Renewal Fitness

I decided to take the time to sit down this afternoon and write out my personal, spiritual, and Health & Fitness goals for 2015.  As I started to write them down, dream big, and set some goals that seem extremely unattainable I had both excitement and fear.  What if I fail?  What if I can't reach the goals I set?  But just when my mind started to doubt my dreams and visions the Lord quickly reminded me that He has given me a heart & passion for these things and that whatever I decide to do, if I do it in Honor of Him and to glorify Him, that He will bless the dreams and desires of my heart.

As I was praying for 2015, the Lord placed a specific word on my heart:  

Renewal:  The replacing or repair of something that is 

worn out, run-down, or broken.

The desire of my heart is to help those who feel they are in need of a RENEWAL of their body, mind, and spirit!  As born again Christians we have a responsibility to take care of our bodies.  In 2010, when I hit rock bottom, I knew God loved me and I knew I was created in His perfect image but I was worn out, run-down, and broken.  I was unhealthy, had unhealthy habits, and needed to make a serious change of my mind, body, and spirit.

This year my desire is to use my monthly online accountability groups to do just that... renew your mind, body, and spirit through support, encouragement, and accountability!

Here is my declaration for 2015 - if you would like to join me in a Renewal Fitness Accountability Group, please send me a message on Facebook or email me for more information!  

My Goals for 2015:

As a wife are to continue to cover Allan in prayer as my husband & Savannah's father.  For his spiritual leadership, his role at work, and his heart & passion for music.

As a mother are to continue to pray over Savannah, her heart, and gentle spirit.  To invest in her, teach her, and serve her as best as I can.  To put her homeschooling needs first and create an environment that is loving and supportive.

As a friend are to be intentional and spend quality time investing in those around me.  To serve and love - even when it is uncomfortable.  To not hold offense, share the message of salvation, and not be rushed in conversation or time with people.  To listen-not always talk.

My goals spiritually are to grow closer to the Lord in a way I never have before... I really struggle with grasping God's love for me and that I don't have to earn His love.  I have committed to a bible study with a friend and hope to take my time, prayer, and growing in the word to a new level.

My goals for Health & Fitness:

1)  Easterly Wellness:  I am excited to be working as a Fitness Coach for Easterly Wellness here in Maineville, OH.  Pursuing my certification as a Personal Trainer through NASM has been exciting- the classes have been difficult but my desire to educate, teach, support, and encourage those who desire a renewal of their bodies, minds and spirit will be used.  I am looking forward to working one-on-one with clients and helping them transform their minds & bodies!

2)  I am also really excited to expand my Coaching Team with Beachbody!  The WONDERFUL thing about coaching with Beachbody is that you don't need any type of certification - you just need to share the vision of ending the trend of obesity!  I've been spending a lot of time working on a vision for my team, the type of people I want to be coaching with, and who I would like to celebrate with after accomplishing specific business goals.

So if you're interested in making some extra income by helping others lose weight & get healthy while you lose weight & get healthy - send me a message!  I'd love to give you more information and have you on my team!

Have you began to think about your GOALS for 2015?  If so, what are they?  

The other day I passed on some Halloween Candy I was offered and someone chimed in saying; “You’re so athletic and thin, you can eat whatever you want!” 

It was a backhanded complement because I appreciate the compliment but this person doesn’t know my struggle with sugar and my past of yo-yo dieting.  She only knows me as the crazy running girl and fitness coach. 

It was just 2.5 years ago that I began my health transformation but she didn’t know that.  She didn’t know that up until that time I struggled with my weight, that I was unhappy, and always comparing myself to everyone around me.  That for 10+ years I tried everything from starving myself to binging... I was the person who said one thing but never followed through when it came to my health because I had an excuse for everything.  

I was caught in a vicious cycle that consumed me, ending with me telling myself it wasn't worth it, accepting my weight, and embraced it with fast food, soda, candy... never looking back... I ate whatever I wanted, when I wanted to the point of making myself sick.  I had a problem.

I don’t share that very often because it’s a dark place having no value and worth.  Thankfully, I have a Savior who is loving and met me in my darkest moment, reminding me that I am His creation – I was formed in His image and my body is a temple. 

The Lord doesn't look at the outward appearance but at the condition of our hearts – God doesn’t care what the scale says but he did see how I was treating my body through poor eating habits, laziness, and by making choices weren't honoring my body.  In fact, they were destroying my body and health.  Gluttony, lying, binging, finding comfort in food instead of comfort in my Savior... turning to food instead of the Lord was not honoring my relationship with Him, my husband, or my family.

If it’s time to make a change, I would love to come beside you and help you reach your goals one step at a time.  Why is getting healthy important to you?  Is it time to make that change and begin to get healthy from the inside out?

My journey isn’t about being skinny… My journey began because I was tired of being lazy, overweight, unhappy, insecure, and sick.  When I look back at those pictures of myself, it makes me sad because I can see the "sickness" in my eyes.  I know how unhappy and achy my body was.

