Accepting Gratitude

This last month has been a true testament of how my life has changed.  I mean, obviously, my life has changed.  Life isn't stagnant, it just keeps moving and evolving based on every decision you make every day.  I guess, my point is that I've seen more evidence of how my life has changed.  Years ago, when I started this journey, it's no secret that my life was an absolute mess.  I was an unhappy person, toxic, insecure,etc...the list of negativity can go on and on.  When I looked inside and really evaluated who I was as a person, I wasn't happy.  I knew that I needed to make a change. 

My outside is a true reflection of who I am on the inside.  I challenge myself not only physically, but mentally and emotionally.  I feed myself with things that nurture my soul and build positivity in my life.  I have released toxic relationships and I've no longer allowed myself to self-sabatoge.  My inside, just like my outside, isn't perfect, but I strive every single day to better myself and give myself what I need to be a stronger, better person. 

Through this most recent weight loss challenge, I've seen and heard and underlining theme of "thanks".  I am constantly thanked for my efforts, told I'm changing lives, and given credit where credit is simply not due.  I enjoy the challenges, even with as much work as they are, but I enjoy them because I see people empowering themselves.  I'm simply the cheerleader.  In my weight loss challenges, I post my daily goals (as challenges)  I'm only posting what I want for myself.  Whatever I"m struggling with, I post as a challenge to the group- maybe someone else is struggling with that too!  Well, it seems to be working, because I have 80 other people working on the challenge too (realistically, it's probably only 50 or so that are really invested) nonetheless, they are doing the challenge too and that motivates me to stick to my goal.  You see, the challenge gives me personal motivation as well!  I'm not the hero, I'm just focusing on my own goals, saying them out loud and asking the group for support as well!  This is why I could never accept payment.  I wouldn't want them to expect me to help them reach their goals; like I've said, we're all on our own journey.  I'm here to cheer you on, share successes, empathize with struggles and help push you along, but I can never claim to help you reach your success...that's something very personal that the only motivation that will help you is from within yourself. 

I've had people reach out to me to tell me what an amazing thing I'm doing.  I just smile.  I'm actually embarrassed, because I just don't feel like I deserve that recognition.  These challenges have exploded and they are known throughout the community.  I can't go to my daughter's school, Jr. League events, the GROCERY STORE, without someone stopping me and telling me they've heard about my challenges.  Old friends/aquaintances, message me and tell me how proud they are of what i've accomplished.  It just feels funny.  I just want to shout, "these people are doing it all themselves!" because I know how hard they are working and I feel like what I do is just so miniscule. 

I had to recognize that I am doing something.  I had to check myself and remind myself that when I started this journey, I needed a lot of support from others too.  I was reminded that even though I was in the gym and it was me alone prepping in the kitchen, I had cheerleaders too, I had support, I had outside motivation.  I was not alone.  It made accepting the "thank yous" a little easier.

So THANK YOU to all my followers, all those in my weight loss challenge, all my supporters and all my friends and family.  Thank you for believing in me.  I accept your thanks whole-heartedly and feel so proud to be part of your journey! 

Stepping Out of Comfort Zone

I took Blythe's advice and met with a personal trainer from my gym.  I had previously mentioned that I didn't feel confident in most of them, but I chose to work with a young man named Maurice.  He's in really good shape; I always see him working with middle-aged women (rathen than meat heads), he's so nice and really seemed to know what he's talking about.  I had spoken to him month's before when he asked me to speak to one of his clients about nutrition.  I met with him last Thursday and I got an amazing workout routine!  He had me work an hour doing TRX.  TRX is suspension training.  You can learn more about it here:  http://www.trxtraining.com/suspension-training

It looks very intimidating, especially to someone like me who is probably the least coordinated person on the planet.  Working out using suspension straps, my own body weight, balance, core strength and did I mention BALANCE?  LOL!  Well, it was a challenging workout to say the least.  I had my arse handed to me.  Here I am three days later and I still wince every time I raise my arms.  That to me, folks, is signs of an awesome workout! 

I also learned a really great routine that focuses on my abs.  I admit that it's not the most comfortable position to be on the floor, feet in straps...ladies you know where I'm going with this...  you honestly have to just let your insecurities of how you look go.  I know I looked like a tangled up bafoon, but my abs got an incredible workout so it was worth it.  I know that in time I'll gain confidence and grace (ok, maybe just confidence;  or maybe I just won't care what I look like!)  For those of us with the mommy pouch, you know you really crave an ab routine that leaves you feeling like you did work!

