A new chapter begins....

Good morning in blogger land!

It's been awhile since I posted.  So much has been going on.  I will try to be a little more regular with my postings in the future.

What's been happening you ask?  Come on... ask.  Well, I'll tell you.

Since losing my mom my life has been in a bit of a state of upheaval.  There are many "things" to take care of, and people to take care of also.  For those that have asked, my dad is doing well, as well as can be expected.  My parents were together for 64 years, married for 62.  Dad is incredibly lonely but is trying to stay busy.  We are working as a family to try to give him something to look forward to.  When one thing finished, on to the next one.  I get to spend Friday with him.

I have gotten back into the serious workout headspace again.  It feels so good!  I feel that my injuries have healed to the point that I can work hard again and have been asking my trainer to keep it coming.  We have managed a leg workout and shoulder workout, and although I was sore, it was a good kind of sore. We are slowly delving back into the idea of a competition but without a date at this point.  We will know when the timing is right.  No decisions until we return from Vegas.  We are going to talk nutrition and make small changes before the trip but no big changes.  If you know me at all you know that I usually return from vacation (even all inclusive) lighter than when I leave.  My good eating habits don't fly out the window completely just because I am on vacation.

Now, Vegas...... We are headed south for the Fitness Olympia weekend.  How exciting!  We have been planning this since last year's expo and can hardly wait.  But, wait there's more.   We have decided to renew our vows while we are there at the Venetian Hotel.  My trainer and friend, Allison and her husband Scott have agreed to stand up for us and we are going to have a great time.  Watch for photos after we return.  Some may even make it onto facebook before we get home.  Dwight and I have been married 25 years and it seems to be a good time for us to re-commit to each other and celebrate something happy after having a year of sadness and worry.  We are looking forward to it together although if you catch Dwight off guard he may wonder how he got into this....I have to remind him sometimes it was his idea.  He is a catch, ladies but sorry he's all mine!

My work life has thrown me a few curve balls over the past week and I really can't believe the way things work out sometimes.  I have said over the past 3 years that I have been involved in the fitness industry that I get to do something I love, hopefully inspire people to do their best and I get to work with some of the finest people around.  I am so honored to be a part of the industry.  For the most part the instructors and trainers that I have had the pleasure to work with have been very supportive people and really work together to support the clients they work with and to cheer on their fellow instructors and trainers.

I have made decisions in my short career to surround myself with people that are successful, supportive and caring.  I hope that the people I respect and call my friends think the same way about me.  I do my best to try and see the positive in the facility, trainer, instructor and student.  What I won't do is compromise my standards and my ethics just to keep the status quo.  I'm not going to lie, it's gotten my hand slapped a couple of times, but I know in my heart that I have done the right thing for my client, myself and the industry.  People will talk, take comments out of context and try to bully you sometimes, but if you feel something is worth fighting for, you find a way.

Wise people have said "When one door closes another opens", and that is so true.  I am looking forward to new and exciting possibilities and greater adventures in the work life I have chosen.

If you have any comments and/or wish to send me a note, you an always comment on my blog or reach me at www.inspiredfitness.ca

Stay tuned, there's more to come.

Kathi

My Heart is Broken

Good morning everyone.

The last 36 hours are a bit of a blur.  As some of you already know, my mom passed away yesterday morning.  We are thankful that she passed peacefully in her sleep, but we mourn none the less.  You know when you have elder parents you wonder how it will happen and how the phone all will come.

Nothing really prepares you.  my mom is at peace.  Her last few years were tough, she lost her vision, she wasted down to under 100 pounds and she was very, very frail.  She was equally as stubborn, tough and strong.  she was a great wife and mother, gramma and friend. Everyone who knew her will miss her.

My world has been turned upside down.  My dads world is spinning.  We are lucky our family is close.  We will get through it.

Today I have started her obituary and started the plans for her memorial.  I also am angry.  I want to go move some iron. I probably will at some point today. I think it will help with the pain I am feeling. It will probably feel really good.

Do you love the heat or what?

Happy Thursday everyone!!!

Do you love this heat or what?

Right now I am thinking "or what"?  My condo is hot, the car is hot even with air conditioning and some of the gyms where I train have no air conditioning.  The ones that do can't keep up.  So what's a girl to do.  Well if you live in Victoria, you complain.

I'm going to resist here people.  I am not going to complain, whine, lament or otherwise speak ill of the weather.  We have waited a long time to be this hot and miserable.  Even my cat, the darling Miss Molly is lethargic.  She has found a pile of freshly cleaned laundry and refuses to budge.

