Dreams. Aspirations. Pursuit. Because of you...

"So what do you do?"

"I'm a teacher and a preacher. It's fun."

"That's good. If you had the opportunity - what would you be doing; what is your dream?"

"..."

"Why don't you pursue it?"

____________________________

This is a recent conversation that I had with someone. I left the conversation inspired to dream bigger and have much more enthusiasm for what the future may hold.

I usually have a pretty good grasp on what is taking place and hold a positive mindset for the future, but I will admit that sometimes I tend to view my dreams and aspirations as just that and not go for them for whatever reason.

I hate to admit that, but it's the truth.

In a part of my past, (what seems like a life time ago), I was told by a mutual friend of me and a girlfriend - that my girlfriend had labeled me as someone who just 'talks big but will never amount'.

That hurt.

I think I allowed that person to bring me down. It was by my own doing.

It is no more.

I surround myself with positive people. These people are ones that encourage me to pursue my dreams and aspirations. They make me better.

So, this is where I am at.

I have big goals and big dreams. I am in constant pursuit of those goals and dreams.

What does this have to do with Fit With A Purpose, fitness, and weight loss?

It has everything to do with you. You help push, encourage, and keep me founded on what it is I am trying to do.

We (you and me) are building Fit With a Purpose to be a community of encouragement, fierceness, and a logical path to success. When starting this site, it was an half-hearted attempt to simply keep track of a couple miles.

It has transformed though - because of you.

I have dreams -- BIG dreams -- because of your support and encouragement.

I have aspirations -- BIG aspirations -- because of your dedication and devotion.

I have success -- BIG success -- because of watching you succeed and push forward.


At some point - I will tell you what those big dreams are...but for now - you will just have to believe me that right now - I am living my life to do the most that I can.

I am not going to let this point in my life (where I am at right now) to be just a waiting room for the "Big Dreams", but to let this time transform into the Big Dreams.

We are not successful by accident.

We push. We strive We struggle We overcome. We drive. We run. We walk. We work. We swim. We lift. We move. We eat. We act. We dream. We aspire. We live. We laugh.

...and the best part is

...we are doing all of those things

...with purpose.

Moderation. Vacation Tips. Camp Recap.

Question.

So how do you go on vacation and not come back weighing more than when you left?

Answer?

Moderation.

You've seen it all over the fitness/weight-loss blogosphere and you'll see it here too - moderation is key to a successful, long term victory over excessive weight.

Let's think about it.

Moderation is simply taking control over how much that you put in to your body.

As you know, I spent the last week at a camp and unlike most camps - this camp has some really good food. Let's see, some of what we ate was...

turkey and stuffing. beef brisket. pizza. chili. hamburgers.

Those things are completely different then my usual diet and I did feel the affects of them throughout the week, but yet I come home today weighing the same amount of weight as when I left.

It is because I practiced moderation.

Because I was a part of the staff -they wanted to heap the food onto my plate. I was able to say "not that much", "just a little", and/or "no thank you".

Moderation allowed me to enjoy the foods that I don't typically eat and not feel guilty about eating it.

Would I suggest that you eat that way all of the time?

Not at all.

I have another week of camp coming up and I would really like to lose that last 20 pounds. Eating foods that are processed, unhealthy, and not full of the vitamins and nutrients I need will not get me to where I want to be. I will be taking some of my own food with me next time so that I can have more control (other than just saying no or going hungry) of what I get to eat.

Another thing that helped me while I was at camp was the physical exercise that I got.

Monday we played soccer (won), Tuesday was Ultimate Frisbee (won), Wednesday was a 3 on 3 basketball tourney (2nd place), and Thursday was 6 on 6 volleyball tourney (lost). There were also multiple times that the campers were playing Knock-Out. Knock-Out is where everyone is in a line behind the free throw line (basketball) and shoot one after another trying to make the shot before the next one does. The whole point is to eliminate everyone else until you are the winner.

So, I tell you all of this to give you some tips on what to do when you are on vacation, away with work, and/or away from home.

Tips for when you are away.

1. Learn to say "No", "not that much", or "just a little".

2. Take action. Be active in order to balance the abnormal intake.

3. Enjoy what you do get to eat. Don't feel guilty about eating something that you don't normally.

4. Know when the vacation, trip, and/or hiatus is over. You have to set your limits when things are out of your hands and it requires follow through.


I've had a good week, but am really happy to be home. I've missed blogging and have no idea as of right now what the google reader has to say. I am pretty far behind on all of your blogs and hope that you take no offense at that.

You will be seeing me much more this week as I will be home for the full week.

What tip do you have to offer for when someone is on vacation?

Driven. Runner Insecurities. Open Ended post.

Driven.

What drives you?

I do a lot of thinking while running and I do believe that it is the best time for me to think. I think about a lot of things.

I think of…

…things I need to do during the day.
…things that I see while running.
…things that I struggle with.
…things that I am striving for.
…my wife.
…my job and ministry.
…my life as a whole.
…meaning.
…purpose.
…things that I can do to be better.
…things that I can do to do better.
…things that I can do to become who I am meant to be.
…who I am meant to be.