So I'm looking forward to meeting with Maurice again.  I don't anticipate that I'll work with him regularly, but I think that he'll be able to help me out with my routines, force me to change things up and give me some pointers on how to maximize my workouts and my results!

Modeling Healthy Habits

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon cooking with my daughter. We had the best time! We made a Braised Tilapia with Julienne Vegetables and a Béchamel Sauce, Wild Rice with Spring Vegetables, and Lemon Mousse with a Mixed Berry Medley. It turned out fantastic!

We started the afternoon at Whole Foods; she helped me with the shopping. I taught her how to select produce, read labels, look for fresh ingredients and compare prices. We had so much fun! There were several items we weren't sure where to find, but rather than ask, we played a game of trying to think where it could be. For example, we had to find whole cloves. At first, we thought it would be with the fresh herbs and spices, but then she remembered from a unit she did at school that it would be with the dry spices. Ha ha ha! We felt silly after we thought about a few items, but it really made us think about the food and where it comes from!

Once we got home, she really helped a lot. We laughed ourselves silly as we whisked egg whites to make the mousse (note: use a very large bowl...otherwise you're going to have foam EVERYWHERE!) I learned that her tiny fingers are perfect for slicing very very small julienne vegetables. I also learned that she shares my eye for food; good food tastes even better when it is well presented. She chose fancy plates, set the table, decorated it with flowers, etc. I was quite impressed!

For me, I felt that this was true quality time in that I got to 1. Spend time with my daughter 2. Teach her about choosing quality foods 3. Pass down my minimal culinary skills 4. Impress upon her the importance of food presentation and 5. share my love for all food with the second biggest foodie I know!

I can't wait until our next big cooking project! Cooking with her is so much fun and I feel like this is something that will not only stick with her in her memories, but will instill in her the importance of eating healthy and enjoying preparing foods the way they are meant to be eaten!

 

Our Finished Meal...YUMMY

Preparing for a conference!

So I've been asked to speak at a conference in April.  "Get Ready, Get Fit, Get Healthy".  This is a conference that focuses on the health and wellness of children!  I will be giving a class that I've developed called "A Healthy Child is a Happy Child".  Through this class, directors, administrators, teachers and in home child care providers will learn how to 1) Create and Promote a healthy environment as well as Model healthy habits! 2) Design and Implement Nutritionally balanced and healthy snacks and lunch menus 3) Plan and Implement Lesson Plans and Daily Activities that teach children about Healthy, Nutritious Foods and 4) Learn how to engage Parents and Families to participate in healthier options/alternatives and find resources to gain access to healthier foods. 

I am so excited to be part of this, as I believe that if we start the healthy habits early, we will prevent many many many health issues down the road!  The statistics related to childhood obsesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and many other issues are staggering!  Something must be done!

I'll update frequently as I get closer to the conference!  I'm sure I'll have lots to share here as well! 

Helpful links:

http://www.letsmove.gov/

http://kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org/

http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/Resources/servingupmyplate.htm

http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/healthy_eating/myplate.html

Top Recipes from the 2013 Weight Loss Challenge!

I've been getting lots of requests for some of our recipes!  Here you go! (I do need to go back and figure our the nutritional content for each of them!  I need more hours in the day!)  ENJOY!

