A lot has changed since I did the 2010 3 Day. With a new job, new family, and new commitments in my community I'm realizing that training is going to have to be a scheduled priority in my life. It's one more way the 3day helps us feel (even if at a minimal level) what it's like to go through cancer treatment. Life does have to change and you do have to make taking care of yourself a priority. Oh how different life would be if I could remember that all of the time!
So I'm working at scheduling in my workouts and juggling all of the other priorities that come wth training and leading a team. This year I'm sticking close to the Komen 3 Day training program which means I'll start that program Feb. 26. Until then I'm building my cardio strength and have added strength training to my workout routine. Last year I also changed how I ate going to mostly organic foods and giving up my beloved Diet Coke. I don't miss the processed foods but there are days when I really miss Diet Coke. Most days I'm fine but there are those days.
So until Feb 26, I'll be strength training with a small amount of cardio on Monday and Friday with all cardio Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. My hope is to build my endurance for 3 days at a time and build muscle on the other days. Fingers crossed!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Time for round 2
Never say never. If I learned anything in 2011 that was it. Never say never.
When I stepped off the plane from the Tampa 3Day, I said the 3Day was a "bucket list" (I hate that term) type of event for me and I'd never do it again. Well, never has arrived. In August, I will complete my 2nd Komen 3 Day for the Cure. The Chicago 3 Day to be exact. This time, with a team of rockstars.
Part of me says I can't believe I'm doing it while another part of me says I can't believe I didn't do it last year. I can say I honestly missed training, blogging, and focusing on the goal. It was good to take a year off and rest. Now I know for sure that it's what I really want to do. I'm stronger mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically when I train for an event like this. My focus is bette and my committment to myself stays priority #1.
Plus, I've learned a few lessons with a 3day under my belt. #1 Keep track of your socks. I lost mine in a move shortly before the race and my feet really paid the price. #2 Walk in a similar climate you train in. Because my long training walks were in Indiana and the walk was in Tampa, I really felt the effects of the heat on my feet. #3 Train with someone at least part of the time. It was good to have some alone time on my walks but I'm to social to train for the entire thing on my own. That's why I'm forming a team this year.
"Fort Cure" as we're calling it is open for anyone to join. I'm encouraging everyone to start building their cardio strength and then we'll start of the 6 month training program Komen gives us. (I LOVE all of the tools they provide for us!) I'll be blogging again about our experiences as a team and about this new Pink Goal as well.
And for those of you wondering what I was doing this past year. Well, I married that incredible man I met while training for the 2010 3Day and we're settling into our lives in Indiana. I'm now a "momish" to an amazing 14 year old boy from my husband's first marriage and have been speaking to various groups on motivation and what I learned from my first 3day experience. For more on our lives as urbanites living in the country's biggest small town you can check out our blog at: http://merrfeldmanor.blogspot.com/
When I stepped off the plane from the Tampa 3Day, I said the 3Day was a "bucket list" (I hate that term) type of event for me and I'd never do it again. Well, never has arrived. In August, I will complete my 2nd Komen 3 Day for the Cure. The Chicago 3 Day to be exact. This time, with a team of rockstars.
Part of me says I can't believe I'm doing it while another part of me says I can't believe I didn't do it last year. I can say I honestly missed training, blogging, and focusing on the goal. It was good to take a year off and rest. Now I know for sure that it's what I really want to do. I'm stronger mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically when I train for an event like this. My focus is bette and my committment to myself stays priority #1.
Plus, I've learned a few lessons with a 3day under my belt. #1 Keep track of your socks. I lost mine in a move shortly before the race and my feet really paid the price. #2 Walk in a similar climate you train in. Because my long training walks were in Indiana and the walk was in Tampa, I really felt the effects of the heat on my feet. #3 Train with someone at least part of the time. It was good to have some alone time on my walks but I'm to social to train for the entire thing on my own. That's why I'm forming a team this year.
"Fort Cure" as we're calling it is open for anyone to join. I'm encouraging everyone to start building their cardio strength and then we'll start of the 6 month training program Komen gives us. (I LOVE all of the tools they provide for us!) I'll be blogging again about our experiences as a team and about this new Pink Goal as well.
And for those of you wondering what I was doing this past year. Well, I married that incredible man I met while training for the 2010 3Day and we're settling into our lives in Indiana. I'm now a "momish" to an amazing 14 year old boy from my husband's first marriage and have been speaking to various groups on motivation and what I learned from my first 3day experience. For more on our lives as urbanites living in the country's biggest small town you can check out our blog at: http://merrfeldmanor.blogspot.com/
Monday, July 5, 2010
Genisis
This weekend I celebrated lots of new beginnings. My sister, Bernadette, was married on Saturday to her college sweetheart. The Deacon who performed the ceremony said something that has stuck with me all weekend. "Genisis is not a moment in time but is happening every right now". I love that! It applies to so many areas of my life such as my sister's wedding, the great new man in my life, my new job, and especially completing My Pink Goal.
