Last Saturday I ran my first 5K race. Seriously. Worst. Longest. Most Torturous. Painful. Awful ..... thirty one minutes of pain. No other way to describe it. I have not been feeling well - battling a chest cold, I haven't trained properly. I stopped three times on route to hack up a lung. I almost cried when every time I turned a corner another uphill and subsequent muddy downhill awaited me. The race was over for me about two minutes in when the little voice in my head said, "you can't do this". I never got into a happy place, and let the negative feelings defeat me before I had even started. I never let myself look around and see that I was running through a light fog, in an idyllic forest setting, over small bridges, under canopies of tall trees. I missed the beauty and freedom of what I set out to do, and instead let self doubt seep in as "not good enough" became my mantra, running on repeat in my head.
One thing I love about running is that no matter how I set out, I always return a little changed. It helps me to learn a little about myself each and every time.
I finished. It hurt. But I am determined to try again. And no matter how fast or slow my feet move, I will make sure that the little negative voice stays at home and build time in my run to stop and smell the roses.
Life is beautiful!
A challenge, of sorts.... I have two clients who have chosen to work toward the Heydenshore Hoedown 5km run/walk at the end of July. If anyone is interested in joining a team of CORE friends in this goal it would be wonderful! We are not looking at a competitive situation, just to help each other achieve this shared goal of participating, finishing and enjoying! Let us know!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Hmmmm. What?? How are my 2011 goals going? Ummm....how do you like this weather we're having...
As a health professional, I should be eschewing the virtue of commitment and resilience - the ability to work towards and achieve that which is important to you. Employing willpower and using every tool in your arsenal to complete the task or goal you have set yourself. You can do anything! Nothing can stop you! Work hard, sweat harder, feel strong, live long, you know (and have probably heard) those or other familiar words of encouragement coming from my mouth at one time or another. These words are true, and every time I ask you to surprise yourself, always remember that nothing you accomplish surprises me. I see what you put in, and what you get back, each and every time I stand in front of you.
My goals? Oh, well. Mmmmmmhhhhh........ fine!
Big fat zero accomplished of these goals. Have yet to have a massage. Family time? Well, it's there - but difficult to balance as I work mornings and nights, Sean in between. Three cycling tours?? Haven't even gotten on my bike. And the worst?? Still drinking Diet Coke as if it is the only thing that will sustain me. Yes, yes I am.
But - I have decided to do a duathlon this summer (and signed up - so there is no backing out), and will be doing my first 5km running race this Saturday to "test the waters". We have all got Friday off, and will be spending it how we all please - together. I asked my daughter if she wanted to ride her bike while I went for a short run, she agreed. That short run ended an hour later with her and I slapping high fives after having some of the best conversation we have ever shared. A warm, sweaty hug was shared and acknowledgement that this was a must-do again. My son woke up at midnight the other night with sore legs, which turned into an hour long leg rub, cuddle and conversation on how we could accomplish world domination, one toot at a time. We have decided to do the "Ride 4 the Rouge" as a family and enjoy a bike tour together for a great cause. So the family time might not be entirely conventional, but we are outside, together - laughing and smiling. Plus it makes our snuggly time all the much more enriching. The little bums are so tired they actually stay still!
Someday my massage will come. Someday........
And Diet Coke - say it with me - "You can do anything!" "You are strong" "Nothing can stop you!" Ah, thanks - I needed that!! Back to the drawing board, but determined to kick the habit, one can at a time.
Happy Easter everyone!
My goals? Oh, well. Mmmmmmhhhhh........ fine!
Big fat zero accomplished of these goals. Have yet to have a massage. Family time? Well, it's there - but difficult to balance as I work mornings and nights, Sean in between. Three cycling tours?? Haven't even gotten on my bike. And the worst?? Still drinking Diet Coke as if it is the only thing that will sustain me. Yes, yes I am.
But - I have decided to do a duathlon this summer (and signed up - so there is no backing out), and will be doing my first 5km running race this Saturday to "test the waters". We have all got Friday off, and will be spending it how we all please - together. I asked my daughter if she wanted to ride her bike while I went for a short run, she agreed. That short run ended an hour later with her and I slapping high fives after having some of the best conversation we have ever shared. A warm, sweaty hug was shared and acknowledgement that this was a must-do again. My son woke up at midnight the other night with sore legs, which turned into an hour long leg rub, cuddle and conversation on how we could accomplish world domination, one toot at a time. We have decided to do the "Ride 4 the Rouge" as a family and enjoy a bike tour together for a great cause. So the family time might not be entirely conventional, but we are outside, together - laughing and smiling. Plus it makes our snuggly time all the much more enriching. The little bums are so tired they actually stay still!
