Day 170: Find Your Motivation

Day 170:   This afternoon all I wanted was to go on a long walk with Mike through Washington Park for my workout.  We walked hand-in-hand for 45 minutes while dodging park geese and talking about life.  Then something strange happened:  I became motivated to do more.  We watched runner after runner after runner, jogging by us with their music blasting in their ears.  I wanted that.

We came home and I changed into my run gear and slipped out the door and back towards the park for 5.4 miles.  Paula Abdul sang her heart out and I ran my legs to exhaustion.  Thanks to my fellow runners who continue to inspire my sweat every single day.

I had a reader write in and ask me to include what I eat/drink on a daily basis to stay energized.  I loved that someone was that interested in how I fuel myself and it also made me wonder how I feel about broadcasting my not so perfect diet on the web.   Below is my food journal for today (which happens to be a decent day of eating), but this is not how I always eat.  I listen to my body, I allow my cravings to have what they want and I eat (almost) everything in moderation.  It’s a big change from what my eating patterns used to be and still light-years from what I would truly want my diet to look  like.

Breakfast:  Steel cut oats, flax-seed meal, banana and a cup of coffee with almond milk

Snack: Carrots and a handful of pretzels

Lunch: A tofu burger with low-fat cheese, cantaloupe

Snack:  Granola bar and more cantaloupe

Dinner:  Smoothie with 3 cups spinach, 2 scoops protein powder, 4 huge strawberries, frozen mango

Desert:  bowl of vanilla yogurt

Drinks:  7 glasses of water and one glass of almond milk

My eating is a continuing  battle and ALWAYS a work in progress.  I have had an ugly past ridden with eating disorders, body image issues and consistent pain that revolved around food.  After seeking my own coach for the problems I had, I  began coaching others on how to get through their own eating struggles to find freedom and peace.  It’s hard work, but each client reminds me over and over again of how rewarding the dedication to ending their food battle can be.

Jeesh, so long story short?  I am going to start adding some all-star recipes in with my blog.  Have any you love?  Send them my way, betsysalzler@moxie-coaching.com   My fiance would appreciate it 🙂

Days 167-169: Happy Sweats

Day 167:  In 2008 I went to my first yoga class with a new friend, Katie.  I have a memory of us at the studio in Pura Vida, trying desperately to complete crow pose and both of us falling on our faces.  Four and a half years later we had the chance to practice together again at Karma Yoga.  Katie is now an instructor whose practice I couldn’t take my eyes off of and who I am guessing, can complete a strong crow without any head bangups.

During our 75 minute class I was reminded of how far I have come in the past few years of consistent practice.  Four years ago I was terrified of yoga and what I thought it represented.  During class the instructor, Katrina, said hundreds of insightful things that I loved in the moment.  Three days later, I am at a loss for what she said, but am reminded of how looking fear square in the face is the best way to conquer it.  What’s the worst that can happen?  Falling out of crow? Finding a new passion?   Making a lifelong friend while laughing over a face plant?  Same thing goes with your biggest fears.  No matter how big the fear, it’s just a feeling of being scared.   Test them out, thank yourself later.

Day 168:   Yesterday my brother, sister-in-law and fiance went to Ft. Collins for a tour of New Belgium Brewing Company.   The tour lasted 90 minutes and they gave out six samples of their delicious beers.  If you live anywhere near Ft. Collins and haven’t been to the brewery, then I highly suggest checking it out:  www.newbelgium.com    After our tour we wandered around the city for about an hour to let the beer run its course in our bodies and then made our way back to Denver.

Despite our headaches from day beers, we decided to go on a group ride to REI and back.  Afterwards, we all downed our water bottles and collectively felt better after a 10 mile sweat session.

Day 169: 45 minute TRX workout at home….while watching the season premiere of Mad Men.  That really tested my multi-tasking abilities.

Days 163-166: Yellow Deli Adventure w/ Friends

Day 163:  In the last five years I could probably count how many times I have been sick on one hand.  Unfortunately, that is not true of the past six months.  My body has become more of a petri dish for bacteria and I have had to try to fight off one bug after another.  On Wednesday night I either had my first round of food poisoning in my life or a 48 hour flu.  My Dr. brother said it could have been either and it doesn’t really matter what it was.  It exited my body as quickly as it came and luckily, it did the same to Mike.

Considering the fact that a walk from the couch to the bathroom had me in sweats, I had no clue how I was going to manage a real workout today.  I had to work at my part-time job and sticking through my shift was how I worked out.  Standing, walking, talking and being social while my insides felt like they were slowly dying was harder than any workout I have done in the past 166 days.  I counted it, I had no other choice!

