Who's coming with me ?

The past seven months have been nothing short of an evolution.  When I set out writing my blog while stranded in Hawaii, I NEVER dreamed it would really be the evolution of Elizabeth.  I have learned a great many things.  I have been training for the RKC since September after I attended the HKC.  I added Pilates on the reformer in January to my training to develop better shoulder mobility and overall flexibility.  I never believed I would have the strength, flexibility and over all body awareness that I now possess. The road to the RKC has not been an easy one but it has been an amazing experience.  I have learned the difference between just showing up at the gym and actually training for something.  I’ve learned what dedication is to my workouts, my nutrition and my life.  What’s so exciting on this journey to the RKC is it’s not over!  In a few short days I will fly to St. Paul, Minnesota and be forever changed.  Yes, I will be forever changed!  I will be a sponge and try to soak up and absorb every detail I can. I will keep my eyes and ears open and be willing to learn and have fun.

This past Saturday, 4/7, was my last group kettlebell class I will get to attend before my RKC.  At the end of class I thanked everyone for always working so hard and supporting me on my journey.  I started to get teary and almost began to cry in expressing my gratitude to my fellow classmates.  I told everyone that I would be taking them with me in spirit to the RKC.  They have all touched my life and given me strength and inspired me to want to be better. As I head out I will take all of them with me.  When I’m exhausted, overwhelmed or ready to give up I will think of how hard they work and how they push themselves, even after that buzzer sounds. Again, I want to thank everyone for the wishes of good luck and positivity that has been sent my way on my journey!  LET'S GOOOOOO! (I was unable to get a picture of all the wonderful people :( who have supported me )

Who's got your back ?

It is said you should surround yourself with like minded people that have similar goals and aspirations. In training for the RKC I have to constantly remind myself  to "believe I am stronger than I think". I write this on my forearm quite often and it helps. What also helps me is the small group class I take part in twice a week, aside from my other training days. This group of people are, in a word, awesome. Some have been in my life for years and others are fairly new to my life. They all know about my goal for the RKC and they push me and give me a pat on the back when I need it or a kick in the @ss when needed also. Don't we all need a pat on the back? I never realized that training for something would encompass both the physical and emotional.  I figured I'd just go to the gym and train, right? Easy enough. You don't think about the days you didn't sleep well the night before. Perhaps you didn't eat well or you had a stressful, crazy day at work. You still have to go. It becomes a second job. What do you do if you don't have a good support network? Aside from the kettlebell group, I have many friends on facebook from my HKC certification and there are many RKC's I've friended via the internet who constantly post blogs and inspirational thoughts on food, life and working out. These things absolutely help if perhaps your spouse, significant other or family don't help support your healthy eating or training.  This being said, I realize that despite all the awesome people in my life believing in me, at the end of the day I need to believe in myself first and foremost!  Who believes in you and your goals?


Elizabeth M