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Posts tagged ‘fitness’

Jun 18

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Patience

There was a time, and it really wasn’t that long ago, that I lay in my hospital bed throbbing in pain, pretty hopeless, and certain I would not set foot on my favorite running paths for at least six months. It was a time that I can still remember so vividly, but yet it seems like a lifetime ago. At the time I couldn’t see it. I couldn’t see recovery and I couldn’t see the silver lining. Instead my mind wandered off to the bad things. All fitness would be lost, I would never be able to do the one thing I love so dearly ever again, and my exercise would take place inside a gym, one of my least favorite places.

During one of my many afternoons on the couch, I watched a Usain Bolt documentary. (I totally recommend it by the way.) At the end, a song came on and it immediately gave me goosebumps. I went to download it right away. The song is by Sean Paul and it is called “Hold On“. The verse that spoke to me the most goes like this:

“Although the road is long, we still hold on.
We carry on on, we still stay strong.
Today is long but tomorrow will come.
Hold on. Hold on now.”

I decided from that point that, that would be my philosophy.

Yesterday I was having a pretty kick ass workout at the gym and the song came on my iPod. Right then and there, during the middle of my tabata session, I had to reflect. I started thinking about where I was 7 weeks ago and where I am today. From a walker and shots in my stomach to 95% healed and the promise of running just three weeks away. My outlook is completely different. It has been a long road and there were many long days. But my tomorrow finally got here and I know there will be another tomorrow that is even better.

The mind chatter and the things we tell ourselves every day have a huge impact on where we go in life. Along with that, when we are in a not so great place and our patience is thin, we only add to the suffering. The 13th century Persian poet Rumi wrote that “Patience is the key to joy”. And when we are patient, our results are immediate.

Be patient with yourself. And no matter how long today is, tomorrow will get here. Eventually.

Happy Trails and Happy Running,
Tracie

Injury Update: I had a follow up appointment Monday with my doctor. According to my X-ray. I’m about 95% healed and in the 99th percentile as far as the healing process goes. At one point he just started laughing and said I was so far ahead of most people who had this surgery and if I wanted to run Boston next year, it was totally doable. (Don’t worry, I’m not putting that on my calendar just yet.) And the best news was that I could ease myself back into running in about 3 weeks. Only with a mile or two, but at least it’s something!
 

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May 19

One Month Post Boston

Time flies. It really does. And at the same time, so much can happen in such a short amount of time. I guess that means life passes by pretty quickly too. Must. Get. Busy.

One month ago today, I woke up with excitement, hope, and determination. I woke up with plans to do the thing that I had spent the last four months of my life training for. It was a beautiful day and I knew I would end that day with a medal around my neck and pride across my face. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

A lot has happened since then and a lot has changed. This is what one month injured, in the hospital, and on the mend have taught me:

1) Shitty things happen. I get to choose how I’m going to deal with them.

2) Will power is an incredible resource. Every day I get to decide how I’m going to help myself.

3) Perspective changes. If you had told me six weeks ago I wouldn’t be running for six months, I would have thought the world were coming to an end. Now I realize it’s not that bad.

4) A healthy body matters. My recovery is going incredibly well. The doc and PT say my active lifestyle and health have made a big difference.

5) Everything changes. From health and fitness to hospital beds and walkers, nothing stays the same. This too shall pass.

6) Pain is temporary. The pain I felt that Monday afternoon and the pain I felt after my surgery were immense. Now it’s all just a distant memory.

7) Things change (and many times, it’s not your decision). I had big plans after Boston and for the 2015 race. I’ve since had to readjust and I’m okay with that.

8) The race is long. That one day in Boston I thought I would finally have my chance to prove myself as a runner. It didn’t happen, but I know it wasn’t my last chance. Another opportunity awaits me.

9) My can’ts have become my can’s. Before my surgery there were many things I thought I couldn’t do. Or I wouldn’t do. Now that I don’t have an option, I know that I can.

10) Life goes on. The world did not stop for my suffering and neither did my life. The days continue and what was once so vivid and painful, grows fainter and fainter with each new day.