Day 164:  On Thursday my ragged body was sporting a 101 degree fever.  Although I loved how the extra heat my face light up, I was praying with everything in me that this was going to break before my brother and sister-in-law came to town from Boston.   I slept all day and managed to get out for a 25 minute walk…..an….incredibly….slow….walk.   It hurt and I had to rest afterwards, but I did it.  As I was laying on the couch feeling bad about my lack of hard workouts I had to think about how I would tell my clients to treat themselves on their off days, “with nothing but love and gentleness.  Listen to what your body needs and do just that.”  So I did and I healed.

Day 165:  My oldest brother Matt and his wife, Erika have made it to Denver!   The four of us went over to Wash Park for an early morning run.  I am by far the slowest runner of the bunch, so I trucked along beside them and made barely audible noises whenever I was asked a question.  Mike and I barely made it three miles before we both needed to rest our freshly recovered flu poisoned bodies.  Then we walked together around the lake, while petting every dog that came near us* until the other two finished their run for the day.   *We really are crazy animal people.  I apologize if I have ever chased after you and your dog to give your pup some love.

Day 166:  Today one of my favorite friends, Katie, wanted to go hiking in Boulder.  What a wonderful way to show my out of town guests how beautiful Colorado can be!  Matt, Erika, Katie and I hiked the Royal Arch at Chautauqua Park and then walked around Pearl Street for a dose of small town glory.

We went to Yellow Deli for lunch and were immediately at a loss of words when we saw the group of people behind the counter.  I actually can’t describe to you what this was like (without fear of offending someone), so please checkout their website for yourself http://yellowdeli.com/our-history-vista   When we walked out of the restaurant someone on a nearby patio said, “what happened in there?”  I could barely answer his question, because I still had no idea.   The sandwiches were good though and at least we didn’t ask about the “spirit of the fruit.”  Confused yet?   We were too.

Days 160-162: Self-love

Day 160:  On Monday I went to Karma Yoga with a pal and her husband.  Our favorite instructor was out for the day and we had a sub teacher instead, unfortunately my om’d out yoga mind slipped on her name.  It was as if this wonderful instructor listened in all the conversations that I’ve been having with my clients lately.   She said that “the root of all love begins with self-love.”  Simply and beautifully said.  Where do you get without loving yourself?  Some days that may feel like a challenge, but once you figure out how, I promise that you will leave self-loathing far behind.  Her delivery of that statement made me give her a thumbs up during child’s pose and then I allowed that thought to settle deep down in.

Day 161:  Yesterday was one of the colder days we’ve had in Denver for a while and the chilly air forced me to stay inside and play with our TRX.  I completed a fourty minute workout and tried to coax my inner cross-fitter to the surface.  It felt great while doing it, but left my body feeling sore and abused afterwards.

Day 162:  I just got back from a C2 class at Core Power Yoga and had a seriously fantastic instructor, Haylee*.  She had us in crow pose three different times and in headstands twice.  It was the type of class that made my body quiver from intensity and in return, that was able to quiet my mind.  Killer combo, happy body and even happier chilled out mind.

*I love almost every yoga instructor out there because they teach with their hearts and that’s one beautiful thing.

Days 157-159: It’s Runnin’ Season, Baby!

Day 157:  4 mile run

Day 158:  3 mile walk with a friend in Washington Park

Day 159: 5 mile run in Washington Park

As the weather gets warmer, my legs grow antsy for a consistent running season.  My running goals have remained unmet and the same for years.  This year, with the combination of the blog, our wedding and a fast running fiance; I meet my goals.   Please excuse any repetition in declaring my goals, it just helps me solidify the importance of them in my life: 

1. Run the Colfax half-marathon in under two hours in May 2012
2. Run 4-5 days a week, three miles minimum leading up to the half
3. Keep up with Mike for a five-mile run
4. 2-3 days a week of yoga to keep me stretched and balanced
5. Eat to fuel my body for goal achieving (aka: a fueled body feels better during workouts)

There they are, plain and simple.  What are your goals for this upcoming season?  Whatever they are, make them attainable, fun and give yourself lots of loving rewards along the way.  Want some support?   Enroll your friends, family and make public declarations of what you want to achieve.  You can do it, I guarantee you that…now you guarantee yourself the same thing!

 

Days 154-156: The Sunny Life

Day 154:  Mother Nature has been smiling on Denver and gracing us with the most beautiful warm spring weather.  On Monday I went for an hour walk while soaking up the 70 degree warmth onto my cold winter skin.

Day 155:  Yesterday I dedicated my day to working on my coaching business and working out.  I spent five-hours at Wash Perk Coffee emailing, strategizing and organizing….all while decked out in my favorite run outfit.  After I closed my laptop for the day, I jogged the few blocks to Wash Park’s perimeter and ran 30 minutes while listening to some throw back rap music from college (fitting since it is spring break week at my alma mater, Indiana University).

