Fit Fashion Friday: Murphy Strong

Whenever I'm not exactly feeling "Too Fit," I think of a woman who is the epitome of that philosophy.

Her name is Kerri Murphy. She is 44 years old, a mother, a passionate business owner of The Fitness Studio, a killer group exercise teacher, a great friend and a fighter. Kerri has touched and inspired so many people in her lifetime, including me. She continues to do so now, as an angel.

Kerri was a long-time friend of Mom's. I knew her from a young age as one of Mom's friends who taught classes at the gym, and I thought this was so cool. When I got old enough to actually take one of her classes, I realized it was pretty badass (to say the least). I don't think I had ever seen a more physically fit person, or anyone who radiated such drive, determination and passion for what she did. 

In 2005, she opened The Fitness Studio (TFS) in little Dudley, Massachusetts, a fitness family revolution in my little hometown. Dudley, MA, is forever changed for the better by TFS. 

Kerri was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer in spring of 2012, and during a year-long fight, she continued to run her business, be a mom, and teach/take group exercise classes whenever it was physically possible (yes, even in the midst of treatments). Truly incredible. This woman was in unbelievable shape. She would say she had been training her whole life for this fight, and she didn't go down easily.

As much as Kerri loved her business, TFS could not have loved her more. Members organized fundraising initiatives and delivered meals for Kerri and her family. Even smaller things like shoveling the Murphy's driveway. The TFS community had anything anyone could do to to help in any way, covered. "No one fights alone" was one of their mottos. "Cancer sucks" and "quitting is not an option" were among the others, all inspired by Kerri's common expressions.

On December 29th, Kerri went to heaven. On December 30th, members of TFS had a heavy heart and a heavy bar as they went to Body Pump. I did the same here in D.C., and I did my heaviest class ever. If there were any way we could honor Kerri, that was it.

Today, Kerri's legacy lives through her business, which is still going strong. TFS is going "Murphy Strong." Words can't describe the heartfelt feelings this slogan inspires in me. I won't pass on the chance to say how proud I am to wear this shirt and to represent. This is certainly the most "Fit Fashion Friday" we've had to date.

When you have "one of those days," or aren't feeling "Too Fit" yourself, think of Kerri or think of that kind of person in your life - the kind of person who wouldn't let anything crack her spirit or devotion to inspire others, the kind of person who makes you scratch your head with how unbelievable they really are. Life is too short to not live it to the fullest - the "Too Fit" fullest. Kerri taught me that - before this blog, before her cancer and before I could even grasp it all. For that, I am forever grateful.

TFS Facebook

TFS Website

Unconventional & Too Fit

Zumba, at your place of employment, during happy hour, on the roof, in February and in D.C.

This happened, and , naturally, I was teaching this unconventional Zumba class. Employees of The Advisory Board here in D.C. have been participating in a "Winter Wellness Challenge" since the start of the New Year. I happen to be friends with one of these motivated employees, and she asked me if I'd be interested in teaching Zumba for one of their weekly workouts. Any organization that promotes employee wellness, totally rocks in my book, so I was excited to be a part of their challenge (more info on challenge details below).

(More on the challenge itself. It incorporates various aspects of wellness throughout your day by including nutrition, fitness, stretching and "lifestyle.". The competition is based on off of a points system where teams earn points by sticking to a nutrition plan (which entails giving up 2 of the following food 'groups': starchy grains, dairy, sugar/sweeteners or alcohol/soda/juice), exercising, and bonus points for lifestyle challenges such as getting 8 hours of sleep. Everyday you start with 5 points and lose 1 point per infraction of the rules. The "Winter Wellness Challenge" goes for 8 weeks, and the team with the most points at the end, wins!)

My pal had reached out to me about a month or so ago. We set the date and the guidelines so that I would skip over my more "scandalous" Zumba tracks with her Co-workers. Expecting to teach a typical Zumba class, I showed up on class day with a PG playlist. I began learning I was mistaken when I found out class would take place on the roof of their building. The confirming fact that this was going to be no conventional Zumba class was the guys getting lower than the girls during warm up. One was even repping a Crossfit tee.

