Ovary Overload

It rained all night so naturally I woke up half unconscious with my face plastered to the pillow.
I wasn't sure where I was, if it was Monday or Thursday, or why my hair smelled like a blend of yankee candle and fiesta seasoning.
Long night.
But here we are...

The weekend was jam-packed with my girls.  Coffee with my sisters (I've decided that sister-in-law sounds distant and impersonal for 2 people who have seen my bare ass and know way too much about me to leave the scene at this point),...brunch with my college roommates,...Payton's soccer game,....it was definitely an all-about-the-ovaries weekend.
I had an absolute blast and am quite blessed to be surrounded by such amazing women.

On a fitness note, I have to share the highlight of my week.
I received a text from a young lady which basically said For the first time in 2 years I am at peace with my body.
It gave me chills.
Many people think that being a personal trainer is all about getting people to push away from the table, but I also deal with the other side of that coin.  I've worked with countless women who struggle with an eating disorder and body image issues.  It is the flip side of the same coin, and can be devastatingly powerful when not addressed.
It honestly breaks my heart to watch women literally hate themselves into a state of desperation.  I get it.  Nearly 40 pounds ago I was there.  Thin and miserable.  Sounds ironic, but it was the realist hell I've ever experienced. You fight like hell against who you are in that moment for the hope that one day you will look in the mirror and be content.  And when you're on the floor in tears screaming, the thought of contentment is beyond foreign.
That text hit home,...hard.
But what a breakthrough moment.  I was so excited for her I can hardly explain.
Everyone's journey is different,...but at the end of the day we are all fighting our way towards a greater self.

Night folks.  Make tomorrow extraordinary.

...Easy on the Fennel

Hump day has to be the longest day of the week.
Yet, its always been a fave.
Not to say it doesn't start off rough with a 4am wake up call to the treadmill, but its upward from there.

The great thing about an early morning workout is that by the time my mind figures out what the heck is going on, its over and I have no time to rebel.  The downside is the enormous wall I hit around 1pm that sends me into a whole new state of mind I can hardly explain.
I'm pretty sure its the same state many addicts try to achieve,...but less expensive,...and involving more back sweat.

Overall, it was a great day which started out with an excited client on the other end of the phone to tell me of her cardio accomplishments.  It was awesome.
Honestly, there is nothing like watching someone make strides in confidence.  And to be a part of that moment made my day.
My dear lady, thank you. ;)

Made my way to Whole Foods today for a coffee pick-me-up and some salmon on the run.
Some nights I'm just not in the mood to smoke my house out with the smell of fish, so I opt to buy it already cooked and ready to roll from WF.
The only thing I am not crazy about are the fennel seeds on top.  Seriously, I feel like I am eating incense.
Which I'm sure some pothead somewhere has tried, but I'll pass.
I try and scrape it all off, but its inevitable a few find their way to my mouth.
Green beans, broccoli, and fennel-infested salmon.  Dinner is served.

Busy few days coming up.  Another article in the works for next week,...and please shoot me any questions/topics, and I'd be more than happy to address them!  

Ok, short and sweet tonight.
Sleep fast,...Thursday, here I come....

Self-Acclaimed Powernap Champ

I can power-nap like a pro.
I kid you not. 
Its a secret talent of mine I discovered in college (I napped quite a bit from 2001-2005).  But in all honesty, I can lay down, tell myself to wake up in 18 minutes, not set an alarm, sleep like a champ, and BAM I'm up in 18 minutes ready to grab life by the body part of your choosing.
Somehow it doesn't appear as impressive as I've always thought it was, but nonetheless it works for me and there ya go.
Thank God I had time for a nap today because I truly thought I was going to bang my head against the wall by 10am.  I was exhausted and still had a workout to squeeze in.  It was a long 4 hours before I made it to that nap.
The physical therapy table is my go-to.  I set that torso support at about 15* and I am out cold in about 30 seconds.  Its the little things...

I got a great tid-bit in an email yesterday that made my day.
I often get questions about healthy recipes and food combinations that are quick, can be made ahead of time, and actually taste great.  Many people struggle with the whole notion that if its healthy then it must taste horrible.  HA.  Let me tell you something, if my meals tasted horrible to me, there is absolutely no way I could stick to my routine.  Period.  I have will power, but only so much.
So I sent her a few of my staple recipes and food-tips when preparing meals and she said she'd shared them with numerous family members and taught them how to incorporate healthier meals into their daily lives. 
Paying it forward.  I love it.


