted, so I know it is the right thing. It has also reminded me that it is ok to leave behind things that no longer serve you or make you happy. Goals can change the same way people do - and it is perfectly ok. Sometimes what we THINK we want we discover isn't all that important when it comes right down to it.

So I have hung up my running shoes, removed my training schedule from google calendar, and spent some time just letting it all sink in... and to be honest I could not be more excited.

Last week I ran into Walmart to grab groceries for the week. Now, I do not often go to Walmart, because even though they are considerably less expensive than the other two stores I frequent, for whatever reason Walmart gives me a level of social anxiety that I have never experienced anywhere else. However on this day, my teenager and I took a few minutes to run in and fill our cart with healthy foods for the week. I was standing at the eggs opening cartons looking for a full dozen of clean, unbroken eggs (which I could not find by the way - but that is another topic) when I heard a little voice behind me "Mama, she has a BIG BUTT!" As I turned around I saw your mom looking at me - and your little finger outstretched in my direction. I quickly turned and pushed my buggy away - abandoning my hunt for eggs. I finished my shopping as quickly as I could and got out of there. I somehow managed to get my groceries home and unpacked and myself out of sight from my daughters before the tears began... and continued for the rest of the night.

I am a little embarrassed to admit that you reduced me - a nearly 36-year-old mother of two who has built an international business coaching women to be successful, teaches six fitness classes a week and currently has seventeen medals hanging behind her from events that she has completed in the last two years alone - to tears, but you did. You see, little one, you found my button. My trigger. My biggest insecurity. And just as your little, outstretched finger pointed at my "big butt" - it pressed that button inside of me. Your innocent rudeness shook me to my core, and now even days later, tears roll down my face at the memory.

At first, I was angry at your mother, because I do not think we are born seeing people as "fat" - nor do we see them as black or white or rich or poor, even though a lot of people on social media would like you to think so. But then I think back to my own daughters and some of the things they have said and realize (hope?) she was probably just as shocked as I was. You, in your naive, innocent wonder were simply pointing out the obvious, the same way you would point out a plane or flower or anything else you saw and recognized. Today it just happened to be me. I was too shocked to reply, too hurt to take a breath and let it be a teaching moment - maybe for all three of us. Here is what I wish I had been able to say:

Yes, sweetheart, I do have a big butt - you are very smart - unfortunately, that is what happens when you stop eating properly and do not exercise regularly. Let this be a lesson for you to always treat your body as the temple that it is, and do not take your health - or your metabolism - for granted. It is far easier to keep your body healthy than to have to work to regain a healthy body - both inside and out. I know, because I have done both. Create healthy habits of drinking water - not soda - and eating fresh, fun colorful foods - not stuff out of a box or can. Never - ever - stop running, never stop playing, never stop laughing. Do not take the easy road of fast food and restaurants, instead, learn to cook and enjoy what creations you can make. And when you choose to have little blessings of your own, do not let these healthy habits fall by the wayside, but instead nourish yourself and your little growing miracle in the best way possible. 

But if you do someday find yourself with a "big butt" too, just know that it is not permanent, and you can recreate good habits that will make you healthy again - but it is a process and does not happen overnight. Be easy with yourself if it happens, and do not beat yourself up - that will only defeat your progress. Surround yourself with people who are working to improve themselves too, as they may be the only ones who understand when you make huge changes in your life - like getting healthy when you have been unhealthy for so long. Strive to be healthy and happy and be your best friend instead of your own worst enemy. If you can do that, no matter what size your butt ends up being, you will live a happier life.

I have had a few days to process this, and while it still stings deeply, I am very glad this situation happened. In fact, I wish I could thank you for saying just exactly what you said and when you said it. See, even though I work out a LOT, run several times a week, and eat well most of the time... I have not been as committed as I should be - and I have been beating myself up for it for a very long time. I notice my "big butt" a lot too, and while having a big butt may be "in" right now thanks to the Kardashians, it is (and always has been) a huge insecurity for me. However for whatever reason I have still struggled with the commitment to change, struggled with the dedication to lose it, struggled with the willingness to stay dedicated to my health regardless of all else. I can make all of the excuses that my butt is big because I am a runner, because I do a zillion squats in my classes, or because of genetics... but the truth is I am still a solid thirty pounds overweight, and it needs to come off. Maybe this was the push that I needed to be more committed and to change my habit of yoyoing back and forth from healthy to unhealthy, and finally - FINALLY - achieve true "happy." Maybe I needed to learn the lesson as well.

