Motivation Monday - Inspiration

With all the craziness going on as of late, it's been far too long since I've managed a Motivation Monday! But, I love this week's theme and it came at a time when I was really needing it: What Inspires You. Come link-up with us and be sure to jump around and check out other's posts today!

--------------------------

Inspiration is so unique and special to each individual. My journey started a year ago... I was tired of being uncomfortable in my own skin. Tired of hiding behind hoodies and sweats. Tired of being tired, really. But, my big push was my son, Wyatt.

I didn't want to sit on the sidelines and watch him grow. I wanted to be a part of it all. I wanted to be able to chase him; throw and kick a ball around. To really be a part of everything he does. Not just emotionally, but physically. With extra pounds, that was a hard task. Beyond that, it was extremely important to me that he learn healthy habits. That he understood the importance of physical activity, and had fun doing it. That he had a healthy relationship with food early on. 

Children lead by example. I couldn't sit on the couch and stuff my face with all the calories, but expect him to learn moderation. I couldn't encourage him to play outside and run around, if I was just going to kick back and watch from a distance.

Wyatt is what originally lit that fire within myself. As a result, I feel as though this journey continues to make me a better mother. I'm far from perfect, there is always room for improvement. But, not only am I happier when I'm on the right path, but so it he.

Last fall, I heard through the blogging community about Who I Run 4. I spent a good part of the day in tears as I read about the organization and scrolled through the posts on the Facebook page. I immediately signed up to be matched with a buddy to run and workout for. It was a long 6-8 week wait to be matched with my buddy, Dakota. Never did I imagine the change this young man would make in our lives.

Working out took on a whole new meaning. I wasn't just doing it for myself anymore, I was doing it for a complete stranger. Dakota looks forward to my updates, and I don't want to let him down. He is a huge motivator for me, and beyond that, has taught me so many valuable lessons. Someday, he will ride his wheelchair next to me on a run, and I cannot wait for that day.

 These past several months have been a struggle as I've dealt with various health problems. I'm gearing up to start my journey over. Instead of continuing to be down on myself for the detour I've been on lately, I'm concentrating on getting pumped up. I'm so ready to do this - just as soon as my toe and health get on the same page. There's a lot to come in the very near future, and with Wyatt and Dakota pushing me, I have no doubt that it will be an amazing ride!

Motivation Monday - Who I Run 4

Grab a button and link-up for Motivation Monday!

<center> <a href="http://www.thefittrain.blogspot.com/"><img alt="MotivationMonday" height="400" src=" http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv234/Wendy413/MotivationMondayCrew2.jpg" width="600"></a></center> </div> . I'm baaaack! First off, I just want to say thank you again to all the amazing people who guest posted for me while I was away healing up. You're all so amazing!
A quick explanation: You all heard me whine and complain for a couple weeks about being sick. I had sinus surgery a few years ago for a host of issues, and ever since I've become very prone to severe sinus infections. Which, was what this started out as. I was put on an antibiotic and after a week, I wasn't any better, and in fact worse. At this point, the doctor was concerned it was moving down into my chest. Because of a nasty go of pneumonia less than a year ago, he decided to put me on a very strong antibiotic even though I have a history of some pretty nasty affects from it. 
It's been a long month, to say the least. I've been feeling better for a few days now. This antibiotic inflames your tendons which puts you at risk to blow one out. I have spent the past few weeks with my feet up and have gotten lots of quality lion cuddles and crochet in. No workouts has had me pretty antsy though! Good news is, I have the go-head to get back into my workouts. 
So, enough of all that rambling. I have something to share with you all today that I am so excited about! 

If you follow me on IG, you have probably noticed a new hashtag the past couple of days: #ir4dakota.  Back in August, I was introduced to an organization that is changing my life on a daily basis. www.whoirun4.com. 
About a year ago, founder Tim Boyle, posted a picture from his very first 5K race. A facebook friend (Michael) who is confined to a wheel chair, commented and said "You can run for me anytime!" Thus, I Run For Michael was born. This non-profit organization, takes special needs people (mainly children) who, for various reasons, cannot do much physical activity for themselves and partners them with a "runner" (or walker, crossfitter, swimmer, biker etc...). 
It was a long 2 month wait to be partnered with my buddy. Word is spreading quickly through the running community, so the list of runners waiting for buddies is long. But the wait is worth it. My buddy is 17 year old Dakota. Dakota has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheel chair. In the short week that we have been buddies, I have grown to love him and his family dearly. They are so strong, positive and are impacting my life in ways they will never know. From this point forward, I run and workout for Dakota. 

The way it works is, when you complete a workout, you post in the IR4 group to your buddy. You share your workout, pictures, anything to help motivate them and make their day a little brighter. In the past 2 months, I have laughed, I have cried, I have been touched and motivated by the amazing stories and people. There just are not words to describe it! Please, check it out and see for yourself HERE.

I Run 4 Dakota - Who Do You Run 4?