On that note, I'll leave you with my turkey meatball recipe...

Turkey Meatballs

1 lb 97% lean ground turkey…may also use 96% lean ground beef

3/4 cup plain oatmeal

3 egg whites

2 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp garlic seasoning and dash of oregano

½ tsp salt

*spices are up to you...love garlic? add more!

1. Preheat oven to 350*

2. Mix ingredients together in large mixing bowl with hands

3. Line a 13 x 9 pan with foil and roll mix into 1 1/2 inch balls...should make roughly 12-14 meatballs

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes (each oven varies)

I put avocado on mine....a little different, but damn good to me :)...

Have a great day folks!

97% Chance the Plants Will Die...

Monday came like a sucker punch from the back, and I feel as though I am still recovering.

It was a busy weekend full of wedding festivities, yard work, and a cleaning list that looked more like a domestic death wish.   I can't complain because I totally do it to myself.  My OCD kicks in and before I know it I am drawing boxes to check off like its the 11th hour and I've somehow created my own mission impossible.
And then there was the yard work....
I've always admired my dad for his love to dig in the dirt and pretty much be able to grow anything despite my mom's ability to completely kill a plant without actually touching it.
Its magic.
Sparkles has a dark side....thank God...
But my dad is unbelievable when it comes to that stuff.  Last year I pull in their driveway and that creeper constructed the most ridiculous looking garden with a busted gate and chicken wire right there in the front yard.  Ironically, he grew squash the size of a small child and the sunflowers he spontaneously placed in there (Sparkles' request, shocker), were absurdly large.
If it didn't piss off the neighbors it at least scared them a little.
Amazing.

Point is, I get the job done when it comes to planting and adding some life to my habitat, but I don't daydream about digging in the dirt.
After 2 days, I'm tired, dirty, and totally aware that if I find a tick on me I just might freak out like a child and then proceed to burn it at the stake while humming my own version of Set Fire to the Rain.
My thumb is not green by any means.

***

On a cleaner note, a highlight of the weekend was the wedding of a dear friend of mine, Kellie.
I've known her since I was 12, and when it came to sports, she was my partner in crime.  We warmed up together before games/practice in volleyball and softball from 7th grade until we graduated high school.  She was always one of those players you never worried about.  She came out focused and knew what she needed to do to get the job done.
No BS and extremely funny.
Naturally, I loved that.  Ah the memories...(the last one was pretty standard pose all the time)

She did this impersonation of a baby goat that was unbelievable, and being the amazing person she is, she definitely whipped it out at the reception on Saturday night.
Just like in 1999, I nearly wet my pants from laughing right there on the dance floor,...which would have been quite unfortunate for everyone....
And this occurred about 2 songs before she comes up to me to say my dance moves were turning her on.  HA,...true friend right there.  You're welcome Scotty. 

It was an honor to celebrate with her, and always worth busting out the Wobble and a few Mer-originals for the sake of a good time...

Well, it was a solid work day and now I'm pooped.  Back to the grind tomorrow and some fitness updates that were truly exciting...
More to come folks.  Have a great night.  Sleep fast.

Siri, Shut It.

I've got about 20 minutes to spill my brain.
Brace yourself.
I've been on a roll all morning and honestly it makes no sense.
I got less sleep than normal, up at 4, treadmill by 5, 6 cups of coffee (addicted and don't care), and here I am wide eyed and practically running around like a toddler on a fun-dip high.  Give me 2 hours and I will probably crash and burn.  It will be quite a scene.

Today has been an interesting flow of emails/texts.
One of the best came from my sister in-law who apparently has a thing for exclamation points via email.  She jokingly mentioned something about it,...and then ended the sentence with about 7 of them.  I laughed,...and do appreciate some good 'ol punctuation excitement.
However, when I read emails like that on my phone I feel as though Siri is screaming at me.  Siri should not scream.  And by the end of that email, she was hoarse.  It was great though and made me laugh!  Look, I used one,...just one,...point made, emotion expressed, and no one lost an eardrum...
My whole family seeps of enthusiasm,..its pretty unbelievable.
If I found out I was adopted I wouldn't be upset.  It would all make sense.