I am certain you will never read this - I doubt seriously that you even know what a blog is. And while I hope that your Mom may someday read this, I know that the reality is that she will not. But I hope maybe that putting this out into the universe that the lesson will still land in your sweet little heart somehow, and that you will heed my warnings to focus on your health as a priority in your life as much as your family and your job, and never let yourself be in a position where standing in a store, you are reduced to tears over the honesty of one delightfully outspoken little girl. 

Remember when I did my first triathlon last month? It felt amazing. I was totally on top of the world. So much so that the very next weekend I did the Run Now, Wine Later Virtual 5k through Will Run For Bling. My intention was just to do a nice, slow, steady run... until the little voice on MapMyRun came on at the end of mile two and told me my time... which was by far the fastest I had ever run two miles. Even though my intention was to go slow and steady, I had gotten so wrapped up in my music that apparently my pace was way faster than I had intended. Suddenly I realized I could not only PR this run... I could absolutely crush it. 

So... I sprinted.

I finished the 5k seven minutes faster than my previous PR. Seven minutes. That is a ridiculous amount of time to shave off with such a short distance run. There aren't even words for how amazing it felt and I walked a few laps around the culdesac panting, still in shock that I had run that last 1.1 miles so fast.

As I walked into the house I began to feel it... cramping in my feet, unlike anything I had ever felt. I drank my post workout shake and got in a shower - stretching and rolling my feet. It did not matter. The damage was done. I spent the rest of the day barely able to walk. The next day I was still in pain so I reached out on Facebook and a few friends said that it was probably plantar fasciitis and I should look into getting a deep tissue massage for my calves to release them. Let me tell you... that sounds a whole lot more pleasant than it actually is.

Fast forward two full weeks from the Run Now Wine Later and two agonizing deep tissue massages to release my calves and I was feeling great. So I headed out for a run with Midge - again thinking I would take it nice and slow since I had her with me. While she walked I would run to the stop sign and back... then walk with her a little ways... then run to the next sign and back... and then walk with her. In my mind, I was doing great intervals - which is what you are supposed to do when you are easing back from an injury. Clearly it was not "easing" enough and the next day I literally could not even put weight on my left foot.

I have begun a new treatment with a new doctor who made me promise not to run... at all. Like... for "several months." I would be lying if I said I did not cry in the doctor's parking lot after my first appointment. I had made so much progress in the last 6 months with running, I felt totally defeated and like I was going to have to start all over again. I was crushed.

That was two weeks ago, and I have stayed diligent to my word of not running - even when I was getting rained on - keeping my tennis shoes on at all times with custom inserts, icing and rolling my feet, and having the sound therapy treatments he suggested done - which are just about as painful as the deep tissue massages were. At my last appointment, I was whining over how sad I was over not being able to run. The doctor did not give in... he was very diligent that I am to not run for any reason. Period.

But he did say I could start to walk.

It seems silly that being told something as minor as "yes Lynsey, you can go for a walk" could give me so much happiness. It was like a glimmer of hope that I will, in fact, be able to get past this constant pain that I have had for over four solid weeks now and that I will be able to run again some day. Running has just become my "thing." It is my hour a day that I can tune everything out but my music and the sound of my feet hitting the pavement. It is my daily dose of solitude and feeling good endorphins... a sense of accomplishment as I walk into the house pouring sweat. YES of course I adore my classes, but there was just something about the accomplishment of running that had become my therapy. And I have been missing it.

Martin Luther King Junior said “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” And that is what I am going to have to do. I can not run... but I can walk. I can still get my time to decompress, to still work up a sweat, to get lost in the music of my iPod, and to feel the accomplishment of the miles I cross... just.. at a much slower pace.

