Too Many Rules, Not Enough Fun!

I'm coming out of a bit of a funk over the last week or so and took a few days off from my writing to let myself get through it.

Rising Woman~ Danny-J

I think this next Rising Woman will always be one of my favorite people on the planet. She is just so REAL. If you follow her online, you get the same woman in person. There is no pretending, no facade. She shares so much of herself online and she isn't afraid to tell it like it is. On the same token she can make you laugh with her wit and sass. She helps women in so many different ways and I'm so happy to have her share some of her story here...

Who are you and what do you do for a living?

My name is Danny-J (the J stands for Johnson) I am a professional speaker and lifestyle expert and I create programs and solutions for women that help them upgrade their finances, relationships and fitness.

What is your story?

Which part? LOL. I have many stories and probably each one could be a separate book, but I was a very depressed and suicidal teen who got pregnant at the age of 15. I ended up placing my daughter for adoption because I didn't want her to have to live the way I was living. Her birth made me get my act together and I ended up graduating high school early, going to college and earning my bachelors and masters degrees. In between my two degrees, I ended up paralyzed from a bacterial infection and this is what led me to fitness. I spent a lot of time in the gym rehabbing myself. Ultimately, I found that my best gifts were in helping others see the potential in themselves and after my passion for fitness waned a bit, I realized it wasn't about fitness, it was about the results that people would see in their life. Now I love to help people see results in all areas of their lives.

What have you overcome to get where you are today?

I I had to overcome self-doubt, body image issues, the feelings that I didn't belong here (on this planet or in this life) depression and anxiety, and ultimately I had to forgive myself and start to trust in a bigger plan.

What has been your greatest struggle in life?

My greatest struggle was and still is my negative beliefs, self-talk, and judgement. I am so much better than I used to be, but I have realized that my own thoughts and my negative talk have been the single barrier to any lack of results or success that I have been looking for.

Did you ever feel like giving up? When you felt like giving up, what did you do?

Ha!! uhmmmm yes, multiple times a day, everyday for the last 25 years and now at least once a day! LOL it's hard! Life is hard! Showing up is hard! But the one time that I DISTINCTLY remember REALLY getting ready to quit... I sat in a parking lot crying and thinking about just getting a job at Starbucks... it was around 9pm... and my phone notification went off, and I saw an email. The email was about two pages long from a woman whose name I didn't recognize. She said she had been following me for a long time and that my posts and emails and programs helped save her life. She said that I wouldn't recognize her because she would never comment, but that she had been watching. It was that moment that I realized I couldn't quit. I bawled again, but this time in gratitude and also just realizing that THIS was the reason I was compelled to share my struggles, my story, and my truth every day.

What are some of the tools and resources you have used to work through and overcome those struggles? (books, counselors, workshops, programs, coaches, etc.)

Everything you can probably think of! I was in counseling from age 15 to 21. I started listening to personal development "tapes" when I was 9 years old. My mom would make my brother and I do affirmations when we were 3 until about 12. I have gone to amazing workshops, done a lot of forgiveness work, I've done some really good and deep stuff in hypnotherapy sessions. Right now I am working with a coach and I think that probably for the rest of my life, I'll be working with coaches or therapists, because there is always something that can be dug up or improved.

What are your gifts and how did you discover them?

I think my gifts are connecting with people. I discovered that mostly when I started personal training. I realized that a client would come into the office and be so nervous, and I was able to quickly make them laugh and open up. People trust me with some of their deepest secrets and pains and I don't take that lightly.

Who in life do you rely on when you're struggling? Who keeps you uplifted and on your path?

When I'm struggling it depends. I have such a solid group of women friends that I can call on. Or I will reach out to someone who I know who has maybe been through something similar and seek counsel.

Tell us about your tribe and the importance of having one.

My squad I like to call them ;) LOL I actually feel like I have a few tribes and some people cross over into the others. I used to have a hard time relying on others, reaching out, sharing my vulnerabilities. I was always the one that people came to. I've learned in the past few years that connection is everything and you don't get out of this life without having some shit happen to you. The problem is that most of us feel like we are the only one. Having a tribe that gets you, gets what you're about, and what you've been through just gives you comfort in knowing you're not alone. They also push you, help you grow and challenge you to look at your own BS.