Crockpot Turkey Breast
7-8lb bone in young turkey breast
Rub:
1/4 cupdried onion flakes2 tablespoons low-sodium beef bouillon granules1/4 teaspoon onion powder1/4 teaspoon parsley flakes1/8 teaspoon celery seed1/8 teaspoonpaprika1/8 teaspoonground black pepper
Line crockpot with crockpot liner (seriously genius!)
Rub soup mix all over turkey breast, inside, out and under skin
Place turkey breast in crockpot; do not add stock or water or anything else
Cover and cook on high 1 hour and then reduce to low for 7 hours.
Remove turkey, remove bone and skin, put in tupperware and voila! you have turkey breast meat all week for wraps, salads, quick protein snack!
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Fajita Bites
4 Medium Bell Peppers
3 green onions
1/2 c fresh cilantro leaves
4 oz part skim mozzarella cheese
2 cups finely diced cooked chicken breast
1/3 cup of chobani plain non-fat greek yogurt
2 tbsp Pampered Chef Chili Lime Rub
another 1/2 c of chobani plain non-fat greek yogurt
Preheat oven to 400
Cut tops of peppers and scoop out seeds. Wedge the peppers.
Finely chop the onions and cilantro in a manual food processor. Grate cheese.
Mix half of the onion mixture, half of the cheese, chicken and 1/3 c of the greek yogurt and the rub.
Blot excess moisture from peppers and then scoop about 2tbsp of filling onto pepper wedges.
Sprinkle peppers with remaining cheese and bake 5-7 min or until cheese is melted. Mix the remaining 1/2 c of greek yogurt with the remaining half of the onion mixture. Spoon it into a resealable plastic bag and trim corner. Squeeze the yogurt/onion mixture over fajita bites to taste.
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Tomato and Avocado Salad
2 small tomatoes
1 small avocado
2tbsp fresh basil
sea salt to taste
2tbsp balsamic vinegar
Slice tomatoes, top with sliced avocado and basil, season with salt and vinegar (TOO EASY!)
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Red Pepper Soup
1/2 onion, 1 garlic clove 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Heat 1tbsp evoo then sauté onion, garlic and flakes 6 min. Add 2 large red peppers (quartered) and 1.5 c of vegetable broth. Cook until peppers are very tender. Carefully put in blender and purée. Serve immediately.
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Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal (for the crockpot)
1/2 C steel cut oats
2 C almond milk
1/2 C pumpkin puree
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t allspice
pinch of cloves

spray your crockpot with a nonstick spray, throw in all ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
serves 2. serving size 1 1/4 C. calories per serving :205 (i tripled this recipe when i made it, so i have breakfast for the whole week)

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Angela's Overnight Oatmeal

1/4 c old fashiponed oats
1/4 c Greek yogurt
1/3 skim milk or almond milk
1.5 t chia seeds
1 t honey (optional)
1/4 fresh fruit or berries

Mix all ingredients Add berries to top. Fridge overnight or up to 2 days. Eat cold.

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Overnight Oatmeal

Ingredients
◦ 1 cup of milk (skim, almond or coconut milk)
◦ 1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick cooking)
◦ 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract (change it up and use almond extract)
◦ 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
◦ 1 tbsp. raisins
◦ 2 tbsp chia seeds or flax seed*
(add a scoop of protein powder or a scoop of greek yogurt for extra protein)

Instructions
1. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and cover.
2. Place in the fridge for at least three hours or overnight.
3. If you prefer it warm, just heat it on the microwave or stovetop but you may need to
add a little extra liquid.
4. Top w/ fresh berries, or dried fruits and nuts if desired. Delish!

Serve size: 1

Notes
This is easily a gluten-free and vegan recipe by using the gluten-free oats and coconut or almond milk.The chia seeds help to absorb some of the liquid and thicken the oatmeal. *If you are not using chia seeds you should reduce the amount of milk but about 1/4 cup. This recipe has daily recommended amounts of 50% calcium, 32% iron, 25% vitamin D, 50% vitamin E, in large part due to chia seeds.
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Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash & Quinoa Recipe

Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb. butternut squash, peeled, seeded & chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 can (14 oz) petite diced tomatoes
2/3 cup uncooked quinoa
3/4 cup pitted and quartered kalamata olives
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
1.Steam the butternut squash until barely tender, about 10 minutes. Remove half of the squash pieces and set aside.

1. Steam the remaining squash until very tender, an additional 4 to 6 minutes. Mash this squash with the back of a fork. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring the chicken broth to a simmer.
3. Add chicken thighs, cover, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
4. Transfer the chicken thighs to a plate and allow to cool. Pour broth into a medium-sized bowl.
5. Return the saucepan to the stovetop and lower heat to medium. Add olive oil.
6. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is starting to turn brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
7. Add minced garlic and oregano. Cook, stirring, for 1 additional minute.
8. To the saucepan, add tomatoes, butternut squash pieces, mashed butternut squash. Stir to combine.
9. Stir in reserved chicken broth and quinoa. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until the quinoa turns translucent, about 15 minutes.
10. Shred the chicken with your fingers or a fork.
11. Stir the chicken, olives and pepper into the stew and simmer, uncovered, to heat, about 5 minutes.
12. Stir in parsley and serve.

