Why I'm Not a Runner But I Sign Up for 5k's

Anyone that knows me well knows that I DO NOT RUN. The cute fitness shirts that have some version of "If you see me running, that means something is chasing me" is very accurate in my case. I always hated when we were forced to run in P.E. classes at school and then of all things, running was a requirement for a summer job as a beach lifeguard. I struggled, but made it through those trainings. I even attempted to run with my husband for about a week. I finally told him that I loved him and would rather have a happy marriage than be ticked off at him as he runs BACKWARDS in front of me asking if I'm coming!

Yet even with these fun experiences with running, I have voluntarily entered two different 5k/Fun Run races in the past year. The first was to support The Pilot Club in my county and help raise awareness for brain disorders since my grandfather had dementia when he passed. The second was this past weekend to support the Ken Seiber Scholarship Fund in memory of a wonderful man that was the youth minister at my church and so involved in serving everyone in our community and spreading the love of Jesus Christ.

The funny part about going to these events is that the people I know, but am not really close with, expect me to run because I workout and am "in shape." I quickly let them know that I'll be walking the event and they'll definitely get to finish before me. :) So not only do I get to support a good cause, I also get to help others feel good because they can run and I can't. While I may never be a runner, I do enjoy the event atmosphere. It doesn't matter if you are as fast as the hare or as slow as the turtle. It matters that you are out there, supporting a good cause and doing something healthy for yourself. If you struggle to workout/walk, etc, then grab a friend or lots of friends and it will instantly be easier.

When Did I Start My Fitness Journey?

Do you remember the first time you "exercised" or "worked out?" Was it gym class that you absolutely dreaded? Or did you watch those shows on TV with women in high ponytails and leg warmers, lol?

While I don't remember what my first work out really was, I do know when working out and fitness became something I was interested in and made a part of my life. I knew from the age of 8 that I wanted to be a lifeguard. I would swim laps in the pool to practice. At the age of 16, I immediately signed up for a lifeguard course and began what I thought was the coolest job in the world. I mean, who else gets paid to sit in the sun, next to the pool all day?!?!

It was through this job of lifeguarding at the local YMCA that I began to work out on the fitness floor, using both cardio equipment and weights. Of course, some of the male lifeguards were more than willing to teach us girls how to use the free weights and spot us on the squats and bench press. It was during this time that I began to make fitness a way of life and would read all the fitness magazines I could get my hands on. This lead to my choice of a college degree, exercise science, which I then used in my future jobs and of course, made sure the pool was involved.

While I may have started at a young age learning how to exercise and take care of my body, I am still always learning. I am also enjoying the opportunity to teach others through a weekly Fit Club, monthly online challenge groups, and short 4 to 10 day challenge groups. I may be here for you and to encourage you, but so many times, it is YOU who encourages me with your stories of success and what you have learned!

I'd love to see your comments below with when or how you started your own fitness journey! And yes, that's me in the picture!

My First Blog Post

Welcome to my first blog post! I'm excited to have the ability to help others with one of the easiest and hardest things in life - taking care of the body God has blessed us with on this earth.

We all know exercise is important and studies show that you should exercise 3 to 5 times per week for at least 30 minutes. But how many people struggle to do this on a consistent basis? I actually am one of the strange people that enjoys exercising, but that doesn't mean there aren't days that I just don't feel like it!

And what about eating? The majority of people know they should stay away from the sugar loaded food and choose desserts as a special treat. They know to shop the perimeter of the store and get fresh foods, including lots of vegetables and fruits. And of course, NEVER shop on an empty stomach. I can't tell you how many times I've bought a bag of candy to eat on the way home from the grocery store, when it would have been just as easy to eat a banana and make the healthier choice!

Stay tuned to my blog as I share what works for me, what recipes I've found that makes healthy food something I crave, and what workouts I'm doing to keep boredom at bay.