Needing to channel my frustration and focus on something else, I set myself another BOLD Goal (since it is highly possible my goal of a half marathon in February has been blown) this time short term and with a focus on healing while still doing (kinda) what I love. In the month of September, my goal is to WALK - not run - a total of 100 miles. I will go slowly, making sure not to injure myself anymore, and in fact, to help rebuild the tissues in my feet so that some day I can break into a run again. I do not care how many hours it takes me - I will go slow and enjoy every step. My friend Jill shared this awesome image, which I have printed out, and I will color in the sections as I complete the walks for the entire month.

Whether you are walking or running - a seasoned runner or just starting out - I would love if you joined me in covering 100 miles in 30 days - that is an average of 3.3 miles each day. It may sound like a long way, but I promise you - after a few days of doing it, you will come to love your walks (or runs) not to mention see your body change if you are not used to this much activity. Plus it is about time for the leaves to start changing and the temperatures to start dropping, so it is the perfect time to create this new habit. Who knows... you may love it so much you keep going. You can print out your own 100 Mile Shoe and keep track of your miles here. And if you are in Pensacola, come walk with me at the Friends of the Poor Walk on the 26th and we can color in our miles together and celebrate being almost finished with such a BOLD Goal!

I am still super frustrated about my injury, but after four weeks (and a few tough love talks from my friends) I have come to realize that no amount of complaining is going to make it go away. So I am settling into the process of healing, going slow, and doing what I have to do to get past this. "If you can't run... then walk...you have to keep moving forward" That is exactly what I intend to do.

Every year I choose a BOLD Goal that I work on usually all year long. I think the "S.M.A.R.T." Goals are old and worn out - and most importantly - BORING. I need BOLD Goals to excite me and keep me motivated. In 2012 I said I wanted to double my income - something I had worked on for years in one year - and I did it. In 2013 I said I wanted to run twelve 5ks in twelve months - even though I had not run in years - and I did it. In 2014 I said I wanted to lose 30 pounds - and while I did not lose a full 30, I lost more than I have ever lost thanks to whole30 and what I learned with it - and have kept it off. In January of 2015 I was asked what my BOLD Goal was for the year... and I blurted out "to do a triathlon." *gulp*

In January, a triathlon sounded great. I had SEVEN MONTHS to train for it. I mean - of course I would be ready.  So I bought a road bike - pink and black of course - with matching helmet. I joined the local pool to practice swimming laps. I bought all the swimming stuff - swim cap, goggles, ear plugs, etc. I even got new running shoes - because I just knew I was going to wear them out. I joined a triathlon team and ordered my tri kit package and all the fun accessories. I joined Mere Mortals and planned out my training calendar. Several hours and over two thousand dollars later, I was ready! You know where this is heading right...

I went to the pool... four times. I got on the bike... twice. I went to Mere Mortals... once.

The day before the tri I was set up to do a brick - basically a run through of the tri. Nothing like waiting till the last minute, right? Kinda like cramming for finals after you have goofed off all semester... yyyeeeaahhhh that was me. We were going to meet at the swim school, do laps, then get out and run to our bikes, then go for a run. That was the plan. Mother Nature had other plans when a thunderstorm blew in out of no where. So instead I loaded the car, and went to bed early.

The next morning I got up at 4am to head to the beach. The morning was perfect - calm water, calm wind, not too hot. Absolutely perfect. I pulled in to the parking lot just as some of my other Sweat Sisterz arrived. The nervous excitement was palpable. We got our transition areas all set up, took a million pictures, high-fived about a million times, riled each other up, and before long it was time to head to the beach.

Within 10 seconds of starting the swim - I was kicked in the face. Not hard - but it was a kick for sure. That was my fear all along, so as soon as it happened... I busted out laughing. People around me must have thought I had gone mad - but I proceeded to quickly doggy paddle to the outside - where I would not get kicked - and get back to swimming. It sucked. Although the water was calm, the current was strong, however I came out of the water still laughing.

