If I Were A Rich Girl...



Off to my first run!



I wish I could be lazier, but I just don’t have it in the budget.  There’s a myth out there that being active and leading a healthy lifestyle is too expensive to do.  And sometimes I catch myself falling into that mind-set as well like when I need to buy yet another pair of shoes, or feel that I NEED the latest cool fitness gadget.  And I do acknowledge that, of course, there is a certain amount of spending that is required on basic equipment, but, trust me folks, my family is definitely NOT rollin’ in the dough (quite the opposite!) and we manage to stay pretty darn healthy and active; and we find ways to do fun things!



Our little snow bunny! 
She's almost better than me already!
(Though, that's not sayin' much!)



For example, this past week we went on a ski vacation!  Isn’t that what rich people do?  Rich people and us, when we get free ski tickets!  Here’s how we did it:  In the fall, we went to a ski movie for $15/ticket, got to see a cool movie, won free ski goggles, and got 2 free ski tickets to Eagle Point Ski Resort in Beaver, UT (usually $45).  Plus, we entered a drawing and won five more free tickets!  We found a reasonable hotel to stay in for a few nights and crammed our own skis and board – which are old but work just fine (plus we never have to worry about them getting stolen!) – and our own pantry staples into our small, crappy Jeep (but we do love you Jeepie – please keep running!) to drive 4 hours to a resort that, while not top-of-the-field, was just fine – in fact, great – for our whole family to enjoy.



All smiles after a fun day on the slopes.
Worn-out and ready to hit the ... pool!



No, it wasn’t the celebrity-type ski vacation that involves flying to Aspen, staying in a 4-star hotel with room service and spa treatments and springing for heli-skiing lessons.  Ours was a budget-friendly, awesome adventure that we enjoyed immensely. 

I’m always wishing I could buy more fitness equipment.  Over the years, we've slowly added to our home fitness arsenal, but I always want more, more. more!  (Just for the record: although I like "things," I am of the mindset that you only need your own body weight and a maybe couple pairs of dumbbells to get a killer workout - I do it all the time!).  To save money on the ones we do have, I’ve just had to be patient and wait for sales or lucky opportunities.  I scored an awesome barely-used True treadmill when someone needed to sell it cheaply because they were moving.  They even threw in a really nice set of  dumbbells with it for free!  Our bikes and elliptical machine were given to us for free by family members who weren’t using them.  We waited for deals on a heavy bag and a Bosu and over the years have managed to put together a pretty good home-gym!  That has saved us from spending money on a gym membership.  I’m a personal trainer who feels like I’m in the best shape of my life yet I haven’t worked out in a gym in over two years!  (That’ll be a blog post for the near future).  We buy season passes to the community pool and to Red Rock Canyon and definitely get our money’s worth out of those because we go to both places so often.



Z didn't get to ski this year but LOVED the warm
indoor pool and hot tub.



So, yes, you do have to spend some money on living a healthy, active lifestyle, but I think a person spends more on lazy luxury pursuits such as eating out often, sedentary entertainment (movies, video games, etc), seldom-used gadgets that promise quick fixes and the like.

And I’m not knocking the good life – trust me, I’m lazy whenever I can be! – but I’m of the opinion that I’ve got the better life with my healthy, happy and fun family!

Fake It Till you Make It

I’m feel I’m still a newbie when it comes to blogging and facebooking, but I am starting to  see that a somewhat distorted view of people can come across in these social media formats.  I get the feeling some people think that all I ever focus on is my workouts or my fitness status and that I think other people are losers if they aren’t as focused as I am on all that stuff.  Or I feel that others might feel sorry for me that I don’t realize there’s more to life than exercise and eating right. 



Yet another outing to Red Rock to discover new caves.
This was, of course, after a 6-mile run.
Sooooo routine.  Yawn.



To anyone out there that thinks that, I say, “Ha!  Spend a day with me and you’ll see why I named my blog “The Lazy Personal Trainer.”  I have intended to use the blog to document the ups and downs of the fitness side of my life.  And while I have talked about many of my inconsistencies and failures at trying to live a healthy lifestyle, I find that I do tend to focus on events that make me come across as more successful, more dedicated, and just more awesome than I really am.  I mean, I’d much rather post how fantastic I felt that I was able to take my planned workout in the garage out to do an improvised sidewalk workout of burpees, pushups and curb plyo jumping so that R could ride her scooter in the Cul-de-sac (true story from today!) than how lazy I often am in the morning by forcing the girls to eat bananas in bed and watch a DVD – just so I can get a few more minutes of sleep after having stayed up too late…again – until they are begging me to toast them a waffle (sadly, another true story from today...and yesterday).