Don’t get me wrong, I still struggle.  In fact I had to confess to my current Accountability Group that I had a really difficult week of overindulging and just not caring… but this week is a fresh start and I’m refocusing on what’s important.

If you’re ready to take the steps to get healthier please contact me and let me partner with you and help you reach goals find me on Facebook – Hillary ‘Thomas’ Mayne or email me at hillarymayne@gmail.com

Lets do this together!

Air Force Marathon Race Recap

It's taken me a few days to get this post together - last week a year of training my dad for his first marathon came to a screeching halt.  18 weeks of training, mental preparation, and anticipation for running 26.2 miles with my dad changed in 24 hours.  A race that was to be filled with joy, pride, and accomplishment within seconds turned to sadness, tears, and disappointment.

I cannot ignore that the Lord DID come through - my dad's heart is healthy.  My dad was cleared to run the marathon.  His cardiologist was not concerned about what the angiogram showed.  What stopped him from running the Marathon on Saturday was the port of entry for his angiogram - there was concern of hemorrhaging and that is what stopped him from running.

You may think I'm being dramatic when I say this but it's true, the mood for the marathon felt more like a loss of something instead of a celebration.  Friday dad and I went to the Expo as planned, Savannah and I picked him up and headed to the Nutter Center.  I had great conversation with my dad - we openly talked about the disappointment, frustration, and confusion.  The "let down" of emotion and both spent time crying together - mourning the loss of us not able to complete this last milestone of crossing the finish line together.

We did some "retail therapy" at the Expo and bought a few matching running shirts, coffee mugs, and picked up our packets.  When we got back in the car, dad grabbed his bag and cried.  It broke my heart.  On our way home we talked some more and I gave him his scrap book.  It again was bitter-sweet.  I wanted him to be encouraged in his frustrations and I knew the cards everyone sent him would do that for him.  He has so much to be proud of.

The rest of the day I tried to refocus my mind for the race.  Everything I was preparing for had changed within hours... I was not prepared to run this distance alone.

I tried my best to eat food that would fuel me for race day but nothing sounded good.  I was able to get to bed around 8:30pm and woke up rested.

Saturday Morning - RACE DAY!

4:00 am - 4:30 am Alarm went off!  I tried to be excited but driving up to the base alone, standing at the start line alone, and running alone was all I could think of.  I was so sad... I sat in silence and asked the Lord to meet me.

5:15 am I loaded up my car and headed to WPAFB

6:45 am Parked and sat in my car - needed to focus.  I sent my dad a few texts.  Let him know how much I love him, missed him, and wished he was with me.

7:15 am At Start Line.  If you're a friend or frequent to my blog, you know I have a few running buddies.  I found Chad and we stood together and chatted for a bit.  It was nice to have a friend, familiar face, and some encouragement before the race.  The gun went off and we started together.

Miles 1-7 Just like everyone told me were rolling hills - I was prepared and felt good.  I was able to click into my stride easily.  I had created a worship playlist and turned it up... tears started before mile 2.  It was going to be a long run.

Miles 8-10 I got to see my friend Melissa who was there supporting her husband.  It was great to run by her twice and see her smiling face!

Miles 11-13 I was feeling strong- the sun was really starting to beat down and get hot.  We didn't have any shade so I pulled back a bit to save my energy.  I had heard miles 20-25 were rolling hills and steady inclines so I wanted to make sure between the heat and my emotions that I wasn't zapped.

Miles 14-18 Are really a blur... Here's the thing about a marathon - the adrenaline you receive from people, the excitement and joy is truly what pushes you to get through the tough miles... I just couldn't receive any of that.  I was so sad - I was running without my dad, it's really all I could think of.  I was running my fourth marathon and he was stuck at the finish line, eagerly awaiting - wishing he was running his first.  Why couldn't I have been the one stuck at the finish line unable to run?!

Miles 19-22  I hit my wall and had to walk... I was emotional, crying, and just frustrated.  I was hot and really had nothing left.  I didn't care about my time but wanted to cross the finish line for my dad.  My heart was full of disappointment and sadness.

One of the reasons I love running is because of the running community.  Around this time of me just wanting to stop, there were people who would pass me or join me walking and talk to me about my dad.  They would encourage me to keep going for him, to stop crying so I could finish strong.

Mile 22  I stopped to walk up the last big hill and ate a banana.  I rehydrated, refocused, and asked the Lord to just carry me through the miles.

Miles 23-25 I met a dad who was running for his son who is currently deployed.  He ran beside me and asked me about my scripture on the back of my tank (Psalm 73:26) and told me to keep pushing and moving forward for my dad.  He stayed with me and at mile 26 he said; GO!

Mile 25.5-26.2 I passed my friend Melissa and her son Jaden they were cheering.  I could see the finish line and I knew my family was there waiting.  I heard dad yell my name and I started waving at him.  It was then I became weightless, it was then I felt the spirit of the marathon, it was then I heard the announcer say; "And here she comes, crossing the finish line for her dad!"

