You had flappy jacks hanging off of there....

It's Monday December 16 and it's a day that I will never forget for as long as a live. When I started commuting to school I found a new love...The Preston and Steve show on 93.3 WMMR. They grace the radio waves of the Philadelphia area with their antics weekday mornings from about 6-11am everyday. I remember the first time I tuned in, comedian Todd Glass was on and I literally found myself doubled over in laughter listening to the show and 2 years ago I instantly fell in love.

You may be thinking well what does this have to do with your journey.  Well about a month or so ago they were talking about nutrition. As I heard the conversation I instantly thought of my journey and how my focus on nutrition has fueled my success. I also remembered their segment they do on "not so average listeners" who live in the area. I thought to myself you know I should write in to the show but I brushed it off and thought no way. 

Fast forward a bit and something changed, I don't know what but I decided to send an email to producer Casey. I have them a short version of my story and told them I would love to share the full story with them in the studio. A few days later I received an email from Kathy asking me to come in. I excitedly agreeded and we set up a date, December 16th I would go in. 

Sunday hit and I couldn't sleep. I had realized that I would actually be on air and not just in the studio to meet the gang. I also learned that I would be at the mercy of the listeners that day to decider whether I was worthy of the prize of $250. 

I awoke around 5:30 Monday morning and jumped in the shower...I was actually going to do this. I grabbed a cup of coffee and some breakfast before it was time to hit the road. As I was driving in I heard Preston say my name and I was beside myself. I was supposed to be there at 8:00 but thanks to hitting every traffic light on route one I was there a bit after 11. I signed in and sat patiently waiting for them to call me in. Casey popped his head out and called my name...it was time. 

I sat in front of the mic and the music filled my head phones....here we go. Preston cut in and started to talk about me.  My hands were probably twitching at this point. He addressed me and I began telling my story. I went through the highlights of the story and they asked me a few questions just about how I got started etc.  After sharing my story it was up to the listeners to decide. I received a ton of texts and messages from friends saying that they had heard me. It was so incredible knowing that they were listening and supporting me all the way through. 

I hung out for a better portion of the show and then it was time for the results...the listeners had voted and they were very kind to me. 78% of the listeners that day had decided that I was "not so average!" I was thrilled and beside myself and just overwhelmed. After Preston delivered this news he asked me about the inspirational aspect of my story. This was the climax for my visit to the studio. I shared with him and the listeners that to me, the most rewarding aspect is inspiring other people. Helping them see that anyone is capable of doing this, anyone can reach a goal they set, I am just here to show people that. 

This experience was absolutely incredible and I can't thank the gang at WMMR enough for inviting me on the show. Hugest thanks to Preston, Steve, Casey, Nick, Kathy and Marisa for having me. I also owe Pierre a huge thank you for his kind words after the show. 

Here I am, post show with the whole gang. 

Although I gained 100's of views on here and Instagram and even gained some more followers, it's not about that for me. Yes I also won a cash prize thanks to the listeners, but again that isn't why I went on. I went on to share my story. To show people that YOU can do this. Whether just starting or hitting a plateau after losing 100+ pounds, keep going!! At the end of the day I don't care about the numbers, I want people to say, because I saw that page, because I saw that picture, I kept going. 

I can't thank everyone enough for the support. From the listeners, to my followers and most importantly my friends. One of my friends said in a text today "congratulations man, you deserve it!" THAT is what it's all about. It's about supporting one another in order to reach a goal. Today I attained a goal of reaching thousands of listeners and if I inspired  just one of them, then I will sleep happy. Thank you...thank you to all of you. 

This is just the start as one of my friends put it and I am not stopping here. Tomorrow is another day and I plan to do everything I can to inspire those who find this page to keep going. 

All for now. 

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

The end of the beginning

It's here....it's finally here! Tomorrow marks the end to the beginning. Does that sound backwards? It kind of is and it kind of isn't. Tomorrow is the first day of the last three days of my undergraduate career at West Chester University. It literally feels like just yesterday I was walking into the welcome day for student teaching and now I am beginning my last three days. It will be a bittersweet last three days for me. I will miss my students from both schools and the relationships I have built with all of them. I am excited for what's to come next and where life will take me. 