After my run, I went home, grabbed my yoga mat and met my friend at Karma Yoga for some serious stretching.  Insiders tip:  yoga after a run is a lot more challenging. In my mind, this means that the combination of workouts are doing wonders for the body.  The instructor, Katrina, talked about lots of things that touched me throughout the 75 minute class.  But one thing she said took my breath away, “it’s not the lack in life that causes us pain, it’s the greed.”   Think about that for a second.

Are you thinking about it?  How is that true in your life?  I know it’s true in mine in almost every facet.  I consider myself full of gratitude and far from greedy, however,  sometimes I can’t help but wish that my life was somehow  different.  Which is where the greed comes in.  That was the reminder that I needed to remember that I am exactly where I need to be.  You are exactly where you are meant to be.  Together, we are doing what we are supposed to be doing.  Sigh, doesn’t that thought just take away some of that stress and greed?  If it doesn’t, what thought could you play with to make you feel more grateful?

Day 156:  I have a huge confession to make; I am not perfect with my working out.  I have been absolutely horrible since Mike came home at keeping early morning yoga dates with myself.  Lately when my alarm goes off at 5 a.m., my first thought is “I could probably find another class today to go to instead of having to wake up now.”  Insert a quick “dismiss” of the alarm and back to sleep I go for another hour or two.  This morning I was determined to get my early morning class groove back.  So I did.  I  got up at 5 a.m. to go to a C2 class at Core Power Yoga with my friend Cassidy.   Together we sweat enough to fill a baby pool and individually, I completed a 20 second wheel when all I wanted to do was fall into child’s pose.   Afterwards, I felt spent.  I gave every ounce that I had at 6 a.m. and that my friends, is what morning flow is all about.

Days 151-153: Saving Sunlight

Day 151:  On Saturday morning my gal pal, Jenny, and I went to Kindness Yoga in Cherry Creek for a “kinda hot” yoga class.  Thirty minutes into the class the instructor asked me if I had ever practiced that type of yoga before (I have, lots of times), after that, my ego clouded my mind with thoughts of doubt in my practice.  I have been practicing yoga for two years and my ego felt defeated.  I had to hold back my thoughts and remind myself that yoga is not about skill level, it’s about being able to quiet my mind and look deeper inside.    Realllllll deep….. 🙂

Day 152: Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of a horrific event that shook my life, the lives of my friends, co-workers and a close-knit community.  There were feelings of extreme sadness, fear, doubt, bewilderment and every other emotion on the spectrum.  March 11th would now be marked as a day that changed the lives of many loved ones and my own self.

I walked two miles into lululemon and thought about all of the emotions that I felt one year ago.  The fear rushed back into my body quicker than I imagined, but it was replaced with a sense of peace in knowing that this year has come to a close.  Regardless of the closure, there is no manual on how one should feel when going through a traumatic event.  The feelings still overwhelm me to think about, so I tackle them one by one…at an incredibly slow and manageable pace.

So how did I sweat on that dreadful one year mark?  I practiced yoga with six other lululemons and with an outstanding instructor, Roger Martin-Pressman.  Roger talked about daylight savings and the theme of our class was how to “save sunlight” in our lives.  It seemed incredibly fitting, seeing as how last year it felt like sunlight was briefly taken away.  He said that in order to bring light into our lives we have to be able to embrace the dark.  Embrace the dark- sometimes that’s incredibly hard to do.  Without the dark, the sun wouldn’t be so welcomed and spectacular.  Although there are some things that take place in life that we will never understand, I can find peace in loving the light and knowing that beautiful souls in heaven contribute to the light the warm our lives.

Day 153:  Today Mike and I skied in Keystone for two hours in the morning and then came back to the hot sunny Denver and hopped on our road bikes for ten miles.  Ski boots + riding shoes (in the same day) =  #coloradorocksmyworld.

Days 148-150: Calming The Nerves

Day 148:   Wednesday was a day that I was feeling a little stressed out.  Ya see, I don’t love public speaking and on Thursday, I had to do bust out of my fear and speak.  In front of real live humans.   I spent every free second that I had that day practicing my speech and going over my jokes in my head.  Working out was the furthest thing from my mind.  I got in a handful of walks throughout the day and 200 lunges while I was at lululemon, trying desperately to shake out any nervous energy.

Day 149:  On Thursday I gave a speech to the personal trainers at University of Denver about life coaching and my business.  The first few minutes were a little nutty with nerves, after that, I calmed myself and carried on.  It wasn’t the best, nor was it anywhere near the worst.  It made me want to try again and again until I get it right, until the Betsy I know and love can really shine through.