This might sound super awkward, but it wasn't -not even for a minute. The enthusiasm and energy in the group seemed to overcome any inhibitions as they did all of the moves 100%. Everyone caught on quickly, almost oddly well, and we had some good laughs throughout the class. See below as they crush my "wild card" track, Nsync's "Bye, Bye, Bye".

 A positive and encouraging vibe radiated from the group, and they were jamming from beginning to end. I was pretty impressed with these guys who braved the chill of the wind on the roof during happy hour on a Monday in February.

Let’s be honest; this had the potential to be a bust. A speaker could've blown off the roof;(It was really that windy.) No one could've showed; or whoever did show could've had the "what-the-hell-is-this" attitude towards the Zumba class. We didn't lose any speakers or participants off the roof, and everyone's awesome attitude is what made the class a total blast.

I talk about the importance of doing things outside your comfort zone, but the experience with these guys on Monday gave me an additional perspective. Instead of defining the boundaries of your comfort zone, leave them undefined and limit less of what your comfortable with.  Therefore you can be more open to what you are actually comfortable with.  Perhaps sometimes we just need a little convincing and a little encouragement that we can be comfortable with something unconventional. That encouragement and convincing can come from yourself and others around you, and in this case, it was co-workers.

Don't underestimate the size and potential of your comfort zone. Good things happen can happen there, and better things can happen outside of it.

Thank you Advisory Board for having me and showing me how Too Fit you all are! Good luck in your "Winter Wellness Challenge"!

"All you need now is your courage"

At an altitude of about 8,000 feet, these were the final words from my tandem instructor after running through all of the steps of my first sky dive.

Two thousand feet higher, I was pushing Nick out of the plane for his solo free fall. The camera guy suggested we do this for fun. It was awesome, but I did get a little freaked out seeing him actually falling to earth. It was like something you see on a movie, and I thought, "Did I just do that?" I barely had any time to think about it, though, because what felt like 10 seconds later, my butt was outside of the plane. It is not everyday you get to push your boyfriend out of a moving aircraft and then jump out yourself, but I HIGHLY recommend you do it.

I am not going to say I wasn't nervous, but I was surprised at just how calm the calm before the storm actually was. 

The calm was the ride to our jumping altitude of 10,000 feet. The ride up to jumping altitude was smooth and beautiful. My girlfriends Lisa and Anna, Nick and I did our jumps at Blue Ridge Skydiving Adventures in New Market, VA. The drop zone is situated right in the Shenandoah Valley, so the views were spectacular, absolutely gorgeous, and distracting me from thinking too much about what I was actually doing. 

My tandem instructor's name was Larry. He was an older, hilarious, and badass guy. Pointing out various parts of the views and his funny jokes also helped keep me relaxed on the way up. He described skydiving as "The funnest thing you can do with your clothes on." Awesome!

The storm was the airplane door swinging open and the realization that you're going out of it. The storm continues with a rock forward and back on the edge of the airplane, and then, you go! When we jumped, I felt the most thrilling, beautiful, and peaceful rush of my life. There is nothing like it.

Free fall lasts for about 40 seconds at about 120 miles per hour. I was flying and loving it. Hello, world!

Five thousand five hundred feet was the magic number to deploy the chute. Larry gave me the option of trying to pull it myself, and I told him I wanted to give it a shot. (If I were too caught up in free fall, he was going to pull it regardless.) When he gave the sign to look at my altimeter, we were at seven thousand feet. I found the orange knob to pull the chute on Larry's hip, glued my hand there, and glued my eyes to the altimeter. I was pulling that damn thing. Five thousand five hundred feet, and PULL!

