I have been running a fair amount lately. I have always liked to go out for a run, for different reasons. Sometimes it is the perfect opportunity to blow off steam without much peripheral damage and little preparation. Sometimes it is a great way to get out and explore the world around me. Often going out for a run works as a meditation and allows me to let go of the clutter in my brain.
Some friends and I were recently having a conversation about the mental preparation for a long run and we realized that it really has little to do with the distance. For example if we are going out for a five mile run, that is often what our heads will allow; a 20 mile run is no different. It is just a matter of setting the bar at a certain level and reaching it.
On a recent Sunday I went out for a run with a certain distance and time in my head. Close to the junction where I would head toward home, I decided to keep going and make the run a bit longer. It was a beautiful morning and it felt wonderful to be out, see the possibility of spring and to sweat a little. About a mile down the road, about when I would have started to walk if I had gone straight home, I started to feel a bit fatigued. I kept on, thinking about the mental bar, and before long I felt great again.
For the last few miles of my run I thought about how the mental plateau of a run transferred into the bigger picture of my life. I realized it is easy to get through life in a series of “5 mile runs”. A 5 mile run will get you into shape and feel pretty rewarding; but at some point a 5 mile run is comfortable. This plays into life as well. I realized that over the last few months I have set the bar for my personal goals at about 5 miles so to speak. I am getting by. Nothing is really suffering but nothing is really thriving either; things are comfortable, I am in shape but not improving. I am realizing that I need to raise the mileage bar in my life and push my comfort zone a little. Think about it; where is the mileage bar set in your life? Is it at a comfortable place or just out of reach so you are constantly pushing to improve?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Who are you accountable to?...a lengthy rant.
Recently, as I was out on a run, I realized my 39th birthday is approaching and my birthday happens to coincide with my first anniversary in the Genesis Program. Naturally I spent the remainder of my run reminiscing, keeping my heart rate in check of course, about the last year. Let me provide a little background information. My family and I live in the Flathead Valley so I had been watching people “transform” with admiration and amazement. While I was deeply intrigued, I outwardly shunned the program. After years of obsessions with food and fanatical exercise, (20-30 mile runs in Glacier Park for example) I swore that I would never spend so much time thinking about food. Of course my aversion to GT did not prevent me from pestering Sheri INCESSANTLY each time I saw her. At this time I was also struggling with my career path and feeling generally lost. I learned of the opportunity to train to become a Genesis Coach, I realized I already spent that much time thinking about my food and it “clicked.” Jamie and Samantha convinced Sheri that I was really not as irritating I had come across and my transformation began.
As I look back over the last year, I realize the list of “if you had told me I would be…” is pretty long. There are the easy ones, I eat eggs, avocados, salmon and tomatoes, all things I swore would never go into my body. I stopped eating cookies by the dozen and drinking red wine. I quit running for weeks; and strangely enough, lost weight, body fat and increased my lean muscle mass! I proudly had my picture taken in a swimming suit. I got certified as a personal trainer and a level 1 Genesis Coach. I could go on and on.
The lessons I have learned are immeasurable. As promised, I have received an education in my body that is immense; often times I feel I have learned much more than I wish to know, but each piece is fascinating. I have learned that I am accountable for my destiny, every path I take, whether it is binging on a bag of cherries, skipping a workout or ignoring my responsibilities. I am accountable for my successes as well and often times it is just a simple choice to believe in myself. I am learning to speak my truths, it is far more effective. I am also learning that each day is a new lesson.
What really stands out as I reflect on the last year are the fundamental changes that have occurred in my life. I have become accountable for all the aspects in my life. Not only is every bite that goes into my mouth consciously accounted for, I am aware of the role accountability plays in the rest of my life. I see how my past desire to avoid conflict and make those around me happy, ultimately let everyone down. I realize that I don’t play a role in the happiness of others. I am responsible for myself. Clearing my mind of the fanatical need for exercise after 14 molasses cookies and all the other diet and body image clutter made room for me to recognize my limits, needs, desires, strengths and weaknesses and improve my confidence.
The funny thing, becoming accountable for myself became so much larger than just me. I no longer make promises that are impossible to keep, I say “no” a lot. The ability to bow out of situations means that my family and I are off some of the “call lists” but we sit at the table for a great dinner every night and our family has become a solid unit. My newly acquired confidence has allowed me to find a career path that is exciting and makes me grateful everyday for the opportunities in front of me. I now know that I have a wealth of strengths that are not only physical. I have a lot of work ahead of me in regards to my weaknesses, but I am aware of them, I am facing them, some reluctantly, and I am excited to address, learn and grow.
