“Perhaps you are STRONGER than you think”

You may have seen this quote before.  Perhaps it was on the back of a mission FITNESS shirt.  That is why I am writing this blog tonight.  As I teach bootcamps I look around at these people wearing the shirts, and it reminds me…”yes, they ARE stronger than they think”  THAT is what makes me walk towards you during class and tell you to do “5 more”.   

If I didn’t say that, would you do 5 more?  Probably not!  Most of you would do 3, at most.  What makes you do those extra two?  Is it the challenge?  Maybe.  However, you probably didn’t THINK you could do those two extra until I challenged you to do it.  Why?  Because you are STRONGER than you THINK you are!!  So many of us push to a point that we are COMFORTABLE with, but never push to that point of being UNCOMFORTABLE.  We are scared of what that feeling is, and what it will do to us. 

Someone at class the other night said, “you would be happy if I puked”  Let’s get one thing straight, that would NOT make me happy!!  No one likes to puke, and NO ONE wants to even be near someone who is puking!!  HOWEVER, I will say that their something good that comes out of that moment.  It is the moment that is the ULTIMATE level of “uncomfortable”.  Once you experience that “worst case scenario” and realize you are OK, you may become more comfortable with uncomfortable.  (As Carlos always says, we DO need to ”be the guardians of our own safety.”  There are obviously times that puking is not the worst case, and we need to recognize the difference between “uncomfortable” and when something is not right.)

I have realized that the best way for people to push past their comfort zone is with a challenge.    Whether you admit it or not, many of us are competitive.  Whether with yourself or others.  Next time you workout or attend a bootcamp, find someone to partner with that will push you.  Push each other to and past that point of uncomfortable.  You never know what you are capable of until you push your limits.  One of the best feelings in the world is to do something you didn’t think you could do.  It is the reason why many people cross the finish line at a marathon with tears in their eyes!

Watching you do something at class or while training that you didn’t think you could do brings me huge joy.  It is “throwing up” that makes me happy, but maybe that feeling you get like you’re going to :-)   It lets me know that you are pushing past comfortable, and THAT’S what gets it DONE!!!

-Darcy

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admin, February 2nd 2012 | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Boot Camp

Picture Yourself Coming Out of The Holidays Strong and Healthy

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.” ~Buddha

It is very easy to let yourself go over the holidays.  Your schedule starts to fill up, you may have family or money stresses, there are temptations everywhere you turn, and the holiday spirit fills the air.  So many of us already have it in our heads, “I always put on a few pounds this time of year”.  What if we started to think differently?  What if we challenged ourselves to get through the holidays healthier and stronger than ever?  And we know with that we would also be stronger MENTALLY!  If you can get through this time of the year, you can most likely get through anytime.  Change your way of thinking and your mindset.  PICTURE yourself coming out of this season looking and feeling better than ever!

So why not make it your challenge this season?  That does not mean you are not going to be able to ENJOY the season, or even indulge in the season.  Everything in moderation, and stay consistent with your workouts.  Here are some tips to stay healthy this season:

*FIND A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER TO GET ON BOARD WITH YOU.  HOLD EACHOTHER ACCOUNTABLE & SHARE TIPS, SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES  WITH ONE ANOTHER. HOW ABOUT A CONTEST WITH A NICE PRIZE AT THE END?  DO IT WITH YOUR WHOLE FAMILY, OR MAKE EVERYONE AWARE OF YOUR GOALS. THAT WAY YOU WILL BE SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE ON THE SAME PAGE & WATCHING YOU!

*COMMIT TO A SCHEDULED FITNESS CLASS, PERSONAL TRAINING OR SPORTS TEAM.  JUST SIGNING UP FOR A GYM MEMBERSHIP DOES GURANTEE YOU WILL GO. 

*DRINK LOTS OF WATER.  OFTEN TIMES THE FEELING OF BEING “HUNGRY” IS MISTAKEN FOR BEING THIRSTY.  STAY HYDRATED FOR THE MANY HEALTH BENEFITS, ALONG WITH STAYING FULL.

