The Morning Workout

    I don't know about you but I certainly have the hardest time getting up in the morning to go workout.  I even recently changed the title on my alarm to work as motivation...

 

It didn't work so well...It's partly do to the fact that I truly haven't slept well in months but also that a part of me thinks, "Sleep that extra hour and you can workout later."  Another reason is that I train really hard for my marathons and triathlons that hitting the gym at 4am just seems INSANE to me!  But my schedule has been so crazy the last two months that I am really disappointed in myself for the lack of dedication to the gym.  Often when I have an opportunity to hit the gym, I opt to take a nap or relax.  But that is done!

     As of this week, I am getting up every morning an hour earlier to fit in Jillian Michael's Ab video... I know, I know... who actually does workout videos anymore?  But the last few days I have felt absolutely incredible!  Just that 35-40min workout gets me motivated for the day and gives me incredible energy for the rest of the day!  As strange as it is, I have more energy so when it's the decision between going to the gym in the afternoon or taking a nap, I go and hit the gym!

   I realize it is only Tuesday, so this motivation might disappear, but its amazing how one slight change can make a HUGE difference in your day!

What about you? Are you someone who workouts out in the morning?

Who Says?

   I don't know what it is lately, but I feel like I have been around ALOT of Debbie Downers who like to tell me that I can't do something, shouldn't do something, am stupid for wanting to do something, etc. and I am tired of it!  Most of the time it seems to be career or health/fitness related and I think it is most often other people's fears that are coming out when they say its a stupid idea or you are crazy.

    I recently changed the ringtone on my phone to play the Selena Gomez's song "Who Says?", as my alarm when I get up in the morning.  I know that is probably really cheesy but it really has motivated me the last few weeks.  If you don't know the song, here is the refrain:
   "Who says, who says you're not perfect,
     Who says you're not worth it
     Who says you're the only one that's hurting
     Trust me that's the price of beauty
     Who says you're not pretty
     Who says you're not beautiful, who says?"

I like to sing this in my head when people tell me I am crazy for starting my own company.  Or I am insane for wanting to do an Ironman race.  Life is about setting goals and and taking that leap of faith to pursue them. 

So next time someone tells you can't do something, take it with a grain of salt!

If you want to watch the music video, here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzE1mX4Px0I

The "Winter" Funk

     Do you ever feel like your life is spinning in a million different directions and the only thing you seem to be able to do is grab on?  Life seems to go faster and faster and you start to lose that grip and wonder will life ever slow down for me?  For me it seems like the answer is no... and I'm tired of waiting for life to slow down to do the things that I want to do!
   
   I am currently working tow jobs, one of which is full time and the other one is 15-20hours a week.  Job #1 is not in the field that I studied in college, but I find the work incredibly fulfilling and actually feel like I am making a difference in people's lives.  Job #2 is sort of in my field, (Interior Design), I'm actually working more as a graphic designer for them at the moment.  I have been working at Job #2 for the last month and a half and so I feel like life is spinning by and I just want to shout SLOW DOWN!!!
  
   Now, one of the big things for the New Year is using one word to describe what your year is going to be like, terms like Healthy, Fitness, etc. are being used to describe what people want to see out of 2013.  I have avoided saying my word because I don't want to sound selfish, but... I figure I will share it with all of you, to give you a better idea of what this year will hold for me!  My word for 2013 is: ME.  I know that does sound incredibly self-centered and selfish and I kind of even hate admitting that, but here is why I think its a good word for 2013:
    - I've gotten so wrapped up in the hours that I am working that I am not enjoying the little things in life -  and I want to
    - I've been busy and tired so I have let personal relationships fall to the back burner, and I HATE that!
So this year is about me and doing things that I have wanted to do for a really long time but have put off, and re-connecting with friends and family! 

    I have come up with my Top 13 Things to do of 2013:
         1. Go to a Chicago Sporting Event (Cubs, Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks - I don't care which one)
         2. Go on a Road Trip/Trip out of State with Friends or Family
         3. Have a relaxing Spa Day
         4. Do something CRAZY/Different with my Hair
         5. Finish a 1/2 Ironman Race
         6. Go Zip Lining
         7. Go on a Chicago Architectural Tour
         8. Go to a Concert of one of my Favorite Groups/Bands
         9. Do a "Fun Run" - Something like the Color Run, Muddy Buddy, Foam Race, etc.
       10. Swim in the Ocean
       11. Learn something new (a new language, a new craft like crocheting, etc.)
       12. Laugh more
       13. Not complain about jobs, being busy or tired...

Maybe that seems like a silly list, from things that are totally practical to things that seem harder to accomplish.  What about you?