Don’t get me wrong, yes, my head is mostly clear, my family is amazing and my body is strong, this last year has also been hard. Through the Genesis process we uncover the amazing people that we are. We give ourselves the priceless gift of health but there is a lot to let go of. I let go of molasses cookies, birthday cake with my kids, RUNNING every day, the person I was a year ago. For so many of us GT’ers as we shed weight and fat, we become a different person and it is hard to let go of the habits and beliefs that got us to where we are. Sometimes I miss my insecurities, they kept me safe. I have come so far, reached my goal of becoming a GT coach and trainer, improved my overall health and opened my mind and I don’t have the time to be insecure, but a year ago I was not faced with the need to stand up and SHOUT, make myself known and truly believe that I ROCK, I AM STRONG, SMART AND READY TO CHARGE MY LIFE. That’s the thing about the Genesis Transformation process; every one of us on this journey, no matter where we started or where we are headed, is AMAZING! We are smart and we are strong and we are charging our lives! So, be grateful to the person who brought you to where you are, embrace the person who is guiding you on, and make sure to enjoy the ride!
As I look back over the last year, I realize the list of “if you had told me I would be…” is pretty long. There are the easy ones, I eat eggs, avocados, salmon and tomatoes, all things I swore would never go into my body. I stopped eating cookies by the dozen and drinking red wine. I quit running for weeks; and strangely enough, lost weight, body fat and increased my lean muscle mass! I proudly had my picture taken in a swimming suit. I got certified as a personal trainer and a level 1 Genesis Coach. I could go on and on.
The lessons I have learned are immeasurable. As promised, I have received an education in my body that is immense; often times I feel I have learned much more than I wish to know, but each piece is fascinating. I have learned that I am accountable for my destiny, every path I take, whether it is binging on a bag of cherries, skipping a workout or ignoring my responsibilities. I am accountable for my successes as well and often times it is just a simple choice to believe in myself. I am learning to speak my truths, it is far more effective. I am also learning that each day is a new lesson.
What really stands out as I reflect on the last year are the fundamental changes that have occurred in my life. I have become accountable for all the aspects in my life. Not only is every bite that goes into my mouth consciously accounted for, I am aware of the role accountability plays in the rest of my life. I see how my past desire to avoid conflict and make those around me happy, ultimately let everyone down. I realize that I don’t play a role in the happiness of others. I am responsible for myself. Clearing my mind of the fanatical need for exercise after 14 molasses cookies and all the other diet and body image clutter made room for me to recognize my limits, needs, desires, strengths and weaknesses and improve my confidence.
The funny thing, becoming accountable for myself became so much larger than just me. I no longer make promises that are impossible to keep, I say “no” a lot. The ability to bow out of situations means that my family and I are off some of the “call lists” but we sit at the table for a great dinner every night and our family has become a solid unit. My newly acquired confidence has allowed me to find a career path that is exciting and makes me grateful everyday for the opportunities in front of me. I now know that I have a wealth of strengths that are not only physical. I have a lot of work ahead of me in regards to my weaknesses, but I am aware of them, I am facing them, some reluctantly, and I am excited to address, learn and grow.
Don’t get me wrong, yes, my head is mostly clear, my family is amazing and my body is strong, this last year has also been hard. Through the Genesis process we uncover the amazing people that we are. We give ourselves the priceless gift of health but there is a lot to let go of. I let go of molasses cookies, birthday cake with my kids, RUNNING every day, the person I was a year ago. For so many of us GT’ers as we shed weight and fat, we become a different person and it is hard to let go of the habits and beliefs that got us to where we are. Sometimes I miss my insecurities, they kept me safe. I have come so far, reached my goal of becoming a GT coach and trainer, improved my overall health and opened my mind and I don’t have the time to be insecure, but a year ago I was not faced with the need to stand up and SHOUT, make myself known and truly believe that I ROCK, I AM STRONG, SMART AND READY TO CHARGE MY LIFE. That’s the thing about the Genesis Transformation process; every one of us on this journey, no matter where we started or where we are headed, is AMAZING! We are smart and we are strong and we are charging our lives! So, be grateful to the person who brought you to where you are, embrace the person who is guiding you on, and make sure to enjoy the ride!