I am grateful for everything that has happened to me. It has put me on a different path for now, and that’s okay. I’m learning to venture out of my running comfort zone, to do things other than exercise like a crazy lady, and to appreciate the fact that every day I have a choice. Every day, I get to choose to be happy, choose to be determined, and choose to embrace my suffering. Having part of my identity taken away is hard but it’s as hard as I let it be. But perhaps the thing I am most grateful for is the fact that I finally feel like my hips are fixed. For so long I’ve been off balance and out of whack, which caused so many of my injuries. Now I can finally feel what it’s like to stand evenly on two feet. It’s actually quite amazing. Perhaps the pain caused by this injury today is what will help me to find my place in the future.

It’s all up to me.

Happy Trails and Happy Running,
Tracie

(PS: One week from today I get to start exercising again. This has been my longest break from exercise since I was in high school. I wonder what next Monday will have in store for me.)

May 14

I Want to be an Overachiever

Growing up, I was never an overachiever in school. Being number one in my class didn’t really interest me, and my sister was smart enough for the both of us. I did however, always get good grades. I think I only had a few B’s in high school and my only C was in AP Biology, which was like an A. A win-win situation if you ask me. I just never saw the need to stay up all night studying. It seemed too stressful. Even in college, when it was my bedtime, I went to sleep. I never once pulled an all nighter and I still graduated magna cum laude. I did what I needed to do in order to do well in my classes. I was just never interested in being the best in my classes. Being an overachiever wasn’t my thing. I’d rather balance school with hanging out with friends, going to the gym, and salsa dancing. 🙂

That was school. This whole recovery process is a completely different thing. I want to do absolutely everything possible to be the best physical therapy patient I can be, to make the most progress, and to be the person who recovers the fastest from this surgery (ever). When it comes to my hip, I want to be an overachiever.

Yesterday I wrote about the thing I missed the most… bending my leg. I couldn’t tie my shoes, I had a 10 degree rotation in my hip, and I couldn’t cross my legs. It was very frustrating but I knew I could try harder. So what did I do yesterday? I stretched. I walked a lot without my crutch. I worked on my hip rotation. Every time I walked into my bedroom, I made a point to do this marching exercise my PT gave me. None of this hurt but some of it was hard. I know that my progress depends on my actions as a patient, and I’m doing what I can to do all the right things. I want to be the best at physical therapy.

This morning I planned to go upstairs for another upper body and core workout. I was once again left with the dilemma of tying my shoes. Yes, I could have asked Mario for help. After all, I couldn’t tie my shoes yesterday so why should I be able to do it today? But I didn’t. I stared at that shoe for about 60 seconds contemplating how I was going to get it on and tie it. And then I did it. I successfully put on and tied both shoes. I immediately went to show Mario. He was so proud. 🙂

This morning was my fourth PT appointment since I started a week ago. I always start with a warm up on this step machine followed by the leg press. Then Shawn, my therapist, gives me several different exercises to work on activating my muscles. (Because they had to cut through the muscle to get to the bone, there is a lot of activation currently not happening.) There was an exercise Shawn gave me on Monday that I could not do. No matter how hard a tried, it wasn’t going to happen. But me, being the physical therapy overachiever that I am, I came home and practiced… a lot. Today we tried that exercise again, and to my amazement, I was able to easily do it. I felt like I earned an A+ with a gold star by my name. I guess being an overachiever is kind of fun.

As I said earlier, I have about a 10 degree rotation in my hip. By that I mean If I’m on my back and pull my leg in, when I try to rotate my hip (knee) out and put my ankle on top of my other knee, I can only go about 10 degrees. In other words, my ankle is nowhere near my knee. Well that was Monday morning. I’ve had two days of practice since then. Today we tried that rotation again and guess what… I added about 20 degrees in just a few days. All of that going above and beyond is really paying off. Can I get an A++ in physical therapy? And perhaps another gold star? Shawn was so impressed with my progress and I was too.

Different things interest different people. Some people like studying a lot and some people like physical, hard effort. I definitely fall into the camp of physical, hard effort and I’m completely okay with that. This physical therapy thing doesn’t always feel good and it certainly isn’t always easy. Sometimes I hurt and sometimes I get frustrated. But I want to be the best, so I try again. And then I try some more. Yes, it’s hard work but I love it. Even more, I love seeing the progress I’m making and hearing the words of praise when Shawn notices my improvement. It gives me even more motivation to try harder. If physical therapy were a class, I am confident I would earn an A+.