In the final days and hours of student teaching I still have things to take care of. I have to apply for my teaching license, renew clearances and get on sub lists. My goal is to start subbing soon after students arrive back in school after their holiday breaks. The threat of graduation is looming and at times overwhelming but I am excited as well. 

As for my training, it has taken a backseat in order to complete the things I have needed to complete. I still train but my runs are shorter and my swims are less challenging. I am taking the advice from my mentor(who has been absolutely amazing) and taking things easy for now. There is no sense in going hard right now when my first race isn't until June. One thing I have noticed is I feel like complete CRAP when I miss workouts. When I make the time to workout my days and my attitude are 100% better! Things are going to pick up after the new year and I am excited. I will start a 21 day cleanse and hopefully work to shed these last few pounds and really get into race shape for this season. I am excited for this season. I will be doing a few Olympic distance races along with a few sprints. I talked to the owner of a local bike shop today and I think I will be racing for their team next season which I am super pumped about. It's going to be a great season and I am so excited for the things to come. 

The last thing I want to share with you is something that I have been kicking around for awhile but I will finally start pursuing. This summer I have a goal to become a motivational speaker who will speak at kids camps in the surrounding areas. My plan is to share my story with children and adolescents who are just getting started or looking to get started on a weight loss journey. I have been exploring ways to give back to a community that has given me so much and I think this is a great way to start that journey. With the childhood obesity epidemic at an all time high, there is no better time than to reach out to children who may need some help. I am looking forward to taking on this challenge and embracing it to it's fullest. This is not for a monetary gain on my part, I plan to speak for free. I just want to reach out to children who are in the same shoes I was once in. This will take hard work and dedication but I'm willing to put in the 110% necessary in order to pay back this community. 

Along with this journey, I wanted to share another group that is on their own journey. Two guys I graduated from high school with are going on a cross country journey to spread the word of being who you are. They are a dynamic duo who both have faced their own challenges. Check out their site and first video. Keep it up Jon and Levi!! You guys are going to do incredible things together. 

http://jonandleviadventure.com

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=cq7Sj6Eqhkk&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dcq7Sj6Eqhkk%26feature%3Dyoutube_gdata_player

I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone. All of my readers, all of my Instagram followers, my Facebook followers. You are all absolutely amazing and I would not be able to keep plugging along without you. The more important thank you goes out to my friends though. The ones who have been there from day one, the ones who have texted me on race days and random days. The ones who say congratulations and the ones who say hey keep on keeping on. You're amazing and you all are my immediate support system and I can't thank you enough. I will repay all of you I can promise that. 

As for now it's off to bed so I am well rested for tomorrow. Thanks again for reading. 

I leave you with one of my favorite pictures from last season. Most importantly don't ever give up on your dream and don't ever let anyone stand in your way. 

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself. 

One day at a time

When things start to go your way there will always be someone who jumps in and tries to mess it up. It's just part of life and that's part of the challenge or journey. How you handle those things will be what defines you. Do you accept the challenge and face it or do you turn around and run. Take the easy way out, find another avenue and take it because at that time it's just easier. If that's the case, when you look back do you wish you would have not hung up your towel and continued to fight. When it comes to fighting do you fight for something regardless of what's going on? Or do you turn to something or someone else because it's more convenient in that moment? Make your choices carefully. 

For me I am still fighting a fight. I look in the mirror and I am still not where I want I want to be. I want to change things more. I want to cut more here, build more there. I feel like this will be a constant battle though and anyone will agree. As for racing I want to race. More and NOW. With wind chills around 15 degrees here though it's evident that winter is here and it's time for things to officially move inside, so inside I am. I need to continue to tell myself that race season will come and there will be plenty of warm weather to train outside. 

This past weekend I did 800's on Friday because I have a 5k coming up and when it comes to running I LOVE the pain when it comes to doing speed work.  When I first started running I was looking at well over 10:00/mile at least and it was a mix of walk jog even before that. Today I can pump out sub 8 with no problem. But I want MORE!! It took me almost a year to get there...it's going to take time. On Friday when I was done someone asked why I was doing 800's and I told them I had a race on Thursday that I was shooting to do well in. Their response? "I don't train for 5k's I just go out and run sub 22's and I'm good with that." Mind you this is a track and field person. Which is fine and I understand people don't look at races all the same. For me though it's a race and I want to do well, I always want to do well or better my last time even if it's a minimal gain....that's my goal, yours may be different and that's fine. I just don't like when people belittle what I am doing. But hey it happens. 