Why am I rambling on you ask?  I'll tell you.  I feel like a sloth and I NEED to go work out.  The weights are calling my name.  Unfortunately I am so warm all I want to do is find a beach, a floatie and just lay out on the water.  Sounds like fun right?  But, no  I must resist and head to the gym.

I have managed to get some work done today and really don't have any obligations now until 5:30 when I teach.  So, no time like the present.  I know once I get there I will have a good workout and see people I genuinely love.  What's a little overheating among friends anyway!

Until next time.....

kathi

Wow, It's Been Awhile!

Happy Thursday Beautiful Friends!

It has been awhile since I have been to my blog.  There has been so much going on!

As some of you probably know by now, I have withdrawn from the fitness competition I was planning to do in November.  It was a gut wrenching decision but due to my weight not coming off the way I wanted, injuries and budding obsession in an unhealthy way, I decided it was time to regroup and refocus.  I didn't know at the time that the regrouping and refocusing would take so long!

I have also gone out "on my own" as a trainer.  I still teach classes at Fitness World but am no longer employed as a personal trainer for SNFW.  I am now an independent contractor with so many options to help people succeed in achieving a healthy lifestyle.  I am actively looking for clients and new class opportunities around the city.  It's a huge leap for me but one I am extremely excited about.

Along the way there were obstacles to refocusing, family emergencies, health issues in my family and myself and quite simply, my own brain getting in the way.   I think I have come out the other side now and am ready to deal.

Stay tuned for blog posts that represent everyday life from the perspective of a woman working in the fitness industry.  Yes I still plan to compete.  As my trainer pointed out, it doesn't have to be at age 50...it could be at 51...52  who knows.  My body will tell me.

So, sit back and grab a glass of water....and join me on the journey.

Kathi

Progress photos

happy Friday everyone. I think I have said before that I am finding the pre competition diet a bit of a struggle. Just in case you don't remember, the short version of my rant is "I don't like fish and am allergic to egg whites so what am I supposed to eat for protein.....oh ya chicken. Chicken, chicken, chicken... Have I mentioned too thst I am on the fence about chicken too. Some of the frozen varieties are loaded with crap, sodium, soy, sugar and other stuff I can't pronounce. And lately I have found that the quality of fresh chicken has been lousy too. Even buying the "good"stuff I found very badly cleaned chicken. If it looks good enough for me to buy it is still a crap shoot and quite often it has been tough, no matter how it's cooked. For a picky eater like me it makes it tough to eat the protein I need. BUT then yesterday my trainer took some pictures of my back while I was working out. Well, now I'm super stoked to keep this ball rolling! I couldn't believe that what I was seeing belonged to me. My back looked big and strong and I could see muscles, yes actual muscles. It was awesome. It's not the most perfect but it is a work in progress. Now I'm super excited to keep working. It is so hard to believe to me that I have gone from a 300+ pound couch potato to someone considering a competition, not just dreaming about it, ACTUALLY GOING FOR IT! Holy crap! I think sometimes I should pinch myself but all I have to do is move and my sore muscles remind me ........ TTYL....

Now what?

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I know it's been awhile since I have blogged but I have had alot on my mind and haven't been too successful at organizing my thoughts to get words out the ends of my fingers onto the keyboard.

It has been a crazy week in Kathi world, crazier than  usual.After much consideration and soul searching I decided that I wanted to phase myself out of personal training at a gym I have been working with over the past 2 years.  It was a tough decision to make but I feel such a sense of relief now that it has been communicated.  I will still be teaching classes there, just not training my clients there.  There is alot for me to do to make the transition and it is very exciting and scary at the same time, but I'm ready.  If you or someone you know is looking for a personal trainer/coach in the Victoria area, give me a call or check out my website.  www.inspiredfitness.ca.

Last week as well my trainer changed my diet to promote some weight loss over the next few weeks.  Can you say boring?  It has been really tough on many levels.  I am a very picky eater and allergic to egg albumen (white) so it's been interesting.  More on that tomorrow..........