As I crossed the finish line I wept, as soldiers handed me my medal, I cried.  They hugged me - they reminded me to smile.  They congratulated me.  I felt so unworthy for a solider to congratulate me... I should be handing THEM medals for their service and sacrifice.

I walked through the line and found my dad and we embraced, celebrating me finishing but sad that it was done alone.

I finished the race under 5 hours but it wasn't my best run time wise - in fact it was a lonely run.  The kind man that ran beside me found me and wanted to meet dad!
I'm so thankful to Allan for coming to support me in this run, it's difficult to wait 3 hours at a finish line for someone and not get bored...especially with a 5 year old!  Thank you for being there for me!

So where's the silver lining in all of this?  How am I going to find the bright side in this race?  You know... I'm not really sure!  When I think back on the WPAF Marathon, I will be sad and there is a feeling of disappointment but I refuse to let that take away from how wonderful and powerful training and running with my dad is.

We have always had a great relationship, so the time together is enjoyable.  It is hours together that I am absolutely grateful and blessed to have.  We plan on continuing to run together - Run Like Hell 5k this October, the Turkey Day 10k in November, and who knows where that will lead us...

Bottom line - I love my dad and I probably will never know or understand why this happened.  We will keep running, keep honoring the Lord, and celebrating milestones and accomplishments!

Thank you for all of your prayers, encouragement, cards, texts, and support through this entire training! We will be back!!!

Review: 3-Day Refresh

3 Day Refresh

Review

Those of you who know me and are familiar with my blog know how much I love being a Health & Fitness Coach with Beachbody, how much I enjoy Beachbody products, and that I have seen amazing progress in reaching my health and fitness goals because of Beachbody workout programs.

In my 15 months of being a coach, I have had not one person return any of the Beachbody products or programs purchased due to dissatisfaction.  The company is outstanding to work for and they produce legit products.  So when Beachbody released the 3 Day Refresh, I was VERY excited to give it a try!

When I received it in the mail I was beyond impressed with the packaging!  Unlike most cleanses or fasts, this box had everything organized by day along with a little calendar on the inside of the box so you could get a quick glance to see what your day looked like.  There was a booklet that laid everything out so all you had to do was fill in the blanks with what you were going to eat from the nutrition guide, it made preparation super easy!

The recipes were simple and the food list was great.  I got to eat hummus, almond butter, and avocado as my good fats, lots of great veggies, and fruits.

Day 1:  I started out great.  Eating fruits, veggies, and good fats isn't a problem for me because I have a fairly clean diet to begin with.  I stay away from added sugars, drink black coffee, and enjoy my Shakeology.  It was a pretty easy day.

The fiber sweep shake did make me gag... it wasn't the flavor but the texture.  Definitely got thick, quick!  I anticipated being in the bathroom all afternoon like Harry in Dumb in Dumber... but it was quite the opposite.

I stayed hydrated, drinking around a gallon of water and even had to add in another serving of veggies and healthy fat.

Night of Day 1 I didn't sleep well but woke up with a ton of energy for day 2.

Day 2:  I started out with a huge burst of energy... I had not had a BM in 24 hours which was very concerning for me because that is VERY rare.  Around 11 am I got hit with severe stomach pains, headache, and irritability.  I laid down but my energy was zapped.

I made my dinner hoping that would help but it only made me feel worse.

I continued with the shakes and tried to finish for the day.  I was hoping another Fiber Sweep shake would kick in and start working but no luck.  The Vanilla Fresh was a great tasting shake but I couldn't finish it, I felt so awful.

I made sure I stayed hydrated, drinking more water than required but still had no luck with feeling better.

Night of Day 2 and I was up the majority of the night, exhausted and still no BM.

Day 3:  Woke up feeling drained, not refreshed at all.  I was so frustrated because every single person I have known that has done this cleanse has absolutely LOVED it!  I was also extremely irritable for many reasons but the main reason because I still had not had a BM.

I decided my health on Day 3 was not the best and that I needed to make some coffee to help my situation... I also ate some turkey sausage and decided to not finish the cleanse due to exhaustion, irritability, and no movement with my bowels.

I ate veggies, fruits, and healthy fats throughout the day along with my daily Shakeology and was feeling back to normal by the end of day 3 and finally had my first BM.

RESULTS:  Although I did not finish the 3 day Refresh, I lost 2.2 lbs.  It wasn't really worth the weight loss because I am not really interested in losing weight - I just wanted to "refresh" my system.  I have kept the 2.2 lbs off since Friday but as I mentioned earlier, I keep a pretty clean diet.

TAKE-AWAY:  What I learned from the 3 Day Refresh is that not all products that are helpful for others will be helpful or beneficial to me.  If I've learned anything as a Health & Fitness Coach it is that our bodies are all so very different and need different things to refresh, establish healthy habits, and jump start weight loss.

