I keep calling these last 30 days a "Re-Set" because that's exactly what I needed, and exactly what it did for me. Calling it a cleanse, or a program are all comparable descriptions, but for me, I was in a rut, and truly just need to give myself something to re-boost and re-energize.
Running Comrades with the Team World Vision in South Africa this last May was hands down, one of the most incredible events that I have ever participated in. If you have been thinking about this, go sign up, now. Say yes. If you have been considering participating in an event with Team World Vision, go sign up, right now, say YES.
http://fromflipperstofinishline.blogspot.com/2016/06/izokotuba.html
While overall it was physically, emotionally and spiritually an incredible experience, my body was wiped out. I had trained for and completed the Rim to Rim to Rim - 47ish miles in one day in the Grand Canyon (epic adventure) in 2015.
http://fromflipperstofinishline.blogspot.com/2015/05/rim-to-rim-to-rim.html
Then trained for and completed the Comrades Marathon -56 miles in one day in South Africa (epic adventure) and coming back I just couldn't find my running legs.
Folks bounce back from endurance events at different rates from each other. Some take 6 months to feel good, some a few weeks- Rusty turned around and completed 64.68 miles running by himself in the name of clean water. For me, not so much.
In July, I completed a two week intensive teacher training program towards becoming a registered yoga teacher. That was the first step towards getting myself moving again and feeling good. I met incredible people and it was one of the best choices that I've ever made. Thanks Nicole for inviting me to participate!
It was September and I was still not able to get my stride back, I was attempting to watch what I was eating, starting to work out again, but found my habits slowly leading me back towards feeling tired, sluggish, and overall cranky. Oh oh. Not good for the fall, going into a winter season.
The universe has ways of pointing you towards things, and this time it had pointed me to a facebook post. My buddy Todd had posted a success story about somebody who had just finished a 30 day program. The person in the photo had experienced; weight loss, an increase in energy, and stronger weight lifting performance. Uhm yes, please! Sign me up. I quickly messaged him that day and was ready to go the next week.
The picture below, on the bottom left, is me on 919/2016. I was tired, carried more than I wanted, and just felt icky. Stress build up and so does cortisol and belly bulge.
The picture on the top left, in the orange bikini was this summer, me actively "sucking in". When I shared some before or after pictures, she asked if in my after picture I was "sucking it in". The picture in the orange top, is me trying to "suck it in", but when she asked if she could post it, I said as long as you hide my stomach please! Not that I disliked my body, but have always struggled with wavering confidence. The group picture on the right is me at a yoga class trying to hide my stomach. (taken 9/11/2016)
But here's me, just three weeks later, on 10/8/2016, posing in a sports bra and yoga shorts (top right). and finally 30 days later, - 10.5 lbs lighter, 2 minutes a mile faster on an average 6 mile run, better rested, and lighter in every step and bounce. (Bottom right).
I finally feel back to a place where I can take care of myself and get back to getting stronger and feeling balanced.
I've liked these products so much that I've now become a consultant to be able to share, and I'm personally going to continue into the winter "off season" I'm excited to see which big races are next, haven't decided yet, if you have any adventures scheduled, let me know!!!