Who are you accountable to?...a lengthy rant.
Recently, as I was out on a run, I realized my 39th birthday is approaching and my birthday happens to coincide with my first anniversary in the Genesis Program. Naturally I spent the remainder of my run reminiscing, keeping my heart rate in check of course, about the last year. Let me provide a little background information. My family and I live in the Flathead Valley so I had been watching people “transform” with admiration and amazement. While I was deeply intrigued, I outwardly shunned the program. After years of obsessions with food and fanatical exercise, (20-30 mile runs in Glacier Park for example) I swore that I would never spend so much time thinking about food. Of course my aversion to GT did not prevent me from pestering Sheri INCESSENTLY each time I saw her. At this time I was also struggling with my career path and feeling generally lost. I learned of the opportunity to train to become a Genesis Coach, I realized I already spent that much time thinking about my food and it “clicked.” Jamie and Samantha convinced Sheri that I was really not as irritating I had come across and my transformation began.
As I look back over the last year, I realize the list of “if you had told me I would be…” is pretty long. There are the easy ones, I eat eggs, avocados, salmon and tomatoes, all things I swore would never go into my body. I stopped eating cookies by the dozen and drinking red wine. I quit running for weeks; and strangely enough, lost weight, body fat and increased my lean muscle mass! I proudly had my picture taken in a swimming suit. I got certified as a personal trainer and a level 1 Genesis Coach. I could go on and on.
The lessons I have learned are immeasurable. As promised, I have received an education in my body that is immense; often times I feel I have learned much more than I wish to know, but each piece is fascinating. I have learned that I am accountable for my destiny, every path I take, whether it is binging on a bag of cherries, skipping a workout or ignoring my responsibilities. I am accountable for my successes as well and often times it is just a simple choice to believe in myself. I am learning to speak my truths, it is far more effective. I am also learning that each day is a new lesson.
What really stands out as I reflect on the last year are the fundamental changes that have occurred in my life. I have become accountable for all the aspects in my life. Not only is every bite that goes into my mouth consciously accounted for, I am aware of the role accountability plays in the rest of my life. I see how my past desire to avoid conflict and make those around me happy, ultimately let everyone down. I realize that I don’t play a role in the happiness of others. I am responsible for myself. Clearing my mind of the fanatical need for exercise after 14 molasses cookies and all the other diet and body image clutter made room for me to recognize my limits, needs, desires, strengths and weaknesses and improve my confidence.
The funny thing, becoming accountable for myself became so much larger than just me. I no longer make promises that are impossible to keep, I say “no” a lot. The ability to bow out of situations means that my family and I are off some of the “call lists” but we sit at the table for a great dinner every night and our family has become a solid unit. My newly acquired confidence has allowed me to find a career path that is exciting and makes me grateful everyday for the opportunities in front of me. I now know that I have a wealth of strengths that are not only physical. I have a lot of work ahead of me in regards to my weaknesses, but I am aware of them, I am facing them, some reluctantly, and I am excited to address, learn and grow.
Don’t get me wrong, yes, my head is mostly clear, my family is amazing and my body is strong, this last year has also been hard. Through the Genesis process we uncover the amazing people that we are. We give ourselves the priceless gift of health but there is a lot to let go of. I let go of molasses cookies, birthday cake with my kids, RUNNING every day, the person I was a year ago. For so many of us GT’ers as we shed weight and fat, we become a different person and it is hard to let go of the habits and beliefs that got us to where we are. Sometimes I miss my insecurities, they kept me safe. I have come so far, reached my goal of becoming a GT coach and trainer, improved my overall health and opened my mind and I don’t have the time to be insecure, but a year ago I wasn’t faced with the need to stand up and SHOUT, make myself known and truly believe that I ROCK, I AM STRONG, SMART AND READY TO CHARGE MY LIFE. That’s the thing about the Genesis Transformation process; every one of us on this journey, no matter where we started or where we are headed, is AMAZING! We are smart and we are strong and we are charging our lives! So, be grateful to the person who brought you to where you are, embrace the person who is guiding you on, and make sure to enjoy the ride!
