Recap: Advocare & Balance

It's been a hot minute since I updated this. Why? Because I've been busy living life! I think about all the fun stuff I want to post and then get super side tracked with the gym, home life, and work that it gets pushed off. So, here's a bit of what you've probably seen on my IG (where I post EVERYTHING, no joke) and my Facebook. I promise, I'll do better :)

Lets start with my training: I completed Bloomsday on May 4, 2014. 7.46 miles of complete unknown territory and complete nerves in 1:42:57. #irunformamoru has become a mission. Mamoru was one of my biggest supporters and promised he would run Bloomsday a year ago with me when I was ready. I was ready this year. He may not have been physically with me, but he got me through some really tough mental places during the race. I don't remember the scenery or how I was feeling before or after. I specifically remember running up "doomsday hill" and crying because I was finally letting go of a lot of "unknown" that I held on because of his death. I finally accepted that healing had to happen. I have this idea that every time I run and call on him for guidance, I'll not only cross a finish line, but I'll find a piece of him again. The best part was being surrounded by my friends and my mom, who also completed it for the first time!

What now? Ohhhh good question! I'm training for my FIRST HALF MARATHON! I am running 13.1 miles on July 13, 2014 to help raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of Missoula! 
I strongly believe in being a resource and support for children in the communities I call "home". I have been doing a running/lifting/HIIT training schedule because lets be real, I'm scared. Scared REAL bad. If I could use bad words to express my fear, I would. But, I'm telling myself that NO matter what, I'll cross the finish line; even if I have to walk the last 6 miles. This is about progress and about making myself better! 

Now, to break it down even further when it comes to what I'm using for training and how I'm balancing my life. This will also touch base on mentally where I'm at, and what I've learned in the last year. Negativity and "higher than thou" attitudes will not be accepted, check it at the door!

Advocare! That's right. I said it. I love & use Advocare. Why? Here are MY reasons:
1. I did my research. I researched and thought about it for a year.
2. My heart doctor (born with two holes in my heart) approved ALL of the products, actually encouraged me with a couple for running/training purposes.
3. My physician & gyno approved the products I use, especially PCOS.
4. I realized that when you're training toward goals, supplements do help.
5. I EAT REAL FOOD. CLEAN FOOD. Yes, I eat food. I don't drink shakes all day, that is one thing I could never do.
6. The vitamins in Spark do more for me than any vitaman b complex or depression pill ever did for my mood and mental clarity.
7. I've seen and spoke with pro athletes and body builders who have used the products for years.
8. My energy level is increased without toxic red bull or monster drinks. I was told if I drank those drinks, I would have heart issues. Spark is amazing.
9. The 24 Day Challenge truly helped during a dark period and brought me back to the basics.
10. It's my choice.

Now, I'm going to try and say this in the most respectful and elegant way, because I truly love what I do and the products I use, but I ALWAYS keep it real.

THIS IS WHAT WORKS FOR ME! I eat real, clean, wholesome food during the day. Roughly 5 meals a day and when I train, I use supplements and Spark. I used to eat 100% clean with EVERYTHING....those type of restrictions & some emotional issues caused for A LOT of binge eating and self hate. I took a step back and re-evaluated things. My body is the healthiest it has been...ever. Physically, mentally, and internally. My blood work came back from a hormonal panel and diabetes panel and it was PERFECT. That's never happened before, especially not when I was having my binge episodes. 

Balance is something that gets thrown at people trying to lose weight ALL THE TIME. But I've discovered that what my definition of "balance" means can be completely different than the next person. Balance needs to be based off of our personal needs. I allow for some flexibility so my binge episodes don't make an appearance or so I can feel more in control. Weight loss is mental. I can run 10 miles, but working through a stress trigger or depression is where I'm constantly put to the test.

24 DAY CHALLENGE

24 DAY CHALLENGE & AFTER

I encourage ANYONE interested in the 24 Day Challenge to ask me questions and go ask their doctors! Go ahead, research, read reviews, and ask. It's okay to ask questions. I was hesitant for over a year, and now I'm happy and content with my decision.


I'll be posting more, promise! :) Start this next month with LOTS of determination and kill your goals!

xoxo