The Perfect Bubble ... Aka Fitbloggin

Close your eyes and imagine a place ... WAIT! Strike that! If you close your eyes you can't read the picture I am painting! Oops!

Okay so partially close your eyes, but enough so that you can read the scene I am about to create.

Got it?

Okay. Let's start over.

***

Partially close your eyes and imagine a place. A place filled with friends. Friends you may have never actually met in person before. But you feel surrounded by love and peace. You walk through the hallways of this joyous place and every few steps you are engulfed in a loving embrace. An embrace where the positive energy from one person fuses with the positive energy of the other and forms a bond that nothing could break.

Oh you want a place to sleep? Well, you better find some roommates. Yes four people + 2 beds = a room. You get introduced to a couple people online that need a roommate and you wearily agree. But as soon as you walk into the room, the bond is formed. This is the place you are meant to sleep. These are the people are you meant to stay up chatting with in bed until 4am. You may even arrive in the room at 1:30am, meet a new roomie and immediately climb into bed with them without any second thoughts. Why? Because the love is already evolving. 

You look down at what you are wearing and realize that absolutely nothing matches. You literally have every color of the rainbow on your body and instead of feeling a thousand judgmental eyes starting at you glaring "What is that girl wearing?" You look up and see people applauding your ability to leap out of the box and not care what other people think of your outfit.

Rather than slinking into an unfamiliar terrain you BOUND into a room. Instead of slumping in a seat in the back of the room - you plop yourself in the front. Why the front? Because rather than hiding against the wall trying to remain invisible - you are front and center at this party! YOU are leading the discussion rather than watching from the outside wishing you could get the courage to be included.

When you scan the list of fitness classes being offered in this magical place, you don't flinch. You don't hear the little voice inside your head telling you "You are too out of shape to try that," "You really think you are strong enough for that," or "You think you have enough rhythm?" But rather, you hear "You are awesome," "You deserve to try this class" and "You will kick some <> ass!" Why the different inner voices? Because you are in a complete judgment-free zone. You walk into that Zumba class OWNING your lack of rhythm, but you have one of the best times of your life. Why? Because you were inhibition free. You had NO FEAR.

You get an email asking if you would participate in a Fashion Show during lunch one day. As you hit Respond to the email, your mind says "NO NO NO NO NO," but your heart says and your hands type "YES YES YES!" That's right YOU are going to get up on a stage in front of all the attendees and model fitness wear on a catwalk. Yes on a raised catwalk. You go last, you step on stage and the cheers start erupting. The fear goes away and the smile gets wider. You even strike a couple yoga poses since hey are you modeling yoga pants.

One evening the magical place even offers a reception, where there will be dancing. Eek! As already noted, you can't dance. You have total white girl syndrome. But you don't fall back into old habits of sitting at a table in the back, watching everyone else dance and wishing you were out there too. Instead, you join your friends out there. You do some of the worst dancing out there, but is anyone even looking at you? Yeah they are. But, because you have the biggest smile on your face and a big constant infectious laugh flying out of your mouth. You are having the time of your life and not thinking about the cameras snapping your picture doing the lawn mover or the sprinkler. You are in the moment of having a BLAST with friends and having your abs hurt from laughing.

It is a place where smiles are large, the laughs are all-encompassing, the tweets are flying, the love is growing and the friendships are blossoming.

It is a place where ALL are worthy of being there.

***

Now open your eyes back up fully.

Hi!

Isn't this place amazing? Don't you want to stay in the warm glow of the awesomeness forever?

Would you believe me if I told you this place truly exists? It is around for just 3-4 days a year, but it fills you with enough love for the whole year.

What is this place called.

Fitbloggin

I've had the honor to attend Fitbloggin for the last two years: September 2012 in Baltimore, MD and this past weekend in Portland, OR.

So what is Fitbloggin? Creator Roni puts it best on the website:

The FitBloggin’ Conference is for anyone who blogs about fitness, wellness, good food and a healthy lifestyle–regardless of where they are in their journey. Our attendees are a melting pot of fit-minded people. Some of us are on a mission to lose weight. Others are training for triathlons. We have gym rats and folks learning to run. We welcome vegetarians, vegans, and convenience food junkies alike. We may all be in different stage of fitness, but we all share one passion: To live a happy, healthy balanced life.