Notes
Calories 329 / Total Fat 14.1g / Saturated Fat 1.0 / Cholesterol 15.2mg / Sodium 1209mg / Total Carbohydrates 32.8g / Fiber 5.4g / Sugars 3.0g / Protein 19.4g / WW (Old Points) 7 / WW (Points+) 9
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Quinoa Stuffed Mushrooms
20 mushrooms
4 spring onions
1/2 c cooked quinoa
2 T parmesan cheese
Clean mushrooms, snap off stems. Place caps in 9x13 baking pan. Chop stems and spring onion fine. Spray saute pan with pam, add chopped stems and onions. Saute until cooked through. Add quinoa. Cool slightly. Add parm. Stuff mushroom caps (pack down stuffing slightly in cap) and bake about 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Grilled Chicken, Roasted Red Pepper Soup and Tomato with Avocado andBasil Salad

I will post Recipes soon!

Inspirational Story from one of my Challengers

I received this email this morning from one of my weight loss challengers just as I was finishing up my morning run. I read it, but it took a few minutes for the message to really sink in. As I was driving down the road, I was absorbing what this man had just told me and I had to pull the car over to collect myself and wipe the tears from my face. This is truly a story about a man who is choosing to take control of his health and save his life!

Dear Alice Anne,

As you have probably already noticed, I do not regularly do Facebook -- Susan generally posts for both of us. However, I wanted to share something with you as a way of saying "thank you" for all of the work that you put into creating and administering these challenges.

I began gaining weight in the fall of 1981 when I got my first fulltime job as a draftsman for a small engineering firm in Raleigh, North Carolina. I sat at a drafting board for 8-10 hours a day. I gained a little bit of weight every year since then. The more weight I gained, the more sedentary my life became simply because I did not have the energy or the drive to make a change in lifestyle. One time about 14 years ago, I posted a note on the office bulletin board asking if anyone would be willing to walk/jog with me at lunch once or twice a week to help me get in better shape. Instead of getting any help or even any encouragement, I was humiliated to find close to 20 comments written on the bulletin board poking fun at my request. I lost all desire to get in shape.

I began making regular trips to West Africa in 2004 to build laboratories for the NIH. During our safety briefings that preceded each trip, someone always asked what we were supposed to do if we encountered a wild animal (e.g., lion, tiger, etc.). The running joke for close to five years was that no one should worry about that scenario as long as you were capable of "running faster than Bill" because you would have time to escape while the animal attacked him.

I participated in your challenge last fall to support and encourage Susan but I did not embrace it for myself and had lackluster results.

I had a physical exam two weeks before this challenge and my doctor blindsided me with the sobering news that my health was in such bad shape I probably had no longer than 1-2 years to live unless I began a regime of taking multiple medicines for the rest of my life. I had no desire to be medicated for the rest of my life and I asked him if it would make a difference if I could lose 30 or 40 lbs? He looked me straight in the eyes and said that it would make all the difference in the world, but he had NEVER had a patient in my shape ever be able to make such a radical lifestyle change. He agreed to give me 90 days to make a change but said that the only exercise he would sanction at this time was walking. He then told me that when he saw me again in 90 days we would start an aggressive regime of medicines because he was sure that I would fail in this effort.

Although I was educated as a scientist, my career has been predominately as an engineer. My new position with NASA has recently given me the chance to work more as a scientist for the first time in my life. I decided to approach this challenge as a 12-week science experiment. I used my prior affiliation with NIH to gain access to the latest scientific studies in weight loss. I used my status as a graduate student at the Harvard University Extension School to gain access to the vast Harvard libraries where I have been able to read up on some of the latest research in the nexus between brain function and weight loss and some of the cutting edge obesity studies coming out of the Harvard School of Public Health.

During the first two weeks of the challenge, it was all I could do to go 1-2 miles on the treadmill. Yesterday, I walked on an inclined treadmill for 18.25 miles (just over five hours). It felt great!