Happy Trails and Happy Running,
Tracie

May 13

The Thing I Miss the Most (and it’s not Running)

Overall, I’ve been in a pretty positive disposition over this whole titanium rod with two screws in the hip thing. It is what it is. However, last night I started thinking about the thing I really miss the most since my surgery and the thing I want to do more than anything, but can’t. Nope, it’s not running. It actually doesn’t even have anything to do with working out. Shocking, I know. It’s actually quite simple. The thing I want to do so badly but can’t is…. bend my leg.

I want to sit on the floor, cross my legs, do pigeon pose, tie my own shoes, cross my left leg over my right leg, or anything else that involves bending my leg. But I can’t. My hip rotates about 10 degrees out and 10 degrees in. Far from what I’m use to. I’ve always thought of myself as having pretty flexible hips. I could easily do pigeon pose, sit however I wanted, and bend and rotate in whatever direction I pleased. You know that quad stretch that runners always do where they grab their ankles?  Yea, I can’t even do that. My days of doing dancer pose are just a memory and the thought of doing it once again is in the very, very far future. It makes me so sad.

The days of sitting like this again are in the far, far future

The days of sitting like this again are in the far, far future

This morning, as I was getting ready for my first strength training workout since Boston, I sat and looked at my left shoe contemplating how I was going to put it on. After five minutes of trying many awkward (and somewhat painful) positions to get the shoe on, I gave up. I finally asked Mario for help. I never realized how much hip flexibility mattered. Every night when I sleep, I have to sleep flat on my back with my feet elevated on a pillow. Before, I liked to curl up to fall asleep. Sadly, that’s not happening anytime soon. With a range of motion of about 10 degrees, I basically have to keep my legs straight at all times. I wake up at least once a night trying to get comfortable and it’s quite frustrating. Then I spend about 30 minutes every morning doing my physical therapy exercises, and the effort to get from point A to point B is always taxing. Just a month ago, I was doing handstands, backbends, stretching, getting up and down on the floor without requiring any type of assistance, and now I can’t do any of those things. Yes, I realize the past is the past and that doesn’t really matter now. But when I think about what I was able to do 30 short days ago and what I can’t do now, it bums me out.

Yesterday I wrote about the awesomeness of the human body. I know my body will adapt and it will change. It just needs time. I know I will have to work pretty damn hard to get to the point of where I once was. Even then, I don’t know if I’ll have the flexibility I once possessed. My problem is patience. I have never been a patient soul and I want to see big results now. In my head I keep thinking If I can just go to yoga, this process will move along a lot more quickly.  But I know I must wait. It hasn’t even been two weeks and my body is still healing. I just miss bending my leg and tying my own shoes. Is that wrong? I don’t think I’ll ever take my flexibility for granted ever again, because right night, I sure do miss it.

 

Happy Trails and Happy Running,

Tracie

(PS: On a more positive note, I got to drive for the first time in over three weeks today. It was so liberating!)

Apr 28

10 Things I’ve Learned while on Crutches for a Week

When life throws you a curve ball, a lot of things change. Routine gets interrupted, what you thought was so important you realize isn’t, and you find something within yourself you never knew you possessed. It reminds me of quote I heard once (unfortunately, I can’t remember from where), “People are the most creative when they have the least.” When you strip your life of all the inessentials, you gain a new perspective.

It’s been one week since I’ve been bounding about on crutches. The first few days were pretty miserable, but since then, I’ve mastered the art of opening doors, doing laundry, arm workouts while sitting, washing my hair with one hand, and how to even workout with a client while sitting on a bench. All in all, I’d say I’m pretty resourceful. But there are a few things that really stick out in my mind and I’d like the share them. Here is what 7 days on crutches has taught me:

1) Makeup isn’t really necessary. Before I would hate to go anywhere without makeup. Now that it is such a hassle, I don’t even bother with it. And guess what? I’m still me and Mario still loves me. Why do we spend so much time putting on makeup?

2) Sardines aren’t that bad. Believe it or not, sardines are a superfood. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein and all sorts of goodness. Before two nights ago, I turned my nose up at sardines because they just seemed so gross. Two nights ago, with a little bit of lemon juice and a whole lot of mustard, I ate my first can of sardines. They still aren’t my favorite food, but in the name of recovery, I’ll eat them.

