I write this with great anticipation- tomorrow morning I take off to Kyrgyzstan with 9 others! There is so much anticipation that I'm actually finding it difficult to put into words... Hillary, speechless?! I know, it's a little difficult for me to grasp, too ;)
When I last wrote you, I shared a deep part of my heart. A conviction really that the Holy Spirit placed in my heart. Thank you for allowing me to be transparent and responding like so many of you have.
It has been in these last 5 weeks that the Lord has continued to speak. He has removed fear and worry of travel, safety, Savannah & Allan's care and replaced them with straight confirmation. From words in the book I'm reading (Crazy Love by Francis Chan), to every.single.sermon our Pastor has preached, to orchestrating Savannah's care, Allan's work schedule, and finances. God has proven daily that THIS trip, this assignment to Kyrgyzstan is one He is calling me to. He just needed me to say YES.
I've also learned a lot about myself and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ these last 5 weeks. In reading Crazy Love, this is what the Lord has revealed to me - The Lord has given me the desires of my heart to be a wife and a mother but they are not mine. They do not belong to me. My role here on earth may be to take care of them and serve them but my ULTIMATE purpose on earth is to expand the Kingdom and be Kingdom focused. When I stand before the Lord, all the nice things people have to say about me will not matter. What will matter is what I did to expand the Kingdom and share the message of Salvation to those around me. How I served others, loved others, and gave God all of myself and my heart.
Here are some quotes from Crazy Love that convicted my heart, made me rethink my personal relationship with the Lord, and re-evaluate-
"On the average day, we live caught up in ourselves. On the average day, we don't consider God very much. On the average day. we forget that our life truly is a vapor." ( pg. 41)
"Why are we so quick to forget God? Who do we think we are?... Evein though I glimpse God's holiness, I am still dumb enough to forget that life is all about God and not about me at all." (pg. 44)
"From start to finish this life is about God. He is the main character. How is it possible that we live as though it is about us?
In the presence of God, He gives us a deeper peace and joy that transcends it all. (pg. 46)
"Why, when we constantly offend Him and are so unloveable and unloving, does God persist in loving us?" (pg. 61)
"The irony is that while God doesn't need us but still wants us, we desperately need God but don't really want Him most of the time." (pg. 63)
"Our love for Him always comes out of His love for us. Do you love this God who is everything, or do you just love everything He gives you? Do you really know and believe that God loves you, individually and personally and intimately? Do you see and know Him as Abba, Father?" (pg. 64)
"We could die at any moment and generally think our puny lives are pretty sweet compared to loving Him, yet He persists in loving us with unending, outrageous love." (pg. 65)
"Jesus's call to commitment is clear: He wants all or nothing. The thought of a person calling himself a "Christian" without being a devoted follower of Christ is absurd." (pg. 85)
"In the midst of our failed attempts at loving Jesus, His grace covers us." (pg. 87)
"God wants our best, deserves our best, and demands our best... It's easy to fill ourselves up with other things and then give God whatever is left... Leftovers are not merely inadequate; from God's point of view, they're evil. God is holy. This holy God deserves excellence, the very best I have." (pg. 90/91)
"If life is a river, then pursing Christ requires swimming upstream. When we stop swimming, or actively following Him, we automatically begin to be swept downstream." (pg. 94)
"Many of us believe we have as much of God as we want right now, a reasonable portion of God among all the other things in our lives. Most of our thoughts are centered on money we want to make, the school we want to attend, the body we aspire to have, the spouse we want to marry, the kind of person we want to become... But the fact is that NOTHING should concern us more than our relationship with God; it's about eternity, and nothing compare to that. God is not someone who can be tacked on to our lives." (pg. 96)
"Are you willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants? Do you believe that wholehearted commitment to Him is more important than any other thing or person in your life? Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made?" (pg. 97)
I highly suggest reading this book - it is excellent!
Questions Answered:
I seem to be getting the same questions so here are some answers to the common questions I've been asked:
1) Where in the World is Kyrgyzstan?!
It is central Asia, boarders China but is Russian speaking. They are approx. 11 hours ahead of us, which works out nicely. So when you're waking up to start your day, I'll be wrapping that day up!