You jolt up a bit when your chute opens and then you drift up there for a bit. I think at that point my heart rate was the highest it's ever been in my life. I kept repeating, "Oh my gosh!" "Hell yeah!" and "Woooo!" Larry asked me how I felt and if I were up for doing some spins. I was. I remember feeling soreness in my cheeks and mouth at this point from smiling during the entire experience. Even still, I could not stop smiling. We went over some things for landing; I spotted Nick and the girls on the ground and we made our way back to earth. We stuck the landing, standing up. Yeah, I'm bragging. 

Back on earth, I was greeted by Nick and the girls. We were all elated and on cloud 9 after getting to jump of a plane. For myself and the girls, it was our first time. Nick is a bit of a pro with over 150 jumps (no big deal). As for Larry, he's no rookie, either. I was his 3,011th tandem jump. THAT'S a big deal! (I was naturally thrilled with this). After our jumps were rescheduled a few of times due to weather, this event was much anticipated and blew all of our expectations out of the water. 

We all kicked butt and couldn't seem to come down from the adrenaline kick - at least not until we had a big lunch and it was time to drive back. The girls and I were snooze city then. Sorry Nick!

Skydiving, for me, was truly life-changing. Yes, it was the rush of a lifetime. However, for the girls and I, our first time jumping out of a plane went beyond that. We talked about how we had butterflies and nerves but were never worried about our safety (ironically enough when jumping out of a plane). For the huge amount of excitement and thrill we experienced, it was met with the most peaceful and positive acceptance I've ever felt in my life. It was freeing. That is a combination I had never known to exist before, and I'm so glad I found it. 

I deem my first sky dive the first #Adventure day of La Too Fit. Life would be so boring without adventures, and I know there are many more unknown feelings and experiences out there. I'm curious about them and anxious to get them under my belt. I know I'm not alone in this either. 

I think fears exist to be conquered! If you're "too scared" you certainly can't be "Too Fit." No matter the extreme, go for it.Here's to living "Too Fit" and on the edge!

What's your next adventure?

Fit Fashion Friday: 10K Highlight

I shop for sneakers in the kids section.

Shamelessly, I might add. I usually like the styles better. They're more fun. I totally believe in doing anything you can to make running or any type of working out more fun! Also, the lower price is nice too. You're probably thinking that I must have teeny tiny feet, not the case. Women's sizes 7.5 - 8 = sizes 6 - 7 in kids sizes. And there you have it. I actually don't remember the last pair of kicks I bought from the women's section.

My new running shoes are no exception, although they are definitely my most outrageous pair. Therefore making them my favorite to date. These new kicks got some great attention at the race Sunday, and I have developed a new, deeper love for them. Not because of the other racers/spectators saying they liked them and remembered seeing them on the course. And not even because they carried me through my first 10k. Simply because this beautiful little peanut named Addison had the same pair.

It made my day to feel a little tap on my leg, and turn around to see her sticking out her shoe and saying "I like your sneakers." My heart smiled. 

Our sneakers match but she very clearly takes the cake with her hot pink outfit and rainbow tights. Addison was there enthusiastically rooting for her Dad who ran the 10k and she was a glowing little girl.

Waiting 6 days to share this was difficult. This encounter was surely one of the cutest I have had in a very long time. It was refreshing to have an "Aw Moment" like this, and it was too good not to share.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a "Too Fit" weekend!

"I think I am just in a coaching mood today!"

"When aren't you Dad?"

That was what went through my head during a conversation with my dad when I was having a hectic day. My dad has always coached me in everything, literally everything. From little kid sports to big-girl interviews, life dilemmas, and even some break ups. 
This hectic day was no different, and I was glad I had my coach: who even on his 51st birthday would talk his daughter off the ledge while she overreacts about a dentist appointment. Happy birthday Dad!!

This got me thinking: everyone needs a coach. Actually, we need many coaches for many different things. When I say a coach, I don't just mean a mentor or an expert on dealing with certain situations. I mean someone who knows you, knows your goals and knows how important they are to you. A Coach who isn't only there when you think you need something. Instead they give you something you may not think you need. Whether that may be a swift kick in the rear or a hug. 

