Test Your Limit

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One of the many excuses I have heard is: "I can not do it!"

Can not and will not are two of our very own enemies inside us that limited our abilities to grow and to move forward. We will never know our own strength unless we give it a try and so many times, the first try, second and third might not get us right to the top. Everything has its own process and purposes, including strength, whether it is physically, mentally or spiritually strength. Strength is trained and gained, it is not given or received overnight. It is a journey and process in life, sometimes it is a short ones and many times it is a long one. But one thing for sure is that you will get stronger when you try one day at a time, one foot ahead of the other, one step at a time. A step further is better than a step backward!

What might seemed to be impossible will not be impossible unless you try it, right? Everything seems impossible for those who never try to seek the possibility. A baby will think that walking is impossible, then he tried to walk and succeeded. What seemed to be hard, might not be as hard once you trained yourself to face it.

You are stronger than you think! I used to not being able to do a perfect push up or pull up, now I am able to do any form of push ups and pull up (with some help lol). I used to think that lifting weight is for men who wants huge muscles, but I was so wrong and I am in love with lifting weight now and I could lift heavier weight with squats or on a balance ball, name it! lol!!.

So picture what you want for yourself, set a goal in your mind, get moving and make it happen! A stronger, leaner, healthier, happier, better you is just one step ahead (for starter). I used to see a fitness model and thought, wow she must be crazy to do that. Today, I look at them and I was like "I could do it too with one leg or one arm" ;)

Test yourself and see how far you passed your so called "limitation".

xoxo,

Lindsay

Update On My 100 Miles In August's Challenge

Remember my  "100 Miles" post that I posted in the beginning of this month? Well, I could happily say that I have finished the challenge today, a day before my birthday! yay!!! Nothing like an early birthday present from you to yourself, right? hmmm that might sound a little weird, but anyway, what I am trying to say is that receiving presents from other people for you is a joyous feeling, but when you do something that benefits yourself for a better you, that is like the best feeling ever. I found it easier to give than receive, I hate being the spotlight, center of attention and I even hate an unexpected surprise. So, when I actually do something for myself, I feel good!

Along the way, I find out that I do not push myself to the limit when I workout. I mean, I run on a regular two to four miles daily, but because I do not have any miles goals in my mind, I do not push myself more. Now that I have a goal in my mind, I am actually capable of running or biking more that my regular miles daily. I did this challenge five days a week for forty minutes to one hour a day, with two rest days, or when I know my body needs more rest. I also did some strength training three times a week along with my cardio and I did not die LOL.

The best way to motivates yourself is to motivates yourself! You must be your number one supporter and fans in order to push yourself. Do not compare your journey to other people's journey because everyone has a different body type, metabolism and goals in mind. Every person has their own workout that works faster for them, but maybe not for you. You must find out what works for your body, lifestyle and goals. I also stay away from those who makes fun of my journey, simply because I know that when I am sixty years old, I would still have toned muscles, running a marathon, have a glowing skin, happy and looks hot (it is a fact, google it) LOL.

I prioritize my health because God gives me this body and I have an obligation to take good care of my own body, so that someday I will not bother my grand children to take care of their sick grandma with hospital bills because grandma did not taking good care of herself when she was younger. Sometimes sickness just happened even though you have been taking care of yourself, but many times, you know exactly why you got sick and that is not right or fair to those who have to taking care of you because of your ignorant and laziness. I eat everything, I do not live in a wrong diet world, but I eat in moderation. You will be surprised of how good healthy foods tastes like and do for your body, try it first before passing judgement.

I rarely get sick, but this month, unfortunately, I got a little sick because I was hiking on a very hot day and I did not have enough water. BIG mistake! So, I got sick for two days and after that I got back on track again and finished strong.

I would like to encourage all of you to start living a happy, fun and healthy lifestyle. Do it for yourself, your kids and the environment. No more excuses, because excuses will not get you places, but moving will do that. Start with a fifteen minutes walking, then increase to twenty, thirty and more. Start with a walk to a jog to a run or bike or swim. Do what works for you! Do it for at least three days a week, once you started working out, your body will wants and requires more from you. Working out is an addiction! HA!

Some helpful tips:

-Drink water before, during and after workout.

-Stretch before and after workout.

-Eat good foods, mostly fruits, nuts, vegetables and good proteins. Eat before and after workout (before: oatmeal, banana, etc. After: Protein Shake, Chicken Breast, etc- Google it)

-Rest and listen to your body.

-Run, swim, hike, bike, walk for at least thirty minutes a day for five days a week.

-Read or watch some workout videos before your workout, it helps you learn new techniques and motivates you as well.

-Do it for or with other people who would be a motivator/inspiration. Stay away from those who does not motivates you to be better. My inspiration is this girl, Jen, check out her Facebook page, like and support her journey!

-Join a health club if that will make you go workout.

-Mix your workout (run-bike-jog-swim for example), also try to burn a lot of calories not just counting the miles. If you are running/biking at the gym, run with some inclines or when you do bike, make sure you watch your RPM and paddle on a high level, increase your level of difficulties every three to four minutes for example.