*DO NOT DENY YOURSELF OF THE FOOD YOU LOVE.  EAT IT IN MODERATION & TAKE TIME TO ENJOY IT.  INSTEAD OF A BIG PIECE OF CAKE, HAVE A FEW BITES!

*PICK AND CHOOSE WHICH PARTIES TO ATTEND.  YOU MAY GET A LOT OF INVITES THROUGH WORK AND FRIENDS.  YOU DO NOT NEED TO ATTEND EVERY ONE.  CHOOSE WHICH ONES MEAN THE MOST TO YOU.

At mission FITNESS we have a family of clients who hold each other accountable to workouts.  If you miss your usual class, you will be sure to get a few inquiries, “where were you Sunday?”.  We also have a Weight Loss Contest coming soon.  This is a great way to be held accountable, and to gain support from the many others who surround you.

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admin, November 29th 2011 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness

The Real Heroes

I frequently have people tell me that I inspire them.  Whether they are training, or competing in a race they say that they think of me & I push them through.  Obviously, this is extremely flattering as a trainer, and as a competitor.  I work hard to set a good example for my clients and friends, and frequently it is that very thought that pushes me through as I train.  HOWEVER, what needs to be said is this:  I AM NOT THE ONE WHO DESERVES THE PRAISE.  Yes, I train hard.  Yes, I have a busy life and it isn’t always easy.  However, while running with a very close friend/client of mine today, I listened to her story of The Hartford Marathon, and thought, “I need to tell the world!”  Well, I may not be reaching the WORLD, but I need to at least tell my mission FITNESS world.

Here was her story (as she was finding time to run between dropping kids off/picking up from school)

After finishing her FIRST EVER marathon (26.2 miles people!) her husband and three kids met her at the finish line.  The kids (being young kids who don’t “get it”) offered a  congratulations and a hug, followed quickly by “We’re hungry…. What are we doing today”  While most were celebrating the HUGE feat, and relaxing, this Mom of three was back in Mom mode.  She proceeded to remove the foil cape off her shoulders (used to keep you warm) laid it on the ground for her kids to sit, and stood in line to get the complimentary food for the racers.  However, she gave this food to her kids who were “hungry”  Mom JUST finished a marathon and within minutes has set her kids up in Bushnell Park with a nice picnic, using her cape, and her food!!  This is the real hero people!!

Next is my other good friend/client.  While getting ready to run her first marathon (again, 26.2 miles people!) she took her kids shopping with her.  While most marathoners are picking out the outfit that may look/feel the best, her one priority was that her kids liked it and would be able to see her.  I have a feeling no matter what these kids picked out, it was what this girl was putting on.  Nothing means more to her than her kids being happy with the choice.  (Luckily they have good taste, and it was a hot pair of pink pants!)  The thing that really gets me about this girl doing the race is what it took to get her there.  Let’s look past the hours and hours of blood, sweat and tears she went through with the training miles…..the scheduling & planning for the kids was just as difficult.  I am sure that it was all worth it when her son dropped onto the last stretch to the finish line, smiling ear to ear as he crossed the finish line with his REAL hero: his mother!!  This friend was no different.  Within minutes she was taking out the lunch box, sitting her kids (not herself) on the one open bench, and getting THEM snacks…Mom Mode right away!

You see people, THESE are the true heroes.  I speak of two very close friends, which I witnessed personally, but this is really for ALL of you Mothers who have lived this story.  Only YOU know what it took to get to that race, that fitness class, or that workout.  YOU are the ones who inspire ME.  Especially, these two very dear friends, who have taught me that anything is possible, and who have taught their children (whether they know it now or not) what a HERO really is!

~Darcy

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admin, October 20th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness, mission fitness team

Summer Fun….Swim, Bike, Run!

