motivation | I Spy God

Tag Archive: motivation

Diet Change: no more carbs…especially couch potatoes!

Filed under: Encouragement, Fitness, Inspiration, Parenting, Weight Loss — 3 Comments

October 15, 2012

My daughter Sydney and I are now in training. We are planning on running a 5k race in December called the Santa Hustle. When I register for a race, I am not ashamed to say that I am bribe motivated. I choose the race and compete, typically, for what the finisher receives: a cute t-shirt or medal.

Cole’s medals…so far 🙂

I haven’t been extremely motivated recently until God worked through a few people to get my attention.

First a friend of mine, who I used to work out with about a year and a half ago, started really watching her food intake and lost a significant amount of weight (with no exercise)!! It is very interesting how another person’s results can either motivate or discourage. Lisa’s weight loss did both quite frankly.

You see, I’ve been exercising for several years now after losing a bunch of weight at the end of 2006, however after I checked the run-a-half-marathon box off my bucket list last October, I sort of…well, I sat down and am now experiencing the too-tight-wardrobe phenomenon because of it.

Second, I happened upon the Milwaukee Santa Hustle website and saw the sweet race shirts and gear they give out for the runners and knew I had to do it:

Running with a beard? Oh I am IN, BABY!!

Third, another friend of mine told me that she is done being overweight, done being miserable and was starting the couch to 5k program in order to be ready for the Berbee Derby on Thanksgiving Day. My sweet friend inspired me to stop feeling sorry for myself and get back out there. I know I can do it and if she is motivated, I will get motivated.

Last, my daughter. My second born daughter, Sydney, was very active as a little girl. She loved running around, riding her bike, playing soccer and other sports and we found she was good at them. I was thrilled that I would have another runner in the family when she got older, but what happened was I introduced her to my downfall, my addiction: CARBS. She, like me, loves carbs, sweets and anything NOT healthy and also like me, she sat down.

I was a heavy 10, 11, 12+ year old who was quickly approaching obesity and now I see so much of myself in Syd. She struggles fitting into her clothes, prefers to just sit around and is very self-conscious. I get that, I know EXACTLY where she’s at and it’s a horrible place to be … especially when you’re facing those lovely middle school years and have an older sister who is tall, thin and beautiful. Yup, I get it.

But I also know Syd; she is a leader, she does very well when a goal is set before her and can be quite headstrong and focused, so I showed her the Santa Hustle website. She, like me, loved the idea and a new runner is born.

I meant to start training a couple weeks ago, but with birthdays and celebrations getting in the way… I know, nice excuse – cake and ice cream. Syd and I have started (along with a new lo-carb eating plan – by the way, anyone know anything about the Keto diet?!!) the couch to 5k (Coolrunning C25K) running plan.

Measurements and “before” pictures have been taken…bacon has been purchased and we are on our way.

Syd did great her first day; she walked at a 3.5mph and ran at a 4.5mph!!

Week 1: Day 1, 2 & 3:
5 minute warm up
Alternating 60 second jog/90 second walk for 20 minutes
5 minute cool down

We’ll see how she feels tomorrow and more importantly on Wednesday when her second run is scheduled! 🙂

Do any of you struggle with your weight or food? Do you struggle with exercise or staying motivated?

I know there are women who feel the same way and I would love to hear from you!!

What has helped? What do you struggle with?

What’s your excuse?!

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

Please check out my other posts relating to my weight loss battles:
Lacking Motivation
My Motivation
Skinny Jeans
184. Now it’s personal.

Tags: child obesity, couch to 5k, exercise, food, health, motivation, running, santa hustle, weight loss

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184. Now it’s personal.

Filed under: Christianity, Encouragement, Faith, Fitness, Inspiration, Uncategorized, Weight Loss — 1 Comment

September 12, 2012

I weighed myself this morning.

I don’t advise it.

The number on the scale is almost 30 pounds up from my lowest weight. You see, about six years ago I used to weigh around 230 pounds and I worked hard, found my rhythm and lost the weight. You can read about it in my post: My Motivation

But over the last year I changed my focus; trading in workout for writing and have now found myself at an impasse.

I am satisfied with my writing; I started a blog and went to a writer’s conference, but have been quite frustrated with the lack of guidance and leading I feel God should be providing. I desperately long to write, but have found no doors opening.

And the more I focus on my passion for writing and not exercise, I have found myself soft, lazy and in the place I was before when I weighed 230 pounds…

miserable and questioning.

What is going on?
Why is this happening?
Is this the wrong path?