Two weeks ago, the doctors at NASA rechecked my blood work and found the following:
my blood pressure has gone from 172/105 to 117/64; triglycerides have gone from 514 to 150; total cholesterol has gone from 420 to 128; thyroid function has gone from 8.22 to 4.52. In general, almost all of my biomarkers have gone from "dangerous" to either "normal" or very close to "normal". This weight loss challenge is not only changing my life, it has saved my life. I just wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for all you do in organizing and running this challenge! It is making a miraculous difference for our family.

Best regards,

Bill

Again, SUCH an inspirational story! I just had to share! His journey has been a long and treacherous one; one of lost hope, jokes, and never believing things were "that bad". Sometimes, we just have to hear something that shakes us up and makes us stop and realize that we are in charge of our lives and our health! I'm so incredibly proud of this man and he is a true testament that we are in COMPLETE control!

Love my Lululemon!

Everyone knows that I love to shop!  I especially love to shop at a place where I feel they truly give back to the community and empower individuals to be their best!  Lululemon has been my sportswear choice for several years now, and I have to admit that I have never been disappointed!  While some might see it has "high dollar" sweat rags, I say the the company, the clothing and more specifically the staff at the Annapolis Towne Center store are simply INSPIRATIONAL!  I must share this story from one of my "losers" that she posted yesterday in our weightloss group about her experience:

"I have to share something pretty amazing that happened tonight! I ventured into Lulu Lemon after picking up my new running shoes. I had planned to just look around but it didn't take long before I was in the dressing room with a bunch of items! I was so excited to be in there trying things on and have them fit! It wasn't that long ago that I was going on their website drooling over the cute running skirts I hoped to wear one day. Anyways, I decided to get a pair of yoga shorts and yoga top and hold off on the running skirt until I reach goal (hopefully by mid-April!). I explained that to the sales girl and she asked how much I had lost and she was stunned when I told her 109 lbs.. When I came out of the dressing room she was standing there with her manager. They told me that they wer...e so inspired by my weight loss that they were going to give me the running skirt I wanted for FREE! I could not believe it! I am still in complete shock! I was in tears, the sales people were all in tears, the customers were clapping and congratulating me - it was pretty unbelievable! I am still teary eyed because I am so excited to have my first super cute Lulu Lemon running skirt but mostly because I am so touched by the kindness and generosity of these women! This came at just the right time because I have spent the last few days feeling sorry for myself that the only 100 lb celebration I had was with myself and the massage therapist at Hand & Stone massage (stupid, I know, but my family really let me down!). So thank you Lulu Lemon for an amazing gift! Be sure you patronize their store for some great yoga and running gear. Their kindness has restored my faith and it has motivated and inspired me to continue working hard no matter what! They have me as a customer for life!"


This absolutely warmed my heart!!!  This is a store that promotes positive self-image, gives support and encouragement and shows true sportsmanship!  I was so impressed that I contacted the store immediately to let them know just how much this act of kindness impacted so many people!  My friend shared it with over 80 other weightloss challengers, I have shared it with everyone I know and I'm sure the story just keeps going on and on!  A healthy lifestyle is NOT easy, every little bit of encouragement, support and recognition goes A LONG LONG way!  So way to go Lululemon of Annapolis, we love you and so appreciate your big hearts!

www.lululemon.com

Sing it with me..."It's getting HOT in here..."

If you've ever tried hot yoga, more specifically Bikram Yoga (there are three locations in the Annapolis area) you know exactly what I'm talking about!  I sing that to myself every time I walk in the door to one of their studios. 

With three convenient locations; Annapolis, Severna Park and Crofton, classes offered from 5:45am-7:30pm, you're sure to find a time that works for you!  I won't lie and say that this is a workout that I look foward to, but it is definitely a workout that gives RESULTS. 

26 Poses, done twice, for 90 minutes in 106 degrees!  I've never sweat so much in my life!  I feel absolutely depleted, but rejuvinated at the same time when it's all over!  The entire 90 minutes, I'm just focusing on not falling over, passing out, embarrassing myself, or walking out of the room.  When it's all over, I'm thankful that I made it, and I'm thrilled to be finished!

