thoughtful thursday

Well, hello there. Its been awhile. Turns out, I am just not very good at this blogging stuff. Ever feel like you have so much to say but not know how to put it into words? That's me in a nutshell. A lot has happened since my last post. When I left you I was getting ready to depart to Summit in Nashville, I had just registered for 18 credits in grad school, and registered for my personal trainer certification program. Here I am over 2 months later and I can happily say that I had an amazing, life-altering experience at Summit. I learned a lot about myself, made a few new friends, learned the difference between a business relationship and those that are truly my fit friends and regained some perspective and independence.  I am happily plugging away at this semester and am really enjoying the challenge as well as getting back into the swing of time management. Unplugging and abstaining from Facebook, text, tv, etc has proven to be a bit of a challenge for me- if I could just lock up my cell phone while I am trying to get my school work done I would be loads better off. I am managing though.
So on to the Thoughtful Thursday part. Today and for the better part of a week I have been reflecting on just how far I have come this year. Almost 40 pounds down, 2 5ks, and 2 live group format certifications under my belt and I still can't believe this is me. The girl that even when she was at her skinniest- could never run distance. This past weekend on a whim I decided to run the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department's Firefighter 5k. I knew there was going to be a hill, road race, and trail race and I really wanted to challenge myself. Granted, I did not do as well as I wanted to, but only 4 minutes and 18 seconds over my PR is not too shabby considering I have never run such a steep hill as that or done any trail racing. Oh, did I mention it was 90 degrees out with killer humidity? Yeah. Regardless, I finished. 1 year ago I would have never signed up, never mind the fact that I went by myself, ran by myself and had no one at the finish line waiting for me. Ya know what? I didn't care. I have come to realize there are certain things that you need to do for yourself and not everything you do has to be for the public consumption. Sometimes a personal pat on the back just needs to be enough.
Last night I taught my first Turbo Kick cardio kickboxing class. I had an awesome group of ladies that were there to be challenged, have a great workout and have fun. I couldn't have asked for a better group. Today, I'm a little sore, a little tired and a lot happy. 5k on Sunday, practicing all week for Turbo, Turbo class last night, and tonight I'll instruct Cize. I'm still alive. I don't think I have ever been in such great, heart-healthy shape. I may not be exactly where I want to be, may not look exactly how I want to, yet- but 6 months ago I could have never taught the class I did with jacks, kicks, burpees, and sumo squats while talking, instructing and BREATHING.  Pretty amazing feeling. My thought for this Thursday: feeling like a rock star.  Be healthy and happy. xoxo, Court