Got the motivation

Afternoon!


You all may be wondering, what keeps me motivated?  Yesterday during my hour and a half sweat session I was asking myself the same question.  I actually came up with quite the list, so for all of you out there who are wondering what the heck is she doing this for, here are the reasons!


-I am more awake during the day
-I have a positive mind, because of the endorphins which thereofore gives me a positive body image.
-I feel strong!
- I feel healthy, and I LOVE it.
-When I workout I eat much helthier
-I want to reach my goals
-I want to do something that adds adventure to my life
-I love to be able to cross off the days on my giant calandar (This is serious motivation)
-Instead of shopping which I love to do, now I spend all  my time at the gym
-I want to motivate others (which motivates me, which motivates others, which motivates me....)
-I want to set a good example for my nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family
-I want to be able to do a pushup or a pullup without feeling like I am dying (yes I am speaking from experience.)
-I want to keep up with the athletes in my running group
-I LOVE a challenge
-I like impressing my husband
-I like to do things that make people think I am crazy ;)


And Last


-I want the West Michigan Endurance Award.  http://www.alternativesinmotion.org/wmiendurance
while your at it, check out alternatives in motion as well, they do a great thing, by giving those who are wheelchair bound the access to chairs that they cannot get through insurance.




So there are some things that keep me going on a daily basis.  I know it is important to remind myself constantly why I am taking the time to train 6 monthes for a race that is one day, but honeslty for me it is the experience.  This talk takes me back to wedding planning (ah the nostalgia)!  Although it is one day, everything leading up to that day makes it what it is, every small detail, every workout, everyone I meet along the way changes me as an athlete and an individual and makes me a stronger person. Don't you just love it when I go all Chris Farley motivational speaker on you? ON TO THE WORKOUT!


So yesterday, I upped my running mileage in the gym.  As stated in the last blog I am crazy enough to be doing a marathon as well, and this week marked the week of starting to think seriously about my miles for that thing. So I ran about 6.5mi for an hour on the treadmill, while watching HGTV's Design on a Dime, which to my husbands delight I got multiple ideas from for our ever evolving kitchen.  Then I biked a solid 30 minutes, about 10 miles.  My butt is finally getting used to biking, so that is a hallelujah moment. AND....thats it.  I know that is actually a lot (because I was there, and experienced the pain),  But I feel I came out it a better person, so thats fun times.


Fun little pic of running group on Sunday, we stopped at D&W in the middle of the run to warm up and get some sncks :)

Here is my favorite bars in the history of the world for your recipe today!

Date Bars via +Kayla Itsines 

16 Medjool Dates

1/3c Quinoa cooked in 2/3c water

1/3 cup whole almonds with skin

1/3 cup Cruchy natural PB

Place Quinoa in a pan with water and bring to a boil, once boiling cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes.

Place almonds into food processor or blender and chop until fine.

Place dates in a blender or food processor and process until they form a big sticky ball.

I found it easy to add in my PB, and almonds and then gradally add small chunks of the date "ball" and quinoa to the processor to blend everything fully together.  After everything is blended shape them into 8 bars by hand and place them in a air tight container in the fridge.  These will change your life, they are so delicious, and a perfect treat when you are having a sweet tooth moment!

Kara, xo