This 5k will be the last of the year with the temps and weather shift. From there everything moves inside. Today I had a nice run inside, some on the track and some on the treadmill. It frustrates me that I can be such a newb when it comes to training still and determining what I should be doing. I am thankful for the people I have in my life though who help me through every step of the way. 

Nike+ report from today. 

And of course it wouldn't be a run without chocolate milk after!

After my race in AC I was on a bit of a race high still and I decided I wanted to apply to become a part of a team. I thought my journey and solid finish at AC would be enough to just walk on to a team. Unfortunately that was not the case. I have been denied from a few teams already and it was a bit of a reality check. I am not ready for that yet and I got a little too big for my britches. Yes I have a fantastic story but I need more races to prove myself. The one team that I was accepted to made me an offer but unfortunately it's $135 a month to be apart of their team and right now just isn't the time. I'm taking it one day at a time though and keeping my hopes high for becoming a member of Wattie Ink. 

I am excited for things that are coming up and I can't wait to see where this road takes me. I do not post on here daily but if you would like to follow things further I post on twitter, Facebook, and Instagram daily. Links are on the right side of the page. 

Thanks for reading!

All for now. 

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

When does a dream become tangible?

Dreams, goals, ambitions...we all have them. They are big or small. They are personal or fitness related. They could be family oriented or something we are doing for ourselves but my question to you is when do they become tangible? When do they become something that we can actually reach and attain?

Most of my current goals are in relation to triathlons or racing. I have races lined up that I want to do and specific time goals or effort goals for those races. I know that I want to step up and complete an Olympic distance next season( 1 mi swim, 20 mi bike, 6.2 mi run). I have signed up for the Delmo Sports Escape the Cape Triathlon at this distance and with the help of my friends and tri community I will complete this race. 

Going further into the season I have a few other races I want to compete in such as Jersey State, Bethany, Cape, and some others. My A priority race for sure next year will be Atlantic City again. I have no trouble telling you that I will be training to take first place in my age group for this race. It is an attainable and realistic goal after looking at the times I put up for last year. 

Looking further into the future I want to land a teaching job so that I can continue to impact the lives of children everyday. After my experiences student teaching I know for sure this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing.  Even further into the future I know that I want to compete in a half Ironman and I want to complete a marathon. These are all attainable goals that can and WILL be reached. 

Now to the real story behind this post...I am going to share something with you that I believe only one person knows...if you're reading this you know exactly who you are.....here goes nothing...

I have a dream to move to California...

There I said it...yes California, all the way on the other side of the country. When I went there I fell in love and I have wanted to go back ever since. Some people say I saw a different side of this place...it's nothing like I saw when you live there...why would you ever want to do that? Etc. 

I have a few reasons...one I hate the cold, I love the climate there...why not go to the south? Because I loved that there was no hustle and bustle in California aside from in LA which is not where I want to live. The second reason is that I never went "away" for school...I have grown up outside of Philadelphia in the country and it's a very small town. I want to get out and see what it's like away from here for awhile. This brings up my second question...is this selfish? People ask if I want to get away from my family or if I would miss my friends? YES ABSOLUTELY I would miss them. I would miss all of them terribly. I love my family dearly and they have been amazing throughout this entire journey. I would have never made it here without their support. As for my friends...I can't even think about life without any of them. They have been equally as amazing as my family with their support as well. This is something that I have always wanted to do though. Then there is the group of wonderful people in the Tri Club who I would miss. It has been something I have thought long and hard about....and yet it is still in the back of my head everyday. So again, when does a dream become something more tangible? This becomes a quiet reality as graduation rapidly approaches in December. I still haven't made up my mind and I have told myself I am going to take the wait and see approach because I will not go anywhere without the safety of a job. It's just something I need to share with all of you. 

Lastly I would like to thank you, the readers for all of the support. Whether big or small you have absolutely made a difference. So thanks. If you're a new reader feel free to connect with me on twitter(@Foryourself15) instagram(@doing_it_for_yourself) or Facebook (Facebook.com/foryourself15) all links can also be found on the blog!

Thanks for reading!

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself    

Congratulations....for what?