Sorry it has been awhile since I have wrote.  The summer is my time to catch up on all of the outdoor fun I missed over the winter :-)   I spend every possible minute I can outside (I’m not kidding) and a couple rainy days have forced me to catch up on some computer work!!  I have to say, this summer has been the best one I have had in a long time.  I didn’t take any expensive vacations, or go to any exotic beaches.  I have enjoyed a very simple, inexpensive summer…and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

One of the best weekends I have had was at Lake Placid for the IRONMAN.  Matt and I took a long weekend in July, and volunteered at this life altering event.  We went last year to watch friends do the race, and we walked away with a flood of emotions.  The description of an IRONMAN is enough to affect anyone: 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run.  However, to witness this event, is to fully understand the magnitude of this event.  There is a certain aura that fills the air, that you need to witness to understand.  We knew we would not be fully prepared to participate in this event as a competitor, so we decided we would volunteer in 2011 to be involved in some way.

As volunteers we were able to be in the bike transition and hand the bikes off to the racers.  Anyone who has ever done a Triathlon (or any race for that matter) knows the environment that the race provides.  It is a moment in time when the bull sh*t of the every day life is frozen.  There is no separation of class, sex, race, cliques, etc.  Everyone is there for one purpose, with one goal…one which they have all trained for years for.  There is a level of respect, support, and friendliness at the race, that you come to miss when you hit the reality of the everyday world.  Here we were, so excited to be in the action & hand a bike off to an athlete we long to be…and they are thanking US!  Profusely!  Who gets out of the water after swimming 2.4 miles, with thoughts of 112 on the bike and a marathon in the future & thinks to thank someone for simply handing them a bike….TRIATHLETES!

After leaving the race, as an athlete, it is difficult to walk away and not want to train to do an IRONMAN.  It is the ultimate test of strength (mental and physical) dedication, and commitment.  You simply CANNOT finish this race without hundreds of hours of preperation.  You need to train your body, mind, nutrition, etc.  I am not sure if my body (which is already in constant pain) can take the training that this race demands, but I am positive my brother will do one in the near future…..and I am positive I will be there, probably crying throughout half of it (as I tear up just thinking about it!)

I have spent much of my summer training with my girlfriends.  I am so lucky to have a group of friends who will put on a cap and goggles with me at 10am, and a dress and makeup at 10pm.  We have spent many hours in the Lake, on the bike, and pounding the pavement, and the trails.  It has not cost me a dime (besides equipment already purchased) and it has created more memories, laughs, and deeper relationships than any bar, hotel, or restaurant could ever do.  To push eachother past our comfort zones (“let’s swim to the 4th dock today, instead of the 2nd”) and to be each others biggest cheerleaders has made for what I know will be life long friendships. 

We have been blessed to have a Triathlon take place on and around the Lake we grew up on our whole lives (Lake Terramuggus)  We have had clients introduced to the world of Traithlons because of this, and have become addicted.  Friday night (after already doing a morning swim) I find my girlfriend at the lake as I ride my bike by.  She says, “would you believe I gave up going out for drinks on a Friday night to do this?”  As we both gaze the beautiful, calm lake, as the sun sets behind it I look at her and say, “Yes!”

I am confident that anyone who “tri’s” a Triathlon will not be disappointed.  Training for three disciplines, along with perfecting the Transition Areas is something that will never get boring, and will always be a challenge.  We are lucky to have two great races offered in the area, by two great guys.  Lake Terramuggus Traithlon Series, and Cedar Lakes Tri Series.  Start making connection and getting your body in shape at mission FITNESS, and make it your goal to “tri” one (or more!) of these races next (or this) summer!!

HAPPY TRAINING

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admin, August 16th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized, mission fitness team

RUNNING GROUPS

Recently we have started meeting up three times a week to run as a group.  We meet TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 530pm (unless otherwise noted) at mission FITNESS and SATURDAY at 1030am we do a TRAIL RUN!  There are so many benefits to running with a group, and I hope that people who have any hesitation LET THAT GO, and join us!!  A lot of people ask about pace, and are worried that they will be too slow.  If everyone who thought they were “too slow” came, they would be amongst good company!! 