More than just another blogging conference, FitBloggin’ is all about the desire to use technology, blogging and social media to motivate, inspire and foster a culture of health and wellness. We strive to bring together bloggers from all walks of life to create a tightly connected group of men and women who care deeply about and are committed to spreading this passion for fitness.

But, as I described earlier it is so much more. It is truly the first place in my life that I have felt 100% accepted and judgement free. Over time I will talk more specifically about my experience at Fitbloggin, especially about co-leading a discussion and participating in the Fashion Show.

For now, I leave you with this dreamland. This safe place where I can be me ... and get a hundred hugs for it!

Will I see you at Urban RAID Boston?

Do you reside in the Boston area? Do you want to take part in a wicked cool obstacle course?

Do you want to challenge your comfort zone?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, YOU should join me for the RAID Series Urban obstacle race in Boston on July 27th!

ONE MONTH FROM TODAY I will be tackling my 3rd obstacle course race. In September 2012, I completed my first Warrior Dash and in June 2013 I had a blast at Ruckus Boston.

According to their website:

Introducing a new, cutting-edge race series designed for a new breed of cross training athlete – The RAID. Come experience the next generation of obstacle racing; one that features varied terrain, large-scale customized infrastructure, and extraordinary venues that range from picturesque beaches, to energized downtown metros, to breath-taking mountain sides. The RAID offers you the chance to choose one or conquer all three races in distinct environments – a unique challenge that no other series can provide. For just under five miles in distance at each race course, you’ll be challenged to run, crawl, jump, climb, and scramble on sand, city streets and steep slopes. Our immense constructed obstacles are designed to test your strength, agility and fortitude, while keeping you safe and injury free. We want you to cross that finish line exhausted and ecstatic, with your friends and family cheering you on. And we want you to celebrate your accomplishment by joining your fellow athletes and fans at the post-race party, complete with recovery stations, sponsor booths, music, food, and beer!

They have a beach raid, a mountain raid and an urban raid ... so what will Boston's URBAN RAID entail?

Anyone who has run on busy city streets knows that it’s a challenge in itself. Urban RAID takes it to the next level by capturing the best of city landscapes and urban elements and incorporating them into an innovative and challenging course. The city is your course in Urban RAID.

Boston's URBAN RAID will take place at City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston on July 27 at 9am. The course is 3.1 miles (5k) with what looks like nine obstacles.

Now, this race is GEARED to people of ALL fitness levels and anyone over the age of 16! So if you are worried about participating in your first obstacle course race ... this seems to be on for you!!

If you are nervous about being able to participate in an obstacle, don't worry there are volunteers on hand to help!

Racers are required to complete all obstacles before continuing on in the race. Staff will be stationed at each obstacle to ensure no racers are skipping obstacles and are able to complete it. In the event that racer cannot complete, they will be assessed a penalty in the form of an alternate obstacle or 10 burpees.

Now this is the first time they are hold a Urban Raid race in downtown Boston, so there aren't actual photos of the obstacles yet ... but here are some drawings.

How cool would it be to cargo net up towards City Hall?

How exciting would it be to do some Marine Hurdles with the historic Faneuil Hall in the background?

Seems pretty cool right? A new way to check out downtown Boston.

If you want to join my team and I at Urban RAID Boston then head over to their site and register!

REGULAR ($65): JUNE 12 – JULY 25 ON-SITE ($75): JULY 26 – JULY 27

Oh yeah that's right - you can sign up as a team. How fun would it be to jump our of your comfort zone with some of your closest friends???

Your friends aren't "racing" type people? Okay, tell them there is an after-party!! :) That's right. RAID will be hosting a post-race party at a local bar, which will be revealed closer to race day.

So if you are looking for a new adventure and you love downtown Boston then this race is for you!

So again ... will I see you there with me on July 27?

Weekly Workout Wind Up (6/20-26/13)

After a week of double-triple workout days, I took Saturday and Sunday as rest days - mainly because we were traveling to upstate NY for a wedding so that meant a looooot of time in the car. I did dance at the wedding to help a little. ;) But, I made up for it on Monday!!  