I fully stand behind Beachbody and the 3 Day Refresh - it is a great product, high quality and has been super beneficial for many people.  It just wasn't right for me.  I have had several customers buy the cleanse and have been very honest in my experience with it but have also encouraged them with other success stories from clients and coaches.

If you'd like more information on the 3 Day Refresh program, feel free to check out my website:  www.teambeachbody.com/hillarymayne or email me at hillarymayne@gmail.com for more information!

You, Me & Sugar Free!

When did sugar = reward, love, comfort, an escape?

This past March I read a book that you could say changed my life.

"Year of No Sugar" brought me a realization that was embarrassing, emotional, and difficult to admit.

Sugar was an addiction.

There was a part of me that thought no one else struggled with sugar the way I did, 

so I kept my sugar habits to myself.  

You know:

*sneaking candy bars in the car, closet, or after everyone is asleep

 *going through a drive-thru and grabbing a soda

*having 2-3 cupcakes because I deserved it

*baking a batch of cookies and eating 2 dozen out of the 3 dozen

I believed the lie that I was the only one with this struggle.

Then I read that book and it seemed as though this woman felt my pain & connection to sugar.

And I thought if I can connect with this woman who I've never met,

how many of my friends are feeling the very same way?!

So instead of facing this problem alone, 

I faced it head on and posted it on Facebook!

I decided to create an accountability group called;

YOU, ME, & SUGAR FREE!

As a Health & Fitness Coach, I offer monthly Accountability Groups but this one would be different.

It would be different because we were all giving up something that had an emotional attachment to it.

During the 30 days we focused on ourselves as individuals and our personal goals.  The Biggest Question was: Do you want to remove ADDED sugars from your daily intake or ALL sugars (including natural sugar like honey, molasses, & fruit)? 

For me, I removed ALL added sugar!  The only sugar I have permitted myself is the proper serving size of natural sugar found in plain greek yogurt, fruits, and veggies.

We also had to become familiar with the 52 specific names of sugar and how to identify added sugar and natural sugar in our foods! 

We created "exceptions" and they were different for everyone. 
My 2 are:
1) Drinking my daily dense nutritional shake: Shakeology, that contains 6g of stevia
2) Quest Protein Bars that contain 1g of stevia

The goal and focus of the group is really my heart to why I'm a health & fitness coach.  To EDUCATE women, to help them understand the importance of their health and inspire them to live a healthier lifestyle.  I love being a support & encouragement in helping others reach their health & fitness goals.

I think that's why this group has such a special place in my heart.  

It was all women who found themselves slaves to sugar.

In the 30 days:

We endured withdrawal:
"I went through some MAJOR withdrawals yesterday! Body aches, tired, and an annoying headache that just wouldn't go away! But we are almost a week in and there's no turning back now!" ~Me

We endured WHAT THE HECK moments, when we realized some of our favorite snacks contain added sugar:
"Having a meltdown. Do you know they put sugar in ritz crackers?! What the heck is that?! I have lots of questions now..." ~Sarah S.

"BTW-I can't live without ketchup and am so annoyed it has high fructose corn syrup in it!" ~ Jacki R.

I received check-in's that would start with:
"before you bust me for _________"

We endured moments of weakness & temptation - encouraging each other to STAY STRONG and saw the fruit of our ACCOUNTABILITY:

"Reason #901 that this group rocks: typically when I'm up late at night I'll pour a huge bowl of sugary cereal or grab a bag of chips & dip, etc...but here I am at 12:17 am filling up my water bottle! Not nearly as "fun", but I know I won't be kicking myself in the morning! Thanks again for the accountability!" ~Sarah L.

"Went out to dinner last night. Had unsweetened iced tea for my drink, which was a huge victory over the new "chose your own concoction" coke machine. We almost didn't go out because I was afraid I would give into the temptation soda. " ~Jacki R.

We celebrated weight loss:

"BTW-weighed again this morning and am down another 5 pounds...total of 8 since 6/1!"  ~Jacki R. 

"'I've lost four pounds! I haven't even stepped on the scale in a week because losing weight wasn't my main goal...but YAY! It's amazing what happens when I'm not consuming 6,000 empty calories a day"  ~Sarah L.

"After much debate, I decided to step on the scale this morning. I lost 5 pounds. I really can't believe it, but I can feel that I've lost 5." ~Sara S.

"PS - eating this way instead of out at restaurants or indulging in dessert every night allowed me to lose 2 pounds while traveling. That NEVER happens." ~Jennifer P.

When I decided to be a Health & Fitness Coach I knew I wanted to change lives but I never thought it would be through food & exercise accountability.  This "business" I am in has nothing to do with sales or how much money I can make but everything to do with people and transforming their lives, inspiring them to be something they never thought they could be.  Mainly because I was that person and I can understand being overweight, never being part of an athletic team or having a sport that is "yours".  Feeling uncomfortable in your clothing, no confidence, being the "overweight" friend, fighting every month with the scale, trying every diet, starving, binging... the list goes on and on... 

