A Magical Running Event

Well first of all, let me say... I am a worry wart.. yes a BIG worry wart. This Disney trip, my first trip to Disney - well things were booked LAST MINUTE for our Dinning Plan. lol. I was a bit snappy to my hubby while online, as he doesn't think about the little things like this till he's at the resort starving. So Thursday Night 11:30 p.m. there I am planning out our week at Disney ensuring that our trip and my run worked together smoothly. Hmmm.... the website said all Table Dinner reservations should be booked 180 days prior, oops... well lets see what a day before gets us!

Online booking was pretty simple, I was praying that our reservations went through as my PC was acting as though things were not registering. We planned out our days and tried to get a couple hours of sleep in.

Friday March 5th 2010 Morning Fly out from Toronto Pearson Airport at 6:30 a.m.

We were out the door by 3:00 a.m. and my hubby seemed to be wearing his lead boots. I was rushing because the airlines can be so unpredictable and did I say I WORRY. We should be there three hours prior and there was two security check points.

Before that, I was trying to find this Park and Fly that I usually go to with my friend when we travel, and at night everything looks the same, so my hubby was getting frustrated with me as I was doing U-Turns and just asking to be pulled over by a police officer. I ended up going back to first ECONOMY PARK N FLY available, as our Disney mood was quickly disipating. Remember when you are flying to bring a pen and record the pole number, reference tag number and the phone number so you can call the PARK N FLY when you return. (YES I AM ON TOP OF ALL THAT, even when hubby is saying come on now, there's the shuttle) WRITE THE INFO. DOWN! Your hubby will grant you one free "Your Right" comment.

We lined up for SKYSERVICE... which is Air Transat. The girl checking us in, was a royal pain in our a$$es. She had us now running late and worried about things like my hubby's over weight luggage and my passport expiring in August 2010. I think she found this to be rather entertaining and if it wasn't the Airport I am sure one of us would have had some choice words for her. Oh and we had to sit apart from one another, this was very disappointing.

The flight was smooth and we landed in Orlando Florida, my heart was fluttering around and my mind racing, just pumped with excitement. I'm sure my hubby re-thought being with me several times now and through out our trip as I have now transformed into some hyper 5 year old. lol.

M-I-C-K-E-Y  M-O-U-S-E

Transportation was set up and our luggage tagged for the Magical Express Bus, but somehow while we were leaving the Airport my hubby was told to put his carry-on on the belt, so we had to wait for that to be released... So things got a bit hairy for awhile as getting our bearings was a bit hard with two control freaks bumping heads. We now had to go collect my hub's carry-on then head over to the B side of the Airport as we landed on the A side. We had to take a train over to the other side, very interesting... WOW... COOL... yes I have not been in an airport this big.

All ABOARD...
Finally we reach the B side, ahhh, organization... There were lines for each resort. Our resort was the ALL STAR SPORTS RESORT. Once aboard the Magical Express Bus we realised that we are heading towards the Magical place, yes that I have been dreaming of since I was 3. The Magical Bus played a video tape explaining everything in full detail, and there I was attentively taking mental notes. (have your Magical Bus Tickets ready to be scanned)

ALL STAR SPORTS RESORT
Here we are... We head right to the Check in desk, it was so straight forward. I was presented with my HAPPY BIRTHDAY Button. I wore it proudly and loved all the Birthday Wishes it got me! On the other side of Check in, was the Dinning plan area, we quickly checked in there too as I wanted to get a print out and ensure our reservations were booked successfully. They were, and now we were off to our room 155 which was close to the dinning area and main pool. Impressed with the smoothness of check in we headed to our rooms to freshen up with our Key to our Room, Dinning and Theme Parks. I was very impressed with how everyone was so friendly, helpful and how clean the resort was... The only down fall was I think the Sports Resort caters highly to the teens so there was alot of TEEN SPIRIT!!!

OFF TO THE DISNEY PRINCESS 1/2 MARATHON EXPO
There was a bus service arranged, going directly to ESPN where the Princess Expo was being held. At the entrance there were two men dressed up in Coachmen Outfits so out comes my "pi$$ hubby off with the camera" starts now. It was a busy expo, but I remained focused on getting my BIB and passing the vendors with hubby in tow. Once there, we picked up my BIB number 3199 and my goody bag... I bought a running belt as I left mine at home and was unsure if I would require it. (I filled the bottles and never used it) YES MY FRIENDS CALL ME A CAMEL AND THATS BECAUSE I CAN GO FOREVER WITHOUT WATER-I ONCE MORE LIVE UP TO MY NAME.