3) I can live without sugar. I love sugar, especially chocolate. However, I can not go to the grocery store right now so Mario is doing the shopping. And he isn’t buying chocolate. At first, I was pretty cranky about it but then I realized sugar is a toxin and may slow down the healing process. A few days without sugar and I’m still alive. Maybe I should try this more often.

4) Raw eggs make green smoothies fluffy. I’ve never consumed a raw egg until a few days ago. I tried it because eggs are such a nutrient dense food and are also one of those foods that can help speed up the recovery process. Sure, I could ask Mario to cook them but I wanted to try it raw in my smoothie. Turns out that it makes a smoothie very fluffy and doesn’t change the taste at all. Yum!

5) Bovine colostrum helps with healing. Now when my friend Regan first recommended this, I thought what you’re probably thinking. Gross! Then my friend Nikki agreed with her and they both swore it helped them to recover from surgery. After a little research, it seems a lot of people feel that way. I get mine in the mail today.

6) Crutches are not suppose to fit directly underneath your armpits. When I got my crutches on Monday, the nurse just gave them to me. I wasn’t aware there was a correct way to use crutches so I had them too tall with the handles too low. Luckily me neighbor Daryl was kind enough to show me how to properly use them and it has made the world of difference. What a relief it has been on my armpits!

7) Things don’t have to be done my way all the time. When you’re unable to cook for yourself, make up the bed, or clean the house your way, you realize it isn’t really a big deal if things are done another way. The same objective was achieved and it doesn’t really matter if it was done your way or someone else’s. Life goes on.

8) Working out is still possible, even if you can’t walk. It is very uncomfortable for me to be sedentary or stuck in a house all day. Every morning Mario puts my weights beside the ottoman and I get in a pretty decent arm workout. Today my goal is to get in 10,000 steps by walking up and down the hallway. I’ve already gotten in a little over 1,000 and will go for the next 1000 after i publish this post.

9) The little things in life are the most meaningful. It’s hard to appreciate how amazing a shower really is until you can’t take on on your own. Or how beautiful the outdoors are until you’ve been stuck inside for a day. Or even how wonderful sleep is until you can’t sleep because of the pain. I have a new found appreciate of all the things I never really took the time to be grateful for.

10) My husband is this best! Yes, I already knew this but this past week has reaffirmed this fact. And I have seen how he really can do it all, from a demanding job, to cooking, cleaning, and helping me with just about everything. I like to think of him as Super Mario. 🙂

Happy Trails and Happy Running,
Tracie

Apr 27

A Day in the Life of a Runner Who Can’t Walk

It never dawned on me just how awesome it is to be able to walk and get around on my own two feet. Since that has now been taken away from me, I can’t believe how much I didn’t appreciate it up until now. Walking, running, jumping, climbing stairs – these are all gifts not be taken advantage of. I miss walking. I miss being able to do things for myself.

But I won’t let that get me down! There is still so much to do with limited mobility and sharp shooting pain with every wrong move. After four days at home, I’ve developed a routine to be as productive as possible.  I’d like to share it with you…

It takes me about 5 minutes to get out of bed. I have to be careful with moving and twisting. One wrong move and the pain will keep me in bed for another five minutes. Then I hobble to the bathroom on my crutches, trying to be alert enough as to not face plant on the floor. (This is very scary when I have to go to the bathroom during the middle of the night.) Then I sit in the kitchen reading the news, checking email, and all the fun social media things. It keeps my mind off the pain for a little while.
Next, Mario joins me in the kitchen and is kind enough to make me breakfast, usually a green smoothie or eggs. One thing I’ve learned throughout this experience is you have to let go of having things done your way. When someone else is having to cook, clean, and take care of you, you’ll gladly drink a bitter tasting smoothie. You know it was made with love. After breakfast, it’s time for an arm workout with some upbeat music. I have mastered the art of shoulder presses, chest presses, and bicep curls while sitting on an ottoman. I’m still in the process of working on my ab routine. The cushiony surface makes it a little difficult, but I think I should have something by the end of next week. Perhaps I should make a YouTube video about how to workout when you can’t walk.

