Strong Finish

Strong Finish - We brought it IN

Yeah Boy !    The team approach is so inspiring.  I think Blondell was hiding behind a tree when she took this, she is something else.

Lord You are Good and your Mercy endureth  Forever !  Lord You are so magnificent, I love You Lord.  You are fantastic and forever showing.  I am living a life of abundance, living in my purpose and I am grateful.  You provide for me like no other.  You love on me and fill my voids.  Lord I am so grateful !  Lord thank You

I am standing as I go through the storms of life.  I want you to know that God is so able and capable of doing anything.  Lord I just too always remember to GIVE YOU THE GLORY and praises. 

Pace - Andrea and then you see me - finding a good Pace partner is  KEY

OK so yesterday, at our Tuesday run I am always challenged which is good, I don’t want to feel extremely comfortable.  Don’t let nobody fool you running is tough real tough.  I ran and had to throw a walk in every now and again.  But I made sure I got back to running, I don’t want to ever lose it.  I want to thank Andrea Wallace for her pace, I have learned a trick or two about running unlike walking.  Pace is important, finding  somebody who runs your pace is awesome.  Andrea and I seem to run at the same pace.  Running beside her in back of her ad in front of her helps us both to stay focus and we encourage one another when we see we are exhausted, yes exhausted.  We run our race.  It is a small world we were college cheerleaders together at Cleveland State in the 70s and now here we are more matured ladies still working out and doing it together. 

Now  about a ½ mile out for the finish line here comes young blood who is about 12 or 13 years old.  We like where you come from, she smiled and kept running with us.  Now as we approached the finish line she went into a sprint right next to me.  Now I am 53 but I was not going to let this young lady out run me.  Where she is young I have years of determination under my belt.  We both sprinted to the finish line together.  It was AMAZING.  It felt powerful and it let me know right then you can do anything if you make up your mind and do it.  Me and her gave each other high fives at the end she was a lot of fun.  I am sure she probably could have taken me but she was kind enough to let the old lady feel good LOL

This morning 7:00 a.m. I meet with Eric, I went in tired and I should have put something on my stomach.  I didn’t have dinner so I was on zero.  He pushed me on the machines and I lifted and I did step-ups.  I did treadmill 15 minutes before all of this.  He is working to strengthen my lower back and this was a good workout.  It’s tough but it is all GOOD.  I am excited  as I am growing stronger and feeling better emotionally.  My posture is better, I think I am gonna bring one of my big balls to my desk at work and sit on it during my workday.  I picked up some bands I will be also doing those on my breaks to strength my arms and legs. 

August 28, 2012 - NCBF TEAM - we get our Tshirts at Monday's Race  I am excited

This morning when I got home I was rushing  because I have to be at work by 9:00 a.m.  I finally got  items needed to make my morning smoothies.  I had to take the blender out of the box and put it together, but I did it.  I was determined to start today, I have been wanting to do this for 2 months, YES.  I used 2 scoops of whey protein powder, chai powder, blueberries, raspberries, almond butter (instead of peanut butter) and unsweetened almond milk.  It was delicious.  This will replace my morning oatmeal and eggs for a while.  I will although make oatmeal smoothies.  I will share recipe soon.  They are really good.  On my way into work I stopped at Whole Foods and picked up celery, Kale, and carrots, and banana, I plan to make a drink for my dinner this evening.  I also am giving up my morning cup of Ice Coffee with ½ and ½.  This is almost as hard for me to give up as PEPSI was, but I gave up PEPSI.  I am replacing ICE Coffee with Green Tea L  I can’t pretend like I like it but it will become a habit and I will do it.  I have to give up the caffeine.  OK I said it I put it out there so I will now work to do it. 

I will do my Boot Camp this evening at Nulife, I will not be able to make Falanda’s as I have to go to a prayer ministry meeting at 6:30 and her camp starts at 6:30. 

Let’s me strong and take care of our bodies.

Teresa Brown - Personal Trainer - Her music keeps us all motivated to work it out

                                 


                                    Grateful so Grateful for Your love
                                  Grateful so Grateful for your protection
                                  Grateful Oh so grateful for Your peace
                           Lord You show your love for me and I am grateful
                                         The Lord is my Jehovah Jireh
                                                    I love You Lord
                                                        I love You

WOW WOW WOW !  I am so grateful !  God continues to show His love for me on a day to day basis and for this I am grateful.  He never ever leaves me alone.  He surrounds me with His special love.