Thursday, June 20: Day 29 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 5k Run and Afternoon Walk With A Friend

Friday, June 21: 5k Run and Day 30 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Saturday, June 22: REST DAY/Wedding Dancing

Sunday, June 23: REST DAY

Monday, June 24: Personal Sprint Tri (1/2 Mile Swim, 9 Mile Bike, 4 Mile Run) and 45-Minute Spinning

Tuesday, June 25: 45-Minute Stairmaster

Wednesday, June 26: 3.7-Mile Run

Next week will include a four-day trip to Portland for Fitbloggin ... so workouts should be varied!! 

Wedding Weekend

"So we are going to a wedding of someone you have never met in person" - My Wife "Yup, but we have been friends online for about three years ... so it makes total sense!" - Me

***

This past weekend the wife and I took a road trip to upstate NY to attend the wonderful wedding of Suzi Storm. Suzi is someone I've had the pleasure of knowing thanks to blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Weight Watchers, etc.

When she originally invited us to her wedding, I knew I had to be there. I know it seems crazy for never having met her in person, but when you find a good connection with someone - you make the trip.

Suzi's wedding was to take place June 22nd in Cicero, NY. Quite a haul from Boston, MA. I knew flights would be pricey so driving would be our only option. Hello road trip!

Friday traffic in Boston is NO joke. It usually takes me about 10-15 minutes to get from my house to the wife's work ... on Friday, June 21 - it took me 45 minutes. NOT a good way to kick off a road trip.

I picked the wife up just about 5pm and we hit the open road for upstate NY. We were hoping to get there before midnight - factoring in a stop along the way for dinner.

Massive traffic leaving Boston that thankfully dissolved about 45 minute to an hour into the trip. Despite numerous bathroom stops - thanks water and caffeine - we pulled into the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express in Cicero, NY at 11:15pm.

Thankfully on Saturday, for the first time in a looong time, we would be able to sleep in. Hey, no dogs to take out or a morning workout to do - I was excited for it.

Aaannnd eyes popped open at 6:45am - DAMN YOU INTERNAL CLOCK!! :P I thankfully was able to force myself back to sleep until 8am and it was all over. I headed out in search of Dunkin Donuts and hair gel (yup packing for a whopping 2 day trip and I forgot hair gel).

The wedding was starting at 12:30pm so we had plenty of time to lounge around before getting ready. We headed down to the lobby at 11:45 in preparation of the Noon shuttle. But when I got to the front desk, the woman asked the shuttle driver - who was also the breakfast chef/attendant - how to get to the venue and she had no idea.

We took this as a sign and just drove ourselves to the wedding ... which took about 6 minutes! Thanks GPS!

Now Suzi had made everything herself for the wedding with a lot of suggestions/ideas of Pinterest ... and it looked AMAZING!

Right from the moment of walking in the front door.

With no seating plan, we sat ourselves down at a table and waited to see who our new family would be. But, no one ever came. Yup, the wife and I must've smelled or something ;) because no one wanted to sit with us apparently.

Or maybe it was the fact that we were sitting at "lucky" table #13??

How awesome were the gifts? Koozie, bottle opener (hidden inside koozie), a tiny bell and a personalized guitar pick.

On the back it read: "ever thine, ever mine, ever ours"

Amazing! Wicked creative!

When you walked in there was an entire bucket of bubbles and we took quiet a few bottles, which led to much amusement as the afternoon wore on. ;)

While we waited for the ceremony to start outside behind the reception area, we grabbed a drink and took in all of Suzi's hard work!

And quickly put the koozie to good use. :P

I like Hershey kisses so we may have left them quite a few wishes! ;)

The handmade paper flowers that Suzi sweated over turned our beautifully!

I love a good bouquet!

Check out the amazing cake topper...

How cool is that?

And instead of a wedding cake - they had cupcakes!

While we were drooling over the cupcakes, it was time to head outside for the ceremony!

I had to make a pitstop beforehand to snap a pic of my outfit. We needed proof of the non-sneaker footwear. :)

I was just so excited that the dress size matched my shoe size - both size 8! Eeek! *insert happy face*

We then headed over to the gazebo-y area for the ceremony. It was nice and sunny with no chance of rain. Phew!

I could see the top of Suzi's head before she started walking down the aisle and I couldn't wait to see it all.

Radiant! Gorgeous! Glowing!

It was amazing to finally see my friend in person and in such a special way to boot!

The ceremony between Suzi and Frank was short, but sweet. You could feel the love.

And before you knew it - they were man and wife!

ROCK ON!!!

I had to make sure I snapped the pictures as I felt pressure to get them right from the whole social media world. ;) I hope I made everyone proud.