Crutches and Frustration

A bit of a rant today. Yesterday while teaching spin I heard and felt a pop in my ankle. Being me, I slowed down, assessed and since it didn't feel too bad I kept going. I even taught my second spin class 30 minutes later. Unfortunately afterward I ended up having to attend the emergency room. I went to the hospital rather than a clinic because I felt I needed an X-ray and couldn't get that at a clinic. Why do I find this process so frustrating when it works so well for some people? Let me explain. My friend goes to the doctor with a sore leg and seems to get really thorough care, or at least it seems like that from the outside. referrals happen, she is thoroughly examined and she knows for sure what is happening. Fast forward to my injury. When the nurse greets me he has already decided I have plantar fasciitis. I have had that 20 years ago and this aint it! I tell him that my pain isn't in the right spots and he dismisses me. One touch to my ankle and he is gone. The doctor comes in and listens to my story and without touching me decides which muscle is pulled and/or torn. What about the searing pain under my foot, I ask? Well, there is a lot going on in there he says. Do you think I need an X-ray to rule out a stress fracture where the under foot pain is I ask? He says I should see my doctor next week and if she feels I need one then go...in the meantime to be safe, use crutches. REALLY? Why not get the X-ray done and diagnose rather than guess? I am so tired of people guessing wants wrong at my expense. Today from my perch on the couch I am doing some research to find out where I go from here. I want an X-ray to check the bones in my foot and a referral to someone that knows something about sports medicine and won't just pull a guess out of their butt to explain my left leg and it's issues. I will also be trying to figure out how to teach from a chair.. Should be an interesting week. Wish me luck

Food, glorious food!

Hi everyone. I haven't been here for a few days, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about blogging. Sometimes, however, there is so much going on in my head that I have a hard time organizing my thoughts into something that might make sense to someone when I put it onto paper or "screen". Today I want to talk food! For so many of us food is an enemy, friend, comforter, hiding place and for so many of us, a way to just fill time when we are bored. Now, for me, food is becoming a way to transform my body into a true fitness competitor. This is going to be a major challenge for me AND for my trainer. I will be amazed if we both aren't totally grey before November. Right now I am eating to gain muscle and lose fat although the muscle gain is more of the focus right now. Lots of protein, carbs are ok and so is some good fat. For the average person it sounds ok. Calorie count is generous, really and it's all good food. So what is the problem? I AM A PICKY EATER!!!! There I said it. I, Kathi Taylor am a picky eater. Unfortunately I also suffer from sensitivities that manifest in a rather unpleasant way. For someone that spends a lot of time in front of people and moving around (spinning, teaching), I have to be careful. I can't just hop off the bike in the middle of class or leave a client for a bathroom break. Oh ya, this is huge as well, I am a public bathroom phobe. I mean rally, do you know how gross those public/gym bathrooms are? Yuck. Shortly we will be changing my diet to see how my body responds to changes so that we optimize my results so that when I am on stage I can put my best body out there for the judges. Did you all just hear me shudder? OMG I can't believe I am even thinking about this. it's going to be a challenge to resist temptation, but most of all to keep it clean and eat what is prescribed at the time I am supposed to eat. I hope as well that my body responds and doesn't just flip me the bird. I will keep you posted! I might, ok I will need a bunch of moral support from all of you guys out there to get me through this. My mind says I am ready, let's hope my stomach agrees.

Did I ever think this would be my life?

I was sitting having a coffee with my amazing husband last night and we were having a conversation about our lives right now. My day yesterday started with my power breakfast as I have an intense morning on Saturdays. I teach 2 spin classes back to back and need to be sure I have the fuel. Sometimes I need a quick bite between, sometimes not, but I also pack something that can be eaten/drank (drunk?) quickly so that I don't crash. I participate fully in the work and come out just as sweaty and beautiful as the participants. It is one of the best mornings of my week, second only to Sunday when I get to wake up on my own time and don't have any commitments (usually). The reason for this long and involved explanation about Saturday morning is because I had an AHA moment yesterday after spin class. As usual if we don't have places to run off to, a few of us sometimes linger for a few moments to visit. As my husband and I were talking about our day I made a comment that I just can't believe that I get to do what I do for a "job" and that I get to interact and spend time with the people I do. He commented that it is so incredible that I was welcomed into the fitness community with open arms and that there are people that have become friends that will take an extra step to help me achieve the goals I am reaching for, whether it's toward competition, poise, training or my business. It's so inspiring to find a group of people so passionate about health and fitness and with such a positive outlook. I realized as we were sitting there that I have made friends through my fitness journey that will be my friends for life. That was such an uplifting moment for me. I almost wanted to jump up and down I was so excited. At the end of most of my cardio and Pilates classes when we are doing our final stretch I lead the group to bring their hands into their chests, take a deep breath and think about things in their life they are grateful or thankful for. I think that is a way for all of us to take a moment and reflect on how lucky we are to be able to do what we do and for the friends we do this with. I know it brings me joy and I know people have commented they like it too. I know I think about my health, my family and how thankful I am for the friends with whom I get to share this journey. You have no idea the profound impact you have had on my life and I am thankful for all of you. You know who you are......