I do not promise easy and quick results but if you commit to nutrition + fitness I promise you will have success!

The heart of my business as a Health & Fitness Coach is in my accountability groups - We had a lot of things to celebrate in the 30 Days of No Sugar but the greatest celebration was:

 The FREEDOM of no longer being a Slave to Sugar!

1.  "Thank you for offering this group. It has changed my outlook on everything. I do plan to continue to cut out sugar but will plan in some cheat days. My kids have been asking for a special Graeter's trip all month, and one of my daughters bought me a pint for mother's day, which I haven't eaten yet. LOL! But I'll make the pint last a long time.  I did not have weight loss this week, but there are some other factors at play (if you know what I mean). For the month, I lost 10 pounds, and I'm super happy about that. Although my husband and kids aren't completely on board with cutting out as much sugar, I think we all are more aware of what's going on with our food now. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!" ~Sara S.

2.  "Although I didn't go completely free, my sugar intake was definitely limited a ton! I want to keep this up. I realized how many things have hidden sugar!yikes! Thanks for being so encouraging!:) I have the year of no sugar book and I really want to read that!  thanks for everything!!" ~Michelle T.

3.  "Thank you so much for hosting this group. Sugar has always been a HUGE part of my life... especially in stress eating that is my go-to! I could definitely tell when I went OFF of sugar with the detoxification that was NOT fun and then went back on it(It was also not as yummy as usual) This has put my mind frame in a complete different way when I look at sugar and it's an awesome feeling that I can be more aware of what is going into my body. I'm looking forward to taking hold of the 'sugar reigns' and controlling it and not letting it control me!" ~Kelly R.

4.  "This weekend we did a little 4 day get away and I had totally planned to allow myself liberty...I ended up having one mini Hershey bar (we were at the Hershey factory) and a chocolate chip muffin (at a birthday party). I felt like I had totally indulged. No soda even tho we ate out for almost every meal. Sugar is going to be "sparingly" as it should have been all along." ~Jacki R.

5.  "I've thought about only having sweets on major holidays (& family birthdays/weddings/etc)...that way I'm not giving it up forever, but it will make it that more more special! I keep thinking back to one of Hillary's original posts of how we 'reward' ourselves with sugar all-the-time! It's so ridiculous!" ~Sarah L.

6.  "I keep thinking to myself- I'm going to buy a package of cookies when this over! But seriously that would defeat the purpose of trying to change my mindsets and strongholds on this crap. I'm definitely not had a detox of sugar yet, especially since it's in my morning coffee that I'm not ready to change yet, but just feeling like I need to reward myself or treat each other at holidays...I want to really get that out of my head. It's so hard when family is has so many eating issues. I have to control what I can control and move past their crap. I don't want to be a slave to sugar for the rest of my life. And I want to learn more about healthy desserts too and try to forever stay away from packaged crap." ~Molly R.

7.  "I don't know mediocrity at all. I think I'm going to reserve it for special occasions as well. I use it as excuses and having not had it much the last two weeks my mind is more clear and I am more fully present as a mom and wife. I see things differently spiritually as well – it's radically changed me." 

~Jennifer P.

As for my 30 day progress:  

If you've been part of my accountability groups you know I'm not a big fan of the scale.  A lot of times we get caught up in numbers when in reality the scale can miss BIG parts of your transformation! 

Although I did not lose any weight, I saw transformation within my stomach, skin, and inches lost.  I kept my same workout regiment of running and a 25-30 minute workout program 5x week.

If you're ready to make a life change and want to join my next Accountability Group or are interested in joining my Team of Coaches who have a heart and passion to change the lives of others, please message me:  hillarymayne@gmail.com OR find me on Facebook (hillary.mayne) or Instagram (hrmayne)!

The Perfect Body

Now that the weather is warming up and summer is officially on its way, Savannah and I are starting to work on our tans and are enjoying days at the pool!  Summer is so much fun, from cookouts to bon fires, long days at Kings Island and the pool, play dates at friends houses and going to the zoo... there are so many sweet memories made in these weeks.

Saturday, I was lucky enough to get a couple hours at the pool ALONE!  I'm pretty sure this is the first time since Savannah was born that I've been able to hit the pool by myself and it was AMAZING!  I got to soak up the sunshine without pacing the pool, running from the slide to the mushroom, to having a snack.  I just sat in a chair and soaked in everything around me.

One thing I am observing this summer, no matter what pool or water park I am at, that I cannot seem to overlook is the insecurity of the women around me...insecurities from strangers, friends, and even myself.  Almost a sizing up of sorts that happens from all women at the pool- admiring other mommies that have defined abs, boobs that fill a suit, butts that aren't sagging, flat stomachs, the cutest swim suit, so on.