There is a lot that goes on in a runner’s mind.

Whoever said running is easy is not a runner. Yes, the physical aspects of running may be easy, but as I’ve told you before – running is more mental than anything.

I question myself when running.

Can I really make it that far?
Why did I take this road – that’s another half mile now?!
Should I stop and walk?
Does my ankle really hurt or is that the easy way out?
Are you really cut out for a half-marathon?

This is just some of it. All runners may not question themselves, but I will tell you that people who have lost a significant amount of weight do have the questions.

With former overweight people - there is so much more attached to the running than just the running.

At the end of the day though, when all has been said and done – after the 1 min run, 2 min run, 5 min run, 20 min run, 5k, 10k, half-marathon, or marathon has been ran – the question still remains…what drives you to do what you do?

I've written several times about what Fit With a Purpose means to me and why I do what I do...

...but the question is still for you to answer.

Driven?

What are you driven by?

Internet. Running Tips For New Places. Weird Workouts.

Internet...finally.

We have internet finally at our house which means that I will be more up-to-date, for the next couple of days.

It’s kind of funny that as soon as I get the internet – I will be away working at a camp for five days. I will have my laptop and my phone (which serves as a modem) so I may be able to get online for a little bit.

This upcoming week will be crazy full of activity. If you have never been to camp or ever worked at a camp – let me tell you that you are always active when there. The afternoons are my favorite time because we get to go out and just play sports.

It’s going to be so hot. :)

Tips for Running in new places.

After we got all moved in – I got to go for some nice runs. It’s always neat to run in new places. Everything is new to you and makes for quality runs. While they are quality runs – running only makes sense when you are able to have fun and enjoy the runs.

I made a mental list while running of things that you should do when you decide to run in a new place.

1. Become familiar with the area. Just because you are new doesn’t mean to know nothing about the place.

2. Know your route. I’ve talked about it before here about mapping your route before you run. This way you will not be caught off guard with longer distances and times.

3. Wear an identity of some kind so that you will be known. In the event that you may need an identity card – you’ll have it and others can find it.

4. Wave and acknowledge the people that you pass and see. While this may have some benefits as for safety purposes – this is just being nice and friendly.

5. Wear reflective bits and pieces. This is general knowledge. If you think about it – you may be running in an area that doesn’t get a lot of runners and people aren’t watching for them. Running safe is smart running.

6. Don’t run at night. While running at night may be something you do in the comfortable environment of home and community – it is not a good idea to run at night in a new area, environment, and route.

7. Have fun.

Enjoy yourselves and remind yourself that what you are doing now -- is helping your future!

Guest Posters.

If you emailed me to let me know that you would like to guest post while I am gone – please let me know what you have planned to do. We will work the specifics out by email.

If you would like to guest post still here at Fit With A Purpose, let me know – I still have some room if you would like too. I am looking for quality posts to give to my readers!

Do you have something that you want to talk about and want your blog to get some more traffic – guest post here!

Email me at styler [at] cccb [dot] edu.

What has been the weirdest thing that has happened to you while working out?!

Last Day. Move Day. Missed Run. Guest Post?

I can not believe how busy this past week has been. It has definitely affected the way that I typically go about my average day.

Last Day of School.

Yesterday was the last day of school for me. It was sad because I will really miss those kids. I had some of the best students that anyone could ask for - hope for - wish for. They seriously were the best kids. I will miss them, but will see them from time to time.

I did not realize how invested the teacher becomes with his/her class, classroom, and school until you leave it. I had to take a couple trips (and that was with one trip from my wife) of stuff out of my classroom. I had a lot of stuff there! It was fun and has been a blessing. It's hard to understand unless you have worked in the atmosphere that I worked in.

Move Day.

As yesterday was the last day at school (half day), Carol and me also set that day to load everything up onto the truck and trailer. With the help of my parents we finished loading at 12:00am. It is amazing how much stuff you accumulate in such a short period of time. My wife and I will be celebrating our 2nd anniversary in August and in that short time we have gained so much stuff (and some of it is crap!).

We spent today moving and I was pretty happy at how well my truck pulled the HEAVY load. I hadn't yet had the opportunity to pull a trailer packed down with that truck and was surprised at how well it moved right along and at the ease of travel I had.

I will tell you though - I am beat! There has been a LOT of lifting, setting down, lifting, and moving taking place and it is letting me know that it's not quite use to this much.

I miss running.

With the busy week I have not had the chance to really get a good run in. I miss it. Is it weird that I think about my workouts and miss them dearly? :)

I really do miss it though - as I've said before, working out is a way to get away from everything else. It allows me to let everything else go and just do something for myself.

I am worth taking the time and investing it into myself.

This upcoming week looks like it'll be a little easier though. It will be my easy week in June. I am working at two different weeks of camp at a local church camp. I am teaching a class at one week along with being a group leader and working as Recreation Director at the other. I'll have other responsibilities, but those are primary.

Guest Post?!?

This makes me think though - I'm not sure how much time I will have to be able to post. I've seen it done on other sites, but am not sure if anyone wants to here on Fit With A Purpose --- guest post anyone??!??

