I write about my Health Because...

For the month of April, I've committed to 30 days of posting!

Join me, and go HERE for more info.

Day 4

I write about my health because...

I write about my heath for others to read, because at one point, I looked like this...

Disney 2006, the trip I decided to be a runner

I was overweight, and unhealthy. I remember that year at Christmas (just weeks before), I would stuff my face with as many christmas cookies as I could find during breaks at work. I had troubles with binge eating at night, and worked out only on occasion.

I had worked through Weight Watchers several times in the past and always gained the majority of it back. After returning home from this trip, being motivated to start running and seeing myself in the vacation photos, I promised myself that I would go forward to health & not look back.

I rejoined Weight Watchers, and started running. I ran my first 5K, I trained for my first half marathon & finished it in beautiful Hawaii. The weight started coming off, and my confidence grew, along with my ambition to enter more endurance events, including my first Triathlon.

Divas 1/2 Long Island 2011

CT Women's Tri 2011

I write so others can see that its possible to turn yourself around from a lazy, depressed, overweight, self-conscious girl into a empowered, strong, healthy woman.

I also want others to see that even once you've lost some weight, or run some races, that health isn't necessarily easier. For me, it it always a struggle to remain consistent with my health goals. I want women to know that they are not the only ones! Staying healthy requires us to make constant decisions (even ones we don't want to, like skipping a cocktail), that either help or hurt us. Difficult decisions like wanting to sleep in and skip a workout, eat dessert after dinner. Sometimes decisions are made for us, like when work or family prevent us from making the best choices. Its important for us to do the best we can and never give up.

Since starting my weight loss journey in 2006, I have kept off 25 pounds. I have struggled with 15 that I had previously lost over the last few years, and I'm working on the motivation to get that and more off. Since starting my running journey in 2006, I have run many 5ks, a few 10ks, 9 half marathons, 1 marathon, and a few sprint triathlons. This year my focus is on the big 70.3 in September. 

I used to be the girl that couldn't run a lap around the gym at cheerleading practice in high school. I tell everyone who thinks running longer distance is unattainable, that if I can do it, anyone could do it.

I want everyone to stop thinking they can't.

can't eat healthy.

can't lose weight.

can't finish a race.

Start thinking CAN.

You are Stronger than you think.

Don't forget my Raw Threads giveaway ends 4/8... enter HERE

Quotation Inspiration

For the month of April, I've committed to 30 days of posting!

Join me, and go HERE for more info.

Day 2

Quotation Inspiration

I love quotes, so obviously I couldn't pick just one. Here's a few of my favorites...

Source: Uploaded by user via Stephanie on Pinterest

How many times do we get caught up on a time in the past. A past training run, a failed workout, an argument with a friend, a bad race day, a silly mistake. The great thing is that in life we can constantly redefine ourselves. We can reinvent our presents to be what we want them to be. Sometimes I still think I'm that lazy, scared girl from way back when. But I want my present to include health, fun races, and being fit, so thats what I'll make it.

Source: bandidablog.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

At the end of my first half marathon, I thought it was a miracle that I made it to the end. Repeat that for my first triathlon and marathon. In all honesty, I would have never gotten to those finish lines without somehow believing in myself enough to sign up for those races, enough to start a training plan, enough to show up at the start line and begin.

Source: mylifeisfitness.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

l love this quote because so many people want to change their lives, but expect things to be different without changing a thing. I can't possibly expect my waistline to shrink when I keep eating too much, and slacking on my workouts. If I want to be the fit athlete I am in my dreams, then I need to work on things differently.

What are your favorite inspirational quotes? 

Don't forget my Raw Threads giveaway ends 4/8... enter HERE

Inperspire Giveaway!!

Another great Holiday gift idea....

I love Inperspire towels and at less than $11, they make a great secret santa gift, stocking stuffer, or present to yourself. I have a bunch, and love them all...

I did a review last year (HERE) and this year stocked up on another for myself, and a couple for my mom!

I love the new designs!

Having a motivational saying on your sweat towel to block those miles ticking by on the treadmill, works amazingly. A little piece of inspiration to keep you going through those tough moments.

Jimmy at Inperspire has offered a Holiday Giveaway to my readers with 2 winners! Each one will be able to have the towel of their choice!

How to Win

please leave a separate comment for each

1. Be or become a follower of my blog

2. Visit Inperspire HERE and tell me which towel you would choose

3. Share the news! via blog, twitter, facebook (1 for each)

Ends 12/21, good luck!

Around the house...

My new favorite wall in my house...

Want a close up?

"You don't know, until you try"

so true.

Many of us wouldn't be where we are today without giving something a try that we never thought possible. Seeing this reminds me to keep trying, working hard, and go after my goals. I can never say can't unless I've truly tried and exhausted all possibilities.

This is my new Allied Steel Medal Display that I finally hung up after winning it from Watch MeGo Run! Joel helped me create a custom hangar that I absolutely love. I can't wait to add my new medal on saturday to it!

