Are you wasting your strength?

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/inspiring-elementary-schooler-cerebral-palsy-runs-amazing-400-154523256.html

Watch this video, cry and realize that sometimes getting up off the couch to do a lap around the block shouldn't be a chore. Be thankful for what you have and don't let your health slip away by sitting back and wasting your good legs, your strong back and  your strength. Watch this video and think: How easy do I have it? What is "Matt's" goal now that he has achieved that 400M? What is my goal? Have I been selfish with the body I have been given? 

I cried when the coach walked out to encourage him and then I lost it when the whole class began walking and cheering. What a great encouragement for that little kid! 

Get off the couch, get up and move! 

GOTR 5k Banana (Nut bread)

Nothing better than a banana after a run (Or banana Nut bread). Today I had the GOTR 5k race. The girls did an amazing job and the coaches and staff couldn't be more proud. Everyone worked so hard for this event. Every girl finished and all the buddy runners plus families came out to support them. I got to run with one of the girls and I was blown away by her effort she showed out there today. She was giving it her all and was able to run the entire race. Check out a few photos from the race!

So proud of this group (some got cut off..oops)

Margaret and I

Coaching staff!

My buddy runner and I

GOTR 5k Banana (Nut bread)

Ingredients:


3 eggs, separated yolks and whites
4 Tbsp. Honey
4 Tbsp. Coconut Oil, Melted
2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
3 Browning Banana's, Mashed
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
2 Cups Almond Flour
1 Cup Walnuts


Process:

1. Combine Egg Yolks and Honey in a large bowl. Mix well with hand mixer until it gets thicker (like batter).
2. Add Coconut Oil, Vanilla and Bananas and mix well with hand mixer until lumps are gone. 
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and cinnamon. Mix well
4. Combine flour into Banana mixture and hand stir until it is well mixed. 
5. In a separate bowl, hand mix the egg whites until stiff white peaks appear. Hand fold into Banana mixture. 
6. Grease a metal loaf pan and pour in the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes until a knife comes out clean. Let cool a little and serve warm or cold. Enjoy!

Warm and delicious

Topped with a little Cream Cheese icing (technically a cheat but only a little cheat!)

Get Active, Support a Great Cause

Why run? Bike? Swim? Race? I started doing it for a good cause. I was signed up to do a Girls on the Run race  

and realized, I don't know if I can run 3.1 miles with these girls. I enlisted one of my best friends and she and I began our running extravaganza from there. We signed up and ran/walked our first ever 5k in October and we have been doing races almost every month together since then for over a year. I am now the coach for GOTR at my school. This is an incredible program and it teaches the girls more than just running. It teaches them self confidence, healthy habits, inspiring others, all of those feel good moments that girls need to survive the school years and the "catty-ness" girls sometimes find themselves in with friends. This year we have an amazing group of girls. 
I have done a lot of races to support cancer research, child diabetes, autism, etc... It is a great way to show others that you care and to put your money toward a great cause. Along the way you meet others who are personally affected by these issues or who just want to connect and show support for others. 

I fortunately have not had any of these issues hit my personal family but I have several friends and I have taught tons of kids who are dealing with these issues. It is just my way of letting others know I care in a fun way! 

So why should you get to running, biking, swimming? Or donating to racers and events?

Check out a few of these other great causes:

Today a friend of ours was on Comcast news today sharing something that is near and dear to her family, her company LIST (she is the CEO of Brandon's company) and a lot of their friends. She shared information about a  group called Team in Training. This is a group of dedicated racers that get together, train for events and travel all over supporting and raising money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They don't care what your level of activity is, a beginner, novice, advanced... they just want to raise money for their cause. I am hoping to do an event with them soon- maybe the Nike women's marathon? Check out Katie Sleep's interview about this fabulous group!

                                                  

I have a friend who is walking the Avon Breast cancer event. It is a 2 day event. 26 miles the first day and 13 miles the second day. She is walking in honor of her sister in law Holly who has been battling breast cancer for 8 years. Nanette, I am so proud of you. The time and dedication you have put in for training has been inspiring! Check out Nanette's page here and donate to her cause.

                                       

Another friend of mine is doing a race with her children to show support for her son who was born 24 weeks early. Through a lot of support and great groups, her son is an adorable, healthy and smart kid. Check out her page here and donate to her cause. 

                                           

Another great way to get started with racing is to just build relationships. I have made so many friends at school, church, better relationships with family, my husband and friends because of racing. Training together is a powerful bond and there is nothing like hearing encouragement and support from the people you love the most. 

        

      

   

So maybe you can't physically get up and run. Try walking a race (most 5k's are walk/run races). Try looking for a bike race or a swimming event. www.active.com Maybe you just aren't into exercising and being active but you would love to show your support. Check out one of the above teams and donate to them.