Shoulders Day

Thank you to my awesome trainer for relighting my fire yesterday. It felt so good to beat the tar out of my shoulders. I'm glad that typing only requires me to movement of my arms. No, really. I must admit though I am feeling a bit down this morning. I woke up feeling really good so I pulled out the scale only to discover that I gained 3 pounds overnight. WTF????? My mind tells me it's just a blip and then my mind tells me I am sliding. I ate well yesterday but I did eat late last night. When you have been really heavy and have succeeded in losing so much weight when the scale goes up you really beat ypurself up, at least i do. Luckily my husband is not the "fly off the handle, hysterical" person that I am and he talked me down a bit. Luckily I get to add some cardio in again soon and I will tighten up my eating and watch for the scale to move down again. I am all over it.

Now that I'm 50....

Good morning everyone. I haven't been here in a few days. It has been a whirlwind week and I am finally starting to feel life return to normal. My birthday seemed to last for days as there was so much going on. Celebrations started on Saturday when my family arrived for what was supposed to be some "picture taking" with my amazing friend/photographer, Meg Boorman. As some of you may understand more completely than others, when family is involved sometimes things dont go as planned. No family photos were taken as planned and the party began. We celebrated my birthday with a catered party on the rooftop deck of the downtown condo building I live in, here in sunny Victoria. It was a beautiful day! Great company, great food and lots of laughs all shared in an amazing location. So much fun. On to Sunday, Mothers Day. Another beautiful day in Victoria. Perfect day for a half marathon. Probably not the best decision for me, but if you know me at all, you know I am a true Taurus -stubborn as a bull. Never mind I hadn't trained and also never mind that I had been hobbling around all the week prior, I was going to give it a shot! the first 7k were pretty uneventful and then all heck broke loose. My calf muscle seized again and at about 8k I was forced to walk. I tried to run a couple more times but my body responded with a resounding NO! I did finish though, walking with my friend Sara, crossing as we always do, together, holding hands and laughing our heads off! Val and my darling husband Dwight had walked back along the course to find us. They were laughing right along with us. Even though the race was not a PB, the day rocked. Monday was my actual birthday and it was spent between the sofa and bed, keeping my leg elevated and iced. Perfect day for reflecting on what I want from this decade of my life. I actually rather enjoy those days because when the universe conspires to make you slow down, there is usually a pretty good reason. I needed to re-evaluate some things happening in my life and refocus my efforts and let go of a few things. Even though I didn't accomplish anything tangible to others, I sure feel good about what I did. And now as I sit here with the morning sun streaming in my windows and a brand new day at my feet, I just can't wait to get on with it! Thanks to everyone that helped make my birthday celebrations amazing! I will post some pics once I receive them. They are amazing. Until next time......

It's birthday party day!

Short post today! Today my wonderful husband of 25 years is hosting a 50th birthday party for me on our rooftop deck. About 60 friends, family, co-workers, colleagues and clients will be on hand to help me celebrate this milestone birthday. I am looking forward to my worlds colliding so to speak, with people that mean so much to me meeting people from other " compartments" of my life. We will have food, drinks and with any luck, a boatload of laughter and memories. My friend Meg of Meg Boorman Photography will be documenting the event for us. Watch for some pics to appear here in the nest week or so. I have a new dress and fabulous shoes for the event and am excited to get dressed up! I will check back with you all tomorrow after the half marathon and let you know how both events went. To those that are unable to make it today, I will have some wine for you. Wish you were here! Kathi