Jax and I teach the kids that we must work hard in this life. Of course God can help make things easier at times; allowing a good grade on a test not studied for, or produce an outstanding crop not tilled well. But those provisions are not the norm.

Because of the choices made so many years ago in a garden of perfection, we must now work to achieve a desired result.

“…cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground…” Genesis 3:17-19

So why wouldn’t this apply to me?

I worked hard for five years learning how to treat myself; working my muscles and fueling my body, but what have I done with those tools?

I go eight months doing little more than walking the dog and when I get back into working out, I go like gang busters for one whole week, while filling my belly with s’mores, cheesecake, ice cream and birthday cake, then Monday morning rolls around and when I step on the scale I’m surprised by the jump in the numbers.

I feel God’s call on my life to write and He hands me an amazing opportunity to attend a writer’s conference, He gives me tools to build my ministry and write more effectively, but what have I done with those tools?

Sure, I’ve sent in a few articles here and there, I’ve guest posted on friends’ blogs while keeping my own up to date, but I have been playing it safe. I haven’t done the work because I don’t want to hear the “thanks but no thanks” replies. I don’t want to hear the “you’re not good enough.”

I don’t want to use the tools because I don’t want to fail.

But isn’t it failing if I’m not putting in the work required?

NO MORE.

It’s time for me to pull up my big girl panties. God did not place me on this earth to sit idly by. We are called for a purpose, and we must do the work… walk the path, write the words, pick up the weights.

Oh Lord, you can make the crops grow, you can bring the sun to warm and the rain to feed, but if I don’t prepare the soil or if I don’t cultivate the produce, I won’t get a good crop. Please give me the desire to make good choices, help me to do the work necessary to give you the most glory and to fulfill the plan you have for my life.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Tags: exercise, lazy, motivation, Romans 12:1-2, weight gain, writing

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Tri-training time… 25-RUN

Filed under: Encouragement, Fitness, Weight Loss — Leave a comment

May 14, 2012

Ok, I have slacked faaaaar too long, and I am paying for it on the DREADmill. Uff, running is so not fun, especially on a narrow, unforgiving, rotating belt, in a spider-filled basement at 4:00am.

“So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.” 1 Corinthians 9:26

Um, I beg to differ. I seem to be going nowhere fast (or, more like not all that fast) on my dreadmill, but it is what it is.

Yesterday I had a bit of a wake-up call when I realized I am signed up for a sprint distance tri in July, and I have exactly 8 weeks to get my butt in shape. Yikes, if you’ve seen that, it’s going to take MUCH LONGER than 8 weeks.

So, let’s re-phrase; I have exactly 8 weeks to get ready so I don’t drown, fall off the bike, or pass out. That would be good.

SO!! Here’s the training plan; and please ignore the fact that it’s a 10-week training plan, because clearly I will be 2 weeks late for the race should I follow it precisely.

*Week:*	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Total
1	Swim-20	Off	Run-25	Swim-25	Bike-45	Off	Run-30	175
	Bike-30
2	Swim-25	Off	Run-25	Run-30	Swim-30	Off	Bike-45	185
	Bike-30
3	Run-15	Off	Bike-25	Run-15	Bike-25	Off	Swim-20	100

4	Run-15	Off	Bike-30	Bike-25	Run-20	Off	Swim-25	115
							Open Water
5	Swim-25	Off	Run-35	Bike-50	Swim-30	Off	Run-35	210
	Bike-35
6	Swim-25	Off	Run-25	Swim-30	Bike-35	Off	Run-35	205
	Bike-35				Run-20
7	Swim-30	Off	Bike-45	Run-45	Swim-35	Off	Bike-60	245
	Run-30
8	Swim-20	Off	Run-25	Bike-35	Swim-20	Off	Bike-55	215
	Bike-30						Run-30
9	Swim-20	Off	Off	Run-30	Bike-45	Off	Swim-20	115
							Open Water
10	Off	Bike-15	Off	Swim-15	Run-15	Off	Race!!!	45
	Sprint Distance:		Swim – 0.6mi, Bike – 12.4mi, Run – 3.1mi

The way this training plan works, is you go for time, not distance. If you meet each of these time goals, you will be ready for a sprint distance triathlon after 10 weeks of training. It does work…I’m proof in the pudding.

“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

Yup, been there done that…BUT, this year I’ve got 8 weeks, a few extra lbs. and no pool, so we’ll see how we do. 🙂 I’ve been in worse predicaments.

Can’t recall any at the moment…but I’m sure I have.

So, today I did the 25-RUN.

Come on, who’s with me?

