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My New Plan

by Filed Under: EPLifeFit, Fitness, Lent, Resources, Wellness Challenge Leave a Comment

I hit a bump in the road but I have not ended my journey to living a healthier life for Him.  In fact, I need it now more than ever since I am dealing with some serious aliments.  I desire a complete healing if it is His will for me.  I trust that this is the path He is leading me on – it is within my means, will benefit my entire family, and help me to live out my call.  I continue the journey all for His glory!

Providentially, I have been brought to some great resources online – there’s really no other way to explain how I was brought here.  It continues to amaze me everyday when I read something that shows a direct correlation between what I have been dealing with and the benefit of the diet I now seek to live by.  More than that, I have experienced the benefits first hand.  Late last year (1.5 months into the radical change in diet), I felt the best physically and mentally than I have felt in a very long time. 

Unfortunately, I am now on the decline.  Is it spiritual warfare, physiological, or both?  Regardless, I’m praying to stay where He has led me and  I will trust in my body.  I have recommitted to this lifestyle for Lent.  I will take it one day at a time and keep my eyes on Him.

I will continue to use the following resources…

EPLifeFit provides a real approach to fitness, as well as the nutrition expertise. All the thinking and the programming has been done for you and you have access to a workout program that is not just a program but also a way of life.  Fee based membership.

 

Wellness-Mama-Meals

Wellness Mama Meal Plans offer healthy, affordable meals planned for you! Improve your family’s health with delicious, nutrient packed meals!  This has been a tremendous time and money saver for me.  Fee based subscription.

 

I will be participating in the Wellness Challenge.  I have learned a  great deal from Katie at Wellness Mama and I’m excited to have this support for me during Lent.    The Wellness Challenge lasts 7 weeks, which will take me to Holy Week – perfect for my Lenten Program.

wellness-plate-better-my-plate-recommendations

This challenge is designed to help you improve your health and stay motivated for 30 days.  FREE!

 

Here’s a look at the first challenge…

Mini Challenge #1

Cut out the grains, sugars, potatoes, beans and all processed foods from your diet (including vegetable oils, margarine, and other frankenfats) and focus on getting maximum nutrition from meats, vegetables, healthy fats (coconut, olives, coconut oil, olive oil, tallow, lard, butter, unprocessed cream, etc) and fruits.

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Prayers for a blessed, fruitful, and healthy Lent.

AD JESUM PER MARIAM

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Stress

by Filed Under: Fitness, Journal Entry, Stress 2 Comments

It’s the number one reason why I seem to always let my health take a back sit. It’s a vicious cycle. Stress leads me to poor eating, poor fitness, and poor sleep – all of which cause me more stress. Depression is also mixed-up in the stress. I pray to stay rooted in Christ but I often fail. That is what disappoints me most.

I struggle with discerning if my lack of will is due to my flesh or actual ailments. Regardless of the cause, when I fail to eat properly and maintain a basic level of fitness, I fail to give a “Yes” to Him.

I strive to glorify God with all that I have been blessed with, including my body.  I desire to maintain optimal health (that He wills me to have) to better fulfill my vocation.

I offer my failures to Him and humbly ask for the grace to move forward.

I will put my recent failures behind me and remain on Mod 3 this week.

May the Good Lord keep me in the race.

GO ALL OUT  – ALL FOR!
I have NOT ARRIVED.
I am far from the finish line.
But I am on CHRIST’S TEAM.
His love ignites me.
…His power fuels me.
His mission compels me.
I AM COMMITTED to Christ
and to this race.

Give Me the Grace

by Filed Under: Fitness, Journal Entry, Meditations Leave a Comment

3.2.11

worked on being in the present moment today and not distracted with the fullness of my plate.
there were good moments and bad ones.
overall, the day was good even though…
i failed to workout today.
why do i sabotage myself?
am i not being prayerful enough?
is it something hormonal…laziness…lack of order…..?
i’m on my knees.
Lord, please lead me out of this slump!
soften my heart to the graces that You so willingly set forth for me.
help me to die to my flesh and put my self entirely in Your hands.
———-
i just read this article from a link shared.
it struck a cord with me.
I had to share.

Fitting exercise into our busy schedules is a perpetual challenge. I know very few people who crave a cardio workout. Most of us can find a multitude of excuses for putting off physical activity. Yet, it is such an important part of our overall health and well being. Equally important for me are the spiritual, mental and emotional boosts I gain from taking time to sweat. A walk reconnects me with the incredible beauty of God’s creation and reminds me to thank Him for the bounty of blessings in my life.

i know this to be true. 
Lord, give me the grace…
to recommit to the race.
to give the effort that is pleasing to you.
to not get caught up in worldly standards but Your standards.
to love myself as You love me.
to live for You in all i do.

ALL FOR!

Barefoot Long Run

by Filed Under: Barefoot Running, Journal Entry Leave a Comment

2.26.11

i fell short of my 14mi run.  i only made it to 11.44 miles.  my feet were in pain since i ran a new path on mixed aggregate.  i tried calling dad at mile 6.   i wanted him to pick me up at take me to jamba juice.  i’m serious.  i got a small open sore on my foot that was collecting gravel.  he wasn’t home from his walk.  bummer!

i offered it all up and continued to run.

2.26.11 right foot

papi stretched me when i got home.

papi strecthing me after 11.25 mile run

then i took an ice bath.

2.26.11 ice bath

ALL FOR!

Strain Ahead

by Filed Under: Barefoot Running, Journal Entry Leave a Comment

2.9.11

I have not been working out.  I’m definitely in a slump.  I can’t seem to muster up the energy or make the time to fit in formal exercise.  I was just beginning to feel strong.  I haven’t felt that way for years.  Did I subconsciously sabotage myself?  Is there where the Good Lord wants me to be or does He desire me to get back to my exercise regime?  I’m not sure, but as I discern, I will be making a valiant effort to return to where I was before these doubts were formed.

I have, however, been adhering  to my priorities – prayer life, family and homeschooling day.  Praise be to God!  The Daily Examen helps me to stay focus on how I’m answering His call and in what ways I’m failing.  I carry around a little black notebook and take note of what triggers my falls, when I fall,  and I make an immediate resolve to do better. 

I knew this journey would be both, physical and spiritual.  I knew it would be difficult.  I give thanks that He brought us together.  Your partnership and prayers have helped to sustain me.  I trust that we are glorifying Him on this journey and pray to persevere through all obstacles.

‘I forget the past and strain ahead
for what is still to come.
I am racing for the finish,
for the prize
to which God calls us upwards
to receive in Christ Jesus.’
(Phil. 3:14)

 

————–

rose and I ran today.  I’ve now logged 50mi for 2011. 

It’s been over 9 days since my last run.  I was winded and sore but managed to set a personal record (PR).  I ran a magic mile (MM) of 9.32 and averaged 10.26min/mi. 

I was working on my foot strike.  My foot didn’t hurt during the run but is hurting now.  I may attempt my next run with shoes.  I think my foot pain is being caused by a bunion and arthritis in my toes.  Both are soccer related aliments.  I found out that I had arthritis in my toes when I was 17yo.  I was used to playing with pain.  I’ve definitely soften up.

I hope to get it all figured out before my next big run, 11mi this Sat.

I’ve been using the Crossfit as my backup plan to the program.  It’s intense and brief.  I love it but feel like I’m cheating.  I had originally committed to the program and would like to see it all the way through.  I hope to make a better effort tomorrow.

ALL FOR!

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