Thankful

This morning when many people are sleeping in or putting their turkey in the oven, I was up running. The weather has been amazing this late in the season, and I couldn't help but take advantage of a nice day.

Instead of listening to my regular music mix, I turned on some inspirational tunes and really paid attention to my surroundings.

Some observations:
1. I now know where to go in my neighborhood if I want to run 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 miles.
2. Horse poo changes back into hay when it biodegrates. I swear.
3. Living by new construction has its advantages - can you say porta potties?
4. I wasn't able to run like this last year at this time - and I was over 40 pounds heavier.
5. After the first mile, getting into a groove feels good.

I'm healthy and I'm happy. And for that, I am thankful.

Helping you live the healthiest life possible

After 40 years, my employer updated their mission statement. Intermountain Healthcare's new mantra:

Helping you live the healthiest life possible.

How fantastic is that? It aligns everything we do. One of the biggest support structures I've had on my journey is the LiVe Well program.

"LiVe Well. It's not a diet. It's not a boot camp. It's not about the perfect body. It's not about a quick fix, a six-week program, a band-aid, a fad. It's a lifestyle, not a crash course. It's about learning how to LiVe Well.

Based on research and a better understanding of the complex challenges we face in managing our health for better quality of life, LiVe Well is about fresh ideas to help you make healthful choices and become more physically active in your journey to well-being through a healthier lifestyle."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

LiVe Well video

 

My cousin's story - for your OWN sake, keep on!

Cynthia is my cousin. She lives in College Station, Texas and has an incredible story. In fact, she motivates me to run every day. With her permission, I would like to share her story with you:

Yesterday I didn't run. It was too hot. I was maybe getting sick. I didn't have time. Today I wasn't going to run. It's too cold. It's raining. I was up with a stuffy nose half the night. I don't have time. 

Then I remembered. Two years ago, this week, a 225 pound tired, depressed, miserable, embarrassed woman took a few steps out her door. And then took a few more. The next day she did the same. And then took a few more. Rain, sun, time, sickness- there were no excuses. She amazingly and faithfully kept going. Amazing because she had no idea if THIS would be the time. Faithful because she believed it COULD be the time. She had no idea that her journey would be life changing, and quite possibly life saving. 

I am amazed at how strong that woman was. She had no idea. She looked in the mirror and saw failure and humiliation. Her husband and children saw love and beauty. And told her daily. She didn't believe them. But, yet, she still took those first steps. Those hardest steps. Two years later and she's changed my entire physical life. No more asthma. No more chronic migraines. I'm training for my second marathon, because of her - the woman I was two years ago. 

And because of the woman I was two years ago, I ran today. I ran tired, in the rain, with a stuffy nose, even though I don't have time. Because of her. And I still struggle with who I see in the mirror. But I am slowly learning I am so much more than my physical appearance. Because of her. I am in awe of my fellow friends who are beginning or in the middle or even in the "stuck" phase of their own journeys. You are stronger than you know. You are worth more than you know. You can do more than you possibly can imagine. 

I would love to go back in time and show that woman who she became, to help her on those days when she felt hopeless and that she'd never succeed. But she didn't need it. And neither do you. Keep on. Keep on! For goodness sake - for your OWN sake, keep on! (Disclaimer: if Simon Cowell were judging this post he'd say it's self indulgent, and he'd probably be right, but I posted it really in the hopes of encouraging those who are courageously fighting a similar battle every day! Keep on!)

Cynthia pictured (l to r) two years ago, one year ago and this year.

Finishing The 30-day Health Challenge

I learned a lot about myself during this challenge. It was hard, but I managed to be consistent the whole time. It included doing a lot of funny things to get 10,000 steps: running in circles in the back yard, running around the block at 11 p.m., marching in place by my bed, etc...

The first day I didn't get a perfect score was Day 21 (the first day of my business trip). I worked out at the hotel, but I just went crazy with food - namely the pumpkin cheesecake at Barnes & Noble.

Every week a prize was given and I managed to win the 4th week consistency prize, which meant a lot. In fact, the contest ended on October 30 and I still reported in on October 31 because I was so proud I had a "perfect" day on Halloween!

Old habits die hard. 

Training Day 

(doing mountain climbers on the left) Stacy Reed (organizer of the challenge) is second to the right.