So, how was Vegas?

On this beautiful evening in Winnipeg, it is a nice time to reflect on the sunshine from exactly one week ago today...                               

I've been asked this line a few (hundred) times within the last week. It is incredible to reflect on the network of people we encounter in our daily lives...

Vegas? It was awesome.

Honestly, the week went off without a hitch.

End post.

HA. Just kidding. The week was incredible & many things happened that need to be shared because I know you just want to hear it! I also know that many of you have enjoyed the bright lights and spectacular of Las Vegas so let's live vicariously through each other for a moment.

Let's begin with the stagette and the wild women we went with.....picture a bunch of babes watching Magic Mike live (end post here?;), which was hilarious, cabbing it off the strip to a club many floors up at the Palms, then being taken care of all night by beautiful women, security, and the goose. Yes, it is a beautiful picture of a great time. All the ladies made new friends that night (Tracy met Tahereh, and so on... ). The only injury (disregard the a.m. 'injury' type of pain a few felt the next day) came via the beautiful bride herself while climbing a lion sculpture in front of Mandalay. 'I don't need any help!' and with that she broke (?) sprained the only extremity she needed, her ring finger. But, absolutely worth it. She also won Stephen $70 playing Alice at 7am. Goodnight, success.

Okay, I won't run through every part of the week even though it is temping. Vegas is summer time, flashing lights, amazing food, amazing pools, amazing scenery (.....don't even, you know exactly what I am talking about!), fit people (sorry, was that a repeat?), good entertainment, and an energy at all hours of the day. We were lucky enough to be there for Steph and Curt's wedding so we had a great group of people to take in the energy with.

Speaking of, the wedding day was absolutely stunning. Stephanie is a princess and Curt is a Ken doll. Seriously. Even though Curt forgot how to shave and sliced his cheek...eye?... cheek. Don't go and look for it in the pictures now... If you do, I didn't say anything...

During the day the dudes entourage went to shoot guns and the ladies entourage had a beautiful brunch with the families. It's such a special day for everyone, especially the families. I couldn't imagine how proud they are of these two.

Steph was very calm during the day. Relaxed and happy, even helped her own bridesmaids get ready, so generous.

Hair, makeup, dresses, suits, flowers, & gametime....  

This is a view of the ceremony, waterfall in the background, surrounded by friends and family. Officially they are Curtis and Stephanie Relke. Wow. What an amazing couple. Kind, loving, smiling, honest. They are good. Really good.

Now, this is a glimpse of the reception, need I say more? Friends, family, now add a perfect suite, bartender Rob, flip cup tourney, push up contests (this crowd was packed with fit beauties), dancing, counter top dancing, more injuries...only a few will know the details of the rest of the night, but 'let me tell ya' Jared Rayder, it was a damn good time.

The week ended for most relaxing by the pool, sushi, gambling, shows, 'Krave' for a few babes, and some rest before Saturday's epic send off pool party for Mandizzle's bday a few enjoyed.

Until next September (as we will need that long to recover). Peace out V city.

Summer's Over...

..... and it's time to get back on the health train!

Put down the budlight iced tea and the ridiculous Shades of Grey, stop with the 'I'm on vacation/it's summer time' excuse for every single bad food choice and missed workout. Let me tell you, if you are going to eat bad everytime there is something to celebrate, well, there is something to celebrate everyday so why not just eat whatever you want, whenever you want? Feel good about yourself? Seriously. Smarten up. This year we are going to make some changes and do this right.

When was your last workout? Did you accomplish your goal and finished it feeling great?

What was your last meal? Was it a healthy protein and carb combo leaving you feeling good?

I sure do hope so because then my job it done here and I'm going to take the winter off.....

Oh but wait.... We didn't both end up on the same page? Alright, business time, where do we begin.

We begin by setting goals. Goals have to be specific, realistic, and measureable to be achievable. This make sense? Grab a notebook (just for you to read) and write down:

• 1 ultimate goal,
• 2 goals you want to accomplish this week,
• 3 goals you want to accomplish this month, and
• 4 goals you want to accomplish this year!