It was party time! And finally time to hug Suzi in person.

We all headed back into the reception hall and it was time to celebrate.

There was music, dancing, drinks, a buffet and cupcakes.

I HAD to go with the Guinness and Bailey's cupcake ... and it was GLORIOUS!!

Before I knew it, it was 5pm and time for the reception to end. But not the party!!

We took a quick detour back to the hotel to relax for a quick hour and for the wife to change into more comfy clothes and for me to put the hair up and grab a Sparkly Soul headband.

Then it was time to meet the crew for the after party at a local bar, Cooper's. It was a little joint with a deck that overlooked the lake.

It was great to chat with Suzi, Frank and some of their other friends/family in a more intimate setting after the craziness of a reception. :)

About 8pm it was time for us to say goodbye and head somewhere to catch the Bruins-Blackhawks playoff game. (I was not happy with the outcome, but had actually fallen asleep before the end)

We successfully slept in until 9am on Sunday - WIN! We decided to check out the local Cracker Barrel for breakfast since I had never been there. Yeah not my cup of tea!

Then we decided to check out Syracuse a little before getting back on the road to Boston. So we drove around Syracuse and checked out the University before heading to a local brewery for a tasting.

Middle Ages Brewing

It was a great little detour with some delicious beers. You were able to sample 7 different brews for free!

Of course we walked out with a sample 12-pack and a pint glass. :P

Since it was close to 1pm it was time to hit the road since we really wanted to be homy by 6pm.

Thankfully the trip back home wasn't too eventful and we hit minimal traffic.

Overall, it was one AMAZING weekend. We both needed a tiny break from life and it was exactly what we wanted. It was an honor to be part of Suzi's special day and I can't wait to figure out when we will see each other again!

My Makeshift Monday Morning Triathlon...

On Sunday while driving home from Suzi Storm's wedding in upstate New York, I was tracking my friend Tara from A Life Changing Journey OWN her first Half Ironman. At the same time, Krysten from The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail was ROCKING her first Triathlon. How could I not be pumped and inspired by all of that awesomness?

So what did I decide to do yesterday morning?

Attempt my own personal Sprint Triathlon at the gym.

On March 3, I somehow landed on the Boston Triathlon (Sprint Tri) website and registered for it (happens August 4). Don't remember, check this out to refresh your memory!

Training has been slow. I finally bought a bike on May 5, but getting the running-biking-swimming training schedule down has been tough. I am trying to train for the Sprint Tri (1/2 mile swim, 9 mile bike and 4 mile run) while also keeping up with training for a slew of half marathons, marathon and Dopey Challenge - which are all on the horizon.

But with all the awesomness that happened on Sunday, I woke up yesterday morning and committed to attempt to do this whole Sprint Tri at my Boston Sports Club location.

I didn't really want to tell anyone what I was going to attempt in case I failed. I confided in Dacia from Run. Ride. Repeat. since she is a non-judgmental cheerleader! :)

I made sure to get #PoweredByBits before embarking on this endeavour thanks to ENERGYbits!!

I got to the gym about 10am dressed for the swim with a backpack of clothes for the bike/run.

Thankfully between google and my math degree I was able to figure out that I would need to swim 32 lengths of the pool or 16 laps in order to reach the 1/2 mile swim the Boston Triathlon has.

I popped my X-1 Audio waterproof headphones on the back of my goggles, started my timer and I was off. I was going for nice and even strokes and hoping not to go out too fast.

Boy did the music help keep me focused on the swim and on the correct lap number. :P

I finished the 32 lengths in 15:04.

Can you tell I was excited?

My arms felt GREAT! And I owe a huge thanks to my wife since the bathing suit, swim cap and goggles were all borrowed from her. :P

I quickly headed into the locker room to change for the bike.

It has been AGES since I used a regular gym bike...

... since I normally get my bike on either outside with Roxie or in Spin class!

It was an awkward bike experience, but I was determined to finish the 9 miles on the bike no matter what.

I definitely know the bike section will be better 1) in the moment, 2) with more practice and 3) on a more comfortable bike!

My legs were feeling a little tired - I think from the awkward motion from the oversized bike ;) but I was ready to hit up the treadmill for the 4 mile run.

As I was running, I decided to keep myself at a nice 8:30 pace. I obviously was not doing this little experiment for time, but to prove to myself that I could.

