We WILL

I was hoping my next blogpost was going to be on the "Maximize Your Life" with Jillian Michaels tour that I attended, but I have to vent out my thoughts/emotions on the Boston Bombing yesterday...

I truly cannot fathom what those runners/bystanders must have gone through, but I can only imagine.  I really took this personally, not only because I am (along with the rest of America) devastated about the sickening act that occurred yesterday, but I know what it's like to wake up in the morning, mentally and physically prepare yourself for a run, and then peacefully take on your course.  

You're doing this for you and not anyone else.  This is your time to relieve stress, kill time, get energized, and get healthy.  You mentally set goals for yourself to not give up, whether it be a tree 500 ft. away, or a stop sign not far from you.  You breathe in inspiration and breathe out frustration.  Temporarily, you don't remember how much debt you're in, how you're going to manage rent this month, or why things didn't work out with that one person.  You are completely tuned into your own little world, listening to music, and pretending you're the star of that music video.  You are superman/woman sprinting to save someone.  You see a mirage of loved ones that passed away and scrambling with every breath you have to get to them.  You are unstoppable and not a single thing or person can touch you.  You are a runner.  

This is your life, challenging yourself day by day to beat your previous mileage, and build up your endurance.  The countdown to the marathon becomes this loud, overbearing "tick-tock, tick-tock" that plays repetitively in your head from the moment you start your run to the moment you end.  You've been training every day, rest days included, for this moment... your moment.  

And then you hear a "BOOM!" and people are hurt and dying.  Some have crossed the finish line and now feel guilty for doing so, some aren't even near the finish line and won't be able to finish what they've started and trained for, and some will never be able to run again.  

Why?  Why does this happen for people that just want to simply and innocently enjoy their lives?  Why do bad things happen to good people?  Why are people killed when they are minding their own business?  I will never know.  No one will ever know why there is so much ugliness in the world.  But there is one thing I do know; we will not let this defeat us.  We WILL come out stronger than we were before.  We WILL become better people filled with compassion and be there to help our fallen friends.  We WILL still see the beauty and good in this world, and not be succumbed to the toxicity of it.  Boston Marathon runners, after completing 26.2 miles continued to run till they reached hospitals to donate their blood to those who needed it.  People that work for Google and American Red Cross took the time in helping people find their loved ones.  Donations are coming in from all across the world. Prayers are being prayed, help is coming in from all directions, and the people are standing together, not alone. 

In my eyes, whoever was behind the attack LOST.  Their names need not to be named, but all of those people behind these hate crimes within the past couple of years have lost.  We are all standing strong and will continue to stand strong.  We WILL overcome these horrendous acts and be the good the world needs.  Start with random acts of kindness.  An anonymous Starbucks drink for the car behind you.  A smile to a person that appears bitter.  Opening the door for a stranger.  These small, diminutive things can make a person have a different outlook on their day, so don't stop doing them, even if they seem meaningless.  I am not saying this is what it will take to make bad things not happen anymore, but it is what it will take for people to remember there is still good in the world.  

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to every single person affected.  Pretty soon, I will be able to start running again, and get back on track with my marathon training.  I will run for Boston, as I'm sure many others will be doing from here on out, too.  I will cross that finish line in October with honor for all of those that could not.  Let's stand together and be the good this world needs.  Moreover, never complain or dread a workout, because at least you CAN workout.  

Stay positive

-C

GET INSPIRED!

Everyone, meet Taryn.

Taryn is one of the most beautiful girls I know, both on the inside, and out.  She started her weight loss journey a year ago and has made incredible changes to her lifestyle.  I asked her a few questions on how she's changed her every day routine and she gave some inspiring advice.  

 

1). What made you want to change your lifestyle? Did you have some kind of epiphany, or did you just want to lose 5 lbs at first?

When I first started this journey I honestly had no idea where it would take me. All I knew was that I needed a change... I wanted to feel better in my own skin and I knew that my current lifestyle was never going to get me where I wanted and hoped I would one day be. I had no goal weight loss in mind, I just wanted to be a healthier and happier version of myself.

2). How has your eating habits/routine changed?

The way I eat now is completely different than the way I used to eat, lets say a year ago. I would literally eat whatever I want. And when I say whatever, I literally mean WHATEVER I wanted. I had no idea that what I was doing was wrong, and I didn't know any better. I am now a lot more conscious of what I am putting into my body. A lot more protein, fruits, and vegetables and a lot less sugar and carbs. I had always heard that saying "you are what you eat", and now I completely agree. 

3). Do you still let yourself cheat sometimes? What's your favorite cheat food?

 

Honestly, cheating is what keeps me going. Every Saturday I allow myself a cheat. I can eat whatever I want, and trust me I do. If I didn't have my cheat days I wouldn't have anything to look forward to. When I am struggling on Wednesday, I just think "only a couple more days until Saturday, I CAN DO THIS!" My all time favorite cheat food are pancakes...breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, so I can't stop myself when it comes to them!

4). Have you completely eliminated alcohol? If you do drink, what's the "healthiest" drink to have?

As far as alcohol, I have never really been a big fan of the taste of it, so that in itself has kind of kept me away from it. BUT, when I do, I usually stick to vodka with a sugar free Red Bull, thats my favorite and really low in calories! 

5). Describe your average workout routine.

 

My average workout routine consists of at least 20-30 minutes of cardio. My favorite form of cardio is the stair master, it really helps build that booty! Other than that, it depends on the day of the week. Depending on the day, I have a certain muscle group that I work on; legs, triceps, biceps, shoulders, back, abs. Weight training has been a huge part of my workout success. I have learned a lot, and honestly that comes with being in the gym so often. I have learned a lot from watching other people, or just asking. You can never ask enough questions when it comes to working out, the more you know, the more you will be able to change your body. So don't be afraid to ask! 

6). What kind of music pumps you up for your workouts? Any good/new workout songs?

Honestly, the only music I ever listen to when I'm working out is R&B. It's my favorite type of music, so it really keeps me going in the gym! That's my advice when it comes to music, listen to something that makes you feel good. That way you can associate your love for music with your growing love for working out and being at the gym.

7). How often are you working out? Do you give yourself rest days?

I give myself 1-2 rest days a week. It honestly just depends on what is happening that week. But it always falls on either Saturday or Sunday. Like my cheat day, it gives me something to look forward to! And plus, your body needs a good rest. If 5-6 days is too much for you, 3-4 will work as well! Anything is better than nothing.

8). Any other advice for new "gym-aholics" or tips on how to stay consistent?

My biggest advice that I ever give someone when it comes to maintaining this lifestyle is to not take it too serious! Just because you are making time for the gym or giving up your favorite foods doesn't mean that it's all you should consume your life with. Having a cheat day and a couple days off from the gym will allow you something to look forward to, and having that will make you never want to stop. It's like I can achieve the body I've always wanted and still eat my pancakes! Never give up, and realize that this isn't a diet or a temporary thing...it's a LIFESTYLE, and you have forever to perfect it. Don't get discouraged, because all good things take time! 

For more progress pictures, keep up with this amazing girl on Instagram: tarynnicole

Stay optimistic! ;-) 

-C