Yesterday I had tons of fun, yes I did work, I am talking about after work LOL  I did my boot camp workout and I felt strong enough and motivated enough to push harder.  I have to encourage myself when there is no one there to do it.  So as I worked out and I knew I was pushing through the pain and exhaustion I smiled out loud.  Now I am far from the best in the class but yesterday I was the best me I could be.  I didn't hold back.

After workout I meet with my Monday night bible study group.  We get the word and work to make it enjoyable and more importantly we love the Lord.  We are able to share, study and then apply it in our daily lives.  I look forward to these study groups.

One of the ladies in the group is a personal trainer, Teresa Brown, I worked out with her last Friday morning at 6:30 AM. again I will focus 6:30 AM.  It was a challenging workout, I know my body and and as the day progressed I felt soreness in two areas that I had not felt before.  This encouraged me.  You might say you feel sore and you feel encouraged.  YES because those muscles were made to feel uncomfortable which means it is working. She and I entered into a contract and I will be working out with her on Fridays, and I will continue with Eric on Monday and Wednesday.  Running on Tues and Thursday and Boot Camp 3 times per week.  Getting it in and I feel great.  Now I am sore but mentally I feel so good about what God is doing for me and the ladies that are energized to get healthy.  Blondell is our running/walking coach and she calls me the energizer bunny..... I keep going and going and going !

Our running/walk group meets tonight, I am expecting to start, push through it and have a strong finish.  Tomorrow a.m. I will get up meet with Eric at 7:00 and he works the mess out of me.  I roll my eyes at him alot LOL

Age Ain't Number But A Number - Belly Dancing

Happy Unbirthday Eunice !

Lord you are mighty in battle !  You right my battles for me and take me through safe and sound.  Your word prepares me and gets me ready.  I have to fight the feelings of fear and stand and walk in Your will.  I thank you Lord so much for the power you give me one day at a time. 

I had a wonderful weekend.  Spend it  with family and friends.  God is so good in that He provides and gives me excellent people in my life.  He brings people into my life that I can bless and receive blessings.  My cousin Doris from Michigan is here and it has been so good seeing and hanging out with family, talking eating and watching the children  pay together. 

Now you now with all this eating with family, soul food I had to get my workouts in.  I fell to the temptation of my aunt Julia’s peach cobbler.  Pure deliciousness.  Friday Night I went out dancing to an All White party, they played old school music and I couldn’t sit myself down LOL.  Then on Saturday 7:30 a.m. I did my boot camp.  Now here is the kicker, Saturday afternoon I did a belly dancing class, it was awesome.  She taught us moves these moves were seriously targeted for the stomach.  This event was sponsored by the Unbirthday Club which I am now a member.  This club celebrates women who are over 50.  On your birthday you get to select something you want to do for your birthday.  So birthday girl selected belly dancing.  It was so different and nice.  I have been doing some of the core stuff she taught us.  We did not take pictures of us belly dancing put I will post photos of the instructor.  If you are interested in classes I have her business card.  The cost was fairly reasonably too. 

On Sunday, because I knew I was going to my aunt’s for dinner after church, I went to my boot camp at 8:00 a.m. in the morning and GOT IT IN.  I weighed in and I had lost 1lb.  Thank You Lord.  I was excite4d.  Last week I maintained I do understand I am building muscle.

On Saturday as a treat to myself I got a mani/pedi, the massage chair was the best ever, it relaxed me so much.  I also got information on a massage therapist who has really good package deal.  Like 5 1 hour sessions for $120.00.  I plan to budget this in.  I need massage as my body is sore throughout the week from working out. 

On Friday a.m. I worked out with Theresa Brown who is a personal trainer.  Boy did she work me out.  I marvel at her determination  to be fit and to help others.   I will be working out with her on Friday a.m. 6:30 as a matter of fact.  And I will continue my workouts with Eric on Monday and Wednesday a.m.  I saw him this morning and I did arm work and abs.  I will say two words It’s Tough, but I am getting rid of the weak. 