No matter the size or shape of the women, every single one of us seems to have something we are insecure about on our own body.  You can see it in our eyes and behavior- wearing a coverup until it absolutely has to come off, covering up in a towel, asking friends if we're too "fat" for the suit we've purchased, and then pointing out the flaws in our own body.

Why do we do this?

As I looked around Saturday, I saw women admiring other attributes of the other women at the pool and listened them talk to their friends about their imperfections and it made me so sad.  Mainly because I've had the same conversations with my friends...

In my health & fitness journey I've learned that my body is far from perfect and no matter how hard I try, it will never be perfect and be pleasing to everyone.  Especially if I try to meet the standards of perfection our society has set... I have long, thick stretch marks that go from one hip to another from pregnancy, stretch marks on my inner thighs from weight gain then weight loss, I have 3 scars from an appendectomy on my stomach, and a small chest from 2 years of nursing and weight loss.  Why does that matter?  When I look in the mirror I shouldn't even be playing this comparison game, although it is my body - it belongs to the Lord and is a temple that I should be taking care of and have confidence in.

Why are we embarrassed about our stretch marks, sagging skin from past pregnancies or weight loss, thighs that touch, big hips, small chest, and so on?

Whose approval are we trying to receive?
Why do I need verbal affirmation from everyone to have confidence?

The ultimate goal should never be to have the perfect bikini body, the ultimate goal should be a love and respect for your body and health.  Taking steps forward, no matter how small, and working towards a healthier mind which ultimately leads to a healthier body.

So this summer I want to encourage you to not dread the swimming pool and putting your suit on.  Walk in confidence knowing you have been fearfully and wonderfully made in the perfect image of God.  Take pride in your health and those baby steps you're taking towards a healthier lifestyle, encourage one another, and support other women in your life to do the same thing!

One more

The daddy/daughter running team is back at it!

 We are very excited to cross another finish line together!

My dad has convinced me to run ONE MORE marathon this fall, The Air Force Marathon in Dayton, OH this September!  That means I better get my butt in gear and get training started.  I'm a mixture of excited and scared, my dad is really a great runner :)

Because this is my dad's first marathon and we will be running it together, I felt it needed a hashtag so we could keep a log of his training!  it will be:  #dadsfirstmarathon14

We wanted to do a local marathon so all our family and friends could come support dad as he hits a HUGE milestone in his life!  Saturday, September 20th - we would love to see familiar faces along the 26.2 mile run!

Fed Up!

You may have clicked on this link because you wanted to read a great rant and find out some juicy details about what it is I am fed up with... I may disappoint a few of you but it is SUGAR!

You may find yourself seriously laughing out loud, shaking your head, and thinking; "Hillary, you've taken this fitness and health thing to a whole new level.  That is STUPID!"  And it's okay if you think that but please, continue reading because there's more to it...

Many of you know My Story and struggle with emotional eating.  For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with my weight because I use food as an escape and comfort.

I recently finished reading Year of No Sugar a Memoir by Eve O. Schaub and am finding myself in a place I've never really been before.  As I get older, I'm able to recognize that I struggle with emotional eating but I connected with this book, the author, and couldn't put it down.  I connected with it because for me, I finally was able to admit to myself that SUGAR is my ultimate expression of LOVE.

I knew dessert was something special, something magical (pg. 3)

I've either completely lost you and you think I'm nuts or I've caught your attention ;) 

I have connected sugar with how I show my love: 

• Homemade hand rolled, cut-out cookies with hand piped icing = love
• A birthday cake made from scratch with hand piped icing = love
• Homemade chocolate cookies and brownies hot out of the oven for guests in my home = love
• A homemade apple pie for the new neighbors = love
• Cupcakes for holidays = love
• Ice cream treats in the summer = love
• Candy bags = love
• Icee from Target = love

I have connected sugar with how I love myself:

• Hard day with the kids =  m&m's
• Unwinding from a long day = make a batch of cookies
• Celebrating meeting a new goal = ice cream
• Just because = brownies
• I ate all my veggies = candy
• I worked out = homemade rice crispy treats
• A long day of errands = fountain soda

I created this mindset; 

What harm could possibly be done by enjoying dessert?!  

Especially if I've EARNED it!

How did this happen?  When did this happen?

In all honesty, sugar has become my "drug" of choice.  

And that has raised two really BIG questions for me: 

How do you escape it?  

Is it even possible to go without sugar?

Have you looked at the labels of your food lately?  If not, I encourage you to check them out... Seriously, go to your pantry and fridge and check out the sugar content.  

You'll find added sugar in:

Milk/Chocolate Milk

Bacon

Pretzels 

Flavored Yogurt

BBQ Sauces

Fruit Juices

Spaghetti Sauces

Sports Drinks

Granola

Coffee Drinks

Ketchup

Instant Oatmeal

Jelly & Jams

Protein Bars

Dried Fruit

and that's just a few items!

Sugar is ADDED to 80% of the foods on our shelves.  EIGHTY PERCENT!