Tags: Bring it, dreadmill, exercise, fitness, health, motivation, running, sprint distance tri, training, triathlon

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Lacking motivation…

Filed under: Christianity, Faith, Weight Loss — 6 Comments

April 29, 2012

I have been writing now for years, but since I felt God calling me to focus more on this writer’s journey several months ago, I have poured myself into spending time in His Word and in prayer over what His plan for me is, and I have at least a couple things straight.

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First and foremost: I am called to love God. That’s pretty easy…it’s hard not to love and live for someone so AWESOME!!

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5

And secondly: I’m called to be a help meet and teacher. That one’s pretty darn obvious, I have a husband and four kids, and also very easy because again, it’s hard not to love and live with five entirely AWESOME peeps!!

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

After that is where things get fuzzy.

I have an intense desire to write and share what God has done in my life, and so am writing, planning on attending a writer’s conference, and planning to write some more.

However since feeling this longing, I have poured myself into using the quiet hours of the morning in prayer… instead of sweat.

I have lost my motivation.

I previously used those hours to first pray and then work out. I woke at 4:00am (the ONLY time I am not interrupted by the needs of my family) every day.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still waking at 4:00am, but am now using my work out time to continue in prayer. And what I have found is; praying for a couple hours straight is so sweet, and adding coffee to the mix?? EVEN BETTER!!

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However… with my spiritual life hopefully heading down the right track, I have found there to be a few side effects;

soft mid-section,

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spreading seat,

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and SERIOUS lack of motivation.

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You see, six years ago after having my 4th child, I was 33 years old, over 230 pounds, depressed, exhausted, and just felt so defeated. I once heard someone say; “if you get to your goal weight when you’re in your 30’s, it is much more easy to maintain that weight as you get older.”

I desperately wanted to lose weight, but didn’t know how, and I so wanted to be a good example to my children about how to live a healthy lifestyle.

I started by setting goals each day:

A fitness goal:

GET OFF THE DANG COUCH!

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“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

I began walking for 30 minutes or 1 mile, whichever came first. Then it became 2 miles. I started to feel a small urge to run, so I tried it. And it was awful. I couldn’t even run 30 seconds straight! But I kept trying. So I started small: walk 5 minutes, run 30 seconds, walk 5 minutes, etc… I slowly got up to 1 minute straight, then 2…

After about 4 months, I was up to over 1 mile running. It was not fun, but I could do it. My sister asked me to do a 5k race the following month. I never thought I could do over 3 miles – but she was told that if you can run 2, then the adrenaline would push you through the rest. So I signed up, and set my goal to run 2 miles straight. By the time the race came, I could do 2 miles. I did finish the race, but the last ½ mile was very, very difficult. I pushed myself and got through it. I only stopped 3 times during the race, once for water, and twice for my sister’s untied shoelaces, and just the feeling of accomplishment is what I fell in love with.

A nutrition goal:

STOP BEING SUCH A PIG!

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So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:11

My mother had gone through Weight Watchers, and had all of the books, so I poured through the information and essentially did weight watchers without the corporate weigh-ins. Meaning; I ate minimal sugar, fat, carbs, caffeine and because I was exercising I ate more lean protein.

A weight goal:

JUST LOSE SOMETHING!

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“to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,” Ephesians 4:22-23

I weighed myself daily, and still do. My weight fluctuates by about 5 pounds…depending upon what I ate and drank and so forth – so I’m not too much of a stickler on the number, but it does help keep me on track.

And lastly…

REWARD YOURSELF!

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“but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” Matthew 6:20a

Ok, so the Bible doesn’t tell us to reward ourselves, but in certain cases such as potty training and weight loss, bribing absolutely helps.

I set several longer term goals and rewarded myself when I reached them…and DO NOT use food as a reward!! I baited myself with things I normally wouldn’t spend money on.

When I reached 200 pounds = Teeth whitening. 190 pounds = Pedicure. 180 pounds = New clothes (that fit!!) 170 pounds = Naval piercing. 160 pounds = Tattoo.

The results?? See for yourself…

2006 ~ 230 lbs

2011 ~ 160 lbs.

So…I guess I need to get back on track. Stop making excuses and glorify God in every aspect of my life!!

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

He has clearly given me guidance and passion in writing, and has even given me more time to write…so now it’s time to get back on track and, well… run!!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1

heehee…

“lay aside every weight…” (Now that’s funny right there!) as said by Mater from Cars

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Tags: Bible, diet, exercise, fitness, healthy-living, I Spy God, motivation, prayer, weight loss, writing

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Tag Archive: motivation

Diet Change: no more carbs…especially couch potatoes!

184. Now it’s personal.

Tri-training time… 25-RUN