K’s facebooking about our fun family adventures makes us come across as the funnest, coolest family out there.  And while I acknowledge we are a pretty darn amazing unit, you might not be so impressed if you knew how much we annoy each other on a daily (hourly) basis or how the laundry/household clutter builds up in between our fantastic excursions.



Another all-too-common scene around the house.
Hey - they're clean.  Just gotta fold 'em.



But I’m starting to see this modern social networking stuff as a powerful form of positive self-talk.  I find that if I frequently share the positive things that I am doing, it feeds the fire to do even more cool things so that I can keep the impression alive – to myself and others – that I am way more on top of things than I really am.  Although a few people have good-naturedly expressed their annoyance at K’s frequent posts about his workouts (telling him to chill out a bit and take a nap every now and then) even more folks have expressed how our family activities have motivated them to do more fun and active things within their own families!

So, although I will still inject plenty of doses of reality by copping to my lazy bone, I’m gonna keep trying to convince myself and others that my life is one fantastic ride.  Because it often is!

This is where the relevance of one of my favorite quotes lately comes in – and it applies to any aspect of our lives:  “Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act.”  –Leonard Cohen

And maybe the popular phrase, “Fake it till you make it,” can also be applied!

Doggonit, People Like Me



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



I’ve been tapping into the power of mantras lately.  Ever since I got a boost from a quote I had posted at the right place at the right time, (see previous post “Do It Anyway”) I’ve been reminded how powerful a few phrases - or even just a few words - can be.

So I’ve issued the challenge to my family to choose the inspirational quote or mantra that will help them keep steadily moving toward their health goals.  I told them to print it out, post it somewhere prominent and recite it verbally at least once daily this month.  (Hence the Stuart Smalley reference – as goofy as that guy was, he was on to something!)



Just a small part of my vision board.  There's more
on the other wall above the toilet paper roll.



I’ve had a hard time choosing my current favorite because there are so many that inspire me.  In fact, I have what mizfitonline (a blog I’ve been enjoying lately) refers to as a “vision board”.  It’s a collection of pictures and quotes and phrases that I find motivating and inspirational that I’ve posted somewhere where I will see them often.  Yep, as some of you know, for me that’s the bathroom.  By the toilet.  I’ve been doing it for years and I have to say I’ve really found it helpful many times.



So I’ve narrowed it down to the two that are most meaningful to me right now:  “Do It Anyway” and “It’s about progress, not perfection.”



My daily mantras on the mirror, along with K's inspirational quote.
Plus my monthly exercise log!
Pretty soon I won't be able to see myself.



However, I can’t help but add a few more that have struck a chord in me lately:

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

“Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing.  You have to make the mind run the body.  Never let the body tell the mind what to do.  The body will always give up.  It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night.  But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired.” – George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

“Putting on your workout clothes burns half the calories.” - Trainermomma (another blog I’ve been enjoying).

"NO EXCUSES!"

I’m sure I’ll be sharing more as they inspire me… and I encourage everybody else to do the same!

Do It Anyway

“Though you won’t get it perfect, do it anyway.  Though you don’t think you have the time, do it anyway.  Though others may find fault and criticize, do it anyway.

Though you can think of a lot of reasons not to, do it anyway.  Though you’ve been disappointed in the past, do it anyway.  Though it will challenge you and make you a little uncomfortable, do it anyway.  Though it will take some time and effort, do it anyway.

You know what must be done.  You know what actions will bring you the results you desire.  You know what is right and what is wrong.  You can spend a lifetime making excuses, thinking of reasons why not, but where would that get you?  Touch your own sense of excellence and do the right thing.  Do what must be done.  Do it anyway, in spite of all the excuses.  Do it anyway.  Make a difference.  Get somewhere.  Take yourself to the next level.

See, I did it!

Do it anyway and you’ll be glad you did.”



This is posted on my bathroom wall on the left-hand side at eye level when seated on a certain common lavatory furnishing.  It happened to catch my eye as I paused for a moment to unwind after making Saturday a “Special Day”.  I had gotten the girls bathed and to bed, mopped the house, folded a few loads of laundry and was contemplating just calling it a night.  It was 10:00 after all, and my previous plans to get a 3 mile run in today had all but faded away.  But then I turned my head.  And read this quote.  Now I know why I posted it on my wall.  Because, by golly, I laced up my darn runnin’ shoes and headed out to that darn treadmill and ran those darn 3 miles.  I didn’t want to do it AT ALL.  But, you guessed it, I’m soooo glad I did.