Running as a group not only holds you accountable to show up, but it also makes showing up a lot more fun.  Let’s face it, a good majority of people do not love to run.  However, if you are with a group of good people and friends, it can actually be fun!  Plus, you will start to challenge yourself and go at a pace or for a distance you may not do on your own.  The encouragement, and motivation from the others around you will push you to levels you never thought you could go.

Bottom line, this GROUP RUNNING is open to EVERYONE, and you are truly missing out if you do not try it.  Common feedback we get about the boot camps is how encouraging everyone is….let them encourage you on the road/trails also!!  You don’t have to do the routes we are doing.  Meet at 530pm and do a 2 mile walk/run with a partner.  Running is what gets it done…it will help you drop those last few pounds, and it doesn’t have to be awful!!!

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admin, May 17th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized

This Stuff Gets It Done!!

Seriously, what is better than the natural high you get from exercise?!?!  Just finished another great boot camp class with Carlos, and the endorphins are still flying high! 

From time to time I get caught up in the day to day grind of owning your own business, and start to lose sight of how good I have it.  I know it looks like what we do is all “fun and games”, which most of the time it is…but, running a business that is growing very rapidly with only two of us is A LOT of work!  There are days that we spend working 15+ hours, and training 8+hours.  This can get tiring.  However, there are moments, days, and weeks that you have a REALITY CHECK and realize, we are very lucky.

I had a vision of what I wanted mission FITNESS to be, and I am a firm believing of the power of positive energy and the law of attraction.  In almost EVERY aspect of my life I have envisioned what I wanted, worked my tail off + positive energy, and it came to me.  I even called my current husband “my future husband” when he wouldn’t show me the time of day :-)   As I look at what we have created and what OUR CLIENTS have created at mission, I could not be happier….it is what I visioned!!! 

Here are some things I am seeing at mission that make me SO HAPPY!  First, there are SO MANY people that meet at mission now to go running together.  We have people commiting to one another that they are going to do their first 5K, 1/2 marathon, and marathon together!  The way that they push eachother, and set up running dates to hold eachother accountable is what I have always wanted.  We have tried to create not just a workout facility, but a place where our clients can have a resource…where they can get FREE life coaching events, FREE Nutrition Coaching events, discounted massages, etc.  I do all of these networking groups, not just to grow my business, but to grow my resources for my clients.

I also wanted mission FITNESS to be a place that people can find support, a friend, a partner, etc.  SO many people want to run, Mt Bike, Road Ride, etc, but don’t have someone to do it with.  I LOVE how so many people have connected to do these things through mission….they even connect to go out for drinks :-)   When I look at the relationships and friendships that have been created inside our walls, I can say that this business has been a success, no matter what happens!

I just had two clients who are having trouble dropping their last 10-15lbs commit to eachother that they will both weigh in weekly to hold eachother accountable.  How great is that?  How about the fact that 20 of us did a boot camp tonight, and while drenched in sweat, we walked away saying “I had more fun tonight than if I would have went out”  The funny thing is, about 10 people in that class I have gone out with, so what better way to HANG OUT then BURNING 800 calories instead of CONSUMING!?!?!  

All in all, I just want to THANK EVERY ONE OF YOU who have contributed in mission FITNESS becoming the facility I have envisioned it to be.  We have laid the ground work, and from here we only hope to get bigger and better!  We have so much we still want to do (we are listening to your requests) and we are hoping to bring you more and more as time goes on.

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admin, April 14th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Boot Camp, mission fitness team

mission: RACE TEAM

Last night about 20 mission TEAM members gathered for some cocktails, good food, and RACE talk!  First, it was such a great time hanging out with everyone.  Just about every person emailed me or text me after, and the comments were all the same, “what a great group of people”  ….”such a good time”. One client  said, “I looked around the room and thought, I would hang out and be friends with everyone here”.  There are a lot of options for fitness in the area, and we know what we have a mission is different.  Anyone who is a part of the mission TEAM knows what I mean!!

Between the good convos and glasses of wine, was some great discussion on RACE SEASON.  Some discussed the thought of running their first 5K together, 1/2 marathons, and even marathons.  We ALL seemed interested in the Warrior Dash in New England….WOOT!!! 