At the Expo my hubby quickly shooed me out of there, which was good as I was ready to buy everything I could see. Excited, I was on the biggest adrenaline high, we were heading back to our resort and then off to our first Disney Theme Park.

Our Disney Week:

Friday March 5th
EPCOT
Dinner at Marrakesh 5:00p.m.

Saturday March 6th
MAGICAL KINGDOM
Dinner at Plaza Restaurant 4:05p.m.

Sunday March 7th
RACE DAY
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Dinner at Yak and Yeti 4:00p.m.

Monday March 8th
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Dinner at Hollywood and Vine

Tuesday March 9th
My 36th BIRTHDAY
MAGICAL KINGDOM
Dinner at Liberty Tree 7:10p.m. - Change of plans

Wednesday March 10th
EPCOT
Dinner at Sci-Fi Dine in Theatre 4:45p.m. - Change of plans

Thursday March 11th
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Dinner at Tuskerhouse Restaurant 3:40p.m. - Change of Plans

RACE DAY
COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO - Rise and Shine Grumpy Pants
An early start to the beginning of a 1/2 marathon. up I jumped out of bed, grabbed a shower and dressed in my running gear. The temperature was C-c-c-c-c-old. I didn't care, I'm wearing my running skirt if if kills me, I decided that I would wear a long sleeved shirt to make up for the bare legs. plus my knee braces are so big they kept the cold off. GET UP sleepy pants... My hubby is now on board ready to be my local cheering fan. I met three lovely ladies while in line while waiting for the bus, this helped pass the waiting time. Oh my god !!! the line up for the bus at our resort was humungus... There were Princesses everywhere you looked, "A single man's dream".

I can't believe the temperature... It was FREEZING.... There was a bit of a walk (okay it was a big walk) to where the Starting Line was and where the Corrals were arranged. I was in Corral B the second Corral to be released, thank God, I just wanted to start running and get this over with... There was entertainment but I didn't really care for that too much. Michelle one of the girls I met, was in my Corral so we stuck together and complained about our frozen feet to one another.  Corral A was off with the start of Fireworks. Then our Corral B walked up to the Start Line and Fireworks exploded into the darkness and we were off... Michelle and I said our fairwells and wished each other luck and the running began.

The run was so exciting at every mile there was either Characters or entertainment cheering you on. I wish I brought my camera now. Times were posted at certain locations and I would have liked to take a picture as I thought our times would be collected through our chip. I also wished I was running this event with my gal pals... because I would have made a point of stopping to take a picture with the Characters. Especially the Prince's meow!!!!!!

As I ran, I kept my pace by focusing on my mission: which was my friends and family that I dedicated miles too. This kept me strong and steady.

Okay, either I was getting very light headed but running down the main stretch of the Magical Kingdom and reaching the Castle was an ultimate high... Running through the Castle... Watch out here comes the POLISH PRINCESS. I knew that this is the halfway point for sure, my knees were telling me so. My good knee now was my bad knee and vice versa.

It would have been a more magical route if we ran through a Park as I found myself getting bored of the highway track. I didn't enjoy the ramps either, they were up and downs I could go without. At the 12 mile mark my spirits were lifted... and the finish line was creeping up and passing through Epcot indicated the finish is near.

For some strange reason I all of a sudden felt the urge to pee... It felt as though my bladder decided to quit. I never stopped for a port-a-potty break and now I was fearful of having an accident. There was the finish line, what a terrible feeling of pressure and loss of control that overwhelmed my body. It went away, but I have no idea why that happened.

FINISH LINE
Victory accomplished. I am still walking, but with opposite knee issues... off to collect my shiny Finisher's Medal... and I got it engraved with my name and

Chip time: 2:11.

I rounded up some free food give aways and headed to the tents set up with vedors and I just wanted to give my hubby a big hug... We planned to meet at the Consession Area... Well that didn't work out as planned. I got my picture taken with Snow White while waiting and after an hour or two of walking around found my hubby who was ready to get on the bus and get out of here. I couldn't blame him or make him stay longer. I think it was nice enough that he got up and attended this event the same time as me.