Another text rolled in today, and I honestly hear this quite often...
"How can I get my husband/wife to care more about their health??"
This question honestly plagued me when I initially got into the fitness/health industry.  I would listen to people for hours go on about a person's habits, moods, likes and dislikes trying to figure out the best way to approach it.  And not to say it was all in vain.  It wasn't.  That is extremely important with what I do, however its not just about the best program, plan of attack, or behavior changes when it comes to this.
Fact is, and what I told this young woman, that "you cannot make him care about his health." 
Period.
Its unfortunate because if that were the case, the obesity rate would not be climbing through the roof.  But at the end of the day HE/SHE must decide for themselves to give-a-you-know-what.  Because forced behavioral changes will only last for so long before the person begins to resent the entire "health-journey" as a whole.  Why?  Because it does not resonate with a deeper, greater desire within themselves to change.  Its a bandaid trying to cover and fix a fracture. 

I truly hate hearing stories like that because a lack of self respect/care in terms of health permeates every aspect of one's life and relationships.  It can absolutely revolutionize peoples' lives if they dare to make their only body a priority before they are forced to make it a priority due to problems which could have been avoided.
Again,...Your body.  Your responsibility.

Signing off....afternoon peeps await :)

Breast Feeding of the 5000

My intentions of blogging yesterday were pretty much shot down by 9pm as I was trying to get my mess together for another crazy week.
So here I am.
Grabbing Monday by the horns, pancreas, everything in between, and holding on for dear life.

Weekend was good, and I honestly got some much needed rest.  I slept until 8am yesterday.
Unbelievable.
I woke up in a near freak-out like I'd wasted an entire day,...the clock said 8:02.  Slight overreaction.
Then I proceeded to stay in my pajamas until noon.  Who am I?!  Had I not showered and started doing solo whip-its in the closet, my best friend would have showed up for an intervention.
Sunday-rest-day.
I take that seriously.
It took me awhile to get to that point, but in all seriousness when I had my metabolism tested several years ago it was a huge wake up call that my body was constantly exhausted and I needed rest.  No, it doesn't mean I sit on my butt the entire weekend, but I'm smart about slowing down and listening to my body.  Fact is your body does not build muscle during exercise.  It repairs itself and grows during rest.
All this talk makes me want to crawl into fetal position ASAP.
Preferred left-side sleeper.
Right is ok, but only sub-par.

My Sunday night ended with some exciting news from my college roommate.  She said "Mer, I have something to tell you."
That either meant she was calling from prison, or she was knocked up....or both.
Baby on the way!!!  Woohoo!  More young minds to influence...
I always get excited (and nervous) when my friends procreate.  Its scary.  I know way too many stories.  We laughed and discussed everything from names to her current breast size.
Yes, its unbelievable.
She was always "gifted" in that department, and now she's well on her way to being a milking station at the fair.
I remember one time in college I jokingly put her bra on my head.
There was still room in that canopy she called a brazier.

But needless to say it was a very cool ending to the weekend. :)

On a fitness note, my Monday was pretty standard,...although never a dull moment by any means.
I'd say it was a rough day in terms of nutrition-catch-up with folks, and I had to reel a few people back in.  I find that people often get on this lifestyle-change-kick, flow with it beautifully for about a month and then its like all of a sudden small dips spiral into this resentment of sorts towards the changes they initially wanted.
I think its a combination of a few things:...expectations, focus, and discipline.
We live in a society where everything is fast and convenient.  We expect fast results regardless of how realistic they are, and we fight patience and persistence like its our job.  Then we lose focus.  Its not that one day we wake up and totally forget everything we desired and the goals we set for ourselves. Rather, we stop paying attention to the little details and habits that ultimately get us to our goal and become the foundation for our better selves.
Lastly,...discipline.  The day in, day out grind is tough.  Its change, and in some cases it is in stark contrast to former behaviors and habits.  I get it.  But the beauty of discipline is that when our desire to change is led with realistic expectations and daily refocus, the discipline it takes to execute the plan turns on with ease. 
Yes, it will be hard at times.
But what's a better option?  Give up?....Exactly.
Keep moving.

Well, that's it for me tonight.
I've answered emails, watched Oscar vomit off the side of a chair, all in all a full night. 
I have big expectations for Tuesday...

3ft Water Rebels

Waking up at 2am to realize I have 2 more hours of sleep is an amazing thing.
Waking up at 3:50 and thinking its 2am is a kick in the throat.
My nightly experiencing range somewhere in there between the two extremes.  Thankfully, last night was a great night of sleep....for the sake of everyone today.

