What's In Your Tool Bag?

There is so much information out there when it comes to fitness and health. It's hard to know where to start. I get overwhelmed when I try to wrap my hear around everything. I realized that I don't have to know everything, I just need to find what works for me and stick with it. One of the things that is working with me is using the Nike+ app on my phone. It tracks how far and how long I run. It also gives me my pace per mile and my calories burned. This app also syncs up with Facebook and when friends like your status it sends cheers to your phone. It's encouraging to get a cheer when I'm running. If you have an iPhone, adding this app might be a great tool to have!

Happy Running!

Nike+ available on iTunes

Run Your Butt Off - Week 1

So I am two days into Week 1 of RYBO, and so far I have picked up on two things that I am going to make a priority when it comes to working out/walking/running.

1) I have a busy and sometimes crazy schedule and so I have to "pencil" in when I am going to workout. I have made the time right after I get out of class to do it. And so far I am sticking to my goal! I have to schedule my times to workout. If I don't, then I can easily go without it. But if I schedule it, then it helps me stay on track. So, schedule your workouts!

2). bring friends along! Walking/running is always more enjoyable and more motivating when done with friends. I posted on my cohort page that I would be walking after class. I had three people join me tonight! Ask friends, coworkers, or family members to join you.

Wanna-Be-Runner,
Kiana

Peachtree Road Race 2011

On Monday, July 4, 2011, I walked/jogged with about 60,000 other people to complete my first Peachtree Road Race. The PRR is a 10k that begins in Buckhead, runs through midtown and ends in Piedmont Park. After the race, my feet and legs were so sore and I felt exhausted. But simultaneously, I felt exhilarated! I pushed myself to keep going and I accomplished my goal (to finish)!

After the race and in the days that have followed, I have done some thinking about running. I am not a runner. I don't look like a runner and I don't have the stamina of a runner. However, I know that this can change. I feel like I did a great job on Monday, considering this was my first race in about 10 years and that I am not a "runner." But I know that I can push myself to become better.

My goal is to train and work hard to become a "runner." No so that I can run a 10k in under 30 minutes,* but so that I can push myself physically to another level. I want to be able to have the physical strength and stamina to be able to jog/run longer distances than I am today. I have a year to do it and I plan on pushing so that I can run the whole Peachtree race next year!

My plan is to follow the Run Your Butt Off plan laid out in the book. Starting on Monday, July 11, I'll start the 12 week plan to becoming a runner. I am not looking to become a fast runner, just someone who has the stamina to run.

The Plan: The RYBO plan is a 12 week plan moves people from being walkers to being runners. Each workout is 30 minutes long and it gives direction to slowly increase running time and decrease walking time.

Week 1: Walk for 30 minutes four times a week. I am walking on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The way my schedule is right now, these are the days that work best for me.

Please feel free to join the journey with me!

Kiana

{Definition}

def·i·ni·tion

-noun

1. the act of defining or making definite, distinct, or clear.

2. the formal statement of the meaning or significance of a word, phrase, etc.

3. the condition of being definite, distinct, or clearly outlined.

One thing God has been teaching me is that a definition is very important. It is important to have definition in our lives and for our lives. The heart of the lesson is to learn WHO and WHAT are giving the definition.

We look in so many places to find the WHO'S and WHAT'S to define us. We look for people to define us or we allow others opinions to define us. We look at what we own {and don't own} as a form of definition. We use our accomplishments in school, sports, or work to give our lives definition. The problem with these things...they don't last and they don't have any validity.

I am learning that the only WHO and WHAT who can give me true and perfect definition is Jesus Christ. He is my WHO. His opinion and the way He sees me is what gives my life definition. His love covers every imperfection. His patience sweeps over my impatience. His wisdom surpasses my foolishness. His grace overflows and is enough.

He is also my WHAT. His death on the cross is the act that gave my life definition. Because of the blood he shed for me, my life is distinct and my purpose if clearly outlined. Because of WHAT He did for me, I can live a life that doesn't depend on someone's ever changing emotions or decisions. My life is in the steady, unchanging hands of my Savior.

Questions to think about:

• Who am I looking to for definition?
• Who am I allowing to give my life definition?
• Is there someone I am relying on to give me definition?
• What objects do I focus on to give me definition?
• What do I feel like I need to have or want to have to give better definition to my life?
• What and who are standing in the way of allowing God to be my definition?

Ciao :)

Yes! I am counting down!

This semester is almost over! The finish line is in sight! This semester has been my most challenging so far. Half of my classes are at night and the other half are in the morning. Being as school til 10 at night then having to be back 11 hours later can be a drag. But it's almost over!

I am totally counting down the days and assignments for each class!

Statistics: 3 more days of class left. No assignments.

Multi-Cultural Education: 2 more classes. Discussion project. Final Project due.

Algebra: 2 more class days. 1 more test.

Environmental Science: 3 class days. 3 article papers to turn in. Community Service project due.

Education Psychology: 2 class days. 1 more test.

Environmental Science Lab: 1 day of class = Field Trip!

Yoga: 1 class left! Turn in final.

This is what I have to do between now and a week from today! Then classes will be over...but then it's on to finals week! That's a whole other ball of wax!

Gifts

What is a gift? In the literal sense is it something given without expecting anything back. It is something that is given to express affection and love. It can be huge and extravagant. Or it can be a small token. What makes a gift special and meaningful is the reason and thought behind it. If it is given from the heart, then the gift can be priceless.

I believe each person on earth is given a gift. But this gift is different. It is given for a specific reason. But the giver does expect something back. Our Heavenly Father has gifted us with a special talent. He gave us these gifts to show us that we are significantly valuable to Him. It is one way He expresses his infinite love for us.

It is so easy to spot everyone else's gifts. It's easy to approach someone ad affirm or confirm their gifts. But it is quite difficult to know exactly what one's own gift is. It might hit you in the head and be bluntly obvious. Other times it takes a lot of digging and searching. It is hard to not get discouraged when you see everyone around you find and be confident in their gifts. I've learned that one can't give up or become discouraged. Pressing on and completing the journey to find the gift is also important.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Today is my sister, Kayla's 21st birthday! Love you babe!