Are you up for a guest post?!? If you want to do a guest post for either one of those weeks, let me know. You can comment here or email me at -- styler [at] cccb [dot] edu

How do you fit in your workouts when life gets so chaotic and busy?!?

Challenge Information. Half Marathon. Training Questions.

Are you up for a Challenge?

I told you all about the weight loss challenge that I hosted and took part in. I told you that I lost 17 pounds total in 6 weeks!!!

Today, I’m telling you that you have the chance at joining the 2nd weight loss challenge that I am hosting!

It is a solid atmosphere focused at losing weight healthily and for good. Discussions are held, questions are asked and answered (to the best of our ability), and struggles and successes are shared.

The 1st weight loss challenge had a total of 13 participants. Those 13 challengers combined lost a total weight of 133 lbs!!!!!

Can you believe that?!

I love those results.

The entry fee is 10 dollars and the person that loses the most percentage of body weight – wins all of the entry fee money. It’s a pretty solid winning! I will be capping the challengers off at 20 participants this time around.

Do you want to take part in this challenge?! You need to go HERE to the Facebook group and become a member. Roam around and see past challenger’s successes and struggles and see if it’s something you want to be a part of. Remember, only 20 people are going to be entered into the 2nd challenge! Don’t delay for too long.

The challenge starts on this upcoming Monday. There are specific rules and weigh-in procedures to be followed each week. It is six weeks long and can be the jump-start that your weight loss needs!

I will not be participating in this challenge, nor will the last challenge’s winner. We would like to help out with encouragement and any insight we may have for the challengers. The group will be turned private at the start of the challenge – so no one will see your weigh-in pictures unless they are a member of the group.

Are you up for it?! Go check it out here!

Half Marathon - here I come.

In other news, I’m going to start training for a Half-Marathon! I’m pretty excited about it. A few questions for you to answer for me.

1. Should I continue with the p90x while training for the Half?

2. Do you have a meal plan I should follow?

3. Any tips or suggestions from you all that have ran a half marathon or marathon?

Let me know what you all have in mind. I need all the help I can get too!

What is the greatest Work Out/Fitness thing you have accomplished?!

Final Challenge Weight Picture. 120.9 Miles. I am Busy.

I’ve got a lot to get too today – so I hope that you are ready.

I am busy.

Life has been busy these past couple of weeks. My wife and I are in the middle of a move. I am trying to close down the school year and get my things cleaned out of my class for the next teacher to be able to get in there this summer. I started the summer semester with my Master’s program and then on top of everything else -- I work out. (Working out and running is actually a way that I can get away from all of the work - do you feel the same way?) I get busy, but I think I strive on busyness.

If you have not seen me stop by your blog in a couple days it is not because I don’t want too.

You guys fuel my fitness tank like no one else. Keep it up.

Can losing weight mess up your game?

I think yes it can. I think a mixture between weight loss, strength training, all the running, and lack of playing has messed up my basketball skills. I use to pride myself on being one of the best.

I’ve been humbled.

I can run all day around the guys, but that does nothing for me if I can’t make a basket. I’ve been over-shooting the basketball, under-shooting the basketball, and there was an air-ball or two in there, but let's not talk about those. I’ve got to figure this thing out. I’m hoping that it is just like riding a bike and it comes back to me real quick.

Weight Loss Challenge Final Results

I did not win the weight loss challenge that I hosted. I lost a total of 17 POUNDS in six weeks! I am very proud and happy with that and have worked my tail off to get it. I have accomplished a lot in the last six weeks.

I have…

…Entered into OnederLand!
…Ran and Placed 1st (my division) in my very first 5k race!
…Placed 12th overall in my second ever 5k race!
…lost 17 pounds through a weight Loss challenge I hosted!
…have watched my wife lose 9 lbs in that very same challenge!!!
…have spent many hours running!
…run a total of 120.9 miles in six weeks!

I’ve also been changing a little bit of the layout here at Fit With a Purpose and am trying to make it more interactive for you. I hope you approve and enjoy!

I’m going to end with my Final Weigh-In Picture!

I will be hosting another weight loss challenge that will start on this upcoming Monday. Everything takes place on Facebook. It's a pretty neat atmosphere that we have there too. I will post about it again with ways for you to enter. I just thought I’d plant the seed into your brain.

If you could follow one of your dreams and have nothing get in your way.......what would you be doing right now with your life?

BlogRoll Update?! Thursday Run. Picture from the Past.

I like to keep this site up to date. One of the ways that I stay on top of things is through my blog roll.

Do you want me to put your site on my blog roll?!

Tell me that you want on and why you should be on the blog roll?

Let us know why need to be on there.

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Today, I ran my Thursday 2 mile and more. I ended out with what turned out to be an easy 2.8 mile run. The runs continue to feel good. I'm trying to hit it really hard this week as it is the last week of the weight loss challenge. It's going pretty well - I still feel like I could be doing more. I think it's just me wanted to do more than I should. It's hard to put on the brakes sometimes, but I've had too.

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I thought I'd end this post with a picture from the past!


I look so unhappy there.