But, as the run got to the 5k mark, my legs were feeling good so I started upping the pace a little each tenth of a mile. Because why not, right?

I ended up with a 8:31 min/mile pace and I was A-ok with that!!

I DID IT!! I successfully completed a swim-bike-run in that order and with minimal time in between each one.

I know the actual Sprint Tri will be a whole different experience, but boy did completing each distance within a 2-hour timeframe make me feel a tad more prepared!

I ended up finishing my challenge in 1:21:33.

At least now I have a jumping off point for the rest of my training. I have about 5 weeks before actual race day.

Now I need to work on getting outside and swimming in the open waters, bike on the street and put the sneakers on the pavement.

But for now, I will bask in my own awesomeness and inspire myself to get out and do more!

Dani Dishes 6-24-13

On this episode of Dani Dishes, I thank social media for the friends that have come into my life, joining Suzi Storm on her special wedding day and heading to Fitbloggin this week! Product Of The Week Jolly Time Popcorn -- http://www.jollytime.com/products/pop_corn/view?object=525

Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred Review

I share my adventures with Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred! It took me 40 days to complete May 11-June 21 due to injuries, etc but I completed each of the 3 levels 10 times just like she wants. I tweaked the program to fit my injuries and I feel AWESOME!! [embedplusvideo height="281" width="450" standard="http://www.youtube.com/v/EW0to1P5vs0?fs=1" vars="ytid=EW0to1P5vs0&width=450&height=281&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=" id="ep5633" /]

Argyle Zensah Compression Socks Giveaway

Annddddd the winners ARE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATS!!!!

Thank you to everyone that participated and big thanks to our Sponsor!!!

***

What was life like before compression? How did I run for so long before welcoming compression into my life? Boy was I late to the party! Now I rock lots of compression ... arm sleeves, leg sleeves, socks and even shorts!!

And all from Zensah! About six weeks ago, Zensah gave me the opportunity to review a pair of Neon Yellow Compression Socks, which you can read here.

While neon is fantastic (never thought I would say that outside of the 1980s), it doesn't go with all of my running outfits. Zensah to the rescue. Argyle Say whhaa?? You heard me ... argyle compression socks ($49.99 value)! Like the website states:

Zensah Argyle Compression Socks provide runners, triathletes, cyclists, and all athletes with increased circulation and decreased recovery time by utilizing advanced graduated compression in each pair of argyle compression socks - meaning the greatest amount of compression in the ankle and less in the calf area.

Of course I had to pick the white-grey-neon pink argyle socks since they go so well with my Asics running shoes. Don't you agree? We were a match made in Heaven. Many wonder when compression socks can be worn and Zensah puts it best:

The argyle compression socks are able to be worn prior to exercise to help runners warm up and prevent injury. Athletes are able to wear the compression socks during running and other exercises to help increase endurance through improved muscle oxygenation. Wear Zensah Argyle Compression Socks post-exercise provide runners, triathletes, cyclists, and athletes with a valuable recovery tool, helping to rebuild muscles faster.

Yup, that's exactly what I would say: before a workout, during a workout or after a workout!! Your choice! Personally, I am most apt to use the argyle compression socks for post workout recovery ... especially with some weakness in my left leg after a back injury/surgery/sciatica I suffered in 2011. The compression socks really help the blood to flow and to speed up the recovery process. I even go as far as wearing them at night while I sleep if I feel I really need the help! But, there are days when the legs are feeling sluggish or tired and I will break out the compression socks. The day I ran the Freedom Trail Run (June 8) was one of those mornings ... so my amazing neon pink-grey-white Zensah socks came with me. The day was overcast and some puddles remained from a heavy rain the night before, but the moisture wicking fibers kept my feet nice and dry. Additionally, the padded toe and heel offer extra shock absorption on the uneven Boston cobblestone streets. And you know how you hate when a seam gets in one of those uncomfortable positions in your sneaker and you have to stop running, pause your Garmin and adjust the sock ... not in the Zensah compression socks since they are seamless. Smart designers!