Mentioning weak on Saturday the guy that was doing my mani/pedi said to me you look strong and then  told me I look about 43.  I said Praise God because I am 53, I will take the 10 years.  I have learned through this journey that Age is Nothing But a Number.  I work hard and so I see result.  One more bragging story I gave a young lady my ID at the store while making a purchase she looked at the card a long time and I was thinking What’s Up, she said to me I sure hope I look that good and fit at your age.  It gave me an opening to share some tips with her and to also give God the glory.  She said she would start with Zumba because it was fun and move up.  This was awesome.  Living in purpose gives me such a good feelings.  I know God gives me the words to share with those that are seeking a holistic lifestyle.  Thank You Jesus. 

While on this topic, Life Groups will be beginning within a few weeks.  If you want to begin or continue a healthy way of living stop in to FIT FOR THE KING lead by yours truly.  God continues to use me, last year I served as assistant BUT this year he is stretching me.  Jiesha developed with such a nice blend; I will continue this model and seek the Lord guidance on how to move forward.  I have a wonderful assistant who loves the Lord and we work together very well.  I am thanking God for this. 

I am excited about what God is doing.  GoneGirlgo will be doing the Susan G Komen 5K on the 15^th of September.  NCBF run/walk team will be doing Smiles for Miles on Labor Day morning.  God I am asking for your protection and strength during our training and during these races.  God will give you the honor and the praise.  AMEN !

Who Does This !

http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/events/milesforsmiles.asp   Race registration for Labor Day !  Go ahead and register 9-3-12.

This Boot Camp class is tonight - Come on out and join us !   Instructed by our very own  Sis Falanda !

                                         

8-21-12 - TEAM NCBF - Group is growing - largest turnout ever

Lord God I am so grateful to You.  I cannot express my gratitude.  Lord thank You for allowing me to build a deeper relationship with You.  This relationship has been built  through the storms of my life.  They have made me so much stronger.  For this I thank You, knowing You as I do, experiencing Your love is wonderful.  I thank You so much !  Lord continues to build me up, allow those around me to seek out deeper relationships with You.  I want them to know Your love.  Lord a special prayer for my dear friend who’s faith is weak, she is doubting your love.  Lord give me patience with her and give me the kindness and understanding I need to share Your love.  Patience Lord ! 

Yes today is hump day !  I got off to a good start this morning.  Met with my personal trainer at 7:00 a.m.  Workouts are tough, as he explains it I am getting rid of the weak.  I do understand, in order to get strong I have to see myself as strong and push into my workouts and realize the burn is good.  This workout is so different from cardio. 

During cardio workouts I feel fatigued and I can modify my moves to keep me in a comfortable level.  Working with my trainer, there is no down time, I have to do the mechanics,  correct posture and complete my repetitions strong.  Today he handed me a towel to wipe away the sweat.  I don’t even sweat this much doing cardio or running.  These workouts are building my endurance which is helping me to run.  At my cool down on the treadmill  I was at 3.5 which is what I do at home, but he put the incline on 7., I would NOT do this at home.  I was in my target zone of burning for these 10 minutes and burned 100 calories.  No telling how many I burned during the weight training. 

He had me do 3 sets of deep swats, he said I did them well.  I am use to them from boot camp, but the ones he has me to do are lower, I actually have to sit my rump down for a second on a 12 inch box.  Now along the way he asked me how I am feeling and on one machine my left arm was not comfortable it was not in pain but it was not comfortable for the lift.  So he took me off of it and put me on another machine that worked the same muscles.  WOW.  Right now my arms are sore, but I know this means it is working.  So for this I am pleased. 

Now I see him Monday and Wednesday, I have entered into an agreement with a sister who trains and I will be joining her and others on Friday morning at 6:30.  YES, Who does this?   She is a personal trainer and this is her day of workout so I am joining her session.  It will be different from my Monday Wednesday sessions as she does not do machines.  I am excited.  Now I am not sure how much longer I will be doing my boot camp, all this gets expensive, I will see. 

Let’s look at this:  Boot camp – 5 to 6 days per week

                                Run – Tues/Thurs/Sat or Sun

                                Personal Trainer – Mon and Wednesday

                                Personal Trainer – Friday

                                Things I can do at home:  Treadmill, hoola hoop, kettle ball, video, weights.  Now will I do them at home sometimes. J

I want to see how Friday goes, I need to work smarter, getting the most out of my workouts, burning more fat/calories in a more efficient time and keeping cost in mind.