2) What are you going to do for food and workout?! For those of you secretly laughing because I won't have a gym or meal planning/prep: No worries! I've packed T25 (if someone brings a laptop) and if no access to that, I have created 3 different training sessions to rotate through each morning using my body weight. Food wise I have packed lots of unsalted fruit & nut mixes, dried coconut and mango slices (no sugar added), Shakeology, Quest Bars and chips, Wild Planet tuna, whole wheat pita bread, Justin's Almond butter, and some organic veggie & kale chips to make sure I get my veggies in! So I have meal planned/prepped in a way - Fail to plan, plan to fail... RIGHT Challengers?!
3) Updates and/or Internet Access?!
We will be staying in an apartment with wi-fi connection. My hope is to post at least a picture and quick update each day with what we did, God moments, prayer requests, and so on to my FB account! If I get time to blog, I'll post it on FB as well.
Our Pastor will be posting Twitter updates, if you'd like to get those you can follow: AP Ministries @CincyAP
The Missionaries we will be serving alongside have a blog. They will be posting updates as well - feel free to check those out at: actofkindness.blogspot.com
4) Where'd my donation go?!
Donation Details:
Would you believe that we have had so many people give to this trip, we are trying to figure out how to get the rest of the donations over! What an AMAZING problem to have...right?!
Those of you who donated physically: I was able to fill 2 medium size suitcases with everything you gave! Diapers, baby clothing, underwear, Children’s Tylenol, Zinc, Multi vitamins for kids and adults, Vitamin C& D, anti-bacterial cream, and coffee!
To those of you who donated financially: I was able to purchase my flight, lots of coffee for the missionaries (which is HUGE because there is not coffee available to them... can you believe that?!), newborn diapers, bubbles, toy cars for the boys, and play jewelry for the girls. It will also take care of the cost for the 2 extra suitcases full of donations. I will also be carrying a significant amount of extra money to give to whatever any immediate needs may be while we are there.
Because of your obedience and sacrifice to give, there will be opportunities to bless many and meet needs...Do you know how huge that is?
5) What are you going to do in Kyrgyzstan?
We've got a jam packed schedule which is beyond exciting for me!We will be visiting the lost mountain village of Kashka
to have a Christmas party and deliver Samaritan purse boxes to approx 50 kids. Help out on the farm with kids from an orphanage. We will be
playing with the
kids and the animals as well as making the forms for the foundation for the
barn, and putting
up a fence around the garden and
painting the house. Go to the hot springs
for a swim :) Go to a men’s home, pour the foundation
for the barn and continue painting the house. Fishing. Go to a homeless shelter and the women’s shelter at the farm and the seniors home . Deliver food to the families at the dump. Visit the seniors home. Work at the Medical Clinic at the Baby Hospital, get a tour of the hospital, and pick up supplies and food for the baby orphanage, take some of the children from an orphanage to the Russian Ballet.
Thank you so much for your prayers, support, encouragement and for partnering with me in this mission!
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Thursday, January 22, 2015
the BIG announcement...
In December I knew the Lord had something BIG planned for 2015, but I didn't know what to expect. I felt something in my spirit but wasn't sure what it was about. When I say "BIG" I don't mean like a new house, baby, job or car BIG - I'm talking about spiritually BIG. A spiritual lesson, breaking, and possibly transformation. My heart had been heavy, overwhelmed, discouraged for months. I was feeling worn down spiritually... have you been there? Do you know what I'm talking about?
Determined to make 2015 a better year, I contacted a friend and asked her to meet with me weekly for prayer, encouragement, and to be raw with. You know the friend you can spill your ugliest thoughts & struggles with and they don't look at you like you're crazy?! Or throw a scripture or spiritual saying at you to encourage you... they listen to the crazy talk and agree to pray with you and over you.
We decided to meet weekly and read Crazy Love by Francis Chan. This book hits exactly where my heart is at: I know God has called me to a passionate loving relationship with Him, I know my purpose as a follower of Christ is to expand the Kingdom, I know my time here on Earth is just a vapor and I'm not promised tomorrow... but why do I get so caught up and consumed in ME?