So, I may have chosen the neon pink-grey-white argyle pattern this time ... but Zensah has 6 patterns to choose from. Eek, which will I choose next? *Black-Electric Blue-Light Blue *Black-Grey-Light Pink *Black-Grey-Neon Pink *Black-Turquoise-Green Apple *White-Electric Blue-Light Blue *White-Grey-Light Pink *White-Grey-Neon Pink *** So, now we get to the exciting part ... do you want to do know what it is? Well, I guess the title of this post gave it away ... it's a GIVEAWAY!!! Zensah generously offered a giveaway with not 1, not 2, but 5 lucky readers will win their own pairs of Argyle compression socks! YAY!!!!! Here's how to enter: The giveaway will run from Monday June 17 (9am ET) through Friday June 21 (9am ET)!

The winner will be selected and announced on Friday!

Weekly Workout Wind Up (6/13-19/13)

Weellll I wanted to return to swimming this week, but apparently the pool had a different idea and it was closed everytime I headed to the gym. But, I am going to get over my fear of swimming outside and embark on that endeavour next week! Eek! I hurt my ankle at the Ruckus Boston race on Saturday so I took it easy on Sunday and Monday and made sure to have an ankle brace on. But, starting Tuesday I was brace free and feeling okay!

Thursday, June 13: Day 25 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Friday, June 14: REST DAY

Saturday, June 15: Ruckus Boston (4-Mile Obstacle Run)

Sunday, June 16: Walk/Stairmaster/Elliptical with Lindsey

Monday, June 17: Day 26 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 3.2 Mile Run, Bike To/From Work, 5k Run and 50-Minute Spin

Tuesday, June 18: Day 27 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 2.5-Mile Run and 45-Min Stairmaster

Wednesday, June 19: Day 28 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 4.1-Mile Run and 10-Mile Bike Ride w/ my dad

Feelin' STRONG this week!! :)

Defying Gravity...

Normally when running, I just sing along to the musica internally since well ... I can't sing to save my life. It is painful for the people around me so I usually allow the inner voice - which of course sounds like Jennifer Hudson - to belt it out. However, there are those rare times when the path is empty, I'm in either a really BAD or really GOOD mood and I let myself BELT the music out outside of my head.

This generally only occurs when I am in a particularly horrible mood ... which unfortunately has been happening a lot lately.

SO what happened?

Well, last week I was having one of those off days so I secured my X-1 Audio swimming headset contraption to the back of my Team REFUEL visor and set out for a run.

I've only put three albums (are they still called that?) on my iPod shuffle inside the X-1 headset so far: Wicked, P!nk and Adele. Can you tell I was emotional when I selected these? ;)

Midway through the run one of my favorite songs from Wicked came on - Defying Gravity!

The song came on, the path was clear and I started BELTING this song at the top of my lungs. If anyone drove by me, I apologize for the noise. ;) Especially since I had the headphones in so I had NO IDEA how loud I was probably singing. :P

No matter my mood this song empowers me and it worked its magic again that day.

I'm through with playing by the rules Of someone else's game Too late for second-guessing Too late to go back to sleep It's time to trust my instincts Close my eyes: and leap!

It's time to try Defying gravity I think I'll try Defying gravity And you can't pull me down!

THIS! 1,000 times this. Singing this out loud reminded me why I started this crazy journey four years ago. This journey of shedding the weight, trying new things, starting to run ... it was all to break the rules OF MY OWN GAME.

It was time to take the leap and try! It was time to prove people wrong - that I could lose the weight, that I could become a runner, that I could change my life.

So when these moments of self-doubt or self-hatred creep into my mind, this lyrics are on a constant loop inside my head. And as always I'm singing them just as well as Kristin Chenoweth - obviously!

But, for me. The main person I am singing to is not a social media hater or an unsupportive friend ... but myself! I am the one that is constantly doubting my abilities.

So if you care to find me Look to the western sky! As someone told me lately: "Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly!" And if I'm flying solo At least I'm flying free To those who'd ground me Take a message back from me Tell them how I am Defying gravity I'm flying high Defying gravity

And the accomplishments I have started flooding through me: shedding 60+ lbs, completing 10 half marathons, running 3 marathons, trying classes like Hip Hop, Zumba or Yoga, putting myself out there through my blog, sharing experiences I never thought I would and constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

So this week my goal is every time a negative thought about myself creeps in - I'm combating it with an accomplishment.

Nixing the negative baby!

I've made this promise before and attempt for awhile then fall back into old habits. But, the win is? At least I keep trying. At some point it has to stick, right?

***

Can you relate? Do you have an empowerment song?