I am not sure how many of you know that I went to school to be a PE Teacher.  I got my BS in Health and Physical Education, and went on to Student Teach and recieve my Teaching Certification.  Immediately after graduating I started to apply to every PE opening I saw, and landed a long term sub position in my current hometown, East Hampton.  During this time I started to realize that teaching was maybe not the right job for me.  Although there were several parts that I loved, there was too much that I was questioning.

(Before I say anything else, I must say this was MY experience, and I know some teachers who are PERFECT for the job and AMAZING at it!  I respect them a ton after doing it myself!!) 

I am someone who hates routine, and I could not imagine the rest of my life being run by the sound of a bell.  I need constant change in my life, whether personal or business.  Also, I decided to go into PE because I loved fitness, and I wanted to be around it everyday.  Little did I know that a majority of students were not like my friends and I, and HATED “gym” class.  I did everything I could to try to make them enjoy it, but to no avail.  This, mixed with some other reasons, led me to make one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.  It was the beginning of me going with my gut, and not listening to the people around me.  I decided to give up on teaching, and go in another direction.

Many years later, I made another very difficult decision.  I had somehow gotten lost in the 9-5 corporate world.  I was moving up the ladder quickly, and had everything you would “want” in a job.  Good pay, good benefits, etc, etc.  However, I STILL was not happy.  So many customers (some who knew nothing about me) would say “you don’t belong behind a desk”.  I knew that, and I knew that was why I wasn’t happy.  That was when I made another difficult, life changing decision.  I decided to do what made me happy, leave my corporate job, and start mission FITNESS with my brother.

10 years later, I sit here EXCITED to go TEACH at the HIGH SCHOOL.  It was a long road that got me here, but I have come back full circle.  I am teaching kids who SIGNED UP to do my class….kids that WANT to be there.  This day means so much to me because it reminds me that I can have anything I want if I am willing to take chances and trust my instincts.  Who knows where I would be if I stayed in teaching 10 years ago.  However, I can almost guarantee this: I would probably not be this excited to go into school tomorrow to teach! 

Follow your heart****Find what you love, and find a way to make money doing it****Do what you like, like what you do.

These are the only recorded successes, however, there were so many other stories of success that crossed that finish line.  As we sat at the finish line and watched T Shirt after T Shirt reading “mission FITNESS” pass, it was just another testiment of how amazing the people of mission FITNESS  are.  As each team member finished, they joined us  on the sideline, creating a larger and louder cheering section.  It was with each passing client that I became so aware how lucky we are to have such great clients.  Literally, every time I spotted a MF shirt I would turn to the person near me and say, “Here comes____.  I love her/him!”  It was such a great experience to have eachother pre race to calm eachothers nerves, and after the race to share in the celebrations.  I look forward to continuing racing together as a team, and supporting eachother along the way!

Saturday is the big day.  At this point you have (or haven’t!) done all you can to be prepared.  Here are some quick tips to help you out as we approach The Bill Landers 5K

1. The Night(s) Before:  Get a good night sleep 2 nights before, and also the night before.  The night before have a healthy dinner.  Charge your Garmin and/or iPod, and lay out your race outfit.  Do not try anything new the day of the race-shoes, shirt, socks, shorts, food, snacks, drinks, etc (Don’t forget to wear your mission FITNESS shirt!!)
2. Hydrate:  The day before make sure you drink plenty of water.  Watch your intake the morning of, as you don’t want to have to stop along the way to use the bathroom.
3. Breakfast:  Eat at least one hour prior to the race.  Choose something that is high in carbohydrates, and low in fat, fiber, and protein.  Examples would be toast/bagel with peanut butter, oatmeal, etc.
4. Get there Early:  Plan to get there at least a half hour before race start time.  Remember you will need to find a parking space, check in, put on your bib, use the port-o-potty, and find the mission FITNESS team!!!
5. Line Up Correctly:  As you make your way to the start line, know where you stand.  If you know you are slower  runner, do not start at the front of the pack.  If you are above average, don’t start in the back and have to use all of your energy weaving through the slower runners.  Take a deep breath and tell yourself you can do this!!!
6. Pace Yourself:  Once the gun goes off, your first instinct may be to take off as fast as you can.  Try to pace yourself so you are not out of energy after mile one.  You are looking to finish the race as strong, if not stronger, than you started. 
7. Don’t Run Too Far:  Pay attention to where the turns are, and make sure you are doing the straightest line possible.  Don’t take turns too wide and make the race longer than it needs to be!
8. Water Stations:  If you choose to hydrate, know which cups are Gatorade and Water.  If you aren’t used to drinking Gatorade while you run, you don’t want tro try it race day….I’ve heard horror stories!
9. Finish Strong:  Usually the last leg of the race is run a pure adrenaline!  Let your legs do the work, and smile and enjoy the ride.  There will be mission family all around cheering you on….embrace it and BE PROUD OF YOURSELF! 