Now that I’m feeling happy with a mini-workout and motivated by some good music, it’s time for a podcast. My current favorites are the Rich Roll Podcast, the Good Life Project, and The Bulletproof Executive. One hour later, and I’ve briefly forgotten about my pain, laughed a little, and learned a thing or two about life. Yesterday I learned about a man who spent two years living completely by the Bible. The man actually stoned an adulterer (but only with little pebbles). That same man also spent one month practicing radical honesty. That’s when you say exactly what your brain is thinking. When some of his wife’s old college friends suggested they hang out, he had to tell them no. Even though you seem like nice people, I really don’t want to see you again. I don’t even get to seem my friends enough so I do anticipate us hanging out in the future. That made my morning. Podcasts really are amazing.

By this time, it’s around 9:00am and time for some meditation. My dear friend Nikki gave me some beautiful mala beads and I always look forward to holding them during my practice. When I meditate, I prefer to be sitting on the floor but due to my current condition, the couch works just fine. Sometimes I find the comfy couch causes me to doze off for a moment but I always come back to the present. That’s the point of meditation. 🙂

Meditation is always followed by some work things on the computer, a hobble around the house, and complaint or two about how damn uncomfortable crutches are. Seriously? Why can’t the arm part be just a little more comfortable?

Now it’s time for lunch and because Mario has left to go to work, this is a very tricky task for me. Getting things from the refrigerator to the counter is such an arduous task that once I get everything out, I’m more than happy to let it all sit there and spoil because it’s so difficult to put it back. But nonetheless, I gather my strength and put it back. By now, I’m tired of sitting in the kitchen and want to move to the couch. The problem with this is that my computer is at point A and I need to get it to point B. Wednesday I found a really big shoulder bag that now serves as my mode of transpiration for all objects. I pack my computer in the bag and head over to the couch. (As I’m writing this I’m wondering why I don’t use it in the kitchen as well. Duh!)

It takes me about five minutes to sit down on the couch. From sitting down to putting my leg up and finding a comfortable position, it’s not an easy task. I spend the next few hours reading, working, looking for birthday gift ideas (I’ll be 31 on Friday!!!), and texting back and forth to my mom. Other than the documentary I watched on Usain Bolt Wednesday afternoon, I never turn on the television. I’m actually pretty proud of this because it’s so easy to get sucked into a tv program.

After all of this, I need a break from the computer. So I read. Thankfully, before my injury I checked out a few books from the library. I just finished reading a few essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Alchemist, and have now started Eat and Run by Scott Jurek. I loved The Alchemist. I think I could read that book 10 more times and never get tired of it.

By now it’s time for Mario to get home so I try and clean up any mess I’ve made. In addition to having to make my breakfast, Mario now has to make my dinner. I’m on this thing where I’m eating as many healthy, superfoods as possible to speed up the recovery process. Dinner lately has consisted of a superfood salad from Whole Foods and sardines. Yes, sardines. Never before this week have I eaten those fishy little creatures and I have yet to acquire a taste for them. However, in the name of recovery, I will do what I must. Plus mustard and lemon juice make the taste a little more bearable.

While Mario cleans up the kitchen, I tell him stories about my day. Anything fun I learned from a podcast or perhaps a lesson from whatever I’m reading. Then it’s time for me to continue working on an ebook I’m writing and then before I know it, it’s time for bed. I end my day just as I started… taking 5 minutes to get into bed and praying that I don’t hear another snap in my hip.

All in all, I’d say the recovery process is going well. I’m learning a lot, reading a lot, getting in little workouts, meditating more, and learning some hard lessons. Patience, impermanence, suffering, all sorts of fun things. On top of that, I’ve learned a bit about those supplements that can help with the healing process. Tomorrow my bovine colostrum, CapraFlex Pro, and Master Amino Pattern arrive in the mail. Wednesday I have an appointment with an orthopedist and Friday is my birthday. Maybe I’ll skip the sardines for dinner that night and have a turkey burger.

Oh to be able to walk again….

Happy Trails and Happy Running,
Tracie

PS: An ER doctor is the one who told me I had a fracture. Personally, I think he is incorrect. I think I have torn ligaments in my hip and that’s what those snapping noises were. Although I think I would prefer a fracture because apparently they are easier to heal. Maybe hip arthroscopy surgery is in my future??

Mar 21

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Consistency

Consistency can be defined as steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc. For me, I would say it’s adherence to the same sport – running. As a runner for 12+ years, consistency is something I have really lacked. The only time I can remember where I had a consistent running schedule was when I was about 20 years old and running 5-6 days a week. That only lasted for a few months and ever since then, I have been a 3-4 day a week runner, with a lot of cross training, and a lot of injuries. However, I have always wanted to run more. I think if I could, I would run two a days, every day. I just love being outside and running that much.

