WOW! By the looks (and dated entries) of this blog, I seriously need to slow down… but I can’t because I literally have been “on the run” this summer. You see, a few months ago, I sort of threw out to the Universe this crazy idea that I’d like to run a half marathon. It’s crazy because the furthest I’d ever run up to this point was 3.1 miles in a couple of local 5K’s– and those were HARD in my opinion. But I knew with summer approaching, I needed a big bold goal to keep me engaged with my workouts- otherwise I’d skip the gym and sun by the pool instead. So I embarked on a new journey of setting out to become a runner. I hired my good friend and trusted coach, Dr. Rick Kattouf (see earlier blogs for details on a nutritional video I shot with him, Rx Nutrition) to help me with a training plan. He started me out with baby steps - 2-4 mile runs- but soon 5-6 mile runs were established as my “base”. This past Sunday, I ran 10 miles as one of my long runs. Now you may be asking, “what in the heck does all this running have to do with the fact that this girl hasn’t been paying attention to her blog?” Easy answer: TIME! Let me just tell you, this training has consumed my summer. Finding the time to run 1-2 hours at a time, 3-4 times a week is really quiet hard. It eats up all my free time when I would normally be playing catch up on emails, blogs, returning calls, et al.

But I am NOT complaining. While it’s been a struggle and a balancing act to figure it all out, I have truly enjoyed pushing myself to new limits beyond anything I ever thought possible. That’s exciting stuff!! I have had my battles- both mentally and physically; I’ve fought to push through pain and negative thoughts in order to keep putting one foot in front of the other. It’s such a great reminder that we all have the power within us to do whatever it is we aim to do!! Really, our minds are the biggest barrier.

This has also shown me the real power of setting and writing out goals. Had I not put the idea of a half marathon in my head, and written down the specific goal and broadcast it to the Universe (I also put it on facebook, which is big-time broadcasting!!!) I know without a shadow of a doubt I would not be where I am right now. But because I set the goal and affirmed it would happen, my mind went about its business making damn sure it did.

Race day is fast approaching; just 4 weeks away. Now, as I see the finish line in sight (gotta visualize it), I’m realizing I have to “goal set through” and figure out what my next goal will be. Maybe it will be to keep up with the 5-6 mile runs regularly; maybe I’ll sign up for another half-marathon; or maybe I’ll fall total prey to the runner’s high and set my sights on 26.2 miles!

Stay tuned- race results to be posted soon. September 5th is the big day. Wish me luck!!
April

I know! It’s only February- but my gosh am I ready for SPRING. Aren’t you??

The past few weeks of winter weather coupled with the slew of coughs and colds running through my house have sent me into a Spring Fever Frenzy. I yearn for the fresh smell of blossoms on the trees; I yearn for the warmth of the sun on my face and cool touch of green grass underneath my bare feet; I yearn for the giddy sounds of neighborhood kids playing outside; and mostly, I yearn for the burst of creativity and fresh ideas that always seem to come at me at the first breath of Spring. I can’t help it, but sometimes the cold veil of winter leaves me in a little bit of a slump.

Creativity has always been at the core of my career- how else could I do what I do without it, right? But folks, sometimes I struggle! There are times I feel the well has dried up. I’m sure you have your own feelings of drought in some aspect of your life and/or career. But we should never live in fear that our abundance is gone. It’s always there, sometimes it just is buried in the snow! But just as the Spring sun melts away the final days of Old Man Winter, your own drought will be quenched. Just continue to have faith and believe in yourself.

Listen, this isn’t easy! Do you have that person inside of you that whispers nasty little thoughts in your head? Mine is there, too… and gets pretty talkative at times (especially in the Winter!!). But just like that annoying person in a movie theatre who won’t be quiet- you have to tune him/her out and listen to your OWN voice that will always guide you in the right direction.

My husband and I are making some pretty big life-changes right now. It’s such an exciting time for us. Having a New Year and impending Spring season upon us has made the timing for these changes even more ripe. It’s not without struggle that we make these big changes, but I know because we are leading with faith- not fear- we will be happier and more fulfilled than ever thought possible. Now if that’s not exciting, I don’t know what is!!

So, this Spring, I feel particularly thrilled about what’s to come… in work, family, and life.

Plus, it’s just going to be so good to see that darn sun again

Until then, stay warm my friends!
April

I like snow and ice…. when I’ve planned a trip to the slopes of Colorado and it bodes well for excellent skiing conditions! But for the past 3 days, we have been iced in our home in Greenville, SC…. and I’m over it! I am officially “on edge” today, ready to bust through the snow and ice that’s accumulated on top of my car.

Normally, I am a nester. I love to be home and hang out with the family. Running my business from home has allowed me great opportunities to take afternoon walks with the kids and have impromptu lunches with my husband. But today, I am not getting a whole lot accomplished on my growing list of “to do’s”; the kids are home from school and my husband has cancelled meetings originally scheduled for today. The dog has been barking nonstop at all of our neighbors walking by on the street, assessing the risks of attempting to pull their cars out of the driveway and make an escape of their own. (Most of them are retreating back into their homes hoping the sun will get busy and warm things up!) My son is watching a marathon of Mickey Mouse’s and Dora shows on Nickelodeon today, and my 15-month old daughter is cranky (can’t say I blame her). The noise is intense; when I DO get some time away I’ll cherish anything and anyplace that is QUIET.

The good news is 2 large sand trucks from the city just arrived. This alone is a minor miracle- in the 5 years and countless snow/ice storms we’ve encountered since moving here, never has the city sent in reinforcements to neighborhoods on Paris Mountain. WOW! I feel it’s my lucky day.

So for now, I’m going through my list of projects and making an even bigger “to do” list for things I’ll have to get accomplished tomorrow when life (hopefully) will get back to normal.

Here are a few pics of our frozen tundra…. I  am hoping for a major heat wave to hit and get my daily schedule off the ice!

APRIL

Get ready folks- the new series, Rx Nutrition (3-DVD set) is soon-to-be-released!! We are putting final touches on graphics and final edits- and by next week, we’ll roll out the brand new product. This informative and motivational DVD series is going to change the way folks view Nutrition (throw out your Weight Watchers bible….) Dr. Rick Kattouf really kicks conventional thinking to the curb and gets down to the “science” of why we as Americans are so obese. Yes, even if you’re walking around thinking you’re at a respectable weight- you will soon learn that it’s not about your WEIGHT, but rather about your BODY FAT % and BODY WATER % (what in the heck is that, right?).

Just some of the changes I’ve made since being on set and learning while working:
* I’m drinking 16 ounces of water immediately upon waking- BEFORE drinking my coffee (which I refuse to give up!)
* I’m continuing to drink water throughout the day, after learning that I was chronically dehydrated. So many people are!!
* I’m making sure all of my meals and snacks are properly balanced with Carbs, Protein, and Fat.
* I’ve discovered a bizarre love of “Greek Yogurt”– who knew!!
* I’m eating 4-5 times a day. I need to work up to 5-6 times a day according to Coach Rick— this is no small task, but I’m getting there!!

OK- enough of my free giveaways! I’ll be back in a couple of weeks with links to Amazon.com and TeamKattouf’s website where you can order your own copy of “Rx Nutrition”.  Click here to preview the front & back cover!!

Rx Nutrition
To your health-
April