My bad knee is now my good knee and my good knee is now my bad knee. I have learned that I will have to run all my future races with braces from this day on.

Recovery
The next day I felt good, a bit stiff upon waking and if I sat for a long period of time, but other than that I felt great. I ran at a good pace and came in before my estimated time I told my hubby to watch the finish for which was 2:30 hours. I think I will attempt for 2:00 hours as my chip time was 2:11 hours. I was able to continue on with our scheduled adventures through the Magical Disney World. So it was an amazing feeling and recommend it to any Princess.

I would do the Princess 1/2 marathon again... and for sure with GAL PALS... so watch out I will be rounding you up and getting you motivated!

Thanks for all the support.

Sincerely,

Michelle A.K.A. Polish Princess

A WEEK LEFT TILL I RUN THROUGH DISNEY

Today my family came over for a visit. I look forward to these visits from the three little rascals and my sister... It seems like forever, when our next visit together happens, and each visit, you can see how much the kiddies have grown. They came down to take my Ozzy boy back home with them to dog sit while I am away.

These next couple of days I'll be fitting in a couple of light runs, nothing too extreme.So far, I have eased up on my runs in hope of healing my knee for the race. So far so good...

When my sister came down today, she brougth with her, a shadow box frame, that she had used to store my medal that I gave to her for my first 30K Around the Bay and she saved clippings, my bib number and shoe tag. Today she put my other medal in it and mounted it on my wall and wanted me to fill it with all my running memories... (okay let me just empty my tear filled eyes)

I am determined to do well this year and keep others motivated with me... My sister is going to start training for a 5K race which is a very big challenge for anyone, who has never ran before. Today we sat down together and I gave her my heart monitor to use and worked out a plan starting with plotting out her hour route that she has already outlined. I am excited for her and it sounds like her husband will be up for a 5K with her as well. I am looking forward to this and will keep moivating them to achieve their goal.

Well as you all know the Disney Princess Half marathon is in a week. I have some serious packing to do. Since my family won't be there they presented me with some things to run with, I got this beautiful ring with 5 stones symbolizing each one in the family (so sweet) and some shiny hair and pony tail clips. (the perfect amount of glitter and glam)

I am as ready as I will ever be...

Also, I want everyone to remember that every step taken in my run is for someone very special in my life. Not too long ago a very good friend of my sister's lost her husband to heart failure. Veronika Lessard, is a very strong and wonderful woman, and she has inspired me through her strength.

Richard never really left, his memories remain in our hearts.

Article - Happy Health New Year Everyone

I'm getting very excited... Less than a month now. Then off to Disney.

Hello Everyone, this weekend was a catch up and time to get a nice 10K in... I was disappointed when I only got 39 minutes into my run as I was feeling great and almost done. I was nicely told the gym is closing... So I finished my run with a spin on the bike at home, thank God we have that bike. The hours at my gym are not so good on the weekends,  i thought at least it would be open till six, nope not the case, try 5. I really enjoy the treadmills at my gym though, you hit the 10K button and a way you go and it monitors my distance for me, so I know I have been comfortably running 10 mins./km.. at 5 and then I spark it up to 7 which converts to 8min./km. I enjoy intervals so much, but I think today will be a full 5K. Also with my knee wrap on and running sweet intervals my knee has thanked me by not acting up! So I think I am on to something here, as I truly have to listen to my body.

Oh just an update:
I have been working on my Company's newsletter as the Layout Artist, I love turning our raw material and ideas into an interesting read for our large audience. With a three years of Computer Graphics Diploma under my belt, I like to unleash some of my hidden creativity. My company's newsletter will be released this Friday and my article for the Fitness for Life column is complete. I am truly excited to write about Fitness as I do enough talking about it. I have taken on two columns in the Newsletter: FITNESS FOR LIFE and THE SMART SHOPPER... as these are two areas, that I could talk alot about and have alot of experience in,  and love sharing my passions with others.

I hope you find my article helpful and it helps you to start you and your loved ones on a Happier and Healthier New You!

Happy Healthy New Year Everyone

We all welcome a New Year with some New Year resolutions. Some of our New Year resolutions end with the flip of the month of January. We all have different resolutions and if you are like me, your resolution may be to become more active. We tend to set our resolutions based on a specific and unrealistic goal. Notice I didn’t say, “Go on a diet, lose weight, or join a gym?” These are examples of things that are specific but, if incorporated into a lifestyle they will help us achieve our goal to become more active. Setting more realistic goals like becoming more active, will allow you to add to or change the activities you incorporate into your lifestyle over a reasonable time period. You will be able to balance proper nutrition and exercise, which in turn, will allow you to achieve your resolution.