-Find great places to workout outside your gym (nice hiking trail, run by the beach, etc). My husband and I (plus our dog, Luke)  found one new place to workout every weekend. I calculate my miles and calories by using some apps like Nike+ to help me on track.

-Buy some cute and comfortable workout outfits and shoes that you would love to wear and feel good about your body. If you are a runner, find a good socks, shoes and sport bra (women).

-Take it day by day, do not over think it, over analyze it or over do it.

-Take a nice hot shower or cold shower, it helps my muscles to relax.

-Write down your accomplishment each day, write down your workout for the day, also I like to write down some encouragements words.

-Entertained yourself during a workout, may it be with music, videos/books/magazine (when you do bike inside a gym, not when you are running or riding your bike on the street lol), taking pictures before-during resting-after workout, like me (below) LOL!! Before you knew it, you already killed ten miles! woot woot!!

-Reward yourself.

xoxo,

Lindsay

I have a confession

I have a confession to make, I have NOT been running for almost two months! GASP! Due to my busy days, lazy days and back pain, I have not been working out for that long. See, running is my confidence, it is my happy time when I could just disappear and get lost in my own mind. When I run, I found myself all over again. I feel good about myself, my body gets stronger, it does not crave junk food and it boost my energy level (also my self confident). Working out is dope!

When I am in my lazy-injured-busy mode, I am unhappy. It actually led me to depression! I could not think clear, I craved junk food..constantly and my energy level dropped! I am officially tired at ALL times. Pretty crazy huh? that is what working out could do to your body, both mentally and physically. It affects your life more than you could imagine.

Today, I am proud to say that I am on my feet again, RUNNING and already happy about myself again!

Just a little tips to make you wanting to get back on doing what you LOVE to do, but have not been doing it due to some down days, time or you've lost that loving feeling moment ;)

1. When you feel down, unhealthy, unhappy and it disabled your ability to face everyday life, then there is something missing in your life. Something that isimportant, something that you must do in order to find yourself again. In my case, running and praying time :)

2. Once you found out what you really want to do in your life, then you should do it right away before it becomes one of those "unfinished business" again. Crossed it out of your to-do list. It will make you happier, feel the accomplishment/victorious moment and something to make you proud and happy.

3. Get something to make it happen. Something that you might need to buy, change, mix up or add to pumped you up doing your "thing" again (whatever your "thing" might be for you). Something to motivate yourself again, maybe set a new goal or visualized yourself doing it and reach your goal!

For me, this is what I get :
- Well, this is not what I actually get myself, but I got it on Christmas. My husband bought me this really awesome lululemon hoodies. Girls, this workout outfits is dope! Every girl should have at least one cute workout outfits.

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- I bought and mix a new playlist for my iPhone. In my playlist, you will find mostly hip hop, rap, and rock. That pumped me up!

4. Motivate yourself and find time to do it. ALWAYS prioritize what you need in life. If you neglect yourself, nobody will be able to save you, unless you want to be saved. It is always start with an "I" then the rest will do their own things.

I should obey, 

I should learn, 

I should change, 

I should share, 

I should do something, 

I should not blame others!

xoxo,

Lindsay

Running

If you ask me 5 years ago, I would say I really HATE running! Give me the weight, or anything but run! Fast forward to this day, I can actually say that I love running and I consider myself a runner.

Why I used to hate it? because I did not know the wonderful feeling after running. I did not know the energy I have during and after the run. I did not know the feeling of accomplishment after I run. I did not know the effect run has for my life.

My husband loves running. He introduced me to it and I fought him at first. I gave him every excuses under heaven. Well, to be honest, I have weird left foot and even to this day I find it very hard to find a perfect shoes just for everyday walk,let alone run. So, that is my number 1 excuse : SHOES. My number 2 excuse is that I have a big boob that does not feel good when I run. Number 3, I do not have time (working from 7 am to 7 pm). Number 4, my lungs is weak, stomach hurt and the list goes on and on.

Until 1 day. We live in a house with gym, so I paid for it better use it, right? I started run on the treadmill and I cant go for more than 20 minutes without stopping. I started lifting weight and loving it. I still run but just for a warm up, its more like something I have to do, not because I love it.

But, I keep running. I pushed myself to add extra miles everyday or week. I tried different training everyday (with incline, without,faster,outdoor and indoor). Today, I feel crappy when I do not run LOL. It is amazing what running brings to me. I love the feelings, the miles I passed, the journey with my running shoes and iPod, the ideas I have during my run, the energy level after my run, the good mood. Accomplishment is a wonderful feeling!

If I never try it out, I will never know. Excuse wont take me anywhere, but action actually gives me option and a life that I thought I would never enjoy. An active, healthy happy life. Who won't want that?

I am not a great runner,yet, but I will get there. I will try to train myself for a marathon. I will make it happen :)

Here are some tips for all of you out there who think you cant do it:

1. Stop giving yourself excuses that will only limit your potential

2. Just do it! Give it a try, if you do not like it then find something else to enjoy.

3. Get the right outfit, shoes, socks and sport bra (esp. if you have big boob like mine lol)

4. Living a healthy, active life boost your energy level, better mood, better body, better heart, sex..anything you want!

