Motivation for Fitness: Archive

Happy Challenge (day 3)

Today I want you to think about something that makes you happy just by its mere existence. (I would suggest against this being an individual. That’s not what this challenge is about. It’s about finding happiness from within yourself.)

It might be:

a scent that brings back fond memories.
a strip of road you drive that always looks pretty.
being on the farm, even if you’re shoveling poo.
a particular flower.
a place that you feel safe enough to relax at.
being on the water.
a book that you could read a million times…

Those are just some ideas. Find one. Find one thing that makes you happy from the inside. Then sit quiet and bask in the glow of it for a few minutes. Close your eyes, let your imagination sprout wings and just enjoy those peaceful quiet thoughts for as long as you like.

Breath quiet and calm. Smile. Keep your eyes closed. Or don’t. Maybe it’s a beautiful day outside and you’d like to sit and view it while you reflect.

Maybe drink some tea or coffee while you sit. After a nice sip, let out a breathy “aaahhhhhh.”

Doesn’t that feel nice? I’m happy just writing this up! :D

(In case you missed the past posts from the Happy Challenge, they can all be found here.)

Mar 27, 20125 notes

#Happy Challenge

“A perfect run has nothing to do with distance. It’s when your stride feels comfortable. You’re on your toes trying to push it. Suddenly you realize you can open it up a bit more. You know you’re at one with yourself and the environment. You’re a little more alive than before you started.” —Sean Astin

Mar 27, 201212 notes

#quote #running #run #runner

Mar 27, 2012152 notes

Mar 27, 20122,194 notes

Mar 27, 2012236 notes

#running #distance #xc #long runs #mornings #sunday #weekend

Mar 27, 2012350 notes

#shower #fit #sexy

Mar 27, 20122,158 notes

Mar 27, 2012227 notes

whats the best low sugar protein bars or powder for women?? I get sort of overwhelmed at the store!

I am always so reluctant to answer protein powder questions. People are fierce about which ones they use and will defend them (often quite loudly) as if their life depended on it.

Personally, I like to use muscle milk naturals. No artificial junk, it mixes well, tastes good and cooks/bakes great and it’s totally a reasonable price at around $29.99 per container.

I’ve tried some other powders that are grainy, don’t mix or cook well or that I didn’t like the taste of. I always go for the vanilla.

I’m pretty sure that this will get some notes about muscle milk being the devil and some other powder being amazing, then another rebuttal to that rebuttal. It’s madness.

Check out this website and this website that give a run down of types or protein, flavors, sweeteners and “enhancements.”

I don’t do bars. If I can’t eat a regular meal (which is incredibly rare, as I pack a lunch and 3 snacks every single day) I just eat a piece of fruit. Me and store bought bars… we have no use for each other. If I am doing a long run (more than 9 miles) I will bring a gel or a homemade protein bar that I make using the powder.

You may have to try a few before you find the one that’s right for you.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
~Bonnie

Mar 26, 20123 notes

#comebackinthemiddleofthenight #ask

I've been following you for a while now I really enjoy everything you write and post but the second I saw your phone case I knew I had to write to you. I will forever follow now! Hahaha actually I probably still would forever follow even if that did not happen, your blog keeps me motivated and inspired.

WOOOO!!!!!! Whovians unite!!!! <3

Oh wait… let me get my suave face on…

There we go… Now I’m cool… ;)

But seriously, thank you! I’m so glad I can be motivating (and I’ve got nothing but love for anyone who is a fan of the Doctor.)

Mar 26, 20124 notes

#themtgproject #ask

Mar 26, 201216 notes

#progress #me #personal

Mar 26, 201213,600 notes

#tea

Mar 26, 2012126 notes

Mar 26, 201242 notes

#motivation #personal #setbacks #inspiration

Dear new follower:

Your face is stunningly beautiful and your ask box does not work.

The end.

Mar 26, 20122 notes

Mar 26, 20127 notes

to the anon that asked about back pain, make sure you stretch out your hamstrings and get flexibility in your hips this all affects having lower back pain because they all connect to one another & if one muscle is weak or tight this affects all of them. As well make sure you strengthen your ''belt'' your transverse abdominus. which is your abs, obliques & lower back because this acts as a stabilizer for all exercises you do.. ive got more info on it if you''d like it anon. sorry thought id help!

^^^^

There you go, anon!

(And never apologize for helping!! More knowledge is always good!)

Mar 26, 20123 notes

#stopwishing-keepmoving #ask

Mar 26, 20128,686 notes

#'food'

do you ever get back pain? i'm a runner and i've had back pain for almost a year now and i'm too young for this haha. the doctors said nothing is seriously wrong so its probably a muscle problem. ill stretch, ice, and take ibprophen (motrin) but nothing seems to work. do you know how to lessen the pain or completely make it go away? thank you :)

Since you’ve been checked by a physician and they found nothing, have you tried a chiropractor or a masseuse?

I also wonder if your gait has anything to do with the pain? Do you find that you scrunch up your shoulders or hunch over when you run? Maybe focus on your posture next time you run and see if you find anything that might be causing the pain.

How old is your bed? Do you sleep on a water bed or an air mattress? How about your pillow? Those things can have a huge influence on how your back and neck feel. I had to replace my bed because of my (very injured) shoulder. A new bed was like the difference between night and day for me.

I am not a fan of pain killers because being the type of person I am, I’ll think “oh hey!! No pain!! I can act the fool and do more than I should!” then the pills wear off and the pain comes back 100 times worse than it was.

Have you tried foam rolling? If it’s muscle pain, foam rolling can make a big difference. It hurts like hell at first, but after a few days to a week it will be easy and you’ll feel smooth as butter.

Let me know if you try any of these things and you have success!

Cheers,
~Bonnie

Mar 26, 20121 note

#Anonymous #ask

Im a cross country runner, but i don't do track so i havent ran for quite some time, and its starting to show. i really miss looking & feeling good and being in shape. itll be summer soon and i want to look good but i have no motivation what so ever. do you have any tips? how do you motivate yourself?

I find that sometimes, motivation is theresult of doing the thing and not the catalyst to start.

Just drag yourself out to do it. You can whine, moan, groan, kick, stomp, flail and curse the whole time you’re getting ready, lacing your shoes and rigging your headphone wires so they don’t bounce. But just go. Once you’re out there, you’ll feel better and remember why you love it.

Depending on how long it’s been since you last ran, make sure you don’t start out too fast or run too far. You won’t be starting at the same place you left off. It’s normal to be frustrated by this, but just try to hold back so you don’t hurt yourself your first time back out (like I did, because I’m an over-enthusiastic nut job.)

My trick for motivating myself? To motivate others. I have this weird skill (my friend Aaron said it’s a super power) to make things sound amazing. I find the best traits of anything (person or thing) and I focus in on those awesome things. Talk to others about why you love it. You’ll convince yourself of how awesome it is while you psych them into being interested too. It’s a crazy cycle of enthusiasm than prevails in all aspects of my life. In my brain, everything is AWESOME and even though sometimes I feel like I just want to roll around on the floor yelling “I DON’T WANT TO!! YOU CAN’T MAKE ME!” I just go out and do it. Usually by telling myself (out loud) that I need to do it. I have a responsibility to myself just the same as I have a responsibility to everyone else… and I’d hate to let me down!

I hope this helps!

Cheers,
~Bonnie

Mar 26, 20121 note

#Anonymous #ask