No wonder I'm addicted!

A friend of mine who knew I was reading the book, suggested I check out the documentary FED UP!  Check out the trailer here:

Does that light a fire in you?

Can you relate or connect with my struggle?

As a Health & Fitness Coach with Beachbody, each month I host online 30 Day Challenge Groups where I encourage and push people to set and reach their personal health & fitness goals.

Monday, June 2nd I'm going to host a *FREE* online 30 Day Challenge Group called

YOU, ME and SUGAR-Free!

*No Shakeology or Fitness Program required*

Together we will do our best to become better educated on ADDED sugar in our daily foods and set a goal to go Sugar Free for 30 days.

We will take it a day at a time.

We will encourage each other.

We will CELEBRATE with each other.

We will support each other.

We will share ideas.

Most of all, we will be successful!

In this group I will provide you with:

What NO SUGAR looks like in your daily diet.

Recipes that are free of added sugar.

Grocery list.

Encouragement and Support. 

I'm looking or 10 people who are serious about wanting to learn more about sugar, are wanting to change their mindset, and are ready to take steps in the right direction to meet their health & fitness goals.

Contact me ASAP if you want more information or would like to join the group.

Mini Heart Half Marathon Recap!

Sunday morning my dad ran his FIRST half marathon!  He's been itching to run longer distances since experiencing the spirit of the running community while cheering me on at the Akron Marathon.  We started with local 5k & 10k runs these last few months and trained up to 10 miles... dad said he felt strong so we signed up for the Mini Heart Half Marathon here in our hometown of Cincinnati, OH.

There are a few reasons this race is important and special to us -
1)  This race is sponsored by the American Heart Association.  All money raised & donated goes to support and research heart disease.  From children to adults, Heart Disease is scary and many people have felt the pain and loss of the disease.

2)  My dad is a heart attack survivor.  In 2007 he suffered a massive heart attack and wasn't expected to live.

3)  Last year I ran the Mini Heart Half in honor of my dad.

4)  Cincinnati is our hometown so it's special but it's really special to my dad because he grew up in Carthage... downtown Cincinnati has always held a special place in his heart.  He has done years of ministry on Vine St. and truly loves this city.

So this year being able to run it as a Daddy/Daughter Team was pretty special.  We started running together this past fall and it's been pretty symbolic of our relationship.  I have a great relationship with my dad, we have this understanding, a connection, and understand that not a lot of words need to be spoken.

Saturday evening dad stayed at our house, Sunday was going to be a very early morning!  We set our alarms and tried to get some sleep -

Sunday morning it began...

4:30 am - alarms went off!  One of my biggest fears is that I over sleep on race morning!  I will wake up every hour to check... I headed downstairs to start breakfast for us!

5:00 am - dad and I ate oatmeal with raw sunflower seeds, banana, blueberries, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and a tablespoon of almond butter w/ black coffee

5:30 am - layered up!  It was FREEZING - in the 20's and 18-20 mph winds!  That called for 2 pairs of winter running pants, 1 base layer, 1 middle layer, and 1 outer layer.  Gloves and headband for ears!  It.was.cold!

6:00 am - time to go!

6:45 am- We got downtown, parked and walked towards fountain square.  The anxiety and nerves of the race were getting stronger.  It doesn't matter how many marathons or half marathons I run, I'm always anxious and nervous walking to the start line!

7:00 am- We went into a building to keep warm and were packed in with many others who had the same idea :)  We wanted to stretch and stay warm so our muscles wouldn't lock up.

7:15 am - We went off to a corner and prayed over the run.  It was an awesome time for us to focus and  be prepared for the 13.1 miles ahead of us!

7:20 am - We headed outside and decided what our goal time would be.  We had said we'd like to keep a 10 minute pace the focus, especially since it was so cold and windy.  We didn't want to push too hard and the wind completely exhaust us.  So we set 2 hours and 15 minutes as our goal.  We lined up behind the pace keeper and said we would stick with them.

7:30 am - The starting GUN went off and so did we!

Miles 1 & 2- If you're familiar with races you know the first few miles can be kinda slow, it's a huge herd of people pushing through and you just kinda follow the herd, slowly but surely it begins to open up and you're able to find your groove and pace.  It's quite the sight... seeing thousands of people ahead of you and thousands of people behind you, all running for the same cause, all believing in the power of the run, all sharing the same passion for running.

Mile 3/5k- 31:30 (10:10 pace) We were pacing great and feeling strong... the wind wasn't awful and the cold was bearable.  Dad patted me on the back and had a huge smile on his face.  He was so excited.

Miles 4 & 5 - took us down to Delta, turned us around and back up 50 West into the Downtown area.  For those of you who think 50 is not hilly- let me assure you it IS!  Rolling hill after rolling hill the return from Delta was a tough one!

Mile 6.2/10k through mile 9- 1:02:27 (10:05 pace) And the final stretch on 50 began... the last hill on 50 was tough but we pushed through it and were able to keep time, not losing even a second in our pace.