Monday 4am and cue the worst wake up call ever....after an extremely incredible weekend with friends I was rudely awakened by a raging ear ache from out of no where. For whatever reason as of some time last year every once and awhile I'll get water stuck in my ear from swimming and it will be annoying but I'll use swim ear stuff and it will go away. Not this, I inew this was something different and I knew I needed to see a doc ASAP. More on that later though. 

I was excited to go to the doc because I knew I hadn't been there since my journey and they would have an accurate account of my progress. When I got there the woman at the desk finally noticed me and said "oh my god you've lost a ton of weight!" I said yes I have and I just gave her a short story and she said congratulations. I was just a little confused.  She didn't have any idea how far I have come, so why would she say that. 

Normally I wouldn't even think twice about this, but my mom brought something up recently and it got me thinking...haha go figure. She asked me how it made me feel when people said things like "you look amazing!" She chuckled and said "what because I lost weight I'm all the sudden a different person?!" And she is 100% right. It's a comment that I have grown to love and hate. I hate it because most people who say it, just say it because they don't know what else to say. If they knew the WHOLE story and it was heartfelt then I would love it. That's one of those times I do love it, when it comes from someone who really knows. 

I don't want to sound like a total ass to those of you who don't know me all that well because that's not the case. I love the compliments, but this woman had no idea what I went through to get to where I am. I do appreciate her compliment but I don't feel as though it was heartfelt. 

Anyway rant over, bottom line I just wish people were either actually truly interested or sometimes didn't say anything at all. Back to this ear ache...it's the second speed bump I have hit since the off season started. First I have my foot all jacked up from these stupid k-Swiss shoes. They were marketed as a "stability" shoe.  Little did I know that they were none of the sort. They didn't have anywhere near the stability I need and it started to cause me pain so I haven't run in god knows how long. Now on top of that I have this ear infection and I can't swim. I am stuck in this rut right now and I can't seem to dig myself out. I am super siked about next season and I can't wait but I gotta shake this funk and I don't know how. 

It's a weird funk, I feel like I am losing old friends yet gaining new ones. I love all of the people that I have met through this amazing new community, I feel like there are some people who don't understand this new "obsession."  I never really had a passion before and triathlons and helping people is it now, without a doubt. I am not saying that everyone should jump on board and go crazy and do a tri, I'm just saying I don't want to lose old friends. Who knows it could just be me, overthinking things.  

Aside from that life is just moving a long here. Student teaching is flying by and I can't believe I only have a month left of school. It's my last month of school ever....until I go back for more. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. 

Regardless of what's going in I thank everyone for the constant support. You guys are my foundation and you keep me going so thank you. I know that I wouldn't be here without any of you. 

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

Day in, day out

It's Saturday October 12 and I find myself reflecting on the past along with looking forward to the future. On Monday my younger brother will turn 21....weird for me to think about. I can still remember the days when I was a senior in high school, running the show with my group of friends and he was a tiny little freshman. It brings back memories of high school, old friends and much more. It also brings back memories of my 21 birthday which feels like it was literally last summer. What an amazing weekend that was from start to finish and I wouldn't change a thing about it, I'd still go back to EVERY second of that weekend if I could and do it all again. 

With the past comes thoughts of the future. Race season is over, but what's next. As many of you may know the Ironman World Championships are currently going on in Kona today. It's got me thinking, got me dreaming....got me wondering... There is also a local race tomorrow that I was kicking around. Unfortunately the race was $150 when I looked it up last week and I just couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of cash for such a small race so I guess I am officially in my off season. 

I have a lot on my radar for next season. I am 100% going back to AC again next year and I can't wait for that race. My tentative plan is to hit a small sprint early in the year being as I now have a wetsuit :) Xterra was running a special so I scored a suit for 50% off which was awesome!

From there I want to hit Escape the Cape which is another Delmo race. Delmo did such an amazing job with AC so I know this would be a great opportunity for my first Olympic race. From there I'm looking into Philly TriRock and some other small races.  AC will definitely be the big one on my list because I want to better my time from last year. From there I am not sure what else is next. I am just going to take it as it comes. I am trying not to take things too fast. I want to do a 70.3 very bad and I also want to become part of a tri team. These are both things that take time. I am not good at waiting, I want things right away and I can't have that. I need to take my time, train properly and get my name out there and prove myself in this world of triathlons!

Last Monday I check my email and to my surprise the staff newsletter was sent out. I opened it up and here is what I saw....