The Holy Spirit hit me with a strong conviction... it was so heavy and I knew I had to admit it and say it out loud. The confession: On a daily basis I am not living for Christ, I am living for Savannah and Allan. They are my life. They are my priority. They are who I wake up for and serve.
Now don't get me wrong, I love my job as a wife and mother. Allan and Savannah truly make my heart beat... but that is what the Lord was convicting me of. They should not be my reason for waking, He should.
Savannah is on loan, she is not mine. She ultimately belongs to the Lord and it is the Lord who has trusted Allan and I with her. To raise her, love her, and teach her.
What a hard confession to make. It wasn't until I admitted this sin of putting Savannah and Allan above my personal relationship with Christ that I felt a shift.
Sunday our Pastor gave a message where he discussed God's currency, which is time. We are only given a short amount of time on earth to live out God's message of salvation. To complete His assignments that will expand His Kingdom, be the hands and feet of Christ, and share the Gospel of Christ. When my time on earth has faded and I stand before God, he will not recite all the complements I received for being a good mom and wife, He will hold me accountable for the way I used my time to accomplish His works of expanding the Kingdom. Was I obedient when He asked me to serve, step out of my comfort zone, and do something BOLD for Him?
A lot of times I hold back doing things because of money. We don't have the money to go, donate or give to bless others. But Pastor said something that right there Immediately overwhelmed my heart:
When God provides you with an assignment it is not tied to money.
Money is tied to your assignment.
Meaning.
If God calls you to do something... he doesn't want you to wait until you have the money to do it. He wants you to be obedient and say YES. Once you say YES, it is His job to provide the money to complete the assignment He has called you to.
And with that, I knew in my spirit what God was asking me to do.
A few people from our church are leaving for Kyrgyzstan Friday, February 27th to serve in an orphanage & mens home. The cost of the trip is approx. $2000. I decided that it wasn't for me because we didn't have an extra $2000 laying around. But the Lord put SO HEAVY on my heart that I needed to say YES. Commit and watch Him provide.
Oh the FEAR that overwhelmed my heart. I am a mother and wife. I cannot leave them. What if something happens to me or them? I would be so selfish. And it was in that thought the Lord grabbed my attention and said NO! I am calling you to this country, I will provide and need you to trust me.
I do not have $2000 but last night decided to overcome my fear and be obedient to the assignment God has called me to. I committed to serve in Kyrgyzstan for a week and know this is just the beginning of something so GRAND for 2015.
Here's what I need from you:
1) Commit to Pray-
a) Over Allan & Savannah: peace to flow through them. That although we will miss each other that the Lord will give them sweet peace. They will stay healthy and safe while I am away.
b) My parents and Allan's parents as they take care of Savannah. For wisdom and love to flow through them as they invest and pour into Savannah while I'm away.
c) My travels: safety to and from the airport, as we are flying, during our layovers, and as we are driving in Kyrgyzstan.
d) Personal Fear: that I would let go and surrender all personal fear of leaving my family to love those orphans and leaders in the city we are going.
2) Financially-
As I said, I committed to this assignment trusting fully the Lord to provide & meet every need. I need to raise $2000 by Wednesday, Feb. 25th. That's a pretty bold number in a quick amount of time but I am trusting the Lord.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.gofundme.com/koa75c
3) Donations - I have a list of things that are needed in the orphanage and home that I can take in my suitcase. If you are interested in giving to that, please email me for more information: hillarymayne@gmail.com
I am scared, nervous, excited, and overwhelmed but know this is exactly what the Lord is asking of me! Thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement!
Feel free to contact me if you have more questions about the trip or how you can help!
~Hillary
Determined to make 2015 a better year, I contacted a friend and asked her to meet with me weekly for prayer, encouragement, and to be raw with. You know the friend you can spill your ugliest thoughts & struggles with and they don't look at you like you're crazy?! Or throw a scripture or spiritual saying at you to encourage you... they listen to the crazy talk and agree to pray with you and over you.
We decided to meet weekly and read Crazy Love by Francis Chan. This book hits exactly where my heart is at: I know God has called me to a passionate loving relationship with Him, I know my purpose as a follower of Christ is to expand the Kingdom, I know my time here on Earth is just a vapor and I'm not promised tomorrow... but why do I get so caught up and consumed in ME?