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Feb 17

Because I love running THIS much…

I’ve been feeling a lot of love for running lately. It’s weird. A few days ago, I was writing something for my business that caused me to reflect on my 12 years of running and it actually brought a tear or two to my eye. (I can be a little sentimental.) I started thinking about where I started, what I’ve experienced, how far I’ve come, and how now, I am at the best “running place” I have ever been. 30 days of consecutive running, no injuries, big gains, and feeling great. Maybe I am finally achieving that consistency I have always strived for.

There are people who, when you tell them you are a runner, ask don’t your knees hurt? Isn’t running boring? Don’t you want to have a family? Isn’t that bad for your health in the long term? 

Well let me just say this…

This morning it started to snow during my run. Last week 10 deer, only 15 feet away, stared at me so I ran past them. I’ve run the streets of Las Vegas at night. I’ve run by the Rocky stairs at night. I’ve seen the sun rise. I’ve seen the sun set. I’ve coached 15 girls to run their first 5K, and I’ve puked during the Boston Marathon. I’ve been chased by a dog (not that fun) and I’ve run in torrential downpours. Once I ran a race through the woods a day after a mini monsoon. I’ve run to the Golden Gate Bridge and I’ve run to the Eiffel Tower. When I was 21, I thought it was completely safe to run the streets of Mexico City alone. Then at the age of 24, I ran the streets of Madrid alone. Two weeks after my wedding, I ran through Switzerland with a broken collarbone. This past April I saw the most beautiful sights while running through the Willamette Valley. Three weeks ago I finished a run with icicles in my hair and no feeling in thumbs. Last week I ran to the wine shop in shorts because they told me if I did, I would get a free glass of wine. I’ve had great races and I’ve had horrible races. Twice, I’ve won a race (for the females) and several times I’ve placed in the top three. (Actually, the only trophy I own is from running and I plan to always keep it.) Two of my toes, I’m fairly certain, will never have toenails again, and I chafe horribly during the summer. Some days I feel great and some days I feel like crap. Heck, some days I want to stay in bed. But if I stay in bed or choose the couch over the outdoors, how many amazing things might I miss?

So no, running isn’t boring, And yes, sometimes it hurts. But it makes me feel alive. Running makes me believe in myself as a human being, and it shows me that I am stronger than I ever thought. Yes, some days I don’t want to do it and then there are other days when I want to run forever. It’s incredible how one thing can do so much for a person.

Buddhism teaches us that all things are impermanent. Perhaps one dayI will not have running and I understand that. But until that day comes, I will take advantage of every opportunity I have to experience everything running has to offer. For me, it’s so much more than a form of exercise. It has been my one constant for the past 12 years and I am thankful for every moment of it.

Happy Trails and Happy Running,

Tracie

 

PS: Like the Monday love I’m sending to you? 😉

Dec 9

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What do I Stand to Gain?

As with all family events that I attend and get to chat with my fabulous cousin Dan, I always leave with a little more knowledge than I had when I got there.  Saturday night’s take away, go listen to episode #57 on Rich Roll’s podcast. Dan and I are both pretty avid podcast listeners (Ben Greenfield, The Good Life Project, Dave Asprey), but I’m not always as up to date as he is. Therefore, yesterday morning, I downloaded the podcast and headed to the gym. What an enlightening 1 hour and 11 minutes!

If you want to know what the podcast is about, you really need to just go listen to it. I can’t relay the information or the emotion the same way that Rich Roll and Jeff Spencer do. But I would like to share a small point from the podcast that I think has fundamentally shifted my way of thinking.

But before I do, let me share two pieces of information: I quit my job, effective January 21, 2014 in order to pursue my dream of fitness, wellness, motivation, and inspiration and Jeff Spencer (the interviewee) is the creator of The Champion’s Blueprint. Moving on…

There are seven parts to the champion’s blueprint and I actually listened to the podcast again today to make sure I fully understood all seven parts. Yesterday, step one, legacy, really resonated with me. Today, step two, mindset, struck a chord with me that has honestly shifted my way of thinking about things. There were a lot of things Mr. Spencer said about mindset but my favorite line was when he said The champion doesn’t ask What do I stand to lose? The champion asks What do I stand to gain? 