Next was the bike - I took off easily and began riding towards the Boardwalk. I knew my gears were wrong - I was pedaling way more than I needed to be and not going very far. But I kept clicking away and nothing changed, so I just settled in for the ride. I was excited to finally get to say "on the left" which is what you have to say when you are passing people. (I learned that at Mere Mortals when I heard it about 100 times as people flew past me.) I nearly high-fived the guys at the turn around point - I was cruisin. I looked down at my time, celebrated a little bit - and sped up. I saw the end and began celebrating even more - singing the Rocky theme in my head, feeling amazing and ready to crush the run and be done. I got back to the area where I started, but instead of motioning me to turn in - they waved for me to keep going. Wait - what?  Turned out we had more to go... a lot more to go. I should have known it would not be that easy. But I pedaled on. The Rocky theme would have to wait.

When the biking was finally over, my legs felt like I head lead shoes on. So I walked. In fact I walked a good bit of it. My friend Andrea was also walking - so we walked together - laughing and talking. We cheered on the bikers still on the course and high-fived the runners as they passed us heading for the finish line. We finally got to the water station that marked the half way point - and I am pretty sure that water came directly from a stream in Heaven - it was absolutely delicious. I began walking back, but wanted to finish strong, so I dug deep and began doing intervals. When I hit the entrance I told myself I would not stop running until I hit the finish line. I sprinted through the parking area and over the finish line - nearly barreling over Amy who was handing out the medals.

I had done it. I had finished a triathlon. I had accomplished my BOLD Goal. I was a "triathlete."

For the next hour or so we all just celebrated. After months of anticipation and talking about it - well, and other people training LOL - it was done. We all crossed that finish line one by one - and became triathletes. It was an amazing moment for every one of us. We were all so thankful that Amy got us all triathlon medals - it means so much to get that little medal after completing your first tri. There were lots of laughs, lots of hugs, and even a few ugly cries. But I was proud to not only have finished this event - but to have done so with some of the most amazing women in the world.

Since the tri I have focused on my running - PR'ing a 5k last weekend for the Run Now, Wine Later virtual event with a time of 38:01 - a time literally seven minutes faster than any of the other 5ks I have done. Since I expected the run to be the hardest part, it was really the only part I "trained" for - and somewhere along the line I completely fell in love with it again. My bike and swim cap have been safely tucked away for now, and my medal hangs proudly in my bedroom. I have no plans to do another tri - except maybe this same event again next year to beat my time.

Even though I did not properly train for this event, it still feels amazing to know that I completed it. Thank you to Team MPI, Portofino, Gulf Coast Cycle and Tri, my SweatSisterz, and everyone else who made this day just absolutely perfect!

In the last year I have made SO many healthy changes in my life - from getting my eating under control, getting on schedule working out regularly - even teaching POUNDFit Classes at my local gym. But there is one healthy habit that I still struggle with every single day... drinking water.

They say you are supposed to consume at least half your body weight in ounces every single day. The problem is the only time I ever feel thirsty is when I am working out. I do not drink sodas or coffee - only water - but I literally will go hours without taking a sip. A friend of mine suggested Plant Nanny - a super cute free app that helps you remember to drink water. I have to admit... it has really helped.

Plant Nanny is unlike typical apps that encourage you to drink water with alarms or funny water sounds that you can just tap off and go on with your day. With Plant Nanny you are growing a garden of plants - "watering" them every time you drink. If you do not water your plant, they can die... or at least get very very sad. You can set alarms to remind you to water your little guy every few hours if you need it. Plant Nanny was actually named a Best App of 2013, so I am not sure how I am just now discovering it, but it has certainly become one of my favorite apps in the two weeks I have been using it.

So the way that it works is that you set up your account and decide how much water you should drink each day. Plant Nanny helps you calculate what is best for your weight, body type, and activity level. Then you get to choose your first plant - who will need to be watered just as much as your own body does in order to grow - and what size cup you normally drink. You even have to name your little plant

I chose a Devil's Ivy and named her Jezzebelle. Isn't she CUTE?!

Now in full disclosure I have to admit, it took some time for me to get used to watering Jezzebelle - or even remembering to drink myself. And a few times she looked a little... umm... sad.

