Transforming into the best YOU!

I began my journey to a better me some years back but truly decided to give it my best the last 3 1/2 years. I started running half-marathons 6 years ago but I wasn’t getting toned in my abs and upper body.

 

[Photos: July 2018 (left) — December 2010 (right)]

I knew I had to step it up but I was having issues motivating myself.

 

I hired a trainer for about a year and I never looked back.  My message is clear, if you need help — ask for it and/or pay for it! It will help you get the results or motivation you need to get on track for a healthier you. I finally was at a point where I could just change into my workout clothes and get moving in my house.

 
I canceled my gym membership because I never MADE the time to go and workout. So, working out at home works out best for me. I understand not everyone can do that so we all have to find what works best for us.

 
My journey hasn’t been without its struggles. (I am human!) I have days where I don’t want to get up early to knock it out but I overcome it with the mindset of how bad I want to maintain my health.

 
My goal was never to be skinny but to be STRONGER! I still have to work on the abs the hardest. After having two boys my skin was stretched out and didn’t bounce right back like many. But the bottom line is, I have strong abs and I accept my body because it is in the best shape it has ever been.

 
I still enjoy a festive beverage, chips with guacamole once in a while. It’s all about balance!! So get in a run, workout at home or go to the gym. Just get moving and aim for a healthier YOU!

 

 

 

Why do I run?

I remember being at work on April 15, 2013, gathering news like I normally did, when an alert was issued of a possible bombing at the Boston Marathon. There were in fact two homemade bombs that killed three people.  Several hundred others were injured, including 16 others who lost limbs. Needless to say, it was a tough day at work and the weeks to follow.  I remember crying as I heard several inspirational stories from some individuals who lost limbs, saying they would run again.

(Photo credit: John Thumacki/The Boston Globe/AP)

That is the moment I decided I WILL RUN for those who can’t! I signed up for my first Aramco Half Marathon and completed my run in January 2014!

Fast forward to January 2018, I completed my 5th Aramco Half Marathon and my older son, Joshua, ran his third one.  He saw his mom tackle it and wanted to join in!

We all have our reasons on why we embark on OUR journeys. My story is simple but important because the hope those strangers shared to the world, inspired me to get moving.  So when I begin to feel tired during my long runs, I think of those who lost their lives and those who chose to fight back with vengeance to regain their life back and that keeps me going!

I will continue to run to stay healthy, to remember the victims and to inspire those around me that believe they can’t!

I bought this T-shirt from my amazing friend, Heidi Jones, who worked with an organization to raise funds for the victims of the bombing.