From Whooha gear

This is the picture I have framed above it (my picture had a glare, so this is from the website). I bought it at my last Tri of the season and LOVED it. I found a great long sleeve tee that I bought from them as well.

I love to have things around the house to motivate me. What's on my list?

1. My medal display & Tri wall

2. My race schedule on the fridge

3. My clothes laid on the dresser the night before

4. My "hat" hangar on the closet door that only holds 1 or 2 hats, but mostly running headbands

5. My supply of Stinger waffles and chews by my running gear

6. Your blogs to check in with on the computer and iphone

7. My foam roller in the living room

8. My bike & trainer in the living room/dining room

9. New packages arriving in the mail often with new running gear and fun things

10. magazines and flyers for more races!

What motivates you around the house?

I have to admit, I did miss this morning's run. I had about 5 nightmares last night, and thought sleeping in would be better. Plus, I think in the long run it will help my calf for saturday's half marathon. Did I mention I bit the bullet & bought new black CEP socks, so I now have a pair to match every outfit. They have become a must have for me.

Tonight we worked on our plan for our big Halloween bash! Remember last year's fun?

I cannot wait!

What are your Halloween plans?

Need some Inspiration?

Inspiration.

The will & drive to change.

We all desire it. long for it. And cling to it once it's ours.

We can find inspiration in many places. In ourselves, in our friends & family, on television, blogs, and magazines, and from life experiences we endure. It was something I had been lacking for awhile. I struggled, without the drive to succeed at training, weight loss, and nutrition. Luckily I have gained it through my Bia Fitness Bootcamp, my long run parter Shelley, and weight watchers at work. I have started to be successful in losing weight (2.6 down today!), and am noticing a change in my body (my too small skirt now fits!), and those results inspire me to continue to change. 

Now I need a way to keep that motivation and inspiration high! I found an article in SELF, by Jillian Michaels on gaining and keeping inspiration and thought I would share a few for you. (from the Feb 2011 issue)

Put Your Goals in Writing

"If you know the why, you can tolerate any how. Keep the list in a place where you can see it daily, such as on the bathroom mirror or fridge."

I have my goals mapped out, but I do need to post them someplace more visible

Zip It

"Stop the negative self-talk. No more chatter about perceived body flaws or how you lack the strength and ability to be fit. Self-depreciation serves absolutely no purpose except to make you feel bad. So stop it. Now. Instead, say something nice and complimentary about who you are and what you can do."

With my body shaping up, its been easier to say nice things! Definitely an area for me to work on though!

Have a Healthy Hero

"Pick someone in your life you admire- not necessarily  someone who runs marathons or eats super healthfully. Whenever you're doing something outside your comfort zone or you feel yourself losing steam, visualize this person at your side, telling you how much he or she believes in you."

I need to think about this one some more. Who do I look up to?

Embrace a "bad" day

"You're not going to have success at every turn, and that's OK. Many people are afraid of failing,a nd they let that fear stop them from trying in the first place. Understand that messing up is an integral part of success. It's an entry point that allows us to grow."

I have gotten MILES better with this one. I was afraid to do a triathlon, but I didn't let a fear of not finishing keep me from it. I sometimes can't believe I signed up for a Marathon because the mileage is so great, but I know that I may have good runs & bad runs, and I won't let them hold me back.

Could one of these help your inspiration?

What are your tips to stay motivated and inspired?

Right now, my tired eyes are inspiring me to get some rest before my speedwork run tomorrow! Good night!

Disney Medal Envy

today while looking for a quote to post, I found this page in my inspiration notebook.

From 2008, with my Disney Marathon Logo. My ultimate goal.

Did I ever tell you the story of how I signed up for the Disney Half Marathon in 2010?

Well, we all remember why I became a runner right? To earn the Mickey Mouse medal. After visiting the park in 2006, beginning running shortly after, and eventually completing my first half marathon in June 2008, I decided I was ready. I managed to successfully convince a bunch of my "6 flags friends", all old co-workers from my college days, that running the Disney Half Marathon would be awesome. Most of them had never run a road race, let alone a half marathon. My brother jumped on board. So did my friend "A" (the same one that passed out at Disney Princess), she decided to go for the full. 

I will always remember the day I signed up. I was so excited that I was going to earn my Mickey medal!! I posted about signing up on facebook, and an old coworker, who had run Disney a few times messaged me. Thats when he broke the news to me...

"Um.... Steph, you know you get a Donald medal for finishing the half right?"

What the F***!!!

Seriously??? I have to run an ENTIRE Marathon to get the medal I was dreaming of??

After laughing at me while I practically cried at my misfortune, he told me, "Well, I guess that just means you'll have to go back and do it."

And going back I am. My 3rd Run Disney Event. My first full marathon. My Mickey Medal. I seriously cannot wait to earn that silly mouse!

266 days!

p.s. how ironic that as I was posting this, Run Disney sent an email reminding that race fees increase April 24th! So sign up if you're thinking about it!