As I look back over the last year, I realize the list of “if you had told me I would be…” is pretty long. There are the easy ones, I eat eggs, avocados, salmon and tomatoes, all things I swore would never go into my body. I stopped eating cookies by the dozen and drinking red wine. I quit running for weeks; and strangely enough, lost weight, body fat and increased my lean muscle mass! I proudly had my picture taken in a swimming suit. I got certified as a personal trainer and a level 1 Genesis Coach. I could go on and on.
The lessons I have learned are immeasurable. As promised, I have received an education in my body that is immense; often times I feel I have learned much more than I wish to know, but each piece is fascinating. I have learned that I am accountable for my destiny, every path I take, whether it is binging on a bag of cherries, skipping a workout or ignoring my responsibilities. I am accountable for my successes as well and often times it is just a simple choice to believe in myself. I am learning to speak my truths, it is far more effective. I am also learning that each day is a new lesson.
What really stands out as I reflect on the last year are the fundamental changes that have occurred in my life. I have become accountable for all the aspects in my life. Not only is every bite that goes into my mouth consciously accounted for, I am aware of the role accountability plays in the rest of my life. I see how my past desire to avoid conflict and make those around me happy, ultimately let everyone down. I realize that I don’t play a role in the happiness of others. I am responsible for myself. Clearing my mind of the fanatical need for exercise after 14 molasses cookies and all the other diet and body image clutter made room for me to recognize my limits, needs, desires, strengths and weaknesses and improve my confidence.
The funny thing, becoming accountable for myself became so much larger than just me. I no longer make promises that are impossible to keep, I say “no” a lot. The ability to bow out of situations means that my family and I are off some of the “call lists” but we sit at the table for a great dinner every night and our family has become a solid unit. My newly acquired confidence has allowed me to find a career path that is exciting and makes me grateful everyday for the opportunities in front of me. I now know that I have a wealth of strengths that are not only physical. I have a lot of work ahead of me in regards to my weaknesses, but I am aware of them, I am facing them, some reluctantly, and I am excited to address, learn and grow.
Don’t get me wrong, yes, my head is mostly clear, my family is amazing and my body is strong, this last year has also been hard. Through the Genesis process we uncover the amazing people that we are. We give ourselves the priceless gift of health but there is a lot to let go of. I let go of molasses cookies, birthday cake with my kids, RUNNING every day, the person I was a year ago. For so many of us GT’ers as we shed weight and fat, we become a different person and it is hard to let go of the habits and beliefs that got us to where we are. Sometimes I miss my insecurities, they kept me safe. I have come so far, reached my goal of becoming a GT coach and trainer, improved my overall health and opened my mind and I don’t have the time to be insecure, but a year ago I wasn’t faced with the need to stand up and SHOUT, make myself known and truly believe that I ROCK, I AM STRONG, SMART AND READY TO CHARGE MY LIFE. That’s the thing about the Genesis Transformation process; every one of us on this journey, no matter where we started or where we are headed, is AMAZING! We are smart and we are strong and we are charging our lives! So, be grateful to the person who brought you to where you are, embrace the person who is guiding you on, and make sure to enjoy the ride!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
And...I'm Back
Months have passed and I am finally returning to update my blog. A lot happened this spring and now summer. I have passed my certification tests and am now a certified level 1 Genesis Transformation coach, a certified Personal Trainer and a Lifestyle & Weight Management Coach. This past winter drug on and I lost some motivation. I was not feeling 100% and got fairly discouraged. After a several weeks of feeling "blah," my awesome Genesis coach, Sheri, suggested I start a series of liver flushes. My enthusiasm returned just having an idea of what had been plaguing me for the past few months and I was able to get back on track. In June I passed my personal training certification exam. I scheduled my exam for my lifestyle and weight management certification the day I passed the PT exam and crammed in a text book in a month. I took my Genesis Level 1, Fueling, Certification test 2 days after the LWMC exam and left with Lillian and Sage on the train a couple days later for a week in Washington with my parents. So, here I am, tests passed and enthusiastic to begin my career as a Genesis Transformation Coach and Personal Trainer. Let me know of any questions and stay tuned...as I will once again be updating my blog.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
What is Genesis?
I am realizing that I have not really provided an explanation of the Genesis Transformation program so...here it is, and the Genesis website is great!
http://www.genesistransformation.com/
Genesis Transformation is a health based fat loss program. It provides the tools to transform your lifestyle with the ultimate goal of overall health and wellness. Genesis will give you a "phd education" in your own body. The Genesis Transformation program is not a diet; it is a lifestyle. Genesis coached provide individual support and guidance to help you acheive your goals regarding the overall health of your body.