What do you want other women to know who are feeling lost, and/or experiencing their own tragedy and/or struggles?

This too shall pass. I recently have gone through a year of three different tragedies and losses and none of them were expected and all of them hurt deeply. My friends allowed me and reminded me that it was ok to grieve, to be sad, to mourn and scream and to feel all the feelings, to allow the feelings and not to judge them. I think we have to be ok with life being messy for a bit and also knowing that you won't "get over it" in one fell swoop. You might just realize you only cried once today! Progress! Then maybe a few months go by and out of the blue, for no apparent reason, you break down again... that is ok too! It is part of the process. Definitely seek counsel and friends who can hold space for you.

What is some advice you would give to women who are healing?

Be gentle with yourself. Don't judge it. Don't judge things for not happening faster. They will in their time. Also find ways to laugh! When I was going through one of my biggest challenges, I spent so many hours crying I decided I was exhausted, so I turned on Youtube and started watching stand-up comedy every night. It gave me at least a small mental break and I truly believe laughter is the best medicine.

To learn more about Danny, to have some fun and be inspired, be sure to find her on her social media places. If you would like some mantras that can help you get through blocks or struggles, please go to Danny's website and download her little workbook and print it out! http://dannyj.com

Thank you again, Danny, for being part of the Rising Woman Project! Love you, girl! xoxo

Happy April Updates!! No April Foolin' here!! ;)

Happy April, my friends!! 

Even though it's the same every year, it's always shocking how the time seems to fly so quickly. It seems Christmas was just yesterday! And where did Easter go?

Since I haven't been very on top of my newsletters, I thought I'd take the time to bring you up to date! I'll try to keep things to the point and elaborate more later... :)

2016 is already off to a big and busy start. Looking at my vision board over my meditation this morning and seeing how much I've already accomplished is exhilarating. I'm not sure I've ever felt so overwhelmingly joyful and proud of what I've created and I'm so excited to see where this year takes me! 

I brought in the New Year with my first article published on Women for One. This was a proud moment as I intend to bring much more of my story and my writing into the world in order to make a difference for other women out there. So many of us struggle with the stories of our past and it keeps us stuck in life and unable to move forward to live a life we love. Often this manifests in health issues and a huge lack of self-care. I want to see more women freed up and aware of their ability to design life however they choose. 

In February, after more than two years of wanting to move after my divorce, I decided that it was time to stop thinking about it and make it happen! Within weeks, I found the perfect situation in the exact area that I wanted to live and last weekend I officially became a resident of beautiful Encinitas, CA. Even though I didn't move very far away, this is monumental for me. The whole thing is still sinking in, but the one thing I know is that when you believe and commit to what you want in life, truly anything is possible. More on that later!

I couldn't be more proud of my March accomplishment when my daughter, Zoe & I brought another dream to life and launched our first Bonding Beauties workshop. I am still in awe at what a beautiful day that turned out to be for all who came. Not only was a new sistership formed between all of us, but the closeness that was created between moms & daughters was beautiful beyond belief. I am such a believer in the power that we as women have to empower each other on so many levels. And if we will just start with the women in our lives, the ripple effect can be astounding. I can't wait to create more of this magic! 

What's next, you ask?! ;) SO MUCH!! 
I'll just bullet point some of the good stuff so you'll know you should stay tuned... :)

• My nutrition programs are under construction and relaunching within the next month!! And guess what, you won't have to live in San Diego to work with me!! Yay :)))

• I'm co-facilitating a Mother Daughter Connection Weekend with the lovely Patrina Wisdom and both of our daughters, Jorden & Zoe at the end of this month! Join us April 22-23!

• Our next Bonding Beauties Workshop is set for June 11th! Mark your calendars and all the juicy details will be coming soon!