Every day when we take to the sidewalks, trails, and treadmills gensis happens. Each day is a new day, a new beginning, to allow ourselves the opportunity to face each challenge head on. We choose to put aside all that has distracted us from our training or caused stress in our day and start anew facing each of those individual miles with renewed hope and energy. Each day we make a choice to love ourselves & others by training our bodies for this challenge, raising awareness for Komen, standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves. With each race that we complete we raise awareness, education, and funds that allow others to have their own new beginnings. That really is what achieving My Pink Goal is all about.
Every day when we take to the sidewalks, trails, and treadmills gensis happens. Each day is a new day, a new beginning, to allow ourselves the opportunity to face each challenge head on. We choose to put aside all that has distracted us from our training or caused stress in our day and start anew facing each of those individual miles with renewed hope and energy. Each day we make a choice to love ourselves & others by training our bodies for this challenge, raising awareness for Komen, standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves. With each race that we complete we raise awareness, education, and funds that allow others to have their own new beginnings. That really is what achieving My Pink Goal is all about.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Summer's more fun when you feel good
It's July 1 & a beautiful day in Fort Wayne...one of those rare low humidty days in the midwest that remind you how great summer can be. I have always loved summer. Spending time with family, summers on the lake, cookouts, great food, baseball, summer dresses, etc. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE Summer!
What I'm really loving about this summer is how much more I'm enjoying it because I'm healthier. I still have a ways to go before I reach my goals, but am shocked at how much better this feels. It's not just being physically healthier, it's the overall change in my outlook that seems to make things more enjoyable. I honestly think I look at things different. I actually don't mind sweating during my workouts...loosing my makeup due to it running down my face during a long summer walk...breathing heavy because I'm working to get my heart rate up...etc. Those things used to make me miserable. Now, I actually enjoy even shopping for workout clothes. Who knew!??!?
I'm even enjoying the benefits of meeting someone new this summer. As many of you know, I'd pledged a "sabbactical" in the beginning of my journey from drinking and dating. It made sense at the time, especially since I needed to get focused on my training. As things have become more balanced I've been able to ease up on that a little bit. While it's still very new, I am excited that I have met someone I really enjoy & really look forward to sharing the fun summer activities with. Instead of backing away slowly once he heard about my training for the 3 Day, he's encouraging me & cheering for me. It's pretty awesome. I have no doubt feeling better about myself is allowing me to enjoy getting to know him even more. I kind of like the unexpected effects working toward My Pink Goal is having & am looking forward to many more!
What I'm really loving about this summer is how much more I'm enjoying it because I'm healthier. I still have a ways to go before I reach my goals, but am shocked at how much better this feels. It's not just being physically healthier, it's the overall change in my outlook that seems to make things more enjoyable. I honestly think I look at things different. I actually don't mind sweating during my workouts...loosing my makeup due to it running down my face during a long summer walk...breathing heavy because I'm working to get my heart rate up...etc. Those things used to make me miserable. Now, I actually enjoy even shopping for workout clothes. Who knew!??!?
I'm even enjoying the benefits of meeting someone new this summer. As many of you know, I'd pledged a "sabbactical" in the beginning of my journey from drinking and dating. It made sense at the time, especially since I needed to get focused on my training. As things have become more balanced I've been able to ease up on that a little bit. While it's still very new, I am excited that I have met someone I really enjoy & really look forward to sharing the fun summer activities with. Instead of backing away slowly once he heard about my training for the 3 Day, he's encouraging me & cheering for me. It's pretty awesome. I have no doubt feeling better about myself is allowing me to enjoy getting to know him even more. I kind of like the unexpected effects working toward My Pink Goal is having & am looking forward to many more!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
3 Day training applies to all areas of my life
I must say that I'm so flattered and honored by the number of people who have contacted me asking about where I am in the process of completing My Pink Goal. What a gift everyone is to me! I've not quit training or quit working toward my goal. I've been focused on that never ending juggling act...the one we all face...balancing work & family with my own personal goals. I've given up thinking balance will ever be totally achieved & instead treat it like I treat my training, one step at a time.
When I excepted my recent position as VP of the Chamber, I knew we had a lot of work ahead of us. What I didn't know is how closely my work journey would mirror my pink goal journey. Every time we take on a new project I find myself saying, "Well it's kinda like training for the 3 Day". They're already sick of me I'm sure but it's true. The lessons I'm learning in training now apply to every day life as well...lessons like having a plan, sharing your goals, setting realistic mini goals, cheering for yourself, loving yourself enough to know when to be gentle and when to push, etc.