I know if I cut anything it will be boot camp, which is hard on my body, and am I really pushing myself to benefit.  I will decide within a month.  

Tonight I will be attending Falonda’s boot camp at All About You  Fitness, tonight is free.  I am excited about her venture and passion to help women get fit.

Allow God to Love U

Lord You are so awesome !  So very awesome !  You are so worthy !  I want to just thank You for showing Yourself in my life.  For never leaving or forsaking me.  In my darkest moments You have been there growing me.  Lord I thank You for the miracle you are working in my life right now.  My faith is strong as I listen for You and You show me You are with me.  I thank God for my obedience today waiting instead of reacting out of nervousness and anxiousness.  I feel so good when I allow You to work in my life and battle for me.  I give You the praise for the rest of my life Lord.  Only You Lord !  I love You Lord !

Today I allowed God to work in my life.  I stepped out of His way and allowed Him to love on me and show me who He is.  I realize I have no power and no control and God has it all.  So when I am in a situation that I can do absolutely nothing about, I try not to let my human feelings get in and interfer with God's work.  Yesterday I was talking to a friend and explained my situation asking her for prayer.  I asked her to pray that I keep myself out of it, because if I were to intervene I would end up saying something inappropriate, maybe evening cussing somebody out. Just messing up everything ! Just keeping it 100% !  Remember this is me trying to operate in a highly stressful situation, most likely not focused on God because I am thinking the worse.  So instead of me acting I chose to let God handle it.  Thus far things for today have turned out good, I can't control tomorrow but as for today things are on schedule.

Through this trial God has been on my side.  I have to believe he has not brought me this far to fail.  He has shown me clear signs of his goodness.  Yesterday while talking to one of the individuals involved that knows absolutely NOTHING about my mother called me Olivia. It threw me for a loop it even shocked him, and said oh no I mean Vanessa.  I didn't even tell him that was my mother's name.  God is present all the time.  At the moment he called me Olivia I was so shocked it took my focus off anger and anxiety and our conversation was cordial as it should have been.  Today he sent me an email with the information needed and  extended me an extension without me even having to ask.  That's not me That's God.!

I praise God for having Godly friends, last night I spent the evening with my bible study group at Nicole's.  It had been a long trialing day at work and in my personal life.  Going there celebrating God was an awesome experience.  Far better than going home, keeping my thoughts on God is what I have to do.  We had so much fun fellowshipping.  God always shows up and gives us what we need.

Today I continue to be positive about life.  I plan to run 4 miles this evening, I look forward to it.  It looks rainy but hopefully we can get our walk/run on.

Chat with you soon !

5k OROC (OutRun Ovarian Cancer)

Finish Line - 5K run for OROC -  45 minutes 2 seconds
Praise Him !!

Lord You continue to give me strength on my day to day to face  EVERYTHING.  For this I thank You.  I thank You for the miracles that show me Your magnificent power.  Lord I am so grateful !  Continue to strengthen me and so many more like me that want to be healthy vessels for your service Lord.  AMEN


This past Saturday the 18th of August, I ran a 5K which equals 3.1 miles.
I ran it with some of the team members from GoneGirlGo and go did we.  We ran our race !  Each of us at our own pace but as members of a team.  GoneGirlGo pushes you to move out of your comfort zone and into the not so familiar territory.  It helps you to believe you can do what you set out to do with excellence.  If you are interested in hearing more about GoneGirlGo the website was launched today by founder Zoe Brown, check it out at www.gonegirlgo.com.
I love her excitement for life it is so refreshing.

This race was so inspiring, what you don't see in the photo above is a woman a survivor of ovarian cancer who came across the finish line with me.  Long story short.  about 1/4 of a mile before the finish line I grew weary, and up behind me came a woman who said I will run it with you  I looked to my right and she had on a colored t shirt which represented the surviors.  I asked her if she was a survivor and she said yes.  This RIGHT here pushed to go extra, because if she could do I surely could do it with her helping me.  I almost got emotional but I held it together and we crossed the finish line together.  I will ask Zoe if she still has uncropped version of photo.  God is so amazing to send this woman to me with such inspiration !  She even said to me if you need to walk I will walk with you and I said no we can RUN !  Praise God !  Praise Him !  

