Motivation

Victory! I just ran down that mountain!

I’ve thought a lot lately about motivation and what causes certain things to become priority over something else. I’ve come to the conclusion that priorities are constantly shifting and motivation can be a number of factors. One constant priority to me is service. That one is a an easy one, but what takes priority in the remaining little bit of time you have? Lately, it seems that getting in shape has been my top priority. Even when I get home at 10pm I have to get my workout in. The interesting thing is I feel great, I have more energy, and I am way more awake during the day even though I get less sleep. What’s my motivation you ask? Well… there are a number of reasons but the main reason is I don’t like who I am when I can’t even run a mile without dying! Yes, it was that bad, and it took a drastic measure for me to get motivated to do something about it… I hired a personal trainer. Audra is a friend of mine and she is awesome. I’ve met with her twice, and yep that was exactly what I needed to get me working out on my own. I’m not going to lie though… I absolutely dread working out with her… I feel stupid and embarrassed that a “basic” workout kills me so bad. I am happy to report though that I am in much better shape now then I was a month ago and I even weigh less now then when I graduated from High School- crazy! Don’t worry, losing weight was NOT one of my goals, so don’t think that was why I wanted to get into shape. Anyway, I guess the real test will be how I do in the next training session… stay tuned!

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So, in my attempt to get in shape I ran the “Run the Rockies 10K race on June 12^th. This is only the 2^nd 10K I have done in my life, but it was awesome! I finished in record time- 57min and 24 seconds! The fact that the race was entirely downhill, and in a gorgeous mountain setting running alongside the creek definitely helped! For not training and hating running I was very pleased with the result.

Megan, Ashlee, and I who ran the 10K

Before the race... scared to leave the warmth of the car!

I’ve also had some marathon days like last Monday (June 21^st) when I went straight from work and worked out with the R.S. Exercise Group (playing basketball), attended FHE, played some ultimate frisbee, played some tennis, played volleyball, and ended the evening with a nice refreshing drink from Sonic hanging with some friends. It was a fabulous day! I got home at 10:55pm- I love days like that!

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Every Thursday is tennis night where I encourage everyone, regardless of skill level, to come out and play. It is always a good time. I even got to play tennis a couple times with Jared over the past couple weeks- love that!

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On Friday, after taking Jared to the airport at 6am I decided to go on a bike ride and enjoy the beautiful Colorado morning. A long bike ride turned longer when I got lost, but overall the 16-17 miles were very enjoyable. The very next morning I met up with a friend at 6:45am to do another 15 mile bike ride. Again the weather was perfect and I couldn’t think of a better way to start the day!

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So, you can see I have made working out a priority and I’m loving it! Here are some other things that have occupied my time aside from the times I am going to for run or getting a quick workout in:

Cassie’s Bridal Shower

Aubrey’s Bridal Shower

Jamie’s Baby Shower

(Three showers within a week’s time… I’m kinda all showered out!)

Special Ward Temple Trip

Bowling- Best Score Ever at 187! I even got a turkey (I think that is a first)!!!

Hanging with Jared. He made a delicious dinner! I invited him over for dinner the following Sunday, but his dinner was much better!

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YSA Roadshow- Yes, I even had a part where I was on stage! We modified the Little Mermaid story to be a funny YSA dating skit. I was one of the waitresses in the “Kiss the Girl” song where they were on a first date. There are some very creative and talented people in my ward.

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Attended a Dance Competition to support Kimberly, a friend. Marlies, another friend, and I had to leave my house at 6:15am to get there in time. Kimberly did great and it was a lot of fun. We couldn’t stay long though, because we left straight from there to head to the all day YSA Conference. The YSA Conference was complete with Keynote speakers, workshops, and a dance. Good times!

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Attended a baptism for a gal who is now officially a member of our ward. Valerie is awesome, it surprises me that she hasn’t been a member her whole life! I really do enjoy attending baptisms, there is always such a great spirit.

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So there you have it. Life is still crazy, but life is good. What should I be motivated next to tackle… finances??? With Sean’s help perhaps I can!