For those who are keeping tabs, I'm walking to work & finding ways to fit in walks wherever I can. I owe myself a long walk in the near future but am currently up to about 10.5 miles with daily walks being 3-4 miles. I've lost almost 55 pounds and feel GREAT! I'm shocked at how much better I juggle everything and how much easier dealing with stress is when I have an outlet. People often ask if I feel better & I admit I didn't know I felt bad. Amazing how lost I was in being unhealthy & didn't even know it! My feet are holding up well & I'm learning all of the great tips one needs for an endurance event. On one of my long walks recently it finally connected with me that I really can do this. I really am going to walk 60 miles in just a few short months. How cool is that!?!? I'm not sure what caused the switch to flip but what I know is that I have gone from "hope so" to "will". My pink goal is getting close & crossing that finish line is going to feel amazing!
When I excepted my recent position as VP of the Chamber, I knew we had a lot of work ahead of us. What I didn't know is how closely my work journey would mirror my pink goal journey. Every time we take on a new project I find myself saying, "Well it's kinda like training for the 3 Day". They're already sick of me I'm sure but it's true. The lessons I'm learning in training now apply to every day life as well...lessons like having a plan, sharing your goals, setting realistic mini goals, cheering for yourself, loving yourself enough to know when to be gentle and when to push, etc.
For those who are keeping tabs, I'm walking to work & finding ways to fit in walks wherever I can. I owe myself a long walk in the near future but am currently up to about 10.5 miles with daily walks being 3-4 miles. I've lost almost 55 pounds and feel GREAT! I'm shocked at how much better I juggle everything and how much easier dealing with stress is when I have an outlet. People often ask if I feel better & I admit I didn't know I felt bad. Amazing how lost I was in being unhealthy & didn't even know it! My feet are holding up well & I'm learning all of the great tips one needs for an endurance event. On one of my long walks recently it finally connected with me that I really can do this. I really am going to walk 60 miles in just a few short months. How cool is that!?!? I'm not sure what caused the switch to flip but what I know is that I have gone from "hope so" to "will". My pink goal is getting close & crossing that finish line is going to feel amazing!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The question I'm asked the most: "What's your secret?"
Lately it seems I keep hearing the same question over & over. "What's your secret?" People will whisper that question to me as if I'm hiding something from the world or they'll ask someone close to me looking to learn the "real reason" behind my decision to get healthy. I admit this has shocked me. Not sure that I ever thought anyone would ask that. It's as if they're looking for a magic bullet or pill to make it easier.
The truth is there is no secret. It's good old fashion hard work. Nothing glamorous...nothing spectacular...nothing special. We're talking about exercise & healthy eating habits. I know that's boring & lacks pizazz but it really is a simple as that. At least it sounds simple. We all know that the hard part is committing to it & taking those first few steps each and every day. Deciding to take care of myself & achieve my long time goal of completing the 3 day was simple. Committing to it was the hard part. It's what challenges me every day.
Funny thing is that the physical strain seems so much easier than the mental changes & challenges in this. I hear people say they're inspired by me or in awe of what I'm accomplishing. While that's flattering it's not anything special. It is simply the decision to make a change, to take care of myself, love myself, and give back to a cause so close to my heart. Yes, I feel powerful & proud each time I meet a new challenge in this journey but it's nothing special. Fighting cancer is special. Putting on the brave face necessary to live through treatment is special. Choosing to live is special.
So in case you're wondering what my "secret" is to getting healthy, don't. Instead look inside yourself & find what makes you want to be better. Commit to loving yourself enough to treat your body with respect & care. Set goals that will push you to go just beyond what you think you can reach & reward yourself with healthy choices. Remind yourself that eating right and exercising isn't punishment, it's how we take care of ourselves & how we build strong bodies/spirits that can take on anything. And stop looking for "the secret" & instead simply do the work.
The truth is there is no secret. It's good old fashion hard work. Nothing glamorous...nothing spectacular...nothing special. We're talking about exercise & healthy eating habits. I know that's boring & lacks pizazz but it really is a simple as that. At least it sounds simple. We all know that the hard part is committing to it & taking those first few steps each and every day. Deciding to take care of myself & achieve my long time goal of completing the 3 day was simple. Committing to it was the hard part. It's what challenges me every day.