Recommendation:

1. Drink a lot of water before, during and after workout

2. Eat before any workout, like 1 hour before.

3. For shoes, I love NIKE FREE I love love love this new shoes of mine!

for socks , I love the THORLO EXPERIA socks. Amazing on your feet, no blister, no pain, cushioned, no slipping while running. Its a bit pricey compare to other socks but worth it!

4. Sport bra..I LOVE champion. These bras are the best for you who have big boobs, it gives you the right support, not overwhelmed with the strap..adjustable! The chest doesnt feel hurt or can't breath..it is very flexible. So far, I only find this kind from Champion!

5.Music or no music is your option. I love this iPod. No need to carry them, just clipped them lol

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6. Eat the right food

7. Buddy or no running buddy is up to you. I prefer alone, but when I go outdoor, I love running with my dog and my husband.

8. Get out and start walking now. Push yourself and add those extra mile.

xoxo,

Lindsay

A lesson at the Gym

I always love sport or the idea of working out LOL and I used to be very active, I got involved in Karate since I was a kid, my uncles were softball players, table tennis and my other grandpa was a great Karate teacher (simpai), my uncles are national athletes,and my other grandpa was the head of KONI in my hometown,so our houses are full with athletes ALL the time, trained for PON, Asian games, Sea Games,etc. Sport is not a new thing for me,because I have known a world class athlete and being trained with them as well, it is a blessing even though it was tiring and too much training, but my body’s structure had been introduced to sport.

As I grow up with the hectic of school,jobs and stress, I really don’t have time to workout and yes my reason is actually too tired and lazy, but I am still a member of “Bally Total Fitness,” and even had a personal trainer, but yeah..still too tired.

Lately, I have been working out again, I am back on my everyday routine or at least 5 days a week, and I even make my workout plan and journal. Ryan made me get back on track and I thank God for him. He always in great shape, six packs, tall, and buff ,its just how God made him. But me, I am not fat,but not thin as well, hahahaha…I have curves and it is sexy :) ,I love my body but I just want it to stay healthy, fit and looks athletic, I want muscles and being buff. That’s my goal ,and Ryan taught me some tips on weight lifting, meal and so on, so far so good!

I am lucky because our apartment has a really big fitness center, the last apartment have a fitness center as well but not as big and equipped as this one. Ryan still think it is not enough for him,too small for him, but he has his own routine and goals, for me, this fitness center is enough y’all.

There is this one lady, she is Chinese ,around 55 and up years old, thin and every time I am at the gym, she was there as well. The only thing that I don’t like about her is that she is annoying, she always ask questions when I am lifting the weight, and she made loud noises, she opens the door, she does stuff that makes me don’t really like to be at the gym.

Yesterday, I met her at the gym again, and in my heart I already had this feeling like “ohhh greaaaaattt, she is here.” Like always, she did all the stuff and asked me questions and like always I answered it politely and explained it nicely to her, she asked permission to open the door a little bit and I said yes, she put the weight that I am about to use so I had to change it with another weight and when she is about to leave the gym, she said she couldn’t lift the weight I put on the door, so I had to do it. I was kinda upset because I am in the middle of my session and I couldn’t stop, it will ruin the whole exercise and its not good for the muscles.

So, I went to the door and lifted the weight that she couldn’t lift and she asked me, “Are you a nurse?,” and in my heart I was like “oowww great..why because I am Asian and it makes me a nurse to you?” (noted : in CA, there r a lot of Asian girls who become nurses,so I think she was stereotyped me) LOL and she answered it with a statement that slapped me in the face, she said “I thought you are a nurse, because you have a really kind heart ,you love to help other people” then she left with a smile, and she left me with a teary eyes :(

It was a slapped on my face because I thought of her as the “annoying Asian lady” and she thought of me as “Mother Teresa” and it breaks my heart. God remind me right there on my gym in the middle of my back exercise that little things that we do for other people can make a difference for their lives. I do learn a lesson here, life is not just about me, there are thing bigger than my own problems and situation. I was at that gym for my own goals, but God showed me that my life is not just gonna be about me from the moment I made a commitment to serve HIM, there will be people around me who needs me, things around me who needs me, and yes it will be tiring, annoying, stressful and all but this is not about me, this is about God :)

Just remember that God is watching you, and every time you are about to do, think or say something that is negative, remember this story. I know that some of you think that this is not a big deal, but this is a big deal. Because we often forget little things, we want to see the big ministry, we want to pray for dead people and they walk, we want to pray for a nation to repent, but everyday thing, little simplest stuff in life that is also a MINISTRY. We don’t count it, we forget about it. All we want is just for me and my family, other people is not in this “blessing” and we missed our chance to serve others in need.

I thank God that He gave me the heart to help other people in needs, I thank God that he provide for my family, I thank God that he opens uo my eyes to see life the way he wants me to see it, all we think about is money, how to make more money, and how to spend it for ME or US, vanity ..vanity.. the lust inside of us.

Its just a reminder for me and I thank God that he remind me.