I hope that your year is off to an amazing start and I look forward to connecting with you so much more in the coming months. Make sure you're following me on all the social places and feel free to email with any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you!

Want to work with me to create your healthier, happier life? Simply email and let's chat!

All my love to you, in health & happiness~

Mimi Marie

xoxoxo
mimimariecnc@gmail.com

Get excited!! Bonding Beauties details are here :)))

Things are really moving along and the day is approaching fast! Zoe & I have been having so much fun creating everything and we can't wait to share this day with you.

I wanted to share our tentative itinerary so that you know what you have to look forward to! We promise that you will leave this day bursting with LOVE :)

******************************

Loving YOU~

Have you given yourself any TLC lately? It’s so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of life and to put ourselves last. We must consistently work on nurturing ourselves until it becomes a natural part of our daily life. We must care for ourselves from the inside- out. We become stronger when we can focus on accentuating that vibrant feeling that comes from proper self nourishment.

When we learn to consistently nurture ourselves, all aspects (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) become balanced. When I’m tired, sluggish, grumpy, sad, moody; that is my body telling me that something is off. We can lessen those negative feelings by focusing on activities that make us feel happy, vibrant and energetic. Not that we will NEVER have negative feelings (especially as women), but I’m sure we could all use a lot less of them.

Make a list of your own happy activities and tape it to your bathroom mirror.
Fit at least one of them into every day.
Here are a few that I’ve made for myself:

*Try a new exercise, a new workout routine out of a magazine, or a new class at the gym.

*Try a new recipe.

*Read something inspiring and motivating.

*Write in a journal – write the things that are bothering you to get them out of your head,
  or write the things that you have to be thankful for.

*Meditate. Take just a few minutes to silence your mind and activity.

*Go for a walk. Take in the beauty of the outdoors.

*Tickle your kids (or even your spouse).

*Watch a movie.

*Put on a song and sing really LOUD and/or dance to it like nobody’s watching.
  Or get the whole family in on a mini dance party!
*Jump on the trampoline.

*Take a sun bath. Just a few minutes basking in the sunshine can really relax your mood.

*Call or write a friend/family member you haven’t talked to in a while.

Do this for at least a month and see how much happier you become!

Article originally written for Skinny Ms.

Pachecos Go Paleo!!

I'm SO excited to share with you all this brand new Paleo journey that I'm taking my family on for the next 2 weeks!! I will be posting blogs, videos and pictures on FB and IG through all of my social media feeds and I would love for you to follow along. Bare with me, as this first post will be the longest as I tell you a little bit of our story as well as WHY we've decided to give this path a try.

If you know me, you know that I generally don't believe in "diets" or the idea that "one-size-fits-all" when it comes to what we should be eating. Every body has its own requirements and it's our job to figure out what foods provide us with the energy and vitality that are needed to live our fullest, healthiest life possible.

You may or may not know that I've been mostly vegetarian for the past 13 years. Sometimes I'm very strict about it, sometimes I'm not. I typically just go with how I feel because I deeply believe that our bodies will unfailingly tell us what we need through our levels of energy, how we're feeling, what we're craving, etc.

Sadly though, over the past 6+ months I lost my passion for being in the kitchen. Life got super busy and cooking (something that I truly love to do) became more of a chore than something that I enjoyed. I also got tired of making the same old things that never pleased the whole family (3 adults and 3 kids). So, I began to settle for less on what I was feeding everyone. I'd make separate meals which usually meant something healthier for the adults and something mediocre for the kids. Lately, it really started to get to me. My #1 commitment in life is to give my family the best in everything that I can, so how was I going to get over this major funk in the kitchen?

And then I no longer had a choice. I wasn't sure if I was going to share this next part of our story publicly or not, but one thing I know is that by sharing the REAL stuff in life then others can benefit in their own struggles. It is my hope that in sharing this part of our family's journey that you will gain something for your own life journey.