So, the idea is to use mission as a meeting ground for people to find running/racing companions.  We will post races people are doing, along with contact info so you can have support while preparing and doing the race!   We are also looking to start a running group at mission for ALL LEVELS! 

Please send me any races you are doing so we can add them to the calendar!

Here are some races mission members are doing:  Mitten Run 5K, Corporate 5K -Special Olympics, Hartford Xtreme Scrambles, O’Hartford 5K, New England and New York Warrior Dash, Hartford 1/2 and Full Marathon, New Haven 1/2 Marathon, Marlborough Lake T Triathlon, Mt Snow Tough Mudder .

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admin, March 7th 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in mission fitness team

mission: WEIGHT LOSS Contest II

 

Contestants with the highest PERCENTAGE of weight loss in 9 weeks win!

1st Place: 2 months of UNLIMITED Boot Camps

2nd Place: 1 month of UNLIMITED Boot Camps

3rd Place: 3 FREE Boot Camps

Available To: mission FITNESS clients

(Boot Campers, Personal Training Clients, Group Classes, etc)

 Sign Up: Now-February 14th

$10 Buy In

Weigh In: First weigh in will be the week of February 14th.  

After that you will weigh in once a week at a boot camp class. 

You choose the day (one day differential is okay)

Example: If you choose Saturday as your day, you can come in Friday or Sunday, but NOT Tuesday

Results of the prior week will be emailed to participants every Monday = ACCOUNTABILITY!!

****To be eligible to win you MUST weigh in at least 7 times****

The final weigh in will be the week of April 18th.

EVERYBODY WINS:

If you weigh in 7 out of 9 weeks and lose more than 3% body weight during the contest you get a FREE mission T-SHIRT!!

 

    

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admin, January 31st 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Health & Fitness, mission fitness team

2011: New Year, New Mission!

2010 was an amazing year for mission FITNESS….especially for our first full year in business!!!  I would say we did a great job of putting oursleves on the map and forming the foundation of the mission FITNESS team.  We focused on our boot camps and personal training, and with over 350 clients walking through the door in just over 12 months…I would say it was a success!!

2011 will be a year to focus on expanding on our “mission” and starting to develop our racing team, fitness adventures, team building, and one day events such as fitness challenges, kids camps, etc.  Needless to say, 2011 will be a great year to be a part of the mission FITNESS team!

Let’s start spreading the word!  First, start suggesting the mission FITNESS Facebook page to your friends.  Currently, there are 586 fans of the page.  If we can get it to 1000 by February 1, 2011 we will have a weekend in February of FREE Boot Camps for Everyone!!  Second, current boot campers: bring a friend with you to try a boot camp class in January for $10 and YOU receive that class FREE as a “thank you”!  If they buy a punch card, receive 2 more classes FREE!!!  That’s 3 FREE boot camps just for having a workout buddy!!

Let’s make 2011 not only your healthiest year yet, but the most exciting and fun one.  We started mission FITNESS on a premise: FITNESS can be FUN!  Make it a way of  life, and let us help you!!

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admin, January 2nd 2011 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Boot Camp, Health & Fitness, Marketing/Networking, Personal Training, mission fitness team

FIRST TIMER’S BOOT CAMP JAN. 22nd

Anyone out there want to lose weight, or get stronger/healthier in 2011? Our boot camps can help you do just that, while having fun. We have had clients lose over 60 lbs, while others have taken 3 minutes off of their 5K pace just from doing BOOT CAMP!!!

This class is for everyone who has wanted to try our boot camp, but may be intimidated to try it. In this class you will be among other “first timers”, and everyone is in the same boat. Try it for $5 and I am sure you will realize that not only can you DO THIS class, but you will LOVE IT!!

BOOT CAMPS ARE FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS!!!

Space is limited, please email me at darcy@missionfitnessllc.com to sign up.

(“it’s been a long time” clients are also welcome!!!)

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admin, December 27th 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Boot Camp
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