Usually when you set a goal, you have to be passionate about it. So I usually sit down with a pen and paper and start to note what I am currently doing, versus what I am going to do about it. You try it, be honest with yourself. Start with writing down your daily schedule. Begin by, asking yourself several questions like, “Do you have time for exercise?” If you respond with a “No” then ask yourself where can you fit a minimum of half an hour of exercise? Continue this question process until you have some positive actions to work with. I usually go through a check list and then I also incorporate new things to motivate me. Below are some helpful suggestions from my personal checklist.

How Can I Become More Active?

First I looked at my daily schedule and made sure I fit in at least half an hour of exercise a day. I also look at my family and friends’ schedules and check to see if we can exercise together. Getting that support from my family and friends is the first successful step to sharing a healthy lifestyle and staying committed. Surrounding yourself with people who are interested in the same goals will help you when your exercise plan plateaus.

Here are Some Other Very Important Areas:

At home: Take inventory of your exercise equipment, stairs, free weights, exercise DVDs. You can also go for a run or walk with your family or your dog.

Local Gym: Cardio and weight machines, indoor tracks, indoor pool, fitness classes and professional trainers. Are you getting bored of your current gym and the equipment? If you have a membership to a larger gym and are bored of your location, you can ask to upgrade to a regional membership. It may cost a bit more but this allows you to go to any location and gives you no excuse to skip a gym date. A new gym setting may change your daily routine and encourage new friendships. Attend new classes to meet new people and change up regular workout routines.

Community: Team sports, local pools and indoor gymnasiums, free public skating, and other classes. This can bring you and your family closer together and you may make new friends or meet neighbours.

Nutrition: This all starts at home. Check out your cupboards, fridge and freezer. Start planning meals and grocery lists. If it’s not on the list then you should not buy it. Set certain days to do groceries and you should never go shopping when you are hungry. Buy your meat in bulk and separate into meal size containers and freeze. Your freezer can save you money! If you find you don’t eat your veggies and fruit quick enough, cut them up before spoiling dates and use when needed. Remember food that is in its natural state is a much healthier choice. Eating proper portions will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can also keep your inner snack monster at bay by carrying a protein bar, or trail mix with you. This will also deter you from going through a fast food drive thru, where choices tend to be unhealthy. Last but not least, don’t beat yourself up if you have a desert. If you deprive yourself long enough from something you love then one day you will just let loose like the Cookie Monster!

My Personal Goal: I usually pick a sport, league or event like running that I train for. This year I signed up for seven running events. I will be running in The Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Event and The 30k Around the Bay Race in Hamilton in March. You can keep track of my progress by visiting my blog site: Michelle Haldenby – makingtraxx.ca. I started to use Blogger.com. This allows you to log into any event in chronological order like a diary. I find this a very useful tool to get inspired or inspire others around you.

Before you attempt any changes to your exercise and nutrition, make an appointment with your family physician. Your physician can also provide you with direction based on your current health.

I have always been a “In the closet fitness fanatic.” I obtain my knowledge through some excellent reads, courses, internet tips and interaction with specialized trainers and friends. In order for you to be active and healthy, you will have to realize that genetics play a very important role in how our bodies respond to the changes we make to our lifestyle. Listen carefully to your body, it’s your temple. Do not base your weight, size or shape on others or what magazines portray. For example, a female who is 145lbs. size 7 can be more fit than a female who is 105 lbs. size 2. Listen to your heart, lungs and mind. If you train these three important muscles properly they will keep you healthy and active. By focusing on these three muscles, they will allow you to transform yourself mentally and physically.

Written By: Michelle Haldenby

Keep on Moving... Don't Stop

Funny when you live in the same city, you never can find time to visit family and friends... The farther I move, the more frequent I show up on door steps these days! lol. Just like a cat I still can find my way home!

Well I still managed to fit a 10K run in at the gym in Hamilton while visiting family. I am an on the go kind of girl, so I chose a membership that is open to any location, I love that freedom. Gives you some variety in equipment, and to see what different gym locations have to offer. The biggest perk is being able to meet up with my friends anytime, anywhere for a quick workout. Since I don't have obligations to children I flex my schedule for my family and friends, that have kiddies and tight schedules.

