Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk

I want to share a story of a friend of mine: Angie. In the summer of 2006, Angie was diagnosed with Large Difuse B-Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She underwent treatment, and in January 2007 was cancer free. At the time she had a 3 year old son and was told she may not be able to have any more children.

She has remained cancer free, and since then has had three more children. Including a set of twins that are Wyatt's age.

In an effort to give back and do what she can to help, Angie has been raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk taking place near her home this weekend. Earlier this week, a man took off on foot with a fundraising jar Angie had at a local gas station. It is estimated that there was near $300 in the jar. The entire thing was caught on camera, and you can view it along with the news segment HERE.

Authorities are doing their best to catch the thief, and Angie is at square one trying to raise funds in time for the walk to make up for stolen money. As Mr. Rogers famously stated, "Look to the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." If you are able to donate, even the smallest amount, you can view the fundraising page HERE, along with more of Angie's story. If you are unable to give at this time, even helping spread the word would be amazing. This man needs to be found and pay for his crime.

Thank You!

Thankful Thursday

I'm linking up with Jenna and Crystal for Thankful Thursday. I absolutely love this link-up. We get so caught up in our day to day lives, that it's nice to have a reason to take a step back and think about the amazing things/people surrounding us!

{ONE}

I am beyond thankful to the I Run 4 Michael group and my running buddy, Dakota. You can read HERE for the details. I've only been Dakota's running buddy for a little over a week, and already my heart has been touched. The point of this foundation is to run for those who can't and, by doing so, uplift them. To make their days a little brighter. When, in reality, I feel it's the buddies who are helping us, the "runners". Honestly, I just haven't been able to find the words to describe the over-all experience. Since "meeting" Dakota, I want to do whatever I can to be a better person. Dakota has brought my family closer. He is such a positive, happy person. It's just amazing. I urge you to read through the wall in the group when you have time. Be prepared to shed a tear or two, but I promise you will be touched.

 {TWO}

After several weeks of little to no workouts, I'm thrilled I completed my 150 burpees and lived to tell about it. Wyatt wanted to do some burpees for "kod-a", too. Which, I'm fairly certain, was one of the cutest things I've ever seen.

 {THREE}

Need I say more? Not only is it my birthday month (side note: I tried to convince Brad that there should be a daily party with cake and presents leading up to the big day, because I'm just that awesome. He didn't go for it. Men.) But, the coffee is better, the trees are gorgeous. I can wear a hoodie every darn day if I want to, and it's okay. I made the first batch of homemade chili last night, and it was so good!

Take away the snow and freezing temps, and I could do October year round!

{FOUR}

Let me start this with saying, I have a love/hate relationship with hunting season. The hate comes from the fact that it takes "single" mommy-hood to a whole new level. It is me, myself, and I for a good portion of the season. Now don't get me wrong, I love my little lion more than life itself, but one can only handle so many public tantrums, mooooommmies, messes, and 4am wake-up to play moments before she needs a few minutes to herself.

However, it's worth it. Brad enjoys it, and it's important that he gets to have some fun. But, more than that, we will have a freezer full of meat to last the year and that is such a huge blessing and stress relief.

{FIVE}

I could not be happier that I'm FINALLY starting to feel better and back in blog land! My endurance took a big hit during my hiatus, but I will get it back. I'm refreshed and ready to go!

While I Was Away...

I'm naturally a very stubborn, determined person. It can be both a strength and a weakness. When I truly set my mind to something, I'm going to see it through no matter what else may come up. A one track mind if you will...

I've been so focused on my workouts and trying to lose weight these past 6 months. There's nothing wrong with that, but looking back, I think I was pushing myself a little too hard. In ways, I think this illness was a  bit of a wake up call to take a step back and slow down a bit.

I was sick and unable to beat it for weeks. My legs were throbbing. The scale was going up and down the same 4 pounds over and over. I was completely exhausted and cranky all the time. It just hasn't been pretty.

As it turns out, a long hiatus was just what I needed. I went for a couple runs this past weekend (low mileage) and had zero pain in my legs. I've caught up on some rest and am feeling better mentally. Weight-loss wise, I am back down to 168 even though I haven't counted a single calorie in weeks and haven't gotten any burn.

Jillian's DietBet ends the 22nd. I've consistently lost, but not at the rate I would have if I'd been able to workout. In order to be a winner, I would have to get down to 165.2. Honestly, I don't think that will happen and I'm okay with that. I'm back where I need to be, mentally I'm better than I have been in quite some time, and the weight is going to continue to go down. I'm confident in that. It's just coming off a little slower than I originally planned.