Of course this is meant to be applied to ANY challenging aspect of life.  I’m not even sure who gets credit for making that statement, but (s)he knows what (s)he’s talking about.

The Lazy Trainer and Her Lazy Family




Who wouldn't want to win these pretty babies?!
This is the trophy awarded to the winner!

 

Actually, I’m excited to report that this just might be the least lazy year for my whole family in a while.  Why? you ask.  Because it’s the First Annual (oh yeah, fam, we’re doing this every year until we die!) GOLDEN SNEAKER CHALLENGE. 

To be fair, not everyone in my family is lazy.  Regardless of anyone’s health status, though, I figure we all can commit to making sure the year 2011 is full of good, healthy pursuits that will help us improve our lives. 

I had everyone choose one main health-related goal to work on this year and, come December, we will all vote on whom we believe deserves to be awarded the coveted “Golden Sneaker Award”.  Plus we’re all pitching in to a money pot because - I don’t know ‘bout you - but the potential to win cash always lights a fire under my britches.

We have quite a variety of goals.  Many have chosen weight-loss as their focus.  Others have some 5Ks, marathons or triathlons in their sights.  A few others include a decrease of 5% body fat; losing 4.5 inches from the waist; and a reduction of a hemoglobin A1c level to 5%.  See, all kinds of fun stuff.

Along the way to keep things interesting and motivating we will be able to earn points by participating in monthly challenges to win the “Not-So-Dumbbell Award”.  The person with the most points at year’s end wins that one, which also includes a cool prize as added incentive.  Por ejemplo:  January’s Challenge is to list AT LEAST 3 actions you will take in order to realize your Golden Sneaker goal.

I have to say, I am quite proud of my family.  Although not all of them have jumped into this challenge with the same enthusiasm that I have had in issuing it, most of them have committed to it quite cheerfully and with minimal feet-dragging.

I have declared this a “friendly” competition; so, let the games begin!  Oh, but lest you think otherwise:  it’s on… like Donkey Kong.

You can check in on the family’s progress:  http://www.taylorgoldensneaker.blogspot.com/ and http://www.johnsongoldensneaker.blogspot.com/.

Thanks... And Sorry



Not some of our better times.



Dad, Mom, I’m sorry.  And thank you.  Now, these two statements could pertain to pretty much everything during my 37-year relationship with you, so let me explain…

First, I’m sorry.  I’m sorry I’ve been a whiney, bratty, maddening, annoying, exasperating daughter that you probably just wanted to drop-kick, throttle and then slap silly more than a few times.  I think that describes my overall temperament during both my early and late childhood, but in this particular instance, I’m referring to my behavior in sporting and outdoor adventures.  I was such a wimpy, whiney, scared-y cat.  I’m sorry, Dad, that you had to put up with my whining and whimpering while endlessly trying to convince me to point my ski tips in, turn the corner and glide down the slope – when you’d much, much rather be enjoying some glorious skiing of your own.  I’m sorry, Mom, that you had to sit on the dock with me, probably bored, while we watched the other kids splash around in Lake Chelan because I was too scared of the “lake-weed” that would grab my legs.  And this is just the tip of the iceberg…



Those of us actually enjoying the sledding trip.



But, mostly, thank you.  Thank you for all the patience, tolerance and long-suffering that you did exercise toward me during all those aggravating times.  Not that you guys are saints or anything – I remember wailing and gnashing of teeth on both sides – but now as a parent, I realize the monumental effort that you must have put forth in order to always remember that you did, in fact, love me and want me to be happy.  I know it was because of your imperfect patience that I was able to mature into a fun-loving and active person that’s willing to jump in and try a lot more things than I used to be.



The instant we walked in the door after that disastrous trip
they insisted on putting on their swimsuits. 
I kid you not.  Stinkers.

 My own daughters now are the joy of my life and I get no greater contentment and satisfaction than when we are together as a family enjoying some sort of escapade during this marvelous journey of life.  But – oh – can my mad-o-meter go from 0-60 in 3 seconds flat when the crying and simpering and blubbering for no good reason commence and continue way beyond my tolerance level.



Now this is more like it!
This is at the park down the street a few days later.