Funny thing is that the physical strain seems so much easier than the mental changes & challenges in this. I hear people say they're inspired by me or in awe of what I'm accomplishing. While that's flattering it's not anything special. It is simply the decision to make a change, to take care of myself, love myself, and give back to a cause so close to my heart. Yes, I feel powerful & proud each time I meet a new challenge in this journey but it's nothing special. Fighting cancer is special. Putting on the brave face necessary to live through treatment is special. Choosing to live is special.
So in case you're wondering what my "secret" is to getting healthy, don't. Instead look inside yourself & find what makes you want to be better. Commit to loving yourself enough to treat your body with respect & care. Set goals that will push you to go just beyond what you think you can reach & reward yourself with healthy choices. Remind yourself that eating right and exercising isn't punishment, it's how we take care of ourselves & how we build strong bodies/spirits that can take on anything. And stop looking for "the secret" & instead simply do the work.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Redifining Femininity
I recently met someone who suggested that I could "put a little more effort into being feminine". This was a first for me. After all, anyone who meets me in person would tell you I'm incredibly feminine (aka "girlie"). I know this because after the shock of hearing this comment, I began polling my friends...you know those friends who love you enough to tell you the cold hard truth...the ones who love you enough to hurt your feelings if necessary. This person went on to say that it had nothing to do with my appearance...that it was more about a quality that needed improving. Sadly, his point beyond this wasn't articulated very well. So I'm left to believe he was referring to the fall out that comes from being an "all around power chick", that gap that is between traditionally feminine women (after all, he is older & more traditional than me) & feminine women today. So now I'm wondering, what is femininity?
Here's the Merriam Webster definition: "the embodiment or conception of a timeless or idealized feminine nature". Here's the Urban Dictionary definition: "Of a woman. Traditionally, in most cultures, the expectation for a lady to be nurturing, demure, to care for her family, to look beautiful, and to be submissive to her husband(or girlfriend). But not all women are like that. More than enough women are strong, direct, and independent. What is feminine is what a woman does." So they too are not talking about looks but rather qualities that equal femininity. A certain "je ne sais quoi" if you will.
I believe the women walking in the 3 Day are the perfect definition of femininity. As we prepare for this life changing event we embrace & challenge who we are as individuals, as women. We set out daily on a journey to find strength & hope, support & the opportunity to be supportive, encouragement & the responsibility of being the encourager, to find love for ourselves & for others. We set a new definition of femininity that ironically has been timeless. It's been there all along. As women we support, encourage, laugh, love, embrace, drive, educate, & balance ourselves & others.
We say that today we're standing up to make a change. Femininity is BOLD just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is INSPIRING just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is CHALLENGING just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is ADVOCATING just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is DEPENDING on someone else when you need to just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is SUPPORTING others just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is BEAUTY just like the faces of those walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is EDUCATING ourselves & others just like walking in the 3 Day.
Part of embracing femininity is realizing that others have opinions that aren't equal to ours & respecting them. It doesn't mean we take those opinions as gospel but that we determine for ourselves how they impact us. That's what I'm doing with the comments that lead to this post. I'm grateful that someone helped me pause long enough to examine my femininity. I like what I see & am even more proud today of my femininity than ever before.
Here's the Merriam Webster definition: "the embodiment or conception of a timeless or idealized feminine nature". Here's the Urban Dictionary definition: "Of a woman. Traditionally, in most cultures, the expectation for a lady to be nurturing, demure, to care for her family, to look beautiful, and to be submissive to her husband(or girlfriend). But not all women are like that. More than enough women are strong, direct, and independent. What is feminine is what a woman does." So they too are not talking about looks but rather qualities that equal femininity. A certain "je ne sais quoi" if you will.
I believe the women walking in the 3 Day are the perfect definition of femininity. As we prepare for this life changing event we embrace & challenge who we are as individuals, as women. We set out daily on a journey to find strength & hope, support & the opportunity to be supportive, encouragement & the responsibility of being the encourager, to find love for ourselves & for others. We set a new definition of femininity that ironically has been timeless. It's been there all along. As women we support, encourage, laugh, love, embrace, drive, educate, & balance ourselves & others.
We say that today we're standing up to make a change. Femininity is BOLD just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is INSPIRING just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is CHALLENGING just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is ADVOCATING just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is DEPENDING on someone else when you need to just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is SUPPORTING others just like walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is BEAUTY just like the faces of those walking in the 3 Day. Femininity is EDUCATING ourselves & others just like walking in the 3 Day.
Part of embracing femininity is realizing that others have opinions that aren't equal to ours & respecting them. It doesn't mean we take those opinions as gospel but that we determine for ourselves how they impact us. That's what I'm doing with the comments that lead to this post. I'm grateful that someone helped me pause long enough to examine my femininity. I like what I see & am even more proud today of my femininity than ever before.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