With all that being said, I found myself with a lot of free time the past month. I gave up some hobbies to make room for my workouts and I've missed them! Basically, my house looks like a bomb went off in a yarn factory. It's everywhere. Here's some of what I've been up to (and I still have more orders to get finished this week!):

 

Someday I'll learn to find time for everything I love, right? Of course, we can't leave out my very favorite past time:

During my blogging absence, we took Wyatt to the annual pumpkin walk. This was my first time attending this event, and I was beyond impressed. It's held at the Wyoming Territorial Prison (now a historical place, duh). It's free to the community and so much fun! We started off with a hay ride to pick out a pumpkin.

It was freeeezing cold. Which turned out to be a good thing. Wyatt was slightly confused, thinking the pumpkins were balls. It was a blessing in disguise that they were frozen solid.

 

We kidnapped Uncle Dylan, by the way

...and Grandma

Then we hoped back on the hay ride to go paint our pumpkin!

They had a lot of centers set up throughout the grounds. We didn't get to many as it was right during nap time. We couldn't pass up the absolutely amazing balloon animal guy, though.

Wyatt got an elephant balloon. Not pictured, as he didn't live long. We had a blast and I'm already so excited for next year's pumpkin walk!

Tonight's workout will be another burpee challenge I'm doing for my buddy, Dakota. So far, we're up to 149 burpees! Fingers crossed I survive...

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?

Guest Post - Carolyn @ Fitnasty for Life

 Today, we have the lovely Carolyn from Fitnasty for Life visiting for a guest post. I've been following Carolyn since the start of this little 'ol blog of mine. I followed her journey to train for her first half marathon (which she completely dominated, by the way), and she's gotten smaller along the way. She is always encouraging, full of advice, and sweet as can be. Go check her out! 

Thanks, Carolyn!!

I hope to be back tomorrow with some updates, so check back then!

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I Wish I Knew 60lbs Ago…

Hello! Carolyn from Fitnasty for Life, here. I’m so excited to be guest-blogging for Tiffany while she rests up and gets herself back to 100%! I’ve been following Tiffany’s blog for awhile now, and I’m always inspired by the new ways she’s challenging herself (and the results she’s gotten along the way!)

I’m currently on my own “fitness journey” (such a hokey term, but it’s true!), and have been for nearly 10 months. When I began I was 228lbs and deeply in denial over how out of control I had allowed my weight problem to become. I have never been a thin person, but my unhealthy eating habits had caught up with my inactive lifestyle in a bad way. At 23 years old, there was no reason I should allow my weight to keep me from anything. Ever.

And so I made a change in a big way. Well, a lot of changes, really. I joined Weight Watchers on November 14, 2012. And now, 10 months and 58.6lbs later, I couldn’t be happier.

I’d be lying if I said this journey has been easy. But now, nearly 60lbs later, I have a lot more perspective on why it’s been so worthwhile. So I put together a list of things I wish I knew 60lbs ago (and that still motivate me today!):

·         That it can start with little changes. Just swapping a snack of pretzels for an apple. And even those little changes add up.

·         Healthiness begins in the grocery store. If you say no in the grocery store, you only have to say no once. If you bring it home, you’ll be saying no every time you’re in the kitchen.

·         Planning is everything. Always have a snack, always have water, always look at restaurant menus in advance.

·         How good it feels to buy clothes because I like how they look on me, not just because they fit.

·         That drinking enough water isn’t just good for keeping your hydrated and less hungry. It’s good for bloating, hair, and nails, too.

·         That a hard day, or a stressful week, or an argument, or being tired… these are not excuses for rewarding myself for bad food. If I want to see changes in my body, I need to fuel it with healthy food.

·         That said, it’s okay to indulge once in awhile. If I had to live in a world without cheeseburgers and Jimmy Johns, I would be a miserable person.

·         It does get easier. Yeah, it sucks in the beginning because every healthy choice feels like you’re depriving yourself from something you want more. But if this was easy, everyone would be fit and fabulous.

·         You are stronger than your unhealthy impulses.

·         Boredom isn’t the same as hungry, and how to tell the difference (if I drink a big glass of water and am still hungry 15 minutes later, that’s real hunger).

·         That running is a great way to lose weight! I struggled to run half a mile when I was heavier, and now I recently completed my first half marathon. If you keep trying, it will get easier. Promise.

Everyone’s journey is different, but learning these lessons has kept me motivated throughout mine.

What do you wish you had known when you first started?

Motivation Monday: Crystal @ Crystal Michelle's Mess

It's another Motivation Monday, so grab a button and come link up!

Today's guest post is from the super motivating, Crystal over at Crystal Michelle's Mess. Crystal has lost a ton of weight, and is looking amazing! She's an amazing photographer and has such a great attitude. Crystal is also one of the co-hosts for my new favorite link-up "Thankful Thursday." Go check her out!