 For example, New Year’s Eve, we headed up to Mt. Charleston with some friends to enjoy the recent snowfall and get in some good winter fun.  We’d taken the girls sledding about a month earlier and they loved it.  Now with the temperature a lot colder and the snow a lot deeper, our girls weren’t quite as into it this time.  Z started crying during the bundling-up process before she’d even been exposed to the rough elements!  R did enjoy a number of sledding runs but got frustrated with trying her little pair of skis in the deep snow and her initial good mood quickly unraveled… it was all downhill (ha ha) from there.



These are the kind of snow days we like.

 So, I was stuck in the car with the whiney woo-woos while K got in a few more snowboarding runs with our friends and their sons.  Once the girls calmed down, it all started back up again when we tried to get them out of the car for a quick picture.  So we took it without them while they bawled in the back seat.

Oh, I love them.  Oh, they exasperate me.  I will never give up on them nor will we give up our quest for adventure despite the frustrating mishaps.  After all my parents never gave up on me.

 I just try to keep the big picture in mind because I guess I ended up turning out pretty darn well after all – didn’t I, Mom and Dad?

Smiling the whole time.  This is why I keep 'em around.

Shooooooooz

Whenever I start a conversation with K by saying, “Y’know what I’m thinking…?”  He ALWAYS quickly jumps in and says, “Yes.  ‘Shooooooooz.’” As in shoes.  Right.  Like that’s all I ever think about.  C’mon, my brain is filled with a few more thoughts than just shoes.  It’s more like, “Shoooooz.  Chocolate.  Shooooooz.  What should I make for dinner?  Shooooooooooooooooooooooooz.”

Yes, like most women, I have a deep, abiding love/lust for shoes.  It started when I was very young and has persisted into my adulthood.  If I had the means to be Imelda Marcos, I would be. 

So on Christmas morning, you can imagine my utter delight at being genuinely surprised by receiving TWO pairs of new shoes!  The first were running shoes from my incredibly thoughtful husband.  I have needed a new pair in the worst way but kept putting off buying them because some other little expense would pop its annoying head right in my face and cackle viciously as my plans for new runners were once again relegated to the back burner.

Hot pink running shoes!  I wish these would've worked.

This is how I know that K does occasionally listen to me.  He’d ordered the pair of running shoes because I’d mentioned a couple of times that I’d seen that the new Saucony Kinvaras had some good reviews and was interested in trying some out.  Well, he thoughtfully ordered them but they ended up being a half-size too small and when we did manage to get out and shop, I found my love for Brooks is still burning strong, so that’s what I ended up with.

My feet are happy in my Brooks Ghost 3



The other shoes were sassy peep-toe booties from my daughters that once again displayed K’s attentiveness.  He’d apparently heard me mention more than once that some booties were just what I needed to update my wardrobe.  OK, I realize that it’d take more than just some booties to update my nothing-but-jeans-and-t-shirts-and-workout-clothes wardrobe.  But I had convinced myself that’s all I needed.   So he had the girls help pick out a pair.  And I must say they did extremely well.  I loved the high spiky heels and slight platform sole (I was at least 6’4” with them on) and the lace-up detail was rockin’!



Check these out!



But as I sat there and drank in their beauty and delicious impracticality, it hit me that what I really did need and, in fact, really did want when it all came down to it, was practicality.  Another rant K has heard from me lately is that it’s ridiculous that I don’t have any decent hiking boots to wear to Red Rock Canyon and Mt. Charleston for our climbing and hiking outings.  I mean, we’re out there weekly, if not more, and I end up wearing the oldest, rattiest shoes I have because I don’t mind if I get them dirty and scuffed.  But what I really need is a sturdy pair that can withstand the terrain and conditions I put them through and feel good while doing it.

I tried on the sassy booties.  I saw how smokin’ they looked with some hot-pink tights, but I realized that I just wouldn’t get the same value and use from them that I would from a pair of sturdy, comfortable and practical hiking boots.  With the kind of lifestyle I have, I’d wear the booties maybe a few times a year.  And I would indeed love feeling so stylish and edgy while strutting down… well, the grocery aisle, I guess.  See what I mean? As much enjoyment as I would surely get out of the occasional fashion upgrade, it’s a much bigger – and more frequent – rush for me when I lace up some new athletic performance shoes in preparation for my next sporting venture.

So at this time when, for us, every dollar counts, I responsibly packed up the whimsical foot candy and returned it to the store and will now focus some energy on finding the right hiking boot.



These could work.  They're Keen's "Red Rock"... perfect!

Sometimes you should simply enjoy your presents and the spirit in which they are given but sometimes it makes more sense to redirect the love and kindness of others by investing in a more suitable and rewarding gift.  If they love you, they’ll understand… and be happy that you’re happy.