That is Matt’s story.  It is NOT everyone’s story and it doesn’t have to be.  Along the course were others, whose story was just as important.  There were 5 year olds on the course, running along side 70 year olds.  The was first timers, alongside career 5K’ers.  There were Moms with their kids, sisters, brothers, and full families spending their Saturday morning sharing a bond through Fitness.  Each one of them has a different story of how they got there, but they all shared that common sense of accomplishment when they crossed the finish line.  I was able to get there after the race, and if I could just bottle up the energy that is in the air after any race, I would sell it and make millions.  What an amazing thing it is!

Many people think they are not ready for a 5K.  You are wrong.  You will NEVER feel like you do not belong at this race.  It is the perfect race to start at, and you may be surprised how much you enjoy it.  I talked to two people that did this race as their first one.  They both had similar stories.  They didn’t think they were ready, and had planned on walking a lot of it.  They were hesitant about liking it, since they were both not the biggest fans of running.  Guess what?  They both LOVED the race.  They killed the time they had in mind, and both were able to run the whole time.  Why?  Because there is an energy that takes over you on race day.  When you are on that course, running alongside hundreds who are experiencing the same thing as you, you just let your legs go and enjoy the moment.  BOTH can’t wait for the next one….THE BILL LANDERS 5K! 

mission FITNESS will be a sponsor and representing this race with many runners.  Some will finish in 20 minutes, some in 40.  Some will sprint for 3 miles, some will walk half of it.  It doesn’t matter what your story is, or what your goal is….the end result will be the same: you will feel a type of energy and happiness when you cross the finish line that will leave you wanting to do it again! 

SEE YOU ALL ON MAY 12th at the BILL LANDERS 5K…be a part of something special.  oh, and don’t forget to wear your MF’in Shirts!!!

Every once in awhile you find someone who shares the same passion as you, and this is a wonderful thing.  A couple of weeks ago I was able to enter the woods with a women I adore, who I knew needed no explanation of what a night in the woods can do for your soul.  The minute we started to plan the trip, I knew she was on the same page as me!  I have loved Loren for many reasons up to this point, but I knew this would bring our friendship to a new level.

We didn’t have much time, so we decided to start the season with a short, local hike.  We made our way to Salisbury, CT to tackle Bear Mountain, the highest peek in CT (2316ft).  We approached the trail head at 12pm Sunday, however, the excitement and anticipation of the trip started weeks before.  Hours of chatting about what to pack, how to pack it, how to minimize & combine as much as possible…this was when I knew she “got it”!!!

We picked a perfect couple of days to be in the woods.  We started at Undermountain Trail and made our way to Paradise Trail.  Within minutes, the two of us (that thought we were in good shape) were quickly humbled by the instant incline of the mountain.  The 50 lbs packs, mixed with the unseasonal heat, had us both sweating and breathing like asthmatics in minutes.  We quickly fell into the rhythm of the woods, and our casual conversation slowly faded as we both went into our own meditative state.  An unspoken understanding that we had both wanted and needed the mental therapy of the woods, lead to silence between us, with only the occasional sound of nature in the background. 

After over and hour on the trail, we reached the end of Paradise Trail and turned onto the AT to make our way to the summit of Bear Mountain.  The next 1/4 was a very steep ascent up rocks, and we were soon rewarded with the summit of Bear Mt, offering the most beautiful views in Connecticut!

We then followed the white blazes marking the AT for another 6+ miles, until we reached our campsite at Race Brook Falls.  Along those 6 miles we encountered every type of terrain the woods have to offer, including waterfalls, streams, thick canopies of pines, beautiful Mt. Laurel and 1/4 mile along the edge of Mt Race.  Once arriving at our campsite we filled our water bottles at a stream close by, put up our tent, and collected firewood (my favorite part of camping!) and then changed into our comfy clothes.  We then started a fire, cooked up our dinner (never does a meal taste so good!) toasted with mini bottles of red wine, and had those conversations that only the woods and campfire bring out of you….never does your mind and thoughts ever seem so clear!

Waking up to the sounds of the birds singing, we started the morning in the simplest of ways.  Hand pressed some coffee, ate some breakfast, packed up our tent and equipment, and left with everything we needed on our backs.  We made our way 8 miles back to the car.  Along the way we remained silent for a majority of the walk (except for the occasional heavy breathing on inclines!) and I know we both probably shared the same thoughts within our silence.  Silently answering the questions that have lingered in our heads for the last months,  the ones we knew would only come to us through the meditative state that the woods brings us.  And the other thought, how can we get into the woods again as soon as possible!?!?

One thing that was spoken between the silence, was a comment Loren made that has stayed with me everyday….”Can you believe some people never get to experience this?”  No Loren, I can’t.  Whether they do not know where to go, they have no one to go with, or they simply are uncomfortable with a night in the woods, I hope we can do our best to make sure everyone who is a part of mission FITNESS has a chance to experience what we did that weekend.  That is why we are in the beginning stages of  taking steps to introduce whoever is interested to the outdoors.  Day hikes, Trail Runs, Overnight Hikes, and possibly some Multi-Day Adventure trips….the woods are nothing to be scared of…you may find some interesting things in there, including YOURSELF!

-Darcy

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

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.

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

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

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!!!