10 things I learned about myself in my 40's

Good morning everyone. I have decided to try something a little different with my morning coffee today. In a few days I begin a new decade of my life so I have been spending a little time, ok a lot of time since I have been a bit injured this week, reflecting on what I have learned about myself. 1. I am not the same person I was when I turned 40. Not just physically but mentally too. 2. I am sometimes afraid to voice my opinion. No, really! 3. I am more comfortable in large groups rather than one on one 4. Like most people I am afraid of looking silly and when I feel I do, my inner fat girl makes an appearance. 5. I can be a hermit if left to my own devices. Sometimes it's tough to get motivated enough to go out 6. I have much more determination than I thought I did. My family and friends think I am stronger than I think I am. 7. My feelings are very easily hurt and it takes a long time for the hurt to go away. Mostly it's words that cause the deepest wounds and most of the time the other person will never have any idea...but I carry it with me. The second worst is if someone hurts my family, the worst is when I feel "not good enough". Both can come in many forms. 8. I fight to stay organized and feel most days like I am losing the battle or forgetting I am supposed to be somewhere 9. I feel like I have found what I am meant to do with my life (outside of being a mom and wife) and feel so amazingly honored that people respond to the coaching I provide. I wake up almost every morning and feel so happy that I get to be a buttkicker/cheerleader/therapist - whatever the day is going to bring. 10. I have learned to surround myself with people that are supportive to my goals and to limit the contact with negative influences. It's still hard to say no sometimes but I am getting better. I think it's easier as I get physically stronger and older. I couldn't have done any of this in my 20's. I have to remind myself on a daily basis that I have worked hard to be where I am and push myself to "put myself out there" in my life, work and training. I struggle with a lot of self doubt and negative self talk. I have since childhood. It's a long story and not for this page, more for a therapist's couch. I am really looking forward to the challenges this new decade is going to bring even though at the same time I am a little frightened I must admit. Stay tuned. 5 days left of my 40's....... Oh boy...how did 50 sneak up so fast!

I've Been Thinking... maybe a little too much...

As most of you know I have a leg injury at the moment that has been a little frustrating.  Yesterday my day was thrown into a tailspin when I got a call from the hospital telling me that I had to come down right away to have my leg scanned to look for a blood clot.  My day was rearranged and I was scanned, no blood clot in sight.  There seemed to be some evidence of a tear but we have to further investigate that.  So, it's a good news/bad news situation.  I can now get my heart rate up again, but lower body work is out for now.  It's tough being still!  Especially when exercise is so much a part of my life and has been for awhile.  It was a huge factor in my weight loss and when I can't exercise my mind goes to dark places.

On another note I have been doing more thinking about food lately.  In preparation for competition my diet was changed.  It is difficult to stick to and rather dull which isn't the issue.  The issue for me is that because I am a competitor with weight still to lose before cutting for the stage I am obsessing about the fact that I haven't lost weight for awhile.  The further along I get in this process, the more I am obsessing about every thing that goes into my mouth.  I am freaking out and beating myself up on a daily basis to the point where I am thinking I may have set myself up for a disaster.  There....I've said it out loud!
It's gotten to the point that I dreamed about someone offering my husband dessert last night.  I was waiting for him to offer it to me so I could politely decline.  What does it all mean?

Anyway, today I will try to move some more over the course of the day.  I am teaching (and not doing) spin this morning twice and have an almost full slate of clients.  I will find some time for an upper body workout this afternoon and maybe that will help with this doubt.  I sure hope so.

I hope you all have an amazing day and accomplish something that takes you closer to your dreams!

Kathi

I SUCK at Being Injured

I haven't been here for a few days. I have been wallowing in a bit of self pity and spending some quality time with an ice pack. Let me explain..... One of the things I really love to do is run. It's actually a love-hate relationship. Thinking about running is hard and the first few minutes of a run are difficult for me because I think about the difficulty ahead. Then I hit my stride, get out of my head and into my music and it all starts to flow. Sunday was the TC 10k run. I hadn't trained but had one great run under my belt since my surgery so I decided to sign up. During the first kilometer I got a cramp. I've had it before so decided to run through it. I used all my tricks, walk a bit, vary my stride and pace and so on. It worked and the cramp went away and my run improved greatly. I even knocked 9 minutes off last year's time. A HUGE success for me! After the race things felt good. I went to the gym and rode the spin bike at low tension to flush a bit and still all was well. Sunday night things changed. Pain increased and swelling started right in the position of the original cramp. Its all a little distressing. I do not do "being injured" very well. I don't like being forced to sit still or take it easy. I don't like icing injuries, I don't like sitting with my leg elevated. As soon as I sit down I think of all the things I need to get or should be doing. What a whiner hey? Today the doctors get a look and my friend, a massage therapist will work on it and hopefully I will be back to standing and spinning soon. a d as a happy side effect foe y'all I can and will stop whining. I will keep you posted. The journey to the stage continues!