Someday my massage will come. Someday........
And Diet Coke - say it with me - "You can do anything!" "You are strong" "Nothing can stop you!" Ah, thanks - I needed that!! Back to the drawing board, but determined to kick the habit, one can at a time.
Happy Easter everyone!
Friday, April 15, 2011
ZUMBA playlist April/May 2011
Sharing the songs with my ZUMBA amigos! See below for the songs you will (and have) been hearing in class for April/May. Love to keep it fresh and fun! Please let me know if you have any suggestions or favourite songs you would like to hear. I will reiterate that if you want any if this music, please search by title on ITunes, then purchase from the original artist - not anything labeled Zumba Fitness - the only legal place to purchase Zumba music is on zumba.com or through a ZIN member (moi!) which I would be glad to do for you upon request.
5 Letras - reggaeton
Volare - (Gypsy Kings) flamenco
Baila Pa Emociona - calypso warmup
Mueve La Cadera - cumbia/samba
Cumbia Arabe - cumbia
Pegate -(Groupe Treo) merengue
Don't Let Me Down - swing
Zumba He Zumba Ha (DJ Mam's feat Soldat Jahman & Luis Guisao) French Reggaeton
Bomba Camara - salsa
Que Te Meuve - merengue
La Cumbia De L'Amor - Cumbia
Hella Decale - (DJ Mam's feat. Doukali & Soldat Jahman) French Bollywood
Na Ponta do Pe - Samba
I Love Salsa - salsa
Sahara Oasis - belly dance
And of course our favourite cool down tunes!
Hope you enjoy the spring music - looking forward to keeping our music and choreography fresh and fun!!
Cuckoooo!
5 Letras - reggaeton
Volare - (Gypsy Kings) flamenco
Baila Pa Emociona - calypso warmup
Mueve La Cadera - cumbia/samba
Cumbia Arabe - cumbia
Pegate -(Groupe Treo) merengue
Don't Let Me Down - swing
Zumba He Zumba Ha (DJ Mam's feat Soldat Jahman & Luis Guisao) French Reggaeton
Bomba Camara - salsa
Que Te Meuve - merengue
La Cumbia De L'Amor - Cumbia
Hella Decale - (DJ Mam's feat. Doukali & Soldat Jahman) French Bollywood
Na Ponta do Pe - Samba
I Love Salsa - salsa
Sahara Oasis - belly dance
And of course our favourite cool down tunes!
Hope you enjoy the spring music - looking forward to keeping our music and choreography fresh and fun!!
Cuckoooo!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Spring is Springing!
It has been a long, dark winter. Each morning as I woke up and groggily dragged myself over to the window, I would crack one eye open and be momentarily filled with hope. Each morning I got grey skies, cold, damp and well, winter. Winter! Imagine - winter in Canada. I really don't know what I expected. I know that I am an eternal optimist, and that I always try to look for the good in everything, but not even I can wish away the snow in our beautiful northern country.
One of the reasons that I love being a fitness instructor is that I get to see people beat the odds. I see people take steps to change their lives. I see smiles bloom, where self doubt once festered. I see posture change from "please don't look at me" to "look at me world!" I see waistlines shrink, eyes brighten, steps quicken, smiles broaden and bodies strengthen. I see personal transformation occur in each and every class, and celebrate each victory, big and small, with all of the people who take part in our programs.
Last weekend I had one of the greatest experiences of my life. I got to lead a class of over 130 people, aged 1- over 80 years old. Simply amazing - the energy in that room was inspiring - and I can still see the smiles of each and every person who came. We danced for Gillie Beans. To make a video and celebrate a life cut too short. We danced together. We laughed together. We remembered a special girl, or met her for the first time. No one left unchanged.
The sun shone, it's warm rays bathing us in it's light. Ribbons waved, laughter carried in the breeze, something special was in the air.
Spring is a very subjective thing. I know there is a specific date that marks its official beginning, but everyone has that one special thing that makes it real for them. The first robin, hopping along on the front lawn. Crocus popping out of the still frozen ground. That first family walk together in the new warmth. Easter. When does spring begin for you?
I realize that for me it is futile to check out the window each morning for signs of spring. I see it every day. Every time something beautiful comes to life before my very eyes, and every single time that I see hope and joy arise triumphantly to chase the grey clouds away.
Spring is springing. Bask in it!
One of the reasons that I love being a fitness instructor is that I get to see people beat the odds. I see people take steps to change their lives. I see smiles bloom, where self doubt once festered. I see posture change from "please don't look at me" to "look at me world!" I see waistlines shrink, eyes brighten, steps quicken, smiles broaden and bodies strengthen. I see personal transformation occur in each and every class, and celebrate each victory, big and small, with all of the people who take part in our programs.