I started going when one of the challengers from my weight loss group invited several of us.  My initial reaction was "wow, it smells terrible!"  It really did!  I will say that it's not "as noticeable" now, I guess you build up an immunity to it, but it was really off-putting the first time I went.  I almost gagged and walked right back out!  So,I went twice with a $40 deal, swore I'd never go again, but then this really great Groupon deal came up and I ended up purchasing 20 classes for $59.  I've now attended 5 classes, and I'm still going strong.  My goal is to go 2xs a week.  I've been taking my niece, Nina, with me too.  I think it's been extremely beneficial for her as she broke her back in June 2012.  I think this is helping her heal and gain a lot of strength.  I can already see a dramatic difference in my flexibility, sleep quality, focus, strength and of course...there's a little weight loss too!

So, while it my not be my FAVORITE workout, it definitely breaks up the monotany and gives me a bit of a challenge.  I encourage everyone to try it out once!

Check out www.bikramyogaannapolis.com

2013 Weight Loss Challenge

Today was the 8th weigh-in for my "losers".  We have 4 weeks to go and I just cannot express my complete admiration for the people in the group that are working so incredibly hard!  I couldn't even tell you what number challenge this is for  me.  I've been running the challenges since 2009.  I've had people hit unbelievable milestones (40lbs, 60lbs, 100lbs and even 150lbs LOST)  It has been an absolute joy participating in their journeys!  Today's weigh in was certainly not a disappointment.  I actually got teary-eyed when a woman texted me that she hit her 40 lbs lost this morning.  I spent 20 minutes on the phone with another woman discussing her nutrition and helping her break a serious plateau.  Weight loss is not easy; if it were well...then no one would need to lose weight.  I love that the challenges offer a safe place for people to check-in, be accountable and push themselves to their max.  Of course, not everyone is in it to win it, some find that the challenges actually don't motivate them at all, but for some...it's exactly what the doctor ordered!

Speaking of doctors, I am thrilled to say that many of my challengers have reported being taken off certain medications (specifically for high blood pressure, cholesterol, hyper-tension, etc)  Others have found themselves flirting with diabetes, MANY have seen themselves go from the obese range, to overweight, to finally at normal- that's definitely something to celebrate!

The friendships that have been made through the challenges are incredible too!  People have connected that would have never met before and have become the best of friends; I love that!  Birds of a feather... and what better flock than positive, motivated, hard-working people who just want to get healthy and be fit!?  Win-win if you ask me.

I know I'm constantly saying, "I don't know if I'll do another one after this", the truth is, its a lot of work.  However, it really keeps me going too.  Even when I have my slumps, it's damn near impossible to stay down when you're trying to encourage, motivate and inspire others to get up and go.  I'm not a hypocrite :o)

I'm hoping to use the blog more to share exercises, nutritional tips and daily encouragements!  I know my "losers" call me out when I don't keep up the chatter on our private Facebook page.  LOL!  So here's to 4 more weeks of hard-core competition, ok, maybe not hard-core...friendly feuding.  I always look forward to the end because sometimes someone really sneaks in there and steals the challenge and we're blown away.  In all reality though, even if someone doesn't win the cash pot, but they got close, chances are they are 20-30lbs lighter than they were 12 weeks ago and that in itself is definitely a victory!

Girls on the Run Is So Much Fun- Holla!

I'm coaching my daughter's Girls on the Run team again this season.  The fall season was incredible with 11 darling 8 and 9 year olds-so I thought I'd give it another go this spring.  We have 8, adorable 3rd and 4th graders this season and our first practice was just about getting to know each other.  This is a very diverse group and I can tell that we are going to have a lot of fun as we learn about each other, learn about ourselves and reach our goal of getting these young ladies to run a 5K.  If you want to learn more about Girls on the Run, visit their website:

www.girlsontherun.org

You can learn if there is a council near you or even how you can get one started (I did for my daughter's school!)  As stated before, I was not an athletic kid growing up; in fact, I was lanky, awkward, shy, and if it involved sweat...well, I was out.  My daughter is very much the same way.  After the fall season, watching her get stronger, gain confidence and achieve her goal of not only running a 5K, but doing it in 32 minutes, I just could not have been happier and more filled with pride and joy for her! 

Girls on the Run isn't a running program.  It's a program developed to help girls gain positive life skills; running is just the tool used to communicate.  I love helping these young ladies learn about self-respect, confidence, positive attitude, peer pressure and so many other invaluable lessons that we could all benefit from talking about- no matter our age!