I'd be lying if I said I was fully recovered from Saturday's class,...I'm not.  My left leg is being all kinds of difficult right now, but I was actually able to jog today without feeling like death.  It was good.  That's right, the jog was nice.  Write this day down in history.
I'm kidding, as much as I complain about running, I don't hate it that bad.  No, I do not feel the need to bang out a half marathon unless you want to dangle a pair of Jimmy Choos at the finish line.  Even then, I'd probably opt to just wrestle for them.  BUT, all that to say I don't mind running sometimes.
I used to run quite a bit.  40-45 miles a week.
I lost my butt.
Knees hurt.
All in all, bad combo...

One of my clients competed in his first triathlon of the season this past weekend.
He had a nice improvement from last year's time, but a topic came up that I think many endurance athletes deal with: PACING.
Ah yes, how to go your hardest for an extended period of time without burning out too soon or crossing the finish line and feeling like you could've pushed harder.  Personally, I hate the latter more.
There's a sweet spot in there that is the perfect combination of good preparation and sheer will.  Finding it day to day is the hard part.  Because truth is, if we could all be great on a consistent basis, we may not all be amateurs our entire life.  And we have to consider the fact that everyday is totally different.  Energy, sleep, nutrition, focus, soreness, tightness, drive,...ALL effect performance in whatever your sport.  Its important to keep this in mind because sometimes your 100% is simply not your best.  Period.  It may be your best that day, and for that all you can do is be confident you gave it all you had.  Pick up and move on.
To be competitive though, you have to be willing to feel uncomfortable to raise the bar.  Push harder.  Get out of that comfort zone each time.

My afternoon rolled on with some very cool victories.
Hearing one of my ladies say her personal strive for health and wellness is transcending into her kid's life and habits was awesome. 
Eliminating the juice boxes, sodas, and any other liquid pixi-stick a 4 year old should not drink was music to my ears. 
Water for a child.
What a concept.
Some kids are resistant, I get that.  You can outsmart your child.  I have faith.  Take an ice tray...yes, those things from back in 1989 when we had to actually make our own frozen water,...and cut small pieces of lime, lemon, strawberries, or whole raspberries, blueberries,....hell, throw in some carrots and asparagus if your living life dangerously.  Fill the slots with water and have the H2O rebel put the fruit in each one however his/her little heart desires.  Freeze.
Let them pick out the "flavor" or two they want with each meal to throw in their glass of water, and boom...they helped out, they are proud of their creation, and they are drinking more water. 
The fact that you were sneaky and slightly deceiving for the sake of their health is a minor detail I will ignore.  Parent of the year.

Alright, on that note I am headed to the emails and then bed.  Hump day awaits...

Mid-day Meatballs and Dream Killers

Turkey meatballs,...avocado,...75 degrees outside,....yeah pretty sure this is what Jesus referred to as paradise.  Meatballs included.

Just finished up a great workout, which was desperately needed after yesterday.
My cardio-only-Sunday almost turned into fetal-position-on-the-couch-Sunday.  I was walking like a war victim into church,..limping from the hip-hop class I taught on Saturday.  Yes, it was an absolute blast, but 90 minutes of dropping it like its hot turned into a strained groin and an ankle issue I can only describe as a thwart to any dream of ever being on stage.
Once again I was reminded why my best moves last approximately 3 minutes.
Dream killer.
But it was so worth feeling like death for 48 hours.  Ladies, it was the highlight of my weekend and thank you for coming out and throwing in a few pelvic thrusts all in the name of fitness.

Here is Susan and I post-class...my hair was a whole new level of disgusting.
Good times.

I've received more emails regarding bathing suit season in the past 2 weeks than ever before.  I just received mine in the mail.  Thank you Victoria Secret for creating what appears to be a sin-in-sequins.  Put it on and wow, I don't look like the 6 ft 100 lb model in the catalog.  What the?!!
Why are we so shocked when this happens?
But let me frolic in the waves with a boob job, spray tan, and perfect camera angle and I will show you summer 2013.
No freakouts people, but set realistic goals and then be proud of the steps along the way.  Health first.

Ok, its about that time.  Afternoon folks about to arrive and I've got to step outside to enjoy this weather and fight the urge not to rip my shirt off and soak up the rays like a vitamin D heathen.