Last week we found out that our 8 year old son, Eddie, has Complex Partial Epilepsy. You may have followed some of his story over the past 8 years. His issues have been pretty minor and very manageable. However, more recently we began noticing something a little more concerning - periods of complete absence, loss of memory and/or knowledge of his current setting. (We'll keep this part of the story short for now.) And so the tests began (physicals, EEG, MRI, etc.) and our suspicions were confirmed.

Once the devastation settled, reality set in. Something had to change. I knew deep in my being that the kid who would eat pizza at every single meal if he could, had to change his diet. And that meant this mama was going to have to have a solid plan. Whatever the plan was going to be, it needed to include the entire family.

[Parts of our family meeting will be posted on Youtube.]

After conducting much of my own homework as well as already having some intuition telling me that Eddie needed to be eating more meat, I reluctantly decided it was time to start bringing more meat into the house. After a few very DRY and not-so-yummy attempts (I've never been one to cook meat), the first person I could think to help me on this path was my amazingly talented and passion-about-food friend, Camille from Recipe RX and Paleo Living.

It couldn't have been more perfect that she was literally JUST launching her own program to help people transition into a healthier lifestyle, called Paleo Cooking at Home: Fast, Easy & Cheap. I quickly jumped on her affiliate program last week, went shopping on Sunday and began our cooking journey on Monday (yesterday). No time to waste!

>>>>>Meet Camille here!!<<<<<

And now the journey begins.

Sunday we completely overhauled the kitchen... out with the crap, in with the real food!!

OUT with the enriched breads, pastas & processed carbs~

IN with the fresh produce, healthy fats and yes, the meat!!

Our first dinner was last night (Almond Coconut Crusted Chicken - holy heavens!!) and EVERYONE (yes, I said everyone) LOVED it!! So far, we have made last night's dinner, today's breakfast (plantain crepes) and lunch (tuna salad wraps), and all of them have been a hit!!

Words cannot express how exciting it has been in just 24 hours to make meals that the whole family loves! I'm seriously ecstatic!! I'm already thrilled to be back in the kitchen and I feel like this is exactly what our entire family needed to get on track.

Be sure to follow our 2-week "Pachecos Go Paleo" journey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and now Youtube!!

Benefits of rebound exercise ~ AKA: jumping on the trampoline!

We have had the MOST fun with one Christmas gift that we bought our kids this year - a 15 foot trampoline! My friend sent this to me and I thought it was so fascinating that I had to share. I knew that jumping on the trampoline was a GREAT cardio workout, but I had no idea about all of these other benefits. SO FUN!! :)

The Benefits of Rebound Exercise: 33 Ways the Body Responds

By Dr. Morton Walker and Albert E. Carter

The study of the human body is fairly interesting. The moment it becomes no less than amazing is when we understand what happens as the body is placed under the demands of movement and resistance we call exercise. Today we examine, specifically, how Rebound Exercise benefits our bodies. Studies described and documented in the book The Ultimate Exercise for the New Millennium, proves regular rebounding can reduce your body fat, firm your arms, benefit the shape of your legs, hips and abdomen, improve your balance, stimulate your lymphatic system, protect your joints, strengthen your muscles and bones without the trauma of hitting a hard surface, provide an aerobic effect for your cardiopulmonary systems, revitalize your body when it's tired, and generally put you in a state of mental and physical wellness! In fact, we are just warming up!

There are at least 33 fascinating ways the body benefits from Rebound Exercise, detailed below:

1. Rebounding provides an increased G-force (gravitational load), which benefits the body by strengthening the musculoskeletal systems.

2. Rebounding protects the joints from the chronic fatigue and impact delivered by exercising on hard surfaces.

3. Rebounding helps manage body composition and improves muscle-to-fat ratio. Rebound Exercise benefits you by giving you more control over these.

4. Rebounding benefits lymphatic circulation by stimulating the millions of one-way valves in the lymphatic system. This benefits the body's immune capacity for fighting current disease, destroying cancer cells, eliminating antigens and preventing future illness.