Mile 9.3/15k - 1:33:42 (10:05 pace)  We got a nice downhill to shake out our legs and arms and some flat surface to run on for a bit before hitting the bridges.

Miles 10-12 - Bridges... and these were brutal!  We hit the bridge by US Bank Arena first and it's a slow and steady hill that had 18-20 mph winds beating us head on!  This was dad's FIRST time going past 10 miles, he said he was feeling good... so we kept in our pace.  As we ran past the Newport Aquarium and down by the river, we came back around to the front of Newport and crossed back into Cincinnati on the Purple bridge.  I was really hoping the wind would be at our backs but it wasn't, it was even stronger on our faces as we returned into Cincinnati and pursued mile marker 12!

Mile 12 - was just a tease... Dad was feeling great, we weaved around and headed back toward fountain square but just before mile 13 we had ONE LAST climb.  There is something awesome about hearing the cheers, screams, music, and drums of the finish line that gives you a boost of energy to finish strong.

Mile 13- And for the first time, dad felt that energy- the runner's high, the power of the run.  He picked up his pace, he saw that finish line, he saw the clock, and his eyes lit up!

Mile 13.1- We grabbed hands and crossed the finish line STRONG!  Hugging, crying, hands in the air... Dad successfully completed his FIRST HALF MARATHON!  Our FINAL time was 2:13:30 - WE BEAT our 2:15 goal!

I really can't put into words how proud of my dad I am... out of all the "things" we could be doing together or even have in common, I never thought in a million years we would be running races together!  That is would be our "thing" that we do as a father and daughter!  But it is and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

We celebrated post race at our favorite place - First Watch!  Wore our medals and shirts- had people asking where we had been and what we had done!  It was so awesome hearing dad talk to strangers about his FIRST half marathon and his experience!

Even though it was freezing cold, dad had a great first half race!  It is something I will always remember, a time no one will ever be able to take from me, something I am so grateful for!

Daddy Daughter Team!

Within the last year, my dad has been bit by marathon bug!  He was a runner several years before I picked it up but stuck to shorter distances...

For those of you who do not know my dad's story here's a short recap - 

Easter weekend, 2007 my dad suffered a massive heart attack and was not expected to live.  Both my sister and I were engaged at the time, the heart attack was out of the blue, and the whole thing was a complete blur.  What I do remember is being in the hallway of the ER, curled up in a ball crying, hearing my mother screaming at the doctors to "try again!"  I remember them calling us into a room to say our final words... my sister, mother, and I around his head... praying over him and hearing my mom say; "God is not finished with you yet!" It was quite the whirlwind of emotions and moments.  Within seconds doctors were yelling his heart was stable and they were rushing him into surgery...

My dad is a miracle and should not be here with us today!  I am so thankful the Lord intervened and healed my father, giving him more time here to walk me down the isle, be Savannah's Poppie, and my favorite running buddy.

Post heart attack, dad became a fitness guru and focused on strengthening his heart and managing his heart disease.

Fast forward to 2013- mom and dad came to my 3rd Marathon - Akron, and dad fell in love!  He said he was READY to take the journey!  So he hopped in on mile 23 and helped me finish the Akron Marathon... he felt the energy from the crowd, the spirit of the marathon, the POWER of the run and now he is addicted :)

We've been running local 5k & 10k's over the last few months and wanted to train this winter for a Spring Marathon.  If you're in Cincinnati, the Polar Vortex has absolutely KILLED any dreams of getting a Spring Marathon in and I was in a car accident which also killed any dreams of getting a Spring Marathon... 

 Last year, I ran the Mini Heart Half Marathon in honor of my dad and as prep for the Flying Pig Marathon.  The Mini Heart Half Marathon is an awesome race that The American Heart Association organizes in honor of those who have passed and survive heart disease, they raise money for research and promote awareness.  It's a great organization but a pretty brutal running route.

This year I was hoping to avoid the Mini Heart Half because it's a tough route... After Akron I said I was taking a break from running...ha!

Then my dad asked if I would run with him...

How could I tell him no?!

Sunday morning, dad and I will be lacing our running shoes up and taking on dad's FIRST Half Marathon - The Mini Heart Half!  I'm so excited for him... this race is perfect, it's to honor him as a survivor!  Our 5k & 10k races have been really special and he enjoys them so much!  As a runner, there is nothing more exciting than race morning, he "gets it"... This is our thing.

I've always had a wonderful relationship with my dad, he truly is so special.  I admire, respect, love, and cherish him.  He is full of Grace, Compassion, and Mercy.  He is a teacher, he serves my mother, our family, and so many others.  He is a man of God, full of integrity, and everyone that encounters him is touched by him.  

He is a miracle.

He is a surviver.

He is my dad.

We are a daddy/daughter team and crossing that finish line at 13.1 miles TOGETHER is going to be pretty special.