Sunblock

Be sure to apply sunblock lotion before going for your runs. There are many on the market, but the one that works best for me is Neutrogena Ultimate Sport.

Here are some the benefits...

1) The lotion has an SPF of 70+. It is also ultra sweat proof and waterproof.

2) It will not clog your pores or cause breakouts.

3) It is oil free and PABA free

4) It is the #1 Dermatologist recommended sun care.

Pieces of The Puzzle--Water Anyone?

I can’t stress this enough. Like a ritual, before I start my run or may work out I consume (2) glasses of water. It’s refreshing and a big eye opener. I drink water during my run or work out to stay hydrated.

Before each meal I drink (2) glasses of water. I eat total of (5) smalls meals this gives a sure total of (10) glasses a day. And I also sip water all day long. So, water is a very important piece of the puzzle to maintaining a healthy weight.

Your Feet Are Your Prize Possession

It is not a good idea to dig out an old pair of shoes and start training. Your feet are your prize possession and they deserve better than that. I always treat my feet with plenty of care not only before and after my runs. I’m often asked jokingly asked if they are insured. My family and friends can be comedians at times.

Treat your feet well and they will help you complete the mileage. Visit an atheletic store and get measurements and an analysis to determine which running shoe is best suited for your running style.

Also, it is important to add proper socks to your athletic gear. And if you feel you need extra cushioning make sure you replace the insoles in your shoes with an atheletic pair of insoles. All these little extras will help make you runs more pleasant, and help your journey to the finish line with happy feet.

Very important suggestion, break your new shoes in a month before your event. Make sure they are comfortable. You do want to start and end the run with your shoes on.

Running Buddy

Sometimes is hard to get the proper motivation to continue your dedication to your running routine. This is where a running buddy comes in handy.

When you just don't want to get up at 5AM to do your morning run, they are there to make you feel guilty if you do not keep your commitment. This is called "accountability", and everyone even a dedicated runner needs that extra push once in a while.

I consider myself very dedicated and sometimes I feel like, sleeping in and rescheduling the run for the evening. Funny thing is that when the evening comes, I justify skipping the run by convincing myself that I just have too much to do.

Since I commited myself to training with a buddy, does not happen. I feel guilty when the thought of skipping a run comes to mind. I quickly jump out of bed and the rest is easy. It's amazing how taking that first step just changes my attitude. It's also amazing how great I feel after completing the run. I then shower and go to work, and I'm able to handle the stress and pressure a whole lot better.

So, take that first step and start your day right. Start your day with a positive attitude and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.

Electrolytes

Make sure you have enough to get you to the finish line. Carry extra rather than run out before you get to the finish line. I miscalculated and lost (22) minutes from my anticipated finish time. I just needed at least one to get me through the race. When mile 21 came upon me, I really needed electrolytes and had none. Needless to say the journey from mile 23 to the finish line was grueling.

If you do not want to worry or deal with carrying the electrolytes, there is another option.
Find out what they will be offering on the course, and train using the exact product. You will not have to worry, because you’ll be able to replenish at the water stops.

It’s not worth it and it is very painful, as well as disappointing when you miss your target finish time. After training six months, you want to perform your best, and finish strong. You don’t want to find yourself looking at yourself in a photograph crossing the finish line and swear, “That’s not me”. Trust me; I did not buy any of those photos.

Weight Management

Before 06/07 and After 4/09

Recently I’ve learned how to eat enough food, enough times per day, and the right combination to maintain a healthy weight appropriate to my height, age and stature.

I use to skip meals thinking that I would lose weight. I did this for years, and was always frustrated because I did not lose any weight. My weight never got out of control, because I was very active.

It wasn’t until I had surgery and I could no longer participate in the physical activities, and was still using the skip meals system that my weight got out of control. When I was able to return to the physical activities, I could not perform them at all.

I now have a new system which I’ve been using since July 2007. I have lost 55 Lbs. and still maintain my weight. The system works and is available free to all subscribers.

Some essential rules for the system to work are:

1) Drink plenty of water.

2) Eat small meals but more often, and protein is essential.

3) Eat everything but not all at once.

4) It’s important not to deprive yourself of any food category.

5) Use Isagenix Cleanse, and Isagenix Isalean Shakes.

Good luck everyone!

Celebration of Life

Celebration of Life

Grace “Amazing Grace”

The size of your heart is immeasurable. There will always be a “special place in my heart just for you for eternity”.

You were like a mother to me and a grandmother to Chantelle and Christopher. You helped us through some of the toughest times in our lives, and that we will never forget.

You truly are the most positive and most stubborn person I’ve ever met. When you put your mind to it, you complete amazing tasks, and changed the lives of many.

I thank God for being blessed with wonderful grandparents when I was young, and double blessed when I met you when Chantelle was 10 and Christopher was 7. They too were blessed by having you in their lives.

Love,

Francesca