But I soon found my groove and not only remembered to water Jezzebelle, but remembered to drink my water every hour as well. And after just a few days I had a nice pretty little plant.

Once your plant is full grown, you get to plant her in your garden, where you can harvest seeds to help your new plants grow. As you go you unlock new plants and garden accessories to add to your garden and can earn extra seeds to help your new plants grow.

I have really really loved this app and I am doing SO much better with my water intake - way more so than with any other app I have tried. I still do not ever actually feel "thirsty" but I remember that I have to water my little plant to keep it happy. You can download Plant Nanny for free from iTunes or Google Play.  Oh, and now that Jezzebelle is happily in the garden making seeds, I am now tending to Spike... the cactus.

A few Saturdays ago my friend Angie came over for our weekly meal prep date. Yes, we have pretty much replaced "going out" with "working out" these days, and our "girls night in" includes cutting, steaming, and filling about 30 Gladware containers for the week ahead. Anyway, we were talking about our schedule for the week and she mentioned she was doing the Fiesta 10k that next Saturday. I made the mistake of saying "oh man I wonder if registration is still open..." to which she promptly discovered that YES it still was. I tried to back out - thinking I must be losing my absolute MIND - but Angie promised she would stay with me the entire route. She said we would do it "just for fun" and to say we've finished and not worry about the time... a few minutes of convincing and the next thing I knew, I was signed up to run a 10k... with six days notice.

I went out running the next day in the neighborhood and PR'd for a 5k. I felt relieved - maybe I won't die Saturday. Then the crazy of the week began and I didn't have time to run any of the rest of the days of the week. I went to Angie's ReFit class on Thursday night... and twisted.my.freaking.knee. Something I literally haven't done since The Teen was a toddler. I went for a lunge and I went one way - and my knee went the other. I felt it the moment it happened, and knew I was hurt. It felt just exactly the way it felt many years ago on that football field when I tore my ACL. It was not as painful as that was, but the popping sensation was the same, and I was crushed. I limped off to the side, gathered my things, and headed home before class was over, trying to hide the tears.

Friday I rested, but there was still pain. I got a stabilizing brace for my knee, and prayed I would be ok for the run Saturday. My family was upset with me for even doing the run still - worried I would do permanent damage to my knee. But I had set my mind to do it, and I just knew in my heart that I could, and that I would be ok. Angie stayed with me Friday night so she wouldn't have to get up quite as early on Saturday. We got our race packets, got our stuff all set up while I was limping around, and as we called it a night we just gave each other a knowing look - praying my knee would hold out for the entire route.

Saturday morning we got up before dawn, picked up another friend, and drove to the race. It was a perfectly beautiful morning and I prayed for strength as I watched the sun rise over the water. To say that I was nervous is the understatement of year. Every step I took I felt that twinge in my knee - even with the brace on. I met up with all of my friends for about a million pictures, and then we took our places in line to begin. I, of course, took my spot in the back - where I expected to stay. (But surprisingly didn't) 

We took off and just as promised - Angie stayed right by my side every step. In fact, we stayed IN step the entire thing. I am not sure if it was by accident or if maybe it is a subconscious throw back to my color guard days, but in the 20-some-odd pictures that people had of Angie and I running - we were exactly in step in every one of them. I know it was agonizing for her to stay with me - she easily would have completed this run long before I did, but she stayed with me... the whole time. We laughed, we cussed, we ran, we walked, we sang, we complained, we flirted with the water boys... it was an amazing 6.2 miles.

I am both elated and proud to say that I completed my very first 10k - complete with twisted knee and zero training. It proved that even with setbacks, if you keep your eye on the goal, you can complete absolutely anything you set your mind to. It also proved that something can happen that you do not expect - I literally haven't had knee pain in years - but it does not have to derail you from your goals. You CHOOSE what you let derail you and what you push through. It also proved that having someone by your side can sometimes make all the difference.