Last weekend I had one of the greatest experiences of my life. I got to lead a class of over 130 people, aged 1- over 80 years old. Simply amazing - the energy in that room was inspiring - and I can still see the smiles of each and every person who came. We danced for Gillie Beans. To make a video and celebrate a life cut too short. We danced together. We laughed together. We remembered a special girl, or met her for the first time. No one left unchanged.
The sun shone, it's warm rays bathing us in it's light. Ribbons waved, laughter carried in the breeze, something special was in the air.
Spring is a very subjective thing. I know there is a specific date that marks its official beginning, but everyone has that one special thing that makes it real for them. The first robin, hopping along on the front lawn. Crocus popping out of the still frozen ground. That first family walk together in the new warmth. Easter. When does spring begin for you?
I realize that for me it is futile to check out the window each morning for signs of spring. I see it every day. Every time something beautiful comes to life before my very eyes, and every single time that I see hope and joy arise triumphantly to chase the grey clouds away.
Spring is springing. Bask in it!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Death and Taxes
The only to "fer sures" in life, right??? Well, as it is almost April, I figured I should address the whole taxation issue. There are a few things in life that are much more positive and that I guarantee are "fer sures".
(a) exercise makes you feel good - seriously good. Nothing makes you prouder of yourself than completing your first full teaser pilates exercise, legs off the ground and all. A sense of awe at your own totally insanely strong body after completing a hard core, sweaty and groovin' ZUMBA class. The amazing moment when you recognize that you surprised yourself.
(b) when you realize that you CAN do so much! And that these accomplishments cross over to all aspects of your life. You can call on the same personal strength when dealing with a crisis as you do when you push yourself beyond your expectations during a physical challenge. You use the newfound confidence to take on and succeed at new challenges at home and work. You reach the end of the road and instead of looking ahead and bemoaning how far there is to go, you look back and take pride in how far you have come.
(c) that you can make change happen. Maybe it's small. Maybe you feel that it is insignificant. But when you choose to move and to strengthen your body, you feel each change and notice the huge difference it makes. When you proudly jump just a little bit higher, lift a little bit more, run a little bit farther.... well, you notice that a little bit is really a whole lot. So the next time you turn away because you don't feel your small contribution makes a difference? Turn back and go for it - the smallest steps change lives!
Confidence. Accomplishment. Pride. Strength. Exhilaration. Joy. All "fer sures" when you live your life taking care of an amazing and wondrous person - you! So, while death and taxes aren't going anywhere soon, let's join hands this April and spend less time worrying about those things we can't change, and instead celebrating all that we can.
(a) exercise makes you feel good - seriously good. Nothing makes you prouder of yourself than completing your first full teaser pilates exercise, legs off the ground and all. A sense of awe at your own totally insanely strong body after completing a hard core, sweaty and groovin' ZUMBA class. The amazing moment when you recognize that you surprised yourself.
(b) when you realize that you CAN do so much! And that these accomplishments cross over to all aspects of your life. You can call on the same personal strength when dealing with a crisis as you do when you push yourself beyond your expectations during a physical challenge. You use the newfound confidence to take on and succeed at new challenges at home and work. You reach the end of the road and instead of looking ahead and bemoaning how far there is to go, you look back and take pride in how far you have come.
(c) that you can make change happen. Maybe it's small. Maybe you feel that it is insignificant. But when you choose to move and to strengthen your body, you feel each change and notice the huge difference it makes. When you proudly jump just a little bit higher, lift a little bit more, run a little bit farther.... well, you notice that a little bit is really a whole lot. So the next time you turn away because you don't feel your small contribution makes a difference? Turn back and go for it - the smallest steps change lives!
Confidence. Accomplishment. Pride. Strength. Exhilaration. Joy. All "fer sures" when you live your life taking care of an amazing and wondrous person - you! So, while death and taxes aren't going anywhere soon, let's join hands this April and spend less time worrying about those things we can't change, and instead celebrating all that we can.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Truly, anything is possible!
Time to check in on my goals for 2011 again.
Me time - not in the way I expected
3 bike tours with hubby - change of plans slightly
Time with family and friends - working on it
aspartame addiction - still rampant.
So a big, fat goose egg on the goal front for me. Not exactly a good role model for change and inspiring positive change in others. But let me explain....
I have challenged myself to do something new this year. As much as I will enjoy tackling 160km with Sean in the Ride4UnitedWay, truly it is Sean's goal. I will gladly trail along behind him, moaning about my sore butt and complaining strongly about the entire process, but I really don't think I am avidly excited about pursuing this as a fitness goal. I am relieved, actually, because this way when Sean beats me, I can reassure myself that I didn't train specifically for it anyway. :)
So, in my typical "bull in a china shop" way, I boldly declared my intention to try a sprint Triathlon. Until Sean (always the voice of reason!) mentioned that I don't run, and cannot swim. So he gently suggested that I rethink that as a goal for 2011, and maybe take some time to learn to swim this year in order to do it in the future.