Thanks, Crystal!!

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A year ago I was taking care of my dad full time, I remember HATING to go over there some days and would cringe on picking up the phone for fear of him needing something. I hated watching him die…. I hated it, when I would leave I would think of the lake, him playing me a song, us joking, being his little girl and riding with him everywhere, late night Jack in The Box Cheesecake or the funny parts that happened that day.. I would wash away the 16 medications, breathing treatments and the days where he simply talked to me no better than a 4 year old for loss of oxygen to his brain for to long, the showers that made him feel less of a man that I would try to joke through to get us both through it and the days where I was afraid to walk in because he was just laying to still…. my husband was out of town 5 days out of 7 we had no relationship whats so ever, but I was so busy I never knew…. I was a photographer & new business owner, mom of three kids, Dance, Football and normal house hold duties and a pretty shitty sister, daughter and friend. I know all this now but I was oblivious to any of these things back then.

This has a point.

With all of this being said I feel as if I lost me.. All of me I was depressed and I didn’t even know it. I became this person, that just was going through the motions of everyday life, trying to cram it all in and stay afloat. I didn’t care about me. but wait when have I really ever cared about me?

I haven’t.

Taking care of my father was the worst thing I have ever had to do in my life, but in the same breath the most breath takingly beautiful thing I have ever done in my life. I have said it before but I will say it again, God knows me and knows my heart… he knew that when I lost that man that I would be lost.. he knew that if he took him from me he would have to make me see why he had to come home, and he did.. ( this has a point) I learned more than I could have ever imagined in this time that at one time seemed like such a long time, but in reality looking back it was only a brief moment to me I wish I could have back. I learned that the strong fall, that the decisions of your youth WILL affect your future, that time was precious, that family was precious, that when we are so busy growing up that our parents are growing old, how important savings is and insurance, how God is gracious even when we don’t see it fair, and I learned that I NEVER want to put my kids through what I was going through ever…………. It was good for me, but it was time to take a step back and take care of me, because with out taking care of me that means they will have to do the dirty work or put me up in a stinky old home ( which FYI I am SOOOOOOOO glad that I fought tooth & nail to NEVER do to my dad)

Okay here is the point

I was finally done….. I woke up. I got mad… yup that is what happened… I was mad… so mad…. why was he taken, why has this life been so hard, why do people do drugs, why can’t my mom walk well, why why why why.. and well I dont do drugs and never have so… it was either go in to depression ( which I did for a while…) Or kick ass…. I started talking to people, going to the gym, stopped taking stupid diet pills, and starving myself ( which totally used to work by the way hahaha) I teamed up with Amy… I dont really know if she will fully understand what she has done for me, pushing me when she didn’t even realize it or letting me talk or vent or bitch or sharing what she is eating or giving me that look of is that what your eating.. but more than that more than anything negative she has been so positive…. even when I wasnt even if she had to lie to tell me that I looked skinnier or I was a bad ass in spin or rpm.. even if she had to fake it it worked. So Amy.. Thank you.. I started talking to people who WERE fit.. who did eat right what worked for them and I stopped reading bullshit of what to do and what not to do.. I just took everyone’s info and crammed it all together to make my own.



I am NOT the best roll model by any means… just FYI but I am trying.

I am eating better… I am working out and annoying everyone on faceook with my check ins, weigh ins, calorie days, gym days, leg days and double days… Crossfit days and to damn early for anyone to do a fucking burpee days… I cheat, I drink I screw up I cry I get discouraged and I want to quit… Um did you see those pictures I took when I was so confident and the keek I did when I was bawling about how fat I looked but how good I felt in that outfit before I left the house??? Um………. That was a kick in the gut ( literally) that said hey fat ass….. um, yeah your on your way but your no where near there, so keep up the hard work but guess what REALITY CHECK BITCH! I havent lost weight weeks, but lifted more weeks, I have hated the chicken and wanted a burger I have cried.. and cried… and cried….I have had weeks where I just wanted to give up so I did weeks and jumped back on the wagon weeks, I have yo yo'ed up and down with weight and measurements gained weeks lost weeks,

Dude… I am just a girl trying to get there.

The right way.