As they say, I have been "bitten by the running bug" and I am already planning for my next run. Who knows - maybe I will do a half marathon next year. Even though my time wasn't pretty - talk about setting the bar really low for a time to beat lol - it felt great to just FINISH. There was something about that little medal - that I of course wore the whole rest of the day - that made me feel more accomplished than I had in months. THAT alone was worth the pain. 🙂

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My entire life I have been a runner. I was that kid whose Mom said she never learned to walk - she went straight to running. I remember field day at Pensacola Beach Elementary - running through the sand dunes from obstacle to obstacle with my best friend Nicole.  In middle school I remember running around the soccer fields - picking blackberries from along the back fence and eating them until our mouths and hands turned purple. Then in high school I joined the Colorguard and spent countless hours running the football field - even running the bleachers "for fun."

When I got older I took on a different kind of running. As soon as I turned 18 - I ran away with a blue eyed boy in a white uniform. I ran half way across the country, thinking he would love me forever. Needless to say - that didn't happen. So I ran. Home. I began running away from my life. My responsibilities. I didn't like having to deal with the hard stuff - money, jobs, relationships - so I just ran. I made terrible choices that were easier to run from than to face. My pattern became running away from anything that didn't make me happy at that exact moment, instead of realizing the problem was me and I needed to change to make it better. It was just easier to run.

At nearly 30 I realized I could not run any longer. Figuratively and literally. I decided to cut ties with everything negative in my life that was causing me to run. I was overweight, lazy, and miserable. I was tired. I was sick of running from my life. I began facing my insecurities, apologizing to those I had hurt, taking responsibility for my part in the disaster that was my life. By this time I had gotten so good at running that most people had no idea the internal struggle I was facing. On the outside I was a positive, successful business owner that people looked up to. That was all just part of the run. I began putting the parts of my life that I had run from back together - one step at a time.

One day on a whim I set a goal to run twelve 5ks in twelve months - even though it had been years since I had actually run anywhere. I had these great intentions of training for them... but I let life get in the way. I enjoyed some of the runs more than others, but the actual RUN part... I absolutely hated. I was fat. I was slow. I was miserable. I had horrible shin splints during every single one of them because I did zero training in between. I always had a crowd with me, and every single run I was the last of my group to cross the finish line. I pushed through all 12 - making each one a punishment for the years of running away from my life. After my 12 was over... I quit. I was sure I would never run again.

Then I decided to do a triathlon. A triathlon! (What the hell was I thinking?! There is running in a triathlon!!) But I signed up anyway. And I was determined to train... the right way. I had everything else in my life straightened out... it was time to get back to running- the right way. I hit the pavement - walking the first mile, and then doing the Galloway Method for the second mile. My time was ridiculous. But I did it. By the end of that day my legs hurt, my ankles ached, and I wanted to eat everything in sight. But that was nothing compared to how I felt the next morning. And I ran the next day anyway... and the day after that. And the day after that.

This week I had my first run that I was truly proud of. A run that, had I been doing an actual 5k, would have put me closer to the front than my usual spot near the back. I did not run the entire thing - my lungs are still not up to the endurance of that yet - but it was a time I was super proud of. I was so sore the next day I did not want to move. But I had a smile on my face that absolutely could not be removed. With every step I took in soreness the next day, I remembered that time - every step, every song, every mental pep talk along the way. I was proud of myself... something I had not felt in a very long time.

This Saturday I will be running a 10k. It is my first time to ever run a long run, and will be the longest I have ever gone at one time, ever. It will be my first long run, my first medal, my first event as an actual runner. This week I had to make a horrible decision to leave a project behind that I had been pouring my heart in to for months. I have known for a long time that it was time to let it go, but I was trying not to "run away" from something again. But the relief I felt the moment I let it go made me realize I wasn't running away anymore... now I am running towards something. Happiness.

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I have mentioned before that I am a part of a women's group here in Pensacola called SBL. It is by far the most loving and supportive group of women I have ever encountered, and over the year and a half that I have been a member, I have made some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for. While the group was originally started to be solely a weight loss support group, it has evolved in to a true sisterhood that supports each other the way all women should.

This week a topic came up for discussion that has been on my mind ever since. One of our members asked "When is it ok to start calling yourself an athlete?"