This is the team after the race - we were so happy the race was over, now we were trying to decide where to  EAT !
Check out the look Sage Zoe's son is giving us.  Clearly he is ready to get things moving LOL  I met some new people Keyna and we work for the same company.  She's my new BFF and a wonderful woman of God.  Then we have Juanita who has a sense of humor out of this world, amazing woman who drove to Cleveland that morning at 4:00 a.m. to get here for the race.  She is from Stebenville (sp)

Me and Zoe founder of GoneGirlGo before the race sizing things up
and chatting it up. 

Praise Him in Advance

Lord You are so faithful, so very faithful !  I trust you in everything !  Everything !  You are an awesome God.  I give You ALL the glory and the honor that you deserve.  Lord You have given me so much Peace during this storm You have taken me through and I am standing.  You show me favor when I think I don't deserve it.  You hold me up and keep me moving forward. You give me test for testimony.  Lord allow my life to be used for Your Glory !

Today was great !  Super !  Amazing !  and Miraculous !  God showed his hand of favor in my life today.  I have been dealing with something personal for the past few months.  God has been so faithful.  There were times during this storm that I was scared but I would always remember that God does not give me the spirit of fear, this helped me so much.  I would also hold on to knowing that whatever the outcome that it will be God's will.  Knowing this helped me to deal with the unknown consequence.  Also I knew from the Word that God would provide for me.  I  believe God's word and in believing I was able to get through the storm with the minimum about of anxiety/worry.  I did say minimum because at times worries came to my mind and I was able to push it out and keep pushing on.

My current storm is reflected in this statement.  Only God could have moved in my current storm.  Only Him !

I notice has I am going through this particular storm I did not turn to FOOD.  Because if I had I would have gained a significant amount of weight.  In the past I turned to food to give me peace and comfort.  I turned to God and asked for strength and He directed my path, I chose healthier foods and exercised to reduce stress.  God help me turn this storm into a good.  I have not stated what the storm is so you haven't missed anything :)  Just know that God is working it all out you know I am transparent and will have to share God's goodness.  I love to see God work !  I absolutely love it !  So amazing.

Tonight's Group Link was awesome.  Everything from my point of view went amazingly well.  Others that came to our table discussed the event and felt it was awesome and well done.  I like the speed dating model.  It keep things moving right along.  We were blessed to have several ladies sign up for Life Group.  Overall it was a very successful event.  I did not know what to expect from the event but it was awesome, lots of people came out with a desire to find a life group, seeking God's word.

I will tell this one thing being a part of Fit for the King truly helps to keep me accountable with my fitness program.  Again God is amazing, He puts me where He needs me to be to help myself and others.  I want to be a blessing to other women by example and sharing God's word.

I am excited about the upcoming Life Group season.  I am thanking God for sending women to us that have a desire to be obedient to the word regarding self control, gluttony and honoring their bodies.  I know that when I feel better about myself I have a clearer focus on God.  I am not so focused on me, I am able to help others better.

Last night I saw some of the ladies from our NCBF walk/run team.  They are so amazing.  We have a good bond to one another, encouraging each other along the way.  God has brought us together and we are grateful.  We have a beautiful design for our t-shirts for the Labor Day race.  The excitement is building !!!!

This Saturday I will participating in the OROC race for ovarian cancer.  I am on the team of Gonegirlgo, I am excited.  Yesterday I picked up the team's bib and t-shirts.  YEAH !  The race facilators were so nice at the Gathering Place in Beachwood.  There was excitement in the air.  They said they reached a record enrollment for teams that had signed up.  I believe she said there were 59 teams and tons of individual racers.  We meet at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame so if you want to cheer us on come on down.  I believe the race starts at 9:00 a.m.

I am so exciting about what God is doing in all of our lives.  I was telling a couple of ladies that stopped by our table at Group Link that God has surrounded me with like minded people. Having this support has been amazing.  I have learned so much !

Last night I worked to also recruit some speaker to come to our class and share and I think I got one.  Keep this in prayer.