Getting Into The Swing Of Things

Vacation was great. Like so great. 

I got tan, I got froyo and I got to relax. For one week without any distractions. I do not think there is anything better than laying in the sun with no worries. 

Although I did miss a few things... My beloved Lifetime. Oh Lifetime how I was so excited to get back to you and lift some weights. I missed my apartment. I really have not spent much time at my apartment since December 12th! I was craving sleeping in my queen sized bed and being back to my normal sleeping schedule. 

But mostly I missed routine. Vacation (and winter break in general, remember I have been on break since 12/12) is so go with the flow, wake up when you want, workout when you feel like it, eat whatever you want and sleep until your body feels like it needs to. I have missed my early morning workouts, my meal prepping, my own kitchen that has all the food I want in it, my own place, school, having any sort of responsibility, work, etc. 

I am so excited to be starting back up in a routine of things! This semester I only have classes T/TH - although I will be in class almost all day, I am excited! MWF I am joining a fitness class at Lifetime at 6:00 AM. So on my days off I will still be getting up and getting stuff done. 

I cannot wait to be in a normal routine of blogging again! I promise some fun posts await like how I stayed on track while traveling and managed to not gain a pound but still enjoy myself, my goals for February and eventually some details on a running/Facebook healthy group. 

She Believed She Could So She Did

If you follow me on Instagram (@baileymckenziesff) you would have seen this picture that I posted today. 

Since I started my fitness journey this has been my favorite quote. When I believe in myself anything is possible: running a marathon, getting back on track after a few months off, stepping out of my comfort zone at the gym, setting goals that are tricksy and still achieving them. All because I believed in myself. 

There have been times in my life where I have not believed in myself. And I have found when I do believe in myself I am more successful. Believing I can pass a difficult test, believing I can finish a race, believing I am worth it. Every.Single.Day. 

And when I do not believe in myself I know others do believe in me. That is enough for me to believe in myself. 

Pure Bliss

Hello friends!

I am in California this week without any computer access so I apologize in advance for the lack of blogposts. If you want to follow along on my trip you can catch me on Instagram @baileymckenziesff (only fitness/health... The good, the bad and the ugly *coughFROYOcough*) or on my personal account @baileyjohnson9 (more pictures of what I am doing). 

If you are in Minnnesota I'll try to send you some warmth... 

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

 Today I did something REAL big – at least big for ME.

I literally went to Lifetime and owned the weight section. Usually I walk in there with my tail between my legs, nervous of my form, worried about the dude next to me is thinking. But I walked in with my chest out (ok, not really I do not have any boobs really and I am not actually cocky).

First I texted Catherine a picture of the squat rack to make sure I was going to do it right ;) Then I went and killed legs for 55 minutes and then I went to the treadmill where I sprinted up hill, ran backwards and ran sideways. The older guy next to me kept looking at me. I was wondering if I smelled, maybe my music was too loud, maybe my machine was louder than I thought. When I got off he watched me go get a towel to wash the treadmill down and when I came back he said, “wow! You really have a tough workout!” I smiled and said “thanks!”.

Then I drove all the way home jamming to music and feeling like a BAB (badass bitch – sorry mom, I had to)

I am just like everyone else. I have had to start from the beginning over and over again. Going to my first yoga class ever, figure out the moves and trying not to laugh. Going to a group fitness class where everyone seems so fit and lifts heavier weights than me. Running my first race, I was so nervous, I got their and compared myself to everyone around me - they were so fit and weighed way less than me. But I have overcome all these obstacles and do not have those nerves/worries/fears like I had in the beginning. Now it is my time to start from the beginning and work my way to the top with the Lifetime weight area. 

It is amazing what stepping out of your comfort zone can do for you. Currently my endorphins are through the roof and I am high on life.  Have you stepped out of your comfort zone this week?

When Life Gives You Lemons….

I have been overwhelmed with life lately! There is SO much to balance in life and sometimes I need to learn to step back, take a deep breath and live for the moment.

I feel like all I do in life is PLAN and it stresses me out! I plan things way too far in advance, I plan things I have no control over, I plan cool things, I just LOVE to plan.

Speaking of planning, last week I mentioned a running group and I got some really good feedback. Not only did my blog blow up with views but also I got messages from so many different people, some people I do not even know!

Someone my sister went to college with, 2 random readers that I have no clue existed (BTW-HELLO!), sister-in-laws of my aunts, 2^nd cousins, friends from 10 years ago. It really was amazing and made me want to start this running group ASAP!

I am thinking and brainstorming – schedules, a name for the group, how to get a sweet t-shirt (lets be honest it is all about the T!), etc. Hopefully soon things will all come together :)

If you would like to join this running group or think you might be interested please, please, please email me baileymckenziesff@gmail.com

RUN ON!

Lets Talk FitBit

 Recently I started wearing my FitBit again because my boyfriend’s family all got them for Christmas and they do weekly competitions. I got asked to compete in this weeks challenge that started Monday. The challenge is who can take the most steps….

These are the different challenges you can do
with people.

  

Wowza. I have upped my walking that is for sure ;)  Orange Is The New Black + the treadmill = my new BFF.

My favorite thing about the FitBit is
the sleep tracker! I am able to see how I sleep
every single night. So cool!

My best day by far was day #1. I kicked ass and then remembered I hate just walking on the treadmill and I am trying to keep my cardio down so it would not work for me to do 20K steps daily.

It keeps track of how many steps everyone takes (obviously) and
then it shows it here. It will send you notifications saying things like, "Kyle B. is catching up!"
"You crushed your step goal!" "You are #1!"
I think it is super motivating! 

Do you have a FitBit? I would love to connect with you if you do! I want to start more competitions with people because I do not like to lose, therefore I actually MOVE more.

(find me at baileymckenziejohnson@gmail.com)

STEP ON!