Thing is, many of us have begun training for upcoming triathlons, iron mans, marathons, and more. Our days are filled with swimming, biking, running, crossfit, zumba, ReFit, POUNDFit... you name it, the SBL girls create a LOT of sweat on a daily basis. And the question generated a pretty amazing conversation about what being an athlete "means" and where we all fall. Then someone commented with this post about "Are You An Athlete or an Exerciser?" It hit a nerve with a lot of people when they realized that ... they might in fact not be an athlete and more of an exerciser. I commented on the thread that "I am an Exerciser... and I am PERFECTLY ok with that."

Thing is - I am not going all of this to try to come in first or to eventually do an Iron Man or some extreme fitness challenge. I am doing it for fun. And because I enjoy it. And because I enjoy these ladies. And because ultimately I love the way I feel, and am even starting to love the way I look.

I care nothing about PR'ing - in fact even back when I did my 12 5ks in 12 months I wasn't concerned with time. My best time that year was my run in September. Not the one in October... or November... or the two I did in December. Yep, my time got increasingly worse instead of better... and I could not have cared less. My goal was never to get sub-30 or to even beat my best time. I just enjoyed being there, getting the Tshirts (literally), and marking off the goal for the year. That's it. I had a blast at every single one of those runs - laughed until my sides hurt every time (when you are laughing, shin splints are much more bearable) and enjoyed a well deserved cocktail at every finish line. *ahem*

But what really stands out to make me an "exerciser" more than an "athlete" as the above writer points out so well is the schedule and priorities. See, when given the chance to work or work out... I choose work. Every time. When given the chance of hitting snooze or getting up to run... I hit snooze. And while I may get up and head to the beach on a Saturday morning to take the bike for a spin, I know that the reason I drive all the way out to the beach is not because it is a better ride - but because as soon as I am finished you will find me laying in my beach chair soaking up the sunshine right afterwards.

Do I exercise a lot? Yes. Do I do more than most people? Maybe if you compare me to the general population and not solely to the SBL girls (because let's face it - they all absolutely rock!) Does that make me an athlete? No.

I do not know if I will ever be an "athlete" because at this time in my life, I do not care to be. It is not because I do not think I am capable - I am simply uninterested in putting training over my family, or my work, or my social life. Simple as that. I have no dream of completing an Iron Man or a marathon - although I DO plan to do a half marathon next year... but again just for fun. Well... and for a medal.

I am an exerciser... and I want to thank Greg for his post, and showing that being an exerciser is perfectly ok.

Last week on my PartyPlanDivas training webinar I was discussing the importance of recruiting and personal sales in your direct sales business. Many direct sales consultants are really fantastic at one or the other - they either keep their calendar full of parties or they recruit a massive team and spend all of their time working with them. But to be truly successful in the business, you must do both. My training went a little something like this:

"It is like rowing a boat. Let's say you only paddle on the right hand side - that is our sales side - your boat will move... in one big circle. And even though your circle will get a little bit bigger each time, you are still moving in a circle.  So let's say you switch your paddle to just rowing on the left hand side - our recruiting side. Again - your boat will move - maybe even a little bit faster at first as it changes direction... but again you are going in one big circle. It isn't until you begin to row on both sides - putting both "paddles" in the water that your boat truly begins to move forward."

As I was talking my brain was going a million miles an hour - thinking "my God, that is what I am doing with my weight loss!" I have mastered both working out and eating right... but never at the same time! When I hired a personal trainer I was killing it on the lifting... while eating like garbage. Then I discovered whole30 and absolutely rocked that... but barely stepping foot in the gym or the zumba floor. And while I had some progress with either working out OR eating right, it makes me wonder what would happen if I "put both paddles in the water" with my health, the way I coach my Divas to do with their business.

We have all heard that the key to success is "diet and exercise"... not diet OR exercise. The key to party plan is sales and recruiting... also not "or."