Personally, Genesis has helped me to recognize the details of my relationship with food. It has helped to uncover the roll of food in my exercise routines. I have been able to address the impact sugar has had in my mental state. My emotional levels have evened out signifigantly and I have been able to focus on the details of my life that I was "shoving under the rug." I have begun to view food as fuel for my body and learning just how amazing my body is. For me, Genesis is giving me the most valuable education I have ever had; it is teaching me about myself.
http://www.genesistransformation.com/
Genesis Transformation is a health based fat loss program. It provides the tools to transform your lifestyle with the ultimate goal of overall health and wellness. Genesis will give you a "phd education" in your own body. The Genesis Transformation program is not a diet; it is a lifestyle. Genesis coached provide individual support and guidance to help you acheive your goals regarding the overall health of your body.
Personally, Genesis has helped me to recognize the details of my relationship with food. It has helped to uncover the roll of food in my exercise routines. I have been able to address the impact sugar has had in my mental state. My emotional levels have evened out signifigantly and I have been able to focus on the details of my life that I was "shoving under the rug." I have begun to view food as fuel for my body and learning just how amazing my body is. For me, Genesis is giving me the most valuable education I have ever had; it is teaching me about myself.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Why...?
I have been asked several times why I chose to become a Genesis client. I started this program with the goal of becoming a Genesis coach. I learned from a dear friend and Genesis coach that Genesis was quickly growing and they were anticipating the need for more coaches in the near future. In order to become a coach, I needed to experience the program. As I have mentioned, I was familiar with the program and had been curious about the details for a couple years. I would bump into Sheri, my coach now, and drill her unmercifully with questions; I drove her away from the chiropractor's office where I worked and she was a patient with my questions. I was terrified of her but so drawn to her work and the lives she was changing I couldn't seem to leave her alone. But I rejected Genesis because I did not want to think about food as much as the Genesis clients thought about food, I thought I knew what defined healthy eating and how to keep my body in shape and I was one of those who "could eat whatever I wanted." After I had my second daughter I started running and walking, pushing my five year old in the jogger and hauling the baby on my back, skipping meals, trying to get my body back into "shape." My body kind of bounced back but I was frazzled, I was always tired, I never really felt like I was back in shape, everything just felt hard. When I learned of the need for Genesis coaches, it suddenly felt just right. I had realized that there was no way I could think about food any more than I already was and my body needed a break from the frantic exercising and my version of fueling my body. What started as a job search has become one of the most amazing learning experiences. It has also been instrumental in drastic changes in my family, my relationship with my husband and my relationship and commitment to myself.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
What I am learning about habits...
We are all habitual, big surprise. Our habits form our days. Our food choices are habitual. The way we feel, our moods, our reactions, it is all habitual. The funny thing about habits is that they sort of sneak up on us and once they are rooted into our being, they are pretty hard to change. I used to habitual eat all the cookies in the house, at least if I ate them all I would not have to think about them anymore. Then the following day I would be frantic, needing exercise, snapping at my husband and daughter for the slightest thing. I patterned my days around chaos, knowing that if I could just change the methods, life would calm down. But I had put myself in a habitual state of chaos and it was largely dictated by the way I was fueling my body. Another funny thing about habits is that even when we think we have made a change and we are feeling great, they sneak back in. Lots of us are used to feeling bad; feeling fat, frantic and chaotic, generally not liking the people we are. It is comfortable to be in that place, not making changes, even if they make us feel better. The problem with that comfortable place is that when we start to change and feel good, we tell ourselves that we don't deserve to feel good, because we are so used to feeling bad. So then we do whatever we can to make ourselves feel bad, whether it is eating all the cookies in the house in order to bring back the chaos, or whatever else is stuck in our memory bank. I am trying to go through my days making changes, eating an apple instead of cookies, not snacking on a giant bowl of popcorn even if I am full, being o.k. if I am not running for an hour, starting my lifting sets with the left side of my body instead of the right, making small changes so it is not such a shock to my system, and not so easy to fall back into the patterns that make my life difficult. So, with that rant, I challenge myself to do something different, difficult, scary, non-habitual each day.
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