5. Rebounding circulates more oxygen to the tissues.

6. Rebounding establishes a better equilibrium between the oxygen required by the tissues and the oxygen made available.

7. Rebounding increases capacity for respiration.

8. Rebounding tends to reduce the height to which the arterial pressures rise during exertion.

9. Rebounding lessens the time during which blood pressure remains abnormal after severe activity.

10. Rebounding assists in the rehabilitation of existing heart problems. Rebound Exercise also benefits recovery from heart procedures, providing gentle, low impact circulation. (Case: Cardiac Rehabilitation Using A ReboundAIR)

11. Rebounding increases the functional activity of the red bone marrow in the production of red blood cells.

12. Rebounding gradually improves resting metabolic rate so that more calories are burned for hours after exercise. Related, Rebound Exercise benefits the post-exercise "Glycogen Replenishment" process.

13. Rebounding causes core muscles and large muscle groups to contract, resulting in the rhythmic compression of the veins and arteries, which more effectively moves fluids, both blood and lymphatic, through the body and back to the heart, lowering peripheral blood pressure and lightening the heart's load.

14. Rebounding decreases the volume of blood pooling in the veins of the cardiovascular system preventing chronic edema.

15. Rebounding encourages collateral circulation by increasing the capillary count in the muscles and decreasing the distance between the capillaries and the target cells.

Where have I been?!!

You may or may not have noticed a considerable decline in my posting over the past couple of months and I must say, I've missed you!! :)

I guess you could say I'm in sort of a makeover stage. But actually, I don't think I'll ever stop working on my self. I don't ever want to settle on "good enough." I believe there are always things to learn and there's always room to grow.

So, here's where I've been in LIFE~

One of the reasons I have become increasingly busy (on top of the kids going back to school and the pace picking up at work) is because I have begun The Introduction Leader's Program with Landmark Education. I have been participating in this education for almost a year and a half and the best way that I can put it into words right now is that it has rocked my world! This education has burned up my regrets and sorrows from the past and cleared a new path for creation of whatever I desire. Anything is possible! It has fueled my fire in setting out to accomplish and fulfill all of the things that matter to me. I'm now looking at 6 months of self development and growth in this program and I'm so excited about the ME that will come out on the other side!

Here's where I've been in FITNESS~

I just noticed that I kind of fell of the wagon of sharing my LiveFit Trainer progress. Life got insanely busy, my schedule changed considerably and I totally fell off of my gym wagon (for a whole month! ouch!). I only made it through Phase 2, BUT I absolutely LOVED the progress that I made with even just the first two phases of that program. I'm pretty sure I will do those phases again in the future. Phase 3 became a little lengthy and complicated for the amount of time I was willing to spend in the gym. Also, since I wasn't following the diet that went along with the program, I really didn't feel that phase suited my goals. At any rate, I HIGHLY suggest Jamie's program if you're looking for a way to change it up and build some muscle. I found it to be highly effective (with or without the diet) and very well rounded. I'm certain that you'll gain both results and knowledge from this program.

So, what now?! Now, I'm jumping into week 3/4 of The Sweaty Betties 12-Week Lifting Program. I'm really hoping to get back the definition that I lost during my month off. Stay tuned! :)

And in case you didn't see yet, I was one of the winners chosen for the Inspiration & Perspiration workshop in Las Vegas next month!! (*My blog entry*) I can hardly wait to spend the weekend with the amazingly inspiring women that are putting this on. WHO ELSE will we be seeing there???

In FOOD (my favorite topic!) ~

Recently I've noticed an increase in my feeling tired. Yes, I'm insanely busy, but it just doesn't seem to match up with how often I feel fatigued. I sleep well, eat healthy and exercise consistently, so what could be wrong? My initial thought was to blame it on the caffeine, but even when I cut it out, it didn't seem to improve. So now, this preferred vegetarian is adding in some protein again (specifically, seafood) to see if that helps. I'm open to your thoughts on this topic as well! And yes, if the problem persists or becomes more concerning, I will see my doctor. :)

And last, but certainly not least... Heavenly Healthy is undergoing a makeover! I'm so excited because I have a great friend who is working with me on giving my site a new design. I have big plans for this page over the next year or so and our 'outfit' should be reflective of what's to come! Again, stay tuned! :)

Thanks for reading, supporting and sticking around during my crazy times! You're the best! :)

Healthfully yours,
~Mimi~

Sweaty Inspiration!