With the public speaking behind me I was going to reward myself with a ski day in the mountains, but a sick fiance at home made me want to stay by his side instead.  We headed to Boulder and played in the city for a few hours.  After that, he napped and I went for an hour long walk and talked on the phone with my Dad the whole time.  He calmed my fears about speaking and we talked about fatherly things like buying a house and mortgages.

Day 150: Today I went for a four mile run to Washington Park, around the lake and back home.  I jammed out to some Dave Matthews and smiled at every runner that I passed.  Sometimes I get confused why runners do that and other times I want to try out high-fiving every runner I pass to see if it would catch on.  I’d love an encouraging high-five on a run, wouldn’t you?

The last four blocks back to my house I alternated between high-knees, butt kicks, lunges and tip toe walking…..and I got a lot of strange looks.  I had to really concentrate my thoughts on my buns in a wedding dress and away from the giggling people at a bar that I passed (in retrospect, I probably should have started the block after the bar).  It was a nice reminder of why I workout- for myself, not for anyone else.  At least I gave some bar peeps a good laugh though, right?!

Days 146 & 147: It’s All About The Sun

Day 146:  Yesterday morning I ran two miles to Washington Park to meet my friend Jenny for a much-needed walk and talk session.  We walked our chatty buns over to Wash Perk (sidenote:  this hidden gem of a coffee shop is my soon to be new work home- come stop by and say hello!), filled up on coffee and then walked five miles while gabbing away about life.  It’s so easy to forget that I’m walking when I’m in good company.  I highly recommend adding something this light-hearted to your workout, it’s healthy and cathartic all in one! 

Day 147:  Today I spent an hour biking while running errands.  I found myself adding on extra blocks just so I could stay on my bike and enjoy the 70 degree sun for a longer amount of time.  There is something special about the first warm days of Spring (or maybe just a few freakishly warm winter days) that makes a city come alive.  After I came home from biking I laced up my running sneaks, threw on some neon shorts and a tank top and ran four miles to and from Washington Park.  I could feel the vitamin D being soaked into my body like a plant that had not been watered in weeks.  It felt phenomenal and even my Pandora Britney Spears station was spot on with my mood.

All this running in the beautiful weather the past few days has me thinking about starting up my Colfax half-marathon training plan.  This thought then took me back to my New Year’s Resolutions and where I am with them.  The weekly crossfit with Mike?  Non-existant; however, we have both being doing TRX fairly often, so I am going to count that for now.  Higher quality blog pictures?  Fail.  I’m going to start taking pictures with a real camera tomorrow (it’s hard to carry one on a run!).  Today Show with Al Roker?  I am figuring out my action plan for how to tackle this beast, any suggestions?

While I am talking about resolutions and goals, one of my biggest ones is to have a full schedule of life coaching clients.  At this point, I am halfway there and am learning how to market, network and run a small business.  I am always 100% open to any ideas or suggestions on how to grow my clientele, if you have any suggestions for me then please, please, please feel free to pass them this way.  Thank you devoted readers for the support and encouragement.  Now, how can I support you??  Shoot me an email at betsysalzler@moxie-coaching.com if I can help you out with anything 🙂

Days 143-145: Back On The Bike

Day 143:  On Friday evening I got off of work and headed straight to Core Power Yoga for a good ol’ fashioned kick my butt, sweat buckets, yoga session.  And that it did.  By the end of the class I had done four crows, five headstands and barely had enough energy in me to wash the sweat out of my hair afterwards.  The sickness is completely gone and the sweaty Betsy is back.  Hallelujah!

Day 144:  On Saturday morning I wanted to have a lazy morning with my fiance more than anything in the world, so we did; and it included coffee, coffee talk and lots of laughing.  Ahh, the blissfulness of young love.

Unfortunately the young love keeps me by his side more than it makes me want to run to the gym.  Since I chose our morning together, I had to find a way to workin my sweat sesh.  I had to work the next eight hours of the day and decided to go for a run on my break.  It was a balmy 32 degrees and I ran for 25 minutes in whatever direction the sun was shining.  Although it wasn’t ideal, it did make me realize that a run during a work day is way better than a cup of coffee or gummy bears to give me a jolt.

Day 145: Today was 65, sunny and everything that a person coming out of winter dreams of.  Mike and I strapped on our biking shoes and hopped on our bikes.  We rode our bikes along the Cherry Creek Trail to REI to stock up on biking goods, then up to the highlands to say hello to a friend and then back home.  We went about hour and I decided that no matter how short my rides are from here on out, I will ALWAYS wear padded shorts.  I swear that they are a better invention than the bike.  I think that my bruised bum and thighs would strongly agree to that too!