TC 10k under my belt

Happy Monday everyone. I'm happy to report that I ran the TC 10 k yesterday's ah and for me it was a new personal best. Those of you who know me understand how happy I am about this. My time was 1:08.41. Not world record time by any stretch but for me it's almost 9 minutes off last year's time. To put it in perspective I have run exactly twice since October. 10 laps around the track at the gym and a run about 8k last Sunday. My focus in the last few months has been muscle building, not cardio. I have been teaching spin and boot camp but nothing really to do with running. The funny thing is that my pace was almost 30 seconds per km better between 8-10 k than at 1-4 k..... Imagine if I had trained. My next run is the KOOL half marathon on Mother's Day, which is the day before I turn 50. I couldn't have imagined being here from the couch 4 years ago! I have worked hard and I have had a lot of support. Must run now, even though my legs are sore I'm off to teach spin and another cardio class. Have a great night everyone!

Love hate relationship with shoulders

Two whole training days per week are devoted to my shoulders. Small muscle group that needs a lot of attention. I am not a tiny waif and most people would say I'm a big girl. I need to have size on my shoulders to make my waist appear smaller. So today when it's my turn to workout it will be day 2 of shoulders. Never mind that they are already sore, they need to be "loved" some more. So if you see me tucked into the weight room with a stack of different size dumbbells looking like a linebacker just remember there is a method to this and it will come together in the end.

Happy Anniversary

Today is my 25th wedding anniversary. I am a lucky girl as I married the most wonderful man. Let me explain... Dwight and I have been together over 28 years, married for 25 as of today. He has been through it all with me. Up and down, flush and broke, happy and sad and last but not least fat and fit. I am not talking about a little bit fat here I am talking 310 pounds fat! Through it all he still loved me. Really loved me. At the time I was at my worst in size and shape he stood with me. I didn't realize it at the time but I was so miserable. I was tired and hiding but you wouldn't have known it to see me. I put on a really good front. He has been there through my transformation, cheering on every success along the way. Even when my training, working and teaching wasn't convenient for him he cheered. Now that I have entered this newest phase of this journey, the fitness competition he has become my biggest support ever. He is my voice of reason, my food cop, my ego booster and the best cheerleader anyone could ever ask for. Life with him is exciting and full of passion and fire. We are on this journey together and I couldn't be more excited to have him with me. For our anniversary celebration.....well we have to wait for the weekend as I am teaching Pilates tonight and am planning my cheat meal for Saturday night, the night before I run the TC 10k. Oh how life has evolved. here's to the next 25 years!

OW!

Happy Monday everyone:

I would like to apologize to my quads, hamstrings and glutes for whatever I did to cause you grief.  Because of my heartfelt apology can you and will you please call off the DOMS?  I still have two classes to teach tonight that require my legs to actually move (SPIN and Maxed out).

Great leg workout at my husband's gym yesterday.  Different leg press machine means different soreness.  Add in squats, lunges, bulgarian squats, extensions, curls. bridges and cable kicks and you get the picture.  Oh and I had a great run in the morning as well.  That could have something to do with it.  My quads feel like they are engorged and when I bend over my hamstrings scream - YES scream.  I haven't been this sore in awhile.

If you don't know me you might think I am whining, no....I'm actually gloating!

Have a great day everyone!

Practice in Heels

Good morning and happy Sunday to everyone. The sun is just coming up and flooding my living room. It's looking like a beautiful morning for a run. I'm excited. new route for me as I havent started a run from our new condo yet. there are so many things going on with preparation for this competition and one of them is for me to practice and get more comfortable walking in high heeled shoes. I have several nice pairs but if you know me you know darned well I spend my life in Nikes and bare feet. So it's a stretch out of my comfort zone to wear heels. But, I'm trying. I decided when we moved downtown if I had an opportunity to dress up and wear heels I would. Last night I wore my highest ones yet. I must be improving because when I put them on in the hotel room in Vegas and tried to walk in them I could not. Last night I wore them the whole night and was pretty comfortable except for the slippery floor. I forgot the floor at Heckler's is always slippery. No falls, no trips and DAMN my legs looked long. Nothing like 5inch black stilettos and skinny jeans! Today however is run and legs day and I feel like my quads have already had quite a workout. Who knew!? We'll have to see how the run goes, whether they loosen up or seize up. It could go either way. I'll let you know tomorrow. Whatever you do today remember if you use this day you have been blessed with you will be further ahead than you were yesterday and not quite as far as you will be tomorrow. Now go out there and have some fun!

Great hair and linebacker shoulders?

Hair.... the word alone strikes fear into my heart.  Believe it!  It might seem an odd subject for a "fitness" blog but it's important.  In a few months when I am standing in front of judges  my hair will (hopefully) be one of many things that won't look like it does in everyday life.  So I am trying to get some length (I want my ponytail back!) and keep a bit of funk so that when November comes I have lots of options for great hair.