A few days ago I was feeling particularly down and I vented to my girlfriends and heard exactly what I needed to hear. It was the "tough love" that I needed, from the ladies I love and respect most. Because I am in a round of whole30, the advice was basically "get moving." Then I realized this SAME person just a few months ago when I was working out like a fiend gave me a hard time about eating out at restaurants 3-4 times a week. I've never done both diet and exercise at the same time.

Then yesterday a friend of mine put a call out for accountability and support in her fitness goals, and a dialogue began on whether it is better to "go all in" or to make "one small change" and let that build. It was interesting to me to realize how different people are, and to solidify how much I am an "all or nothing" kind of girl. The only time I have ever had actual success with my goals was when I have been totally extreme - like choosing to do twelve 5ks in twelve months having not run in more than 10 years. However even then I really only ran the 5ks... I didn't train in between like I said I wanted to. I also ate whatever I wanted whenever I wanted most of the time. Again I had only one "paddle" in the water towards my goal.

Today I am on Day Eight of a whole45. I have said this entire round that something "clicked" and I feel more dedicated to it than I did even my first time. I feel like I finally - finally - have my eating under control. This weekend I had numerous opportunities to cheat - even sitting with my family last night at a restaurant while they ate my favorite appetizers and I sat waiting on my compliant meal.

Yesterday I picked up my triathlon bicycle to begin training for the SRI Tri in October. I have been doing POUNDFit every day in my living room. I am hiring a new personal trainer. My head is in the game.

And for the first time - probably ever.... I am rowing with both paddles.

If you haven't heard of it yet, a new workout is sweeping the nation. POUND: Rockout. Workout. is absolutely the most fun you will ever have all while killing hundreds of calories.

I took a POUND class a couple months ago, and was hooked immediately. Even after just one 30 minute class I was sore for three days. The kind of sore I have only experienced after hours of "leg day" at the gym.

Two more live classes later, I couldn't get enough and ordered the full kit and have been doing it almost daily ever since. I am totally, completely, 100% in love.

POUND is a full-body cardio jam session, combining light resistance with constant simulated drumming. The workout fuses cardio, Pilates, isometric movements, plyometrics and Isometric poses into a 45-minute series.

Burn between 400 and 900+ calories per hour, strengthen and sculpt infrequently used muscles, and drum your way to a leaner, slimmer physique – all while rocking out to your favorite music!

 Through continual upper body motion using our lightly weighted drumsticks, called Ripstix™, you'll turn into a calorie-torching drummer, POUNDing off pounds as each song flies by.

Rock, rap, dubstep, pop and old school music fuse to create the POUNDtrack series, which is hand-selected by music enthusiasts, drummers and POUND founder Kirsten Potenza.

I have honestly never had so much fun working out. Zumba has been my love for the last two years, but POUND brings in a whole 'nother element and brings out my inner rocker chick.

I get those RipStix in my hand and suddenly I am the lead drummer in my own rock band. Check it out:

I love POUND so much that I signed up to become an instructor in April. I am also a certified Zumba Instructor (ZIN) but I never had any intentions of actually teaching a Zumba class - I just loved it and wanted to learn more.

However with POUND I have already begun talking to my local gym about starting classes. I am doing POUND every day anyway at home - why not do it every day at the gym too!?

If there is a POUND class near you, I highly recommend you going and checking it out. The atmosphere is amazing - everyone is so nice and supportive - true rockstars.

If there isn't, check out the at-home kit - Pound Rockout Results System - which will give you that same incredible workout right in your living room.

The Jam Session is my favorite - it is just exactly what it sounds like - a total jam session. I sweat, I laugh, and I have an absolute blast.

And if it turns out that you love it as much as I do, consider being an instructor at one of their POUND Fitness certification training around the country. Learn more about becoming a POUNDPro here.

I am so super excited about this I can't even put it into words. Finally, I think I have found the workout just for me.

POUND paired with Whole30 is my recipe for success in getting the banging, healthy body I deserve - all while enjoying every rockin minute of it. Check it all out at www.PoundFit.com

UPDATE:

I spent almost 2 years as a Proud POUNDPro in the Pensacola area, and while I have hung up my RipStix (at least for now), I still love this work out more than anything else I have ever done. Rock on, Rockstars.