Make it a great day folks!  Oh and here's the link to my latest article:
http://activedgefit.com/wheres-my-motivation/

Double Shot of Water

I just got home from the I-40 version of The Italian Job.
I had to check my speedometer several times because cars were flying by left and right.  All of a sudden I felt like I was losing some low budget NASCAR race, and instinctively sped up like the post-work-driving-maniac I am.
Ok fine, I'm not.
By that point in my day I spend half the time trying to stay awake at stoplights and the other half trying to maintain my religion as some ding-dong fails to use his turn signal. 
I hate that. 
Seriously, it takes approximately 1.2 seconds and at least one semi-functioning hand.
Figure it out.
Needless to say, I made it home safely and partially sane.

I had some great AHA! moments with clients today.  Highlight of my week.
There was a lot of nutrition talk, from questions about coconut milk to understanding that willpower is not at an endless supply.
One woman came to me with a topic that I'd say is pretty common when it comes to making lifestyle changes and truly making it work in every situation.
SOCIAL EVENTS/PARTIES.
Ah yes, we all have inner rockstars that want to creep out every now and then, booze it up, and imagine that calories consumed while intoxicated somehow don't count.  Ha.  Far from it I'm afraid.
So she, (and many others in my experience), respond with this feeling of deprivation and overall sense that such events are major roadblocks in their journey.
BUT, they do not have to be.  They become "roadblocks" because we make them such.  Who says you have to eat every appetizer put in front of you?
Who says you have to drink like a fish to have a good time?
Yes, it requires some will power, but at some point you have to decide what you want more.  If it means facing a little judgment from others for being the only one not drinking or throwing down chicken wings like its your last meal,....ask yourself a bigger question,...Why do I care so much what they think?
Perspective people.  All about perspective.

No, you cannot live in a hole your entire life and never go to another party or food-related gathering for the sake of your goals.  However, you can take responsibility, own your decision to stick to your plan, and then create a plan of action.
One thing I suggested to my dear client was to tell a couple of people/friends right when she arrives that she will not be drinking and share her desire to enjoy the event but stay focused on her healthy goals.  It creates accountability and ultimately makes her less likely to cave when temptation strikes.
In the end, it builds her confidence, creates momentum for future proactive steps, and gets her that much closer to her goal.
Very cool stuff.

Its already 8:30 and I've got to shred some lettuce for tomorrow.  Story of my life.
I've cursed produce the last few days because apparently I cannot prepare any meal without slicing my hand open.
I look like I played with razors in the dark.
Ridiculous.

On that bloody note, have a great night and refocus for tomorrow!!

Diabetic Bunnies and April Fools

A little mid-day post coming your way...

Its 2:00 and my butt is parked in a lounge chair in our back parking lot.  I am bound and determined to get some vitamin D today.  This weather is unbelievable, and will be short lived because our forecast is about as predictable as a bipolar cat.
Nonetheless, I will enjoy these few moments before its back to the typical Monday afternoon...

Easter weekend...
I've had more people come in today with some sort of chocolate hangover, and my sympathy level couldn't be much lower quite honestly.  BUT, I completely get it.
I remember when I was younger and Easter morning was a sugar-high waiting to happen.  Mom would let us go through our baskets before church, and before I knew it I was walking into Sunday School as a prediabetic Easter nightmare.  But darn if I wasn't rocking the hat and floral print ensemble as my pancreas was twitching.
Yes, I do have a sweet tooth, but I crossed a line when it came to malt ball eggs and pastel m&m's.
I have nothing to say for myself.

This Easter was pretty quiet since Sparkles and my older brother were both sick.
Sparkles evidently ate something that "didn't agree with her."  She was probably pooping confetti and glitter.
Poor thing.
But she called me last night and talked for over an hour.
Her jaw is unstoppable, and pretty much told that Chinese take-out who was boss.

Onto other things...
Its April Fools and I have nothing planned.
Sad.
Preggo jokes are out of the question, and anything that remotely costs more than $2 is also a no-go.  I'm not cheap, I just think funny shouldn't cost that much.  Period.
We used to play pranks on one of our college roommates pretty often, but she didn't always find it funny.  The day we covered her room in post-its was great.
Her post-its.
Joke = free for us.
She was in class......we were not......fair game.
But today maybe a quiet April Fools.

Well folks,...the afternoon is ready to roll, and I am already looking forward to bedtime.  Drained.
Have a great Monday.