I am trying o get there so I am in control of my health, my life and so I can be a rocking body old lady hahaha Do I want to do this forever? Um.. not no but HELL no… I hope that I get to some point that I can say oh m g f the chicken I want Mexican Inn and know that I will be okay. I am not that girl ( well I dont think I am I may eat these words) that wants to live in the gym forever.. all I really want to do is three things:

1. Get in control of my body & be proud of me

2. Break the cycle of health issues in my family genes with me and my kids

&

3. Put on a pair of jeans, a ball cap and a t-shirt and feel cute and not like a busted can of biscuits :)

So…. My story is my own and each of us have our story. No ones weight loss story is better than the others. As a matter of fact the thing about weightloss is it's hard, and its not easy and when I see girls who have lost 10blbs 30lbs or 100lbs naturally I look up and respect them to the highest of highest. It's hard..... and when you do it the right way its so hard to look at those who take pills or starve themselves and hear the other people talk about how proud they are of them when you are still hanging at a 5lb loss and work out 5 days a week. I want yo to know I am proud of you, I am proud of YOU. Keep it up, work it off & know that you will have accomplishment in knowing that you did it.. the hard way, the right way.

Not for anyone else but you. 

I have found that there are a few things that have helped me come this far.

1- You have to be ready.. not just say your ready but you HAVE to be ready.. done with crying done with your clothes not fitting and done feeling un happy in your own body.. If your not ready it's not time.. and that is okay, because you have to be ready to make that change.

2 - Join an accountability group, hold yourself accountable but let other people know what your doing! It's so easy to let yourself down... we do it daily, but think about how hard it is to let others down.. Join a group get accountable. Let me know if you need help with this I can help you.

3- Find something you love. I started with Spin, ( I am not a runner...... at all..... I've tried) I got addicted to it, tried crossfit, and Zumba. Then I tried Flirty Girl Fitness. I fell in love and got certified! Yes the girl in the back of the class the one who wore huge shirts and hated who she saw got certified and now I have MY OWN class and empower ladies 2 days a week! Flirty Girl Hip Hop. It's okay to skip around, make fitness fun! Find something you love to do!

4. Plan your meals. Yes...... plan them..... use My Fit Pal log the food. Give yourself a goal a deadline. Log for 10 days, then 20 then two months.. I bet of you log your food you will see why you havent moved or havent lost. I did this and it was a shock to see what I was putting in my body. I started using Shakeology, this was a game changer for me as well. Not only through the product but through the people I have met and am now friends with. They have the same goals and its nice to talk to like minded people who push you to where you want to be!

5. WRITE IT DOWN - Write your goals down by hand.... plan out your workouts what are you doing Monday? What about Tuesday? Write it weekly. This will hold you accountable, you have a plan so you already know what you should be doing tomorrow!

6. Set small goals, meet those goals and set bigger ones.

7. This is the most important.... are you listening?

Get selfish..........

Yes you heard me, get selfish. This is about you..... yes you have kids, and a husband and someone needs this washed, this ironed someone needs you to volunteer and come to coffee you have a meeting and a project due for your husbands presentation..Football, Cheer leading, Work, House Cleaned you name it you do it right??

Listen....

With out YOU there is no them...... With out a HEALTHY you, where would they be? Make time, set time out for YOU get lost in your workouts, get lost in the music.. Make YOU happy because with out you happy, no one is happy and with out you healthy... what good are you to anyone else?

You deserve this, Your kids deserve this..

This is my story, I haven't lost 100lbs I am just a mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend, a sister who forgot who I was..

I have found me and I am kicking ass and taking names step by step and helping others in the process as I go.

Are you ready? Make a killer play list put your headphones on and work for it.

Guest Post - Morgan @ Fat to Fit Confessions

Today's Guest Post is from Morgan @ Fat to Fit Confessions. Morgan is one of my favs! She's lost a ton of weight, is super encouraging and positive. She's also one of my co-hosts for the Motivation Monday link-up. Be sure to head over and give her some love.

Thanks again, Morgan!

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Hey Everyone! I co-host along with Tiffany for Motivational Monday!  I am so excited to guest post & share a bit about me with you! Please come check me out sometime.

I was always the cute chubby girl....I had friends & family that loved me, but I didn't love myself. I continued to go through life unhappy & self conscious. I met a wonderful man and we had 3 children. With every pregnancy, I swore I would lose the weight & come back stronger than ever....everytime the chance came & went and I let it pass me by. I don't know why, but baby #3 was different. Maybe it was because I knew this would be the last pregnancy and I wouldn't have an excuse afterwards. Whatever the reason, I chose to start as soon as he was born and I haven't looked back. It hasn't always been easy. I haven't ate the best, everytime. I've skupped workouts and complained but I pushed through and kept going. And here I stand today, 80lbs down and the best I have ever felt. I'm not there yet, but I'm further than I ever thought I would be & proud that I haven't given up although I've wanted to at times. 

A few tips for those on their own journey. Find what works for you...it took me a long time to figure out that. Try not to look at the scale all the time. I hate to admit that I had become a bit obsessed with weighing myself often. But I now try to take in all the little things as a postive...not just what that scale says. You are more than that. You can do it. You will finish. More importantly, you will become the person you always wanted to be. And if I can do it with 3 kids in tow,  so can you!