The month of January will bring about a lot of scary and exciting changes. Other than being unemployed and having to create my vision from the ground up, I will also start training once again for the Boston Marathon. Now sure, training for a marathon isn’t that out of the ordinary for me. But this race is different. This race showed me defeat in 2012 like I have never known before. I can not, nor will I, let that happen again.

Personally, I feel that I have an athletic potential that I have yet to reach. I know I can accomplish so much more than what I have done so far. Yes, I’ve run some fast times but never once in my marathon running career, have I arrived to the start line being fully trained and uninjured. In fact, my 3:26:46 time in Chicago was after 2 months off from any real training. If the three times that I have Boston qualified have been with absolutely no serious training, I know I can be so much faster. I like the pain. I like the hard work. This is something I want so badly, but wanting it isn’t enough.

So what does this have to do with the question What do I stand to gain? Well it has everything to do with that question.

What do I stand to gain is a mindset. If every action that I take throughout the day is centered around that one question and if I have my legacy clearly defined, I will better prioritize. I will stop being afraid. I will stop being lazy. And stubborn. If I can answer the question what do I stand to gain by running at an easy pace? with you’ll better recover from the workout yesterday, I’ll slow down. I know I love to overtrain and 7:30 miles aren’t really an easy pace. Like I said, I will prioritize. And as I enter into the world of unemployment, if I can answer the question what do I stand to gain by making new contacts, asking questions, or putting myself out there for ridicule and critique with the answer you’ll be a step closer to achieving your career goals, then that’s okay. I’ll do it.

The two questions, what do I stand to lose and what do I stand to gain, are the same question, but with two different focuses. If we are always counting our losses or focusing on the bad, then how can we ever expect to move forward? It is those who are willing to risk the most, who stand to gain the most.

Thank you Dan for encouraging me to download episode #57. 🙂

Happy Trails and Happy Running,

Tracie

And this is how we spend our Saturday nights… attempting pistol squats.

My sister Toni and cousin Dan having a little family fun

My sister Toni and cousin Dan having a little family fun

Aug 15

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New Directions

School starts back on Monday, and the question on my mind right now is, Where the heck did the summer go? It always goes by so quickly but I am always thankful for the time to recharge (and take a vacation or two). This summer has actually been very eventful. Besides running quite a few miles and traveling to the west coast, I also took this time to investigate something that I’ve been thinking about for quite a while…

There are two things that I feel very strongly about in this world: my students, and health, wellness, and exercise. Well I guess that technically makes four but I group the last three together. In my dream world, I would have a facility that teaches teenagers about health, wellness, the benefits of exercise, but then it would go beyond that. It would teach them about goals, self discipline, meditation, self respect, teamwork, conflict resolution, success, failure, determination, drive, and overall, just how to be amazing. Therefore, I figured the next step to working with teenagers in this regard was to get my personal trainer certification. Before I decided to do this, I did some research to find the certification that was known as being “the hardest” and the one that the least amount of people had. After all, everyone seems to be a trainer these days. I chose the National Strength and Conditioning Association, which has a 57% pass rate, and I am happy to say that on Tuesday, I passed.

Now a test on a computer is great and all, but there are so many things that I simply do not know about the fitness world. Luckily, I have the opportunity to intern with, who I believe, to be one of the best trainers in the area. In fact, I wrote a blog about his awesomeness over a year ago. Might as well learn from the best, right?

In the meantime, I have dedicated myself to learning as much as possible and venturing outside of my running world knowledge. In just the day and a half that I’ve been reading, taking notes, and experimenting, I’ve realized two things. First, my fitness knowledge is extremely limited (and I actually considered myself to be quite knowledgeable). Second, I am weak! Sure, I can run in a straight line pretty well. I’m fast(ish), I like my leg muscles, and I tend to think of myself as being more flexible and mobile than other runners. However, in experimenting with new exercises, pilates routines, and unilateral workouts, I’m pretty sure I might be sore for a week. It has been oh so fun, but it has really opened me up to the idea that I might not be nearly as fit as I previously thought.

I’m not sure what the future holds but I am very excited with the direction it is headed. I really do love pushing my body to do new things and learning as much as possible about health and fitness. I also really love working with teenagers and I hope to find a way to bring these two worlds together. It would just make my day.

Happy Trails and Happy Running,

Tracie

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