Everyday jot down what you ate, what you did for exercise, and how you are feeling. Most of my clients use an app on their phones (myfitnesspal or mynetdiary), easy way to track your food and exercise as you go.

You just have to start! Don't get excited and try to follow every rule ever written about health, this relationship is one guaranteed to fail. Just try to start making good decisions, one at a time, consistently.

"Will power is a muscle, every time you use it, you strengthen it"

After you begin making each good decision, you will begin achieving your goals, and you will begin to feel good, in control. Your success is in your hands alone. Allow yourself room to change, fail, and then make another good decision. BOOM! We are learning. We are human.

Over the summer my personal goals have changed as well, fall brings a new exciting lifestyle after a chaotic summer of preparation for it. I am focused more on my 'day job' career as a financial planner, working with young professionals and their (often neglected) retirement and risk planning as well as working with businesses and their group benefits programs. I love it. Talking with and helping people everyday (sound familiar to the health field?.....no coincidence here). 

That being said, I mostly work from home and visit my clients (finance and fitness) during the days, making a flexible schedule for workouts and meal preparation time. No excuses for me now.

A little reflection on the year goals I set in January for 2012:

Professional goal - expand FuelFit? Yes sir. Added bonus, finance career growth.

Training goals - run a full marathon? No, knee injury in Feb, surgery in Nov. Back handspring? Still working... :) Try crossfit? YES!! And LOVE IT! Compete in a fitness competition? Well...we shall see, possibly in Nov if it works pre-surgery.

Personal - proper sleep pattern? Yes. Move? Yes.

September goals:

Professional - raise awareness of the finance field to help more young professionals, start finance blog ( check it out, almost done: http://sarahalstead.wordpress.com/ ). New health blog every Wednesday.

Training - crossfit x 3/week, run 10 miles/week (everything according to how the knee feels...boo to injuries)

Personal - attend one of my closest friends, Stephanie's, wedding in Vegas. Couldn't be happier for her and Curt so truly excited for this!

Okay, this is where I leave you with one of my favorite quotes, it's go time! Notebook, goals, and good decisions......consistency.

"If you are tired of starting over, stop giving up."

What is your excuse?

Which one are you going to use today? 

There are just so many, here, let me give you a few:

• you are tired
• had a long day at work
• can't afford to go to the gym 
• don't know what to do once you get there
• it is hard
• you are scared
• you are not an athlete
• you weight too much
• you can't run

That enough......okay, a few more...

• you have kids
• your _____ hurts
• you're bloated
• you haven't eaten
• you deserve it (insert muffin here....)

So. What is yours?

Every single day we make the choice to go out and get our workout done, where-ever and however we can. Everyday we make the choice to eat a healthy snack and a healthy lunch and dinner......drink water....get enough sleep....relax....work on our weaknesses....

Let me tell you, you do not avoid yoga because you are not flexible - that IS the point of doing yoga (thanks Jenn :). The same goes for your fitness, if you are not able, you need it even more!

Risk leads to Change leads to Reward!

Avoid the Risk  leads to No Change  leads to No Reward...

Physical fitness or any goal that is important to you is an everyday progression. We are all working towards our own goals within our own respects. We learn what works and what doesn't. What feels good. We begin to look for all the other ways we are changing and making progress.

Don't let an excuse hold you back from forward motion. You may use anything your mind can dream up (and you are one hell of a creative person), excuses keep you in the same place you have always been......no forward motion.......static...... Just dreaming.....

Here is a challenge: I challenge you to decide. 

When your mind comes up with an excuse to not exercise or to choose something deliciously bad or to have 10 drinks instead of 1. You decide. You decide to make the right choice for your body and mind.

Discipline leads to self control. I promise.

So far I know this sounds like so much fun ;)  It is hard and no fun at first....retraining your brain. But let me tell you, it is WORTH it! Every little bit of accomplishing a goal that you never thought you would or could is un-explainable. I dare you to try. If you doubt......I dare you to try harder.  

I've seen it. I believe it.

You must do it so that you may believe it.