My own shinning face right there on the first page. When people said I should write my story down for them my response was that I would do it if they asked me. I wasn't going to write it down and just give it to them or ask them to put me in it. It's not in my personality and I was going to wait for them to ask me. Well they did so I wrote a small story and then took a picture of me to send out to everyone. Since then I have had people approach me and say "hey awesome story, keep it up!" This is an absolutely incredible feeling. People have told me I am an inspiration to them or their motivation to get going. I have never gotten this sort of recognition and it is only adding fuel to the fire of training for next season! I can't thank the people of HAC enough for everything they have done for me!

As for life right now, it is just a day in and day out grind. I get up, I go to school and teach, I go to work and I some how squeeze training in when I can. I don't go out, I don't see friends and I hate it. I CANNOT wait to have my life back in December. It will be a different life, but it will be back to semi normal. It's not that I am not enjoying my teaching or anything of that nature. I am just trying to find a balance of essentially doing a 40 hr a week internship and still working to pay bills etc. Until then, it's going to be crazy but these last few weeks are going to fly. 

I don't have much more for you, my life right now is ver mundane to say the least. I miss the way things used to be in many areas and I am excited to get back to training and hopefully teaching in my own classroom! I miss everyone and thank you for your constant support through all of this!

All for now. 

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

It was just supposed to be for fun...I swear!

It was just for fun, not a race, we were just going to run and have a good time....well we were supposed to at least.

It was 5k4Gray at the club.  Nothing huge, just a small local 5k for an amazing foundation.  I was there for Gray and nothing else.  Or so I thought.......I got there around 7:45, registered, got my bib and hung out with some people from work for awhile.  One of the girls joked and said "oh good you made it so at least I will have someone to chase during the run!" I reassured her that there was no way I was going to have a run like I did at my try and there was no need to worry. 

Before I get in to the race itself I want to tell you about the foundation and what the race was for.  There is an amazing family who is a part of the club where I work.  Their son has an inoperable brain tumor and I feel like I have a connection to them, although I have never even introduced myself to the family.  I have supported various different events for them in whatever way I could and when I heard they were doing a run I knew that I would be there.  Like I said I just feel connected to this family for some reason and I will do anything that I can to help them.  When I saw the mom come in with Grayson I immediately wanted to run over and give them all hugs and tell them how excited I was to see them, but instead I just looked from afar.

So as I was standing at the start line I start to chuckle at the people who were running before the race and doing all their crazy stretching...we were just there to have fun!  I did some dynamic stretches, took my spot on the outside edge of front of the start line and waited for the horn.  It blew, I crossed the mat and hit my garmin, we were off.  The course was a route I run literally 3-4 times per week.  I was just cruising along like it was an afternoon run before work.  Before I knew it we hit the first mile mark and I checked the pace.  7:40....uhhhh what? I figured ok let's just go with it.  We hit the hill on Limestone Rd. and no matter how many times you do that hill.....it sucks, bottom line.  So this guy was pacing right next to me up the hill and I wasn't going to let him pass me.  I just kept picking someone in front of me and trying to catch them. Once I caught them I would move on to the next, still keep this guy right on my hip.  I hit the top of the hill and into the neighborhood for the turn around.  I looked to my left, guy was gone, looked to my right, nothing...So I just kept running! The beauty of hills is that once you get to the top, you get to go back down.  I was cruising down the hill, unfortunately there was no one with me coming back but I did get to see all of the people who were going up.  I hit the bottom rounded the corner and headed back into the park, I was on the home stretch!  There was one guy who came out of no where and he hit the gas pedal, I did my best to not let him pass me but there was no stopping it. I looked down at my watch as I hit stop and crossed the finish....I couldn't believe my eyes....23:17 ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

It was just supposed to be a fun easy race and I PR my time like that...I am not sure whether to be upset or excited! It felt great, I definitely pushed it but I loved it and I wouldn't trade it for anything when I saw my time.

I ended up taking second in my age group and when I went to get my little trophy, the guy who took third was the guy who I lost coming up the big hill.  "Damn maybe I should have stuck with you and I would have done better" This made me chuckle. It was great to see some folks I hadn't seen before, to have a great run and to support such a wonderful cause for such a great family. 

This is me getting my pint glass for a second place AG finish!

All of us post race, what a great morning!

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself