Sharon's Report

This past week I logged 12 running miles and 16 biking miles.  The week before I only ran 7 but went skiing for about 1.5 hours and played nightly in the pool for 3 days in a row, so that counts for something.  In addition to my running and biking miles, I try to get a high-intensity strength circuit workout in a couple of times a week.  There's a kettlebell-inspired one that Keith and I love and I'll have to video and share it some time soon.  I love it because it can be done at home - I've done it many times in my bedroom! - just using the dumbbells I have and it's quick, feels good and I get results!

I also did several of the bonus challenges:  I told Keith and the girls I love them and I'm glad that they're healthy and happy.  Regan and Zoey just stared at me and blinked a few times, but I think Keith appreciated the words of encouragement.  At least that's what I got from the grunt he gave in response.  The girls and I did an after-breakfast neighborhood walk a few times.  We ate oatmeal for breakfast several times and we always eat at least 1 fruit/veggie with each meal, so we're trying to keep the ol' tickers healthy!

Also, I'm sorry if I was misleading about the points and due dates, etc.  Just to clarify:  The February challenge of choosing and posting a mantra is worth 1 point if it's done by Feb. 28.  The bonus February challenge is 1 point if you do and report doing at least 3 of the listed activities (sorry no extra points for going above and beyond - just a big pat on the back!) by Feb. 28.  And, finally, there are no points awarded by contributing to the cash pot.  The reward for that is just making your potential winnings that much more!  I just gave a due date to spur you into action, but it'll be just fine to send it whenever it's convenient.

I love my family!  I think you guys are great! Oh, and, by the way, I'm glad you're working to improve your health and happiness!

I Want Money, Lots and Lots of Money

Remember that song?  The '80's rock! 

Anyway, the March 1 deadline approaches.  Remember way back about a month ago, I called for your cash pot donations???  Well, just in case you forgot, I'm reminding you!  If your donation is not post marked by March 1, then you lose out.  I kid.  Of course I'll accept a donation at any time.  However, this is the last time I'm putting a call out for it.  Those of you who don't pitch in will just have to wallow in your guilt for not participating because I know that even though you'll tuck it away in the back of your brain as insignificant or as something you'll get to later, it'll be threre niggling away at your peace of mind, bothering you that there's something that you need to get done but just haven't taken the 3 minutes out of your schedule to tuck the tiny amount of cash into an envelope, address it and send it off in the mail. 

But, really, no biggie. 

Just pitch in if you can. 

I already know which pair(s) of shoes I'm gonna buy with the winnings! 

Last Days To Earn Your Points!

Don't let yourself fall behind on the "Not-So-Dumbbell" monthly challenge.  Easy, easy way to earn points - so don't miss out!  To remind you:  One (1) point earned for picking a mantra/quote/mission statement to post somewhere where you will see it daily.  One (1) bonus point earned for completing 3 of the activities I listed.  Please scroll down and see previous post "Bonus February Challenge" to be reminded of those activities.  Good job to those who have already done any of them.  To the others, you still have a couple of days but you must email me or post in order to get credit!

Here's another great quote to inspire you:

"Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow." 
 - Doug Firebaugh

Keith checking in bi-weekly mid February

I am excited for the challenges ahead for the year. Specifically this coming week as we head to Beaver, UT for a snow trip. My plan has been to climb 12,001' peak of Mt. Holly at the out of bounds gate & ride down that. This will be a pretty good physically challenging feat! 2 years ago, I could not have even considered this as 'part' of my day. It would have taken me the entire day and quite frankly it would not have even been somewhat enjoyable.

My bi-weekly progress is coming along very well. I usually ride my bike 8.3 miles to work fri/sat/sun nights & 8.3 miles home sat/sun/mon morning. This equates to 50 miles of riding over the weekend. Then we work out all week. We have been adding a day of swimming at the YMCA into our week I am up to 975 yards of freestyle stroke and 25 yards of butterfly(more like the caterpillar without the wings yet!) I am feeling awesome! We hike a lot also. I figured it out the other day and I excersize about 12 - 14 times a week. I am down to 36.5" around the big part of my waist. This is down from 38". So I am very excited about that! I hope you are all making the most of this opportunity. Next year when you can do more than this year you will feel so accomplished as I do. Plus I don't think Sharon has made it extremely clear but so far there is $100 up for grabs for the winner! Plus I will be making a "Golden Sneaker" Trophy to go to the winner. Get up off the couches everyone! Sitting is over rated!

Bonus February Challenge!!!

February is over half-way gone, but you've still got just about 2 weeks to earn an extra point this month.  Since it's all about love, valentines and hearts this month, do a little something extra for your heart health!

For 1 bonus point toward the "Not-So-Dumbbell" award you must do at least 3 on the following list of activities:

• Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator when the opportunity presents itself.
• Park your car at the far end of the parking lot.
• Spend a few minutes of your lunch break taking a stroll.
• Perform your housework like vacuuming, shoveling snow, etc., a little extra vigorously than usual so you notice your heart actually pumping.
• Schedule an after-dinner family walk. Make it quality time.
• Eat oatmeal for breakfast or snack (preferably with minimal sugar/butter).
• Add a fruit/vegetable to at least one meal every day (preferably green and/or fibrous).
• Say this phrase to a person you love:  "I love you and I'm glad you are working to improve your health and happiness."