My life has been crazy full of possibilities lately, so I came to realize that it wouldn't make sense for me NOT to enter the contest for The Sweaty Betties Inspiration and Perspiration Workshop next month! This workshop will feature my absolute #1 FAVORITE ladies in the health and fitness world. I 100% back everything that they're about ~ natural health, fitness, fun, balance and being 100% true to who we are as amazing and beautiful women from the inside out. I would be thrilled and honored to be able to spend some time with and learn more from them!! 

And this is why I'm here to share with you all, "What Inspires ME to Sweat!"

Getting sweaty has transformed so much about the person I am to the world around me. I am a more fit woman, wife, mommy and friend because of who I have found myself to be through being physically fit. Getting sweaty not only releases my endorphins, but it releases something that empowers me to live my life to its fullest and to chase that which is beyond my wildest dreams! I am inspired to sweat because it has made me the woman that I am today! :)

Have you checked out this workshop yet? Are you going? 

This awesome workshop to be held in Las Vegas is brought to us by the following AMAZING ladies:

The Sweaty Betties

BexLife

Angie Gooding

If you're not following them yet, you're missing out! They're sure to provide you with so much quality and richness in regard to health, fitness and all around wellness. If you're a new fan of theirs, please tell them I sent you! :)

Life Worth Loving~

Lately my life has been a perfect reflection of all of the things I've been working so hard to create. I think it's so important to take the time to recognize, acknowledge and give thanks when things are going your way. If we only focus on the things that DON'T go our way (which can be an easy trap to fall in to), then we could miss out on the things that really matter - the GOOD stuff! So, here are a few things that I'm feeling really thankful for this evening, as well as reasons I feel naturally inclined and inspired to keep living Heavenly Healthy.

• Seeing the healthy influence that we've had on our friends/family to improve their quality of life through healthy eating. This weekend as we spent time with some of our closest friends, it was brought to my attention that it has been through our example that some of them have been making positive changes in their kitchens/diets/lifestyles. Even so much as working toward becoming vegetarians!  If I am changing as little as ONE family's life by what I do, then I am one happy mama! I'm so proud of you, my friends, you know who you are! ;)

• Meeting new friends (thank you FitFluential, Inc.!).. I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow ambassador today; the very lovely, sweet and inspiring Alison from Berry Happy Bodies. We did a beautiful 3 mile walk on the coast of Encinitas and chatted the entire time! It was a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to seeing you again soon! 

• I'm excited to share that last week I took my first step in the direction of bringing my passion to life. I have teamed up with The Conscious Cook and I'm thrilled to be working toward changing lives through healthy eating. Additionally, I am working on a program to assist in transforming peoples health, beginning in their kitchen! 

I aim to wake up each morning with the thought that every day is a new possibility for creation. And if I don't wake with that thought, then I create it as the day goes on. It's not always easy, but it definitely is possible. This leaves me open to the unthinkable and unimaginable. You have to really believe that your dreams are possible if you want them to come alive! 

Thank you all for reading and supporting my journey!! 

Yours in health,

~Mimi~

I'm a FitFluential Ambassador!

<<---- See that cute pink badge over there? Yep, that's right! I'm now a FitFluential Ambassador and I'm tickled pink about it! ;) This is just one more thing that opens up a myriad of opportunities for me and Heavenly Healthy. 


But what does it mean, you ask? Well, it could be said that I'm sort of an employee, or business-fitness partner with FitFluential, Inc.. Being an Ambassador means that I will have opportunities to work with fitness brands and be invited to take part in exclusive events. It is also an amazing social networking partnership where I will get to meet and connect with others who share the same passion in health and fitness as me.


FitFluential says, "We consider our Ambassadors to be the highest rank in our rapidly growing community of fitness fanatics."