In the meantime I am a fitness professional whose world involves SWEAT, yes I said it, SWEAT.  Sweat means washing your hair...alot.  Which means colors fade.  It also means for me that when I SWEAT quite often my hair gets a bit curly and sometimes even downright fuzzy. Not a beautiful look for sure!  So today my quest begins again...I am trying to find a salon and stylist that can work with my lifestyle and my need for funk AND not empty my wallet completely every 5 weeks.  I had thought I had some success a few weeks ago and really liked my hair when I left the salon but a couple of weeks later it's faded into a helmet. ARGH!

I have been researching via google reviews this morning (I love google reviews by the way) and am hitting the phone at 9:30 and hopefully will have a new "do" by the end of the day.

Somewhere today I will fit in a "giant sets" shoulder workout to complement the heavy shoulder workout I did yesterday.  I hope by dinnertime my shoulders will look like I could play in the CFL.  That would make my trainer (and me) very happy.  And if I have a great hairdo to go along with the linebacker shoulders my day will have been a success.

I'll keep you posted, now go out there and make the most of YOUR day!

Welcome to Thursday!

My blog is about the journey from 300+ pounds to the "end result" standing on stage strutting my stuff in front of a panel of judges.  That's what I thought when I started but it is becoming more than that.  When your mind and body are focused on a goal there are so many outside things that can influence your day to day decisions and it can become overwhelming.  The same obstacles can become overwhelming in any task you are trying to achieve.  Don't let the outside influences derail you.  Listen to what you need and ignore the rest.  Do what you feel is right and say no thank you to the rest.

I have to remember to do that too...........

Yesterday was a good day.  I trained chest and triceps and today I must say I "feel the burn".  Today is shoulders day, a day I look forward to all week.

Until tomorrow...

Will I be sore forever?

happy Wednesday everyone. As I wake up this morning a question comes to mind. am I going to be sore like this forever? Yesterday was back and biceps training day and I pushed hard. I had missed some training last week because I was sick so I worked my hamstrings as well. There is a method to my madness - I teach spin on tuesday nights and it blows out my legs so they don't get too sore. It almost makes me laugh when I talk like that. three years ago any one part of my workout would have sent me to the couch for days. On to Wednesday now. work with clients, chest and Tricep training and then Pilates class this evening. Eat like I am a machine and plan for tomorrow. Life is good.

Today is another day.......

Sometimes it feels like I am on a hamster wheel.  Work, train, work, train, oh yeah eat, work train....  You get the picture.  For the most part it is really fun but there are times when it really isn't. Almost every morning I wake up with one or more body parts really sore.  Sometimes REALLY sore.  Today is one of those days.  It is now up to me to get myself out of the funk and into a positive mood.  I can do it!  It's all what you make of what you are doing.  If you don't love it, you won't make it.  Love it and you will be successful.  No go out there and take on your day!

Welcome to Monday!

After cheat day yesterday I am feeling a little guilty today, though I know I really shouldn't.  Cheat day was planned and enjoyed.  My cheat consisted of pasta with homemade sauce and a piece of cheesecake. I will admit that I did measure the pasta and sauce as I would with anything else.  The long and short is....I survived.  YAHOO!

Back to real life today and eating the way I should.  Mix of protein, carbs and fat - all proportioned and prepared.  Nothing left to chance!  Bootcamp has been taught and I'm on deck for a back and biceps workout later this afternoon before I teach spin and Maxed Out.  My food is my fuel and without it I am unable to get the job done.

I hope everyone is having a great day and gets out there and moves their body.  Have some fun!

Following my trainer's advice

Happy Sunday everyone. Today I am following my trainer's advice from this past week. The competition I am planning to compete in is set for November 10. This will involve walking and posing on stage and being judged for my physique while wearing a bikini and very high shoes. Over the next few months and somewhat for the last 2 months my workouts and my diet have been focused toward training for competition. This week my diet became more restricted in my choices and more regimented in the measurements. Don't misunderstand me, there is a lot to eat! I am to follow this 6 days a week. One day on the weekends I get to relax a bit and have a cheat meal. This is where my tainer's advice comes in She has told me to cheat when I have the opportunity because when we are coming down to crunch time I will regret not cheating when I had the chance. Having lost so much weight already I find cheating more than just a little bit very frightening. So last night I set out to cheat at dinner last night. Yesterday was the perfect day for a cheat as my exercise calorie burn is huge. The universe was against me big time! First there wasn't really anything on the menu I really wanted so I ordered Caesar salad with prawns. The prawns were greasy and gross so I exchanged them for grilled chicken and planned on ordering dessert. We picked up dessert but got side tracked and didn't eat it. So to make a long story short-today I will have my cheat meal and dessert tonight before the hockey game. I plan to enjoy it but it still wont be any different from what many average Canadians would eat on a nightly basis. Scary... More tomorrow.. I will let you know how it goes.....