Well as you can see I only put in one 10K run a week... for long runs that is. That is because of this buggered knee and I don't want it to jepardize my future running events by over training. So I am really babying it. I don't enjoy not being able to pound out the mileage that I use to, but these days it's not about that. It's about making it to the finish line and being rewarded with my health a family. I run with alot of other reasons that keep me determined to finish and they are deep within my heart.

I have signed up for another running event. It is a 15K in Mississauga called the Bread and Honey Run. I am excited about this event as I will be running this event with my friend Mary. She has decided to give this one a whirl... We use to run together when I lived back in Hamilton, and boy do I miss those runs. So we are both excited to complete this run and train and meet up for our training days.

This year... the feeling is, it's going to be the most memorable one and a start to my life and everyone in my circle. It has already started off amazing.

So much has happened that, I had decided that I will be running The Princess 1/2 Marathon with memories of people that have either crossed my path and left a positive impression in my heart. Each K will be marked with a special person.

1K Sean - takes care of everyone
      Samantha -  her laughter, can brighten any dark spirits
      Madison - a baby with deep thoughts
3K Mandy and Bill Luck - my rock and family
5K My Father - who taught me to be my best, and to live life like you were dying
10K My Brother - to new beginnings
15K Veronika and Richard - strength and support, amazing couple
16K Eileen - a friend for life, because she is full of life
17K Mary - a friend for life, who is beautiful inside and out and very caring
18K Sandra - a friend for life, her presence is contageous
19K Karen - a friend for life, a motivator and go getter, sets out a goal and achieves it
20K Rod - a friend for life, creative, caring, and talented
20K- FINISH - Jordon - soul mate

This should keep me going right to the finish.

Serious Measures, means getting a Garmin?

Well yesterday was very interesting... I had a couple of errands to run before heading to the gym... I am very picky on workout gear, it has to look good, function, and be reasonably priced and I was looking for some new tanks... So far I got a couple from Walmart, one out of three picks were good the others were returned... so I decided to stop in at Winners to see what they had. I got two really smart Nike tanks... black! While in there got chatting to a lovely gal who noticed my workout gear. We got to talking about where I had got my pull over from and our conversation turned into our interest and future adventures in running. I was so excited to have crossed paths with someone who shares the same passion. I wouldn't pass up meeting a new friend, as well as a possible running partner. Nothing beats chatting it up and learning from others.

During our little chat we exchanged info. and she mentioned she recieved a Garmin and told me about all the fabulous traking it does. Well, me and gadgets and anything that would help me improve my running, I'm in. After I got home, got no gym time in, I hopped on the Spin bike and spun out... also thinking about the Garmin... I have a Garmin Nuvi for my car and absolutely love it... so I started researching the Garmin Forerunner 305... There was nothing but good reviews. My curiousity further sparked when I was thinking I have to start tracking my heart rate and distance. Well this Garmin does that and much more. I noticed it was selling at Costco, so I thought I'll stop in ask if they still carry them, they do... not on Sale, bummer. It was $169.99. So I have some reading and charging to do!!!

Anyways... I have to get on my saddle and ride... if it's too cold to venture out, I don't rest as our spin bike is in our livingroom and you cannot miss it, and if you look long enough at it, the guilt you feel in not fitting in a ride gets to you. Before you know it, you are saddled up and riding!

I can't wait to get outside... Obviously I'll be out tomorrow with Garmin and my Ninja outfit if it's cold. Hopefully I'll meet up with my new friend and try a local track.

My Running Schedule for 2010

I am so excited about the Disney's Princess Half Marathon... There is only 55 days left. Tonight I ventured to the gym and chose to give the spin bike a break and attempt a comfortable 10K treadmill run. According to the treadmill I finished at 58 minutes... I found this a bit dissappointing as I usually run 10K comfortably at 45 minutes. It was a real wake up for me, and now I know I will have to get more serious. I am experiencing some inflamation in my left knee so I have been trying real hard to practice RICE. I find this hard as I use to run out my aches and pains but I've noticed that this is a reoccurring injury that I had when I ran the 30K Around the Bay in Hamilton. At the 22K mark my knees just started to seize up, I felt like the Tin Man, and from that point I had to run intervals to the finish.