I'm honored and so thrilled to be part of this community and fit-fanatic-family! :)


I'm still learning what this all means to me, but I'm super excited to share yet another fun journey with you all! 


If you want to learn more about FitFluential, just click on that badge and check it out. If you have a great love any realm of fitness whatsoever, I actually recommend that you do! There are many ways for you to get connected and involved.


Thank you for all of your love and support!!


Fitfully yours,
~Mimi~ 

Hollywood Half Heaven!

Wow! I can't believe we did it. I mean, I KNEW Angel would do it, but I really thought I was out of the half marathon game. I imagined sitting on the sidelines cheering on my daughter as she crossed the finish line. With an injured foot half way through my training and a whole month off of the schedule, I really wasn't imagining still being able to make it out there. And then about 2 weeks before the big day, the thought popped into my head, "maybe I still can?!" I had some things on my side... I had just done a mud run with my family and I wasn't a bit sore afterward. I recently cranked up my weight training with the Hubs and two of our friends and I was feeling stronger than I have in a long time. Maybe even stronger than ever!


Could that be the strength I needed to make it through 13.1 miles? Maybe...


Or was it something else that would fuel my fire? Was it the fact that I started something a couple of months ago with my daughter that really meant so much to me? It meant taking on something physically bigger than I ever had. It meant challenging mental and physical limits that I had never touched. It meant strengthening and solidifying new and higher standards that I have set for myself. It meant teaching my daughter a lesson in completion that she might not get now, but she surely will some day. It meant an amazing bonding experience with her before she graduates high school and starts college!

Turns out it was ALL of the above and so much more. Thinking back and looking at pictures, that experience was incredibly priceless. It fills my heart beyond measure. The energy of all of the people around us; the incredible stories that you hear/see from people who are out there for their first (like us) or their 50th time; people that have lost hundreds of pounds and transformed their health; people of all ages, shapes, colors, sizes and personalities.

If they can do it and If *I* can do it - 

then YOU can do it and ANYONE can do it. 

And EVERYONE should do it. 

At least ONCE. 

Big, special thanks and so much love to my daughter for allowing me to drag her through this experience. Thank you, Angel, for sticking with me as long as you did even though I know you could have blown me out of the water from the get-go! ;) 

It wouldn't have been the same without you, my dear! 

I love you so much!! 

And thank you to the crew that put on the Inaugural Hollywood Half Marathon. I know you guys put a lot of hard work into that and had a lot of flack to put up with to the very end.

For me, top to bottom, it was an amazing experience!! :) 

Mud Run Fun!!

Wow, my first mud run was more fun than I imagined! I will definitely be doing that again! 

I never really thought about doing a mud run until one of my girlfriends bought me one for my birthday. As the time approached, it morphed into a family affair and the Hubs and three of our kids were all registered. On the day before the event, our youngest son (6 years old) informed us that he wanted to participate as well (we assumed he wouldn't be into it because he's not a big fan of running or getting dirty). So, we were all in! 

Thankfully, my friend had done this before so we were very prepared.

• The easiest bet is to plan to throw away every single item that you wear. That's what we did.
• The tighter the clothes, the better. Think of jumping in a swimming pool fully clothed. Everything that you're wearing becomes very heavy and weighs you down. Tight shorts and shirt sticks closest to your body without having to worry about losing clothing along the way. 
• Wear higher socks and duct tape your shoes so you don't lose them in the mud pits.
• Bring a change of clothes & shoes.

• Bring a towel per person and plan to shower in the coldest water ever! 
• If you're including the kids, their race will likely be at a different time than yours. Bring water, snacks and sunscreen.
• Bring a camera. You can bring a water proof, disposable one if you want to carry it with you. I preferred just to bring one for before and after. I don't want to have anything else in my hands to bog me down.
• For the utmost fun, bring everyone! Family, friends.. the more the merrier!  And next time, I'm pretty sure we'll have to do a costume theme of some sort. ;)

If you're into fun, adventure and not afraid to get dirty, you MUST put a mud run on your bucket list!! TONS of fun!! :)