Faith without work is dead

Can we chat? Let's chat. I'm a woman of Faith. While the encouragement of the fabulous people I have the privilege of calling friends and family is well appreciated I know that without the Lord none of what I do is possible.  He has given me the mentality and strength to completely prepare for this day. As I stood at the edge of those emerald green waters I prayed that he would for me as well as all my fellow athletes protect us and he did and for that I am grateful.  I didn't place but I'm not sad or upset cause what I did today defied the laws of physics that I can't stroke that quickly,  or pedal that swiftly or pound out that run. But I did and you know what friends for me it is only up from here. Cause I know my God will get me there as long as I keep putting in WORK!!!

On to the next.....TRI that is

Now that Iron Girl Clermont 2014 has been conquered, it's full steam ahead to my biggest TRI of the season Santa Rosa Island Triathlon. All summer I've trained and set the goal of placing in the Athena category. Well after some calculations I've discovered the only place I can REALLY at this point shave time off is my run. So in attempt to finish in under 2 hrs I will be trying out the Galloway method. Think you're not a runner or want to ease into running give the Galloway method a try. I've heard nothing but positive outcomes. Even #RunDisney endorses training programs using this method. And we all know Disney is a fan of keeping things fun and easy. :-) You can thank me in the comments below. LOL

Question of the moment:

Are you going to give the Galloway method a try? #soundoffbelow

Race Day Iron Girl Clermont 2014

When you have a warrior mentality, an attitude of faith, knowing that you've been equipped and empowered, all the forces of darkness cannot stop you.

-Joel Osteen

Dusting off

So I haven't been as consistent with working out as I woukd have liked for the past let's say 4 weeks. I mean I didnt totally go hermit crab but I just havent been my "go-getter" self either. So as of today I am declaring to start an 8 wek challenge to eat clean and stick to my exercise plan cause Santa Rosa Tri is only 7 weeks out #Eek. And you jnow the plan #Athenapodiumbound so that mwans I need to be in #Athenapodiummentality for the next 7 weeks. So for the checklist.....

Workout calendar filled out -check
Meal plan filled out - check
Mind frame set - double check

So folks my heads in the game and I have no one to blame but myself so here is to 4 am workouts,  hopefully but possibly some blood, I know lots of sweaty tears (man sweat stings when it gets in your eyes), & an attempt to blog daily or at least 3 times a week. Soooo talk to y'all laters gotta get ready for my Sunday morning grind #swimbikerun with my favorite group of triathletes Tri Gulf Coast #meremortals. 

The Struggle is Real

Like most journey's, January, the beginning has proven to be a bit of a struggle for me. However through this struggle I've managed to come out with some positive results.

I've finally mastered the art of meal prepping, we'll sort of. I'm the type of person that likes a fresh so to speak meal; I don't really care for leftovers. Don't ask me why cause my rationale is not rational at all. However I've come to terms with cooking for the day but making enough for the next day. So see I'm sort of doing it & that Lil change kept me from eating/making bad choices. For instance when I get hungry or the hubby is like let's go out for dinner , all I have to do is reach into the fridge and grab my pre - prepped meal.

Another win I'm having this month is planning out what I want to eat and make for the week. I decided to keep it easy and   just eat the same meals Saturday through Friday. I break my meals down into 6 small meals. Here's a breakdown of what my meals look like this week.

Breakfast
Organic Oatmeal
1 cup of egg whites

Mid morning snack
1 scoop of whey protein isolate
A piece of fruit (Love my Granny Smith apples)

Lunch
5oz can of tuna
Light mayo
Dill relish
Salt and pepper to taste
3 slices of Wasa 7 grain crackers (crisp & light version)
Slice of tomato (I cut into 3 and make an open face sandwich)

Afternoon snack
1 scoop of whey protein isolate
A piece of fruit

Dinner
5oz chicken breast
1/2 cup of brown rice
1 cup of veggies

Evening snack
This just depends on how I'm feeling but here are a few of my faves

Lean Apple pie
Honey Nut Granola
Healthy Crunchy Granola Parfait
Healthy Smoothie
Baked Stuffed Apple with Greek Yogurt

Keep in mind that you can always modified these recipes to your likings.

What are some of your fave healthy eats, struggles, and wins so far. Sound off below and till next time here's to clean eats, new beginnings,  & embracing but conquering the struggle.

Xoxo
Tip

Inspiration and Motivation

Inspiration and motivation = "My Why" Why do I feel the need to get up 5 to 6 days a week and step into the grind of conquering my obesity? For me that reason is my commitment to God, myself, my hubby, my son and future children.  I strive to be the best me I can be physically because I don't want something I have control over to control me. I want to have the energy to run and play with my child, do for my hubby, and Lord willing the body to carry many more children. These things for me propel me to keep going, day after day, through the soreness and bad days cause I know that rhe victory I will have will be much sweeter if I just keep PUSHING AHEAD!!  Find your Why and remind yourself of it daily. Cause everyone benefits from positive reinforcement. So dream BIG,  find your WHY, and DON'T BE AFRAID TO FAIL, just DON'T QUIT!!!!

Here's some links to some of my favorite youtube clips that I listen to on my way to workouts or just for pick me ups!!!!

Welcome to the grind
Dream without Fear, Live without Limits
The fire within
Becoming better than yesterday

2014 will be the year of my happy ending

I've been contemplating for almost a week about how to start out my first of  post for 2014, you know I so wanted it to be captivating, inspiring, and just all around move someone to get up and move. I mean I was really recking my brain with it but then I decided on this...just being real.

6 years ago I was 190 - 200 lbs easy. I was very active running 2 1/2 miles. 5-6 times per week. Just me, a sunny day, and my nano. If I was bored it was nothing for me to put on my running shoes and hit the pavement with no destination in mind. Then fast forward to present day and I'm married to my best friend and raising our first child, a son, M3 and housing in my 5'9 frame almost 300 lbs... eek. And while my Morgan's are my world and bring my never ending joy, I'm not content with who I've become physically.  And don't get me wrong I'm definitely a lover of me lol but I know a healthier me will be so beneficial to me and my family (More on why later). (So this year 2014 is the year of losing the "off" switch to my beastmode which you will come to learn is code for "I'm focused and taking it to the next level" and you are so welcome to take this journey with me. Matter of a fact let's make a choice here today to make changes that will be beneficial to us loving ourselves. Welcome to a new you #letsgetit #changedoesnthappenunlesshabitschange

Xoxo Tip