Women's fitness lost an advocate yesterday

Good morning everyone!

Yesterday was such a sad day for so many of us whose lives are centred around fitness.  The publisher of several fitness magazines including Oxygen, passed after battling cancer.  Along with many other women involved in fitness I sent my condolences to his family (wife Tosca Reno and their 4 daughters).  And along with so many others I feel a profound sense of loss.  Mr. Kennedy was a huge advocate for women in the weight room and a huge supporter of women lifting heavy weights, 2 things near and dear to my heart.  Although I never met Mr. Kennedy in person I have read and digested so many of his words and even used some of his "tough love" statements with my own clients and on myself when I have had a bad day.  I almost feel like I lost a friend so I can only image the loss his friends and family feel.

The link below is the beautiful tribute from his wife Tosca and how most of us heard of his passing.  Please have a read and feel the love and gratitude in her words.  If you go to workout today, dedicate your sweat to bettering your life and enriching the lives of those around you.  We all have one journey on this earth, make it count and make it a joy for those that surround you.

Until tomorrow.....


Tosca Reno: Robert H. Kennedy (1938-2012): Photo Credit: Paul Buceta Robert Kennedy was the true love of my life.  I am blessed to have been with him and to know such love is rare...

Friday the 13th Part 2

Today was a great day! As far as "Friday the 13th" goes - it could be called spectacular!  Training great clients, amazing workout (making up for yesterday) and tea with a good friend.  I am feeling positive and happy.  Life is good.  More tomorrow.......

It's Friday the 13th are you freaked out?

Happy Friday everyone!!  I spent alot of time trying to figure out what to write about today.  When a project is new there are so many directions in which you can travel it is almost overwhelming.  Today I have decided to use the "Friday the 13th" theme and let you all in on 13 things I have learned about myself through my journey so far (did you hear the foreboding organ music that just played???).  Some of my revelations are life changing and some are just plain funny to think about....but here they are.

1. I am stubborn and some might say just a little pigheaded (by the way, stubborn comes in handy when someone wants to feed you)
2. When I make up my mind to do something you should just stand back because it's GOING TO HAPPEN.  
3. I have learned to love water.
4. I needed (and still do) to surround myself with people that supported (and support) the idea of a fitter, more confident me!  You guys know who you are - you are prominent in my life.
5. I need to celebrate small victories and really celebrate the big ones.
6. This one is huge...... don't beat yourself up about small slips, learn from them and MOVE ON.
7. Learn 3 new words to be used together often "no, thank you".  These words are used when a well meaning friend tries to sabotage your new way of eating because she prefers the "old" you.
8. I learned how to move my body.  I had moved my body before but I hired professionals (you know who you are) to help me move with purpose and passion.  I can't thank you guys enough.
9. Laugh at yourself (in a good way).  Laugh with others often.
10. Set small goals and give them a timeline.  Without any direction, any road will get you there
11. Have I mentioned I am stubborn - it has pulled me through tough workouts, tough food choices and through negative feelings about my journey
12. I have grown to love that feeling where you are gasping for breath, your clothes are soaked and there is water (sweat) dripping from every pore in your face.  Your body is shaking from the effort and you have given everything you have got.......LOVE THAT MOMENT!
13. I have to give back.  No matter where you are in YOUR journey, someone is wishing they had come as far as you have.  Someone will always be ahead of you and someone will always be behind you.  Reach out and support someone who is struggling.  You both will win!

Happy Friday the 13th everyone.  Go out there and move your body and eat healthy foods!  Your body will thank you.

Welcome to my new blog and my story

For almost the past 4 years I have been on a journey that has brought me to this point. The short version is that I have lost almost 130 lbs, changed my life and my job, became a personal trainer and group fitness instructor which I absolutely love, and in November I thought my next challenge might be to compete in a figure competition.  Wow...in a nutshell that's it.
Over the next few posts I will elaborate a bit more but essentially my journey and my struggles and victories will be what I will talk about here.  I have the most tremendous support system around me and they have been encouraging me to write about my story for some time now.  I guess until I really sat down and thought about it, I didn't know how.  Now I do.
You can check out some of my photos up to this point and a bit of my weight loss story on my website www.inspiredfitness.ca