The Holy Spirit hit me with a strong conviction... it was so heavy and I knew I had to admit it and say it out loud. The confession: On a daily basis I am not living for Christ, I am living for Savannah and Allan. They are my life. They are my priority. They are who I wake up for and serve.
Now don't get me wrong, I love my job as a wife and mother. Allan and Savannah truly make my heart beat... but that is what the Lord was convicting me of. They should not be my reason for waking, He should.
Savannah is on loan, she is not mine. She ultimately belongs to the Lord and it is the Lord who has trusted Allan and I with her. To raise her, love her, and teach her.
What a hard confession to make. It wasn't until I admitted this sin of putting Savannah and Allan above my personal relationship with Christ that I felt a shift.
Sunday our Pastor gave a message where he discussed God's currency, which is time. We are only given a short amount of time on earth to live out God's message of salvation. To complete His assignments that will expand His Kingdom, be the hands and feet of Christ, and share the Gospel of Christ. When my time on earth has faded and I stand before God, he will not recite all the complements I received for being a good mom and wife, He will hold me accountable for the way I used my time to accomplish His works of expanding the Kingdom. Was I obedient when He asked me to serve, step out of my comfort zone, and do something BOLD for Him?
A lot of times I hold back doing things because of money. We don't have the money to go, donate or give to bless others. But Pastor said something that right there Immediately overwhelmed my heart:
When God provides you with an assignment it is not tied to money.
Money is tied to your assignment.
Meaning.
If God calls you to do something... he doesn't want you to wait until you have the money to do it. He wants you to be obedient and say YES. Once you say YES, it is His job to provide the money to complete the assignment He has called you to.
And with that, I knew in my spirit what God was asking me to do.
A few people from our church are leaving for Kyrgyzstan Friday, February 27th to serve in an orphanage & mens home. The cost of the trip is approx. $2000. I decided that it wasn't for me because we didn't have an extra $2000 laying around. But the Lord put SO HEAVY on my heart that I needed to say YES. Commit and watch Him provide.
Oh the FEAR that overwhelmed my heart. I am a mother and wife. I cannot leave them. What if something happens to me or them? I would be so selfish. And it was in that thought the Lord grabbed my attention and said NO! I am calling you to this country, I will provide and need you to trust me.
I do not have $2000 but last night decided to overcome my fear and be obedient to the assignment God has called me to. I committed to serve in Kyrgyzstan for a week and know this is just the beginning of something so GRAND for 2015.
Here's what I need from you:
1) Commit to Pray-
a) Over Allan & Savannah: peace to flow through them. That although we will miss each other that the Lord will give them sweet peace. They will stay healthy and safe while I am away.
b) My parents and Allan's parents as they take care of Savannah. For wisdom and love to flow through them as they invest and pour into Savannah while I'm away.
c) My travels: safety to and from the airport, as we are flying, during our layovers, and as we are driving in Kyrgyzstan.
d) Personal Fear: that I would let go and surrender all personal fear of leaving my family to love those orphans and leaders in the city we are going.
2) Financially-
As I said, I committed to this assignment trusting fully the Lord to provide & meet every need. I need to raise $2000 by Wednesday, Feb. 25th. That's a pretty bold number in a quick amount of time but I am trusting the Lord.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.gofundme.com/koa75c
3) Donations - I have a list of things that are needed in the orphanage and home that I can take in my suitcase. If you are interested in giving to that, please email me for more information: hillarymayne@gmail.com
I am scared, nervous, excited, and overwhelmed but know this is exactly what the Lord is asking of me! Thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement!
Feel free to contact me if you have more questions about the trip or how you can help!
~Hillary
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." ~Matthew 6:33
Monday, December 29, 2014
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 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 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!
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.
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?
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?
Monday, November 10, 2014
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.
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
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!
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
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!!!
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!"
I walked through the line and found my dad and we embraced, celebrating me finishing but sad that it was done alone.
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!
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!!!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Review: 3-Day Refresh
3 Day Refresh
Review
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!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
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 _________"
"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.
"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.
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)!
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