So I have settled on a duathlon - 7km of running, 25km of cycling. Not worried about the cycling, but RUNNING?!?!? seriously?? I haven't run since, well, my much more youthful days. I honestly run like a rhinocerous, clomping and snorting along, head down - barreling ahead madly. How on earth am I going to do this? I have spent the last week alternately talking myself out of this and pumping myself up. So I thought I had better just run and see how it felt. You know, before I completely let the negative voices talk me out of this whole crazy idea.
And you know what? I have run 4 times this last week, culminating yesterday in completing 5km - a feat which I never thought possible. Ever. Seriously - I still can't believe it. It may not seem like a lot, but after nearly defeating myself before I even tried, it is incredible to be now confidently looking forward with great glee to a trial 5K trail run I have entered in a few weeks. I will definitely have times in this process where I get discouraged, sore, frustrated and unmotivated, but I am determined and excited
So don't let yourself be defeated. If you want something, don't sell yourself short - you will always surprise yourself! For anything is possible. Even beating my aspartame addiction. Eventually. Right??
Me time - not in the way I expected
3 bike tours with hubby - change of plans slightly
Time with family and friends - working on it
aspartame addiction - still rampant.
So a big, fat goose egg on the goal front for me. Not exactly a good role model for change and inspiring positive change in others. But let me explain....
I have challenged myself to do something new this year. As much as I will enjoy tackling 160km with Sean in the Ride4UnitedWay, truly it is Sean's goal. I will gladly trail along behind him, moaning about my sore butt and complaining strongly about the entire process, but I really don't think I am avidly excited about pursuing this as a fitness goal. I am relieved, actually, because this way when Sean beats me, I can reassure myself that I didn't train specifically for it anyway. :)
So, in my typical "bull in a china shop" way, I boldly declared my intention to try a sprint Triathlon. Until Sean (always the voice of reason!) mentioned that I don't run, and cannot swim. So he gently suggested that I rethink that as a goal for 2011, and maybe take some time to learn to swim this year in order to do it in the future.
So I have settled on a duathlon - 7km of running, 25km of cycling. Not worried about the cycling, but RUNNING?!?!? seriously?? I haven't run since, well, my much more youthful days. I honestly run like a rhinocerous, clomping and snorting along, head down - barreling ahead madly. How on earth am I going to do this? I have spent the last week alternately talking myself out of this and pumping myself up. So I thought I had better just run and see how it felt. You know, before I completely let the negative voices talk me out of this whole crazy idea.
And you know what? I have run 4 times this last week, culminating yesterday in completing 5km - a feat which I never thought possible. Ever. Seriously - I still can't believe it. It may not seem like a lot, but after nearly defeating myself before I even tried, it is incredible to be now confidently looking forward with great glee to a trial 5K trail run I have entered in a few weeks. I will definitely have times in this process where I get discouraged, sore, frustrated and unmotivated, but I am determined and excited
So don't let yourself be defeated. If you want something, don't sell yourself short - you will always surprise yourself! For anything is possible. Even beating my aspartame addiction. Eventually. Right??
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
It's finally over
February - the month so ridiculous that we had to shorten it's duration to make it tolerable. Now I don't mean to be negative, but February was the blahest of the blah this year! If it wasn't for my amazing classes ( read - you all!) it would go down in Annie history as the officially most grey and bleckie. But it's now March and I am determined that even if it is grey and damp, my outlook will not match the weather! I have booked a few days off of teaching to spend time with the family, March break is coming, lots of exciting stuff is happening!
But, I confess, I have still not stopped drinking Diet Coke. I need rehab.
So, ladies and gentlemen, my point is this. Today is what matters. Yesterday is gone, and do-overs aren't possible. Let's not dwell in what was (or wasn't) or spend time stressing about what is to come. Every moment we spend worrying about another day robs today of it's opportunity for happiness. Give each day a chance. It is precious, beautiful and unique. Hmmm. Just like you.
But, I confess, I have still not stopped drinking Diet Coke. I need rehab.
So, ladies and gentlemen, my point is this. Today is what matters. Yesterday is gone, and do-overs aren't possible. Let's not dwell in what was (or wasn't) or spend time stressing about what is to come. Every moment we spend worrying about another day robs today of it's opportunity for happiness. Give each day a chance. It is precious, beautiful and unique. Hmmm. Just like you.
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