Easy way to earn an extra point, huh?  Keep track of which ones you do by Feb. 28 at 12 midnight and let me know so I can award you!

Sharon's Progress Report

I'm sorry that I've been a slacker on reporting.  I mean I expect it of the rest of you guys... kidding!  Well, kinda.  Keith points out that I need to stay on top of it because nobody else thinks about the Golden Sneakers or remembers things about it the way I do.  And he's right!  And I honestly don't expect you to; this is my baby, after all.  Really, you can report in any time you want to.  You can post something to boast about your progress (this is a competition after all), you can post something as a cry for help (we are family, after all) or you can post something simply to ramble (I do that a LOT!)  So I'll be more on the ball and make sure I post at least bi-weekly and encourage you guys to do the same!  I can easily shift the blame this weekend, though, to my poor, sick girls who gave us a couple of bad nights around here. 

Anyway, I had a pretty good week last week:  5 workouts and logged 13.6 running miles.  I'm pleased enough with that.  I'm still not recording my eating habits like I want to.  I did put a little notebook in the kitchen where I think I wrote down one single meal I ate last week.  Well, it's a start.  Progress, not perfection!

Sigue Adelante! (Sometimes Spanish phrases I used during my mission just pop into my head!)

Mantras from Chrystie and Stephanie

We've got more words of inspiration:

A few from Chrystie:

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

"Of course it's hard; if it were easy everyone would do it!"

"The pain of discipline or the pain of regret?"

 A few from Weeze:

"I am kind of a big deal."

"Find my happy again."

I just have to add these because those listed above just reminded me of them:

"Life's a journey, not a destination." - Aerosmith

"Find joy in the journey." - Thomas S. Monson

Is it weird to list quotes from a rock group and the prophet together?

Good job ladies!  You earned your February points!

Sharon's Inspiring Words

Wow, I just realized I haven't shared my mantras with you yet.  I need to earn my point, dang it!  Okay, my mantras will not really come as a surprise, since I've already been posting them like crazy on my blogs and comments.  But I'm stickin' to 'em because they've been helpful for me lately.



See, I've got them posted on my mirror!



Do It Anyway

This phrase again came to my rescue during a recent 6 mile run.  I wanted to stop and walk so bad because I was tired and it was tough and uphill.  Wah, wah.  I thought of this mantra and it kept me running the whole way.  It was hard for me, but I "Did It Anyway"!

It's about progress, not perfection.

This gives me comfort and keeps me focused on the big picture.  Many of you (and myself included) have expressed your disappointment in not doing very well on your goals so far.  But just ask yourself if you made any progress this week as opposed to last.  If not, then - yeah - you need to get busy!  But if you made even some slight progress, you're inching toward your goal.  Make some more progress next week and start striding - not just inching - toward that goal!

Those that haven't yet - turn in those mantras/quotes!  I need some more inspiration!

Fun Family Workouts

Our girls are so lucky to have the bestest and funnest Grandma and Papa in the world!  And - I'm not rubbing it in or anything... I'm just saying - we're so lucky they live close-by!

We've been enjoying our indoor winter swimming and the fact that Grandma and Papa have been joining us so we can all get a little exercise in.



Are there any other Grandpas out there
doin' crazy stunts like this?



 What are you guys doing for fun family activities?  Please tell us so we can all share ideas!

I am thinking of it

OK...I must really love you Sharon.It took me forever to figure this out and Keith was actually very patient with me. I just read the mantra challenge so I will think on it for a day or two and respond.

Cash Pot - Off To A Good Start

I'm going to keep a running tally on the blog on the side bar so we can all be reminded of what's waiting for the big winner.

That number is what is actually physically sitting in the safe at this moment.  Some of you have promised to contribute and as soon as I get it in-hand, I'll add it to the tally.  I'm excited about the amount already.  I can't wait to see what it's up to by March 1.  Yeeehawww!

By the way, I'm loving the mantras so far!  Keep 'em coming.  I'm still working on mine.  I'm having a hard time deciding which I like best.

Sharon

February Challenge - Keith

Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all time thing. You don't win once in a while, you don't do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit. - Vince Lombardi

Monthly Challenge - February

Point Value: 1

Find a mission statement or mantra or short quote that is meaningful and inspirational to you.  Print it out, post it somewhere you will see it daily and verbally repeat it at least once a day this month.



"Because I'm good enough,
I'm smart enough,
and, doggonit, people like me."
- Stuart Smalley



Yes, channel your inner Stuart Smalley and create a daily affirmation!  Either create one of your own or borrow one from somewhere else.  Sometimes certain words or phrases or thoughts just really strike us the right way and can be powerful motivators in getting us to stay focused upon and ultimately achieve our goals. 



Find something that defines your motivation; or create a description of who you want yourself to be.  If you’re having trouble coming up with something, try answering these questions:

Why are you doing this?  Why do these goals matter to you?

Here are a few thoughts to get you started:

Find joy in the journey.

“Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act.”  –Leonard Cohen

Yesterday I did, today I do, and tomorrow I will.

“Decide what you would become, then do what you have to do." - Epictetus, Roman Stoic

“I will do this.” 

”Make it Happen”

Healthy.  Strong.  Happy.

A year from now, I will be glad I'm doing this today.

There will be no jiggle in my wiggle.

Different things work for different people.  Once you choose your mantra, please share it with us so we can all be inspired!

Sharon