I didn't train for last year's 30K and going into that run as if it was my Sunday run, was not the wisest thing to do. This year, I had gained some weight around 15 lbs. I need to shed this prior as running with a lighter load will obviously be easier for me. So for sure I will be focusing on my weight and strengthening my leg muscles on my off days.

To keep motivated and not fall into the rut I did last year... I signed up for five other Running Events:

March 7th - Disney's Princess 1/2 Marathon - Florida US
March 28th - Around the Bay Race 15k Relay - Hamilton, ON CND
May - Mississauga 1/2 Marathon - Mississauga, ON CND
August 1st - Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon - Chicago US
October - Oasis Toronto Zoo 10K - Scarborough, ON CND
October 28th - Niagara Falls 1/2 Marathon - Niagara Falls, ON CND

I was checking out the website for the Disney's Half Marathon and noticed that alot of women dress up in a princess theme, it's cute. I decided to purchase a running skort recently and if I am going to wear anything else princess related I will be wearing whatever my sister and her beautiful babies make for me. It will be my way of having them there with me.

Well I should go to bed and get some shut eye, as a princess needs her beauty sleep you know.

Getting Pumped!

Well it's the New Year baby, bring on 2010!

With this comes all the competition for the treadmills at the gym. You know all those New Years Resolution Breakers!!! Give them time! lol. I'll head in next week because I solved that wait for equipment... I still manage to run outside when given the chance (when it isn't too darn cold). I am equipped with my Ninja outfit, lol... or B&E outfit... it is not very flattering and really it's intended to protect my face from the cold wind!

Do you all agree, Christmas came and went so quick..? I got some sweet gifts, and and together my man and I bought a spin bike for ourselves. I love the fact that he is just as pumped as I am about fitness. It sure helps to have your partner being supportive. I had bought some wicked spin Dvds as I am a gal that can easily get bored of the hamster feel of a treadmill or spin bike. I got in contact with Gege Nacey. He's a trainer for one of the Dvds that I purchased for Spinning. It takes you on a drive through Maui Hawaii. you have the choice of selecting a trainer and music to accompany you on your 45 minute ride or or you can ride solo. I used the trainer, but I found it hard to hear him over my chain driven Schwinn. So I would like to recommend to Gene that he put a symbol in the corner of the screen that indicates to get up off your seat and when to sit, (I'm not a pro cyclist so I don't know the lingo). Also my man agreed that it would have been nice to see Gene ride up ahead for a bit and then taper out of the shot to give the impression that we are riding with him. You do see Gene but, it's an angle shot from the back of a vehicle?? Any ways, it still is the coolest Dvd, and it was what I was looking for. I think it will be jsut as useful for treadmill use, when we decide to by a treadmill next, I'll watch this and still make believe I am running through different routes and trails, in Maui.

Today I spun out a class and I am going to spin out another Dvd after I get off this addicting blogger. I'm going to try my best not to be on here too much, because I should be training! I'll give updates and if I come across cool stuff I have to share it!

I took a break today and headed off to the mall. I was in search of the perfect running outfit. That is one thing, when you start working out, reward yourself with nice workout gear. It's another way of feeling good and motivating yourself. I got the cutest little running skirt from Sport Check, used part of my Gift Card from Willy, Thanks Willy! And I bought a tank top so now I'm set. Well for now, my birthday is coming up, so I am sure I'll be asking for more! Hehe.

Well I have some goals I have set out for myself:

1) loose some poundage
2) tone up some
3) improve cardio
4) keep trying new fitness avenues
5) keep myself and everyone around me motivated
6) create some healthy dishes
7) keep signing up for running events
8) stay positive, I am the one who sets my own future
9) smile and laugh more (for those who know me... I already laugh alot)
10) appreciate everyday!

Oh and I have to add.... Did you watch the Biggest Loser? I love that show. These people working their butts off, literally and their reward is their health back! I am always so excited for the people who get eliminated, and how they continue their dedication to their health at home. They manage their family, work and lifetyle to get their health back. Now that should be motivating for us all - to get fit! I hope that everyone can schedule at least a half an hour to get active and do it with friends and family.

It begins with you surround yourself with positive supporters. It starts at home. Again, I am very fortunate, my man does support what I do and vice vesa as we want to remain healthy for whatever comes our way next, we are ready! Also nothing beats yoru family being there when you finish a grueling run!

Well I 'm off, going to saddle up!