Inspire Me! Series-Week 1

Welcome to week 1 of my Inspire Me! Series

I'd love for you to meet one of my favorite bloggers and a person who inspires me each day to push myself...Bridie!

http://www.iheartveggies.net "Healthy Living"

What motivates you? I started running for fitness. After having my second child, I was almost 20 pounds heavier than before having kids. Being a former ballerina, I was always very slim and in great shape. I was very unhappy that I had let myself "slip" and decided it was time to make time for myself. My motivation comes from not settling for less than I used to be. I don't believe that just because I had two kids, I have a free pass to be less than happy with my body.

If you made a lifestyle change, what helped you make that change? The biggest change came when I changed jobs in June 2010. My commute went from half an hour to 4 minutes. I also met up with some people that regularly ran together over lunch. At first I wasn't ready to join them - I was barely up to run a mile, much less the 3-5 they usually ran. But eventually I had the guts to join them, and I didn't want to look like a wimp, so I was forced to keep up with them. This year I made it a goal to run a half-marathon, and unfortunately suffered a series of overuse injuries leading up to the race. I ran it anyway (poorly) and am now in rehab and forced into cross training. While some would see an injury as a setback, I find it a blessing. I am now taking bodypump classes, cycling, doing yoga, and using the elliptical, as well as easing back into running. This is just going to make me a more well rounded athlete, and a stronger one.

Are you sharing your passion for healthy living with others? Yes! See my blog. I also just joined the Board of Directors for Johnston Running Club which is developing a youth track and cross country program. Not only am I serving on the Board, but I will also help coach the youth club. First and foremost, I am sharing my passion with my family. I have two boys (7 and 2 1/2) that WILL grow up understanding the importance of exercise and healthy eating.

And lastly, who inspires YOU? While it is great to draw on others for inspiration, you absolutely have to be able to inspire yourself. You are the one that has complete control over whether you are going to fail or succeed. I inspire myself almost every time I run, because when I started I had such a mental block against it, that is was so hard, that I was never going to be good at it. One day I ran three miles. Within a few months I was going on 5 and 6 mile runs. That was an accomplishment in itself. 10 miles seemed so out of reach. But I slowly built up my endurance and it became easier. I got faster. I'm doing things I never thought I would ever be able to do, much less enjoy doing. I'm also inspired by all the other moms out there taking time for themselves and fitness. It is hard to do with little ones at home. I'm very inspired by watching the Biggest Loser. This morning I took my first BodyPump class and it was so hard! As I was reaching muscle failure, and thinking I couldn't keep going, my mind went to the contestants on that show and how hard they fight through their work outs. If they can put in the effort and have so much working against them, surely I can finish a one hour class.

*I read Bridie's blog almost every day! Her recipes, thoughts and mostly her workouts inspire me to get out there and get it done! Isn't that what we all want? That drive to make us do the impossible! Make sure you drop by and say hello...you never know, you may find her to be one of your favorite bloggers too!

Would you like to be featured? Email me: rissarose80@yahoo.com with your blog address, a picture(if you'd like!), and answer those same questions or throw in some extras...it's totally up to you on what you'd like to share! Easy, right? So whatcha waitin' for??!!! I will feature a new blogger EVERY Monday so stay tuned...