Personally, there are so many crazy things in my mind and in my life that I know I need coaching in (and more I don't know). I feel like that has to be true for everyone, right? Therefore, it's impossible to have one single person as a coach. For example,  my roomies and I take the same gym class on Tuesday mornings. When I hit snooze on my alarm because I don't want to wake up and then hear my roommates up and about, well, then it's go time. They're coaching me, and I am coaching them.

We have more obvious people in our lives as coaches - bosses, mentors, personal trainers, and even ZUMBA instructors or bloggers. (See what I did there?). The key here is to maximize how much you can improve yourself as they coach you. At basketball camps, I always got the "most improved" award, and it would piss me off. Dad would then explain to me how important being coachable is, in basketball and in life. I think I'm getting it now.

We need to make ourselves more coachable and let the connections we have with those around us resonate within us in a deeper, more purposeful way. Maximize your relationships by not only getting all you can out of them, but by truly giving it all as well. You may need a ton of coaching, but just think of your "crazy" friend who probably needs even more. (We all have one of those.)

Face it, kids, we're all high maintenance! But we're all in this together, and if you feel like you don't have a "coach," you're wrong. Check out this video from one of my all time favorite flicks, and substitute "moving buddy" for coach. Don't be dinosaur, guys.

Olympic Attitude

The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics is a spectacular display of athleticism.

That is inevitably the case with any of the Olympics. It never loses its luster when we consider what these athletes devote 100% of themselves): representing their country by kicking butt in their sport(s). It's bad ass.

As spectators, we admire their super human abilities and can't begin to fathom what they put their bodies through to get there. We root for the U.S.A. but can't help being completely in awe of everyone there. They are, after all, the best athletes in the world.

While admiring the athleticism, I can't help but take note of the attitudes of the athletes and the vibes of the different events. For instance:

• In some cases we see a Ricky Bobby philosophy with athletes/certain events: "You ain't first you’re last." It is a cut-throat, winner-take-all – and – screw-the-competition attitude.
• In other cases, we see a more supportive and grateful vibe. It's clear that the athletes are in it to win it, but they, too, enjoy being in awe of their competitors' accomplishments. 

As a (probably overly) competitive person, I definitely understand the first case. It's the Olympics; you've come this far; you have given everything; and you want that medal. However, the second case is what I think makes the Olympics so special - and worth watching.

I get being pissed if you don't perform as well as you would like. I used to cry at dance competitions if I didn't win the top award in everything, and I took the Bruin's losing the Stanley Cup last year really hard. And oh! Don't ever bring up the Patriots vs. Giants Super Bowl in 08.

At the Olympic level, you are already amongst the best in the world, and I feel that is enough to at least enjoy. It's beyond cool to see other competitors root for each other, almost as if they're on the same team. In these instances, confidence radiates throughout the event as a whole. That, to me, is an "Olympic attitude.”

This "Olympic attitude” is something we need more of in our world. We should be happy for others when good things happen or when something is accomplished, big or small. Everyday we wake up, we should feel just as grateful to be getting out of our own beds as those athletes who are in Sochi. Instead of looking at others' accomplishments competitively, let them feed us and steer us in the direction of our own accomplishments. Almost everything in the world is bigger and better than we are, and I believe there is gratification in finding true appreciation for that.

 None of us have the same abilities or goals, and not everyone even likes each other. But the fact is that we ARE all in this together.

How we feel largely comes from our attitude, not the reverse. An "Olympic attitude" is a huge aspect of living "Too Fit". What changes can you make?

10k Race Recap

This past Sunday, a little before 9am I crossed the finish line at the George Washington Birthday Celebration 10K in Alexandria, VA. 

And the thirty seconds right before that were the coolest I have had in a very long time: seconds to beating my goal, my fans yelling, and I "dropped the hammer".

I was shooting for a time of 53:00, and I crossed around 52:50. My official time ended up being 52:32 (from the exact time I crossed the starting line to my exact finish).

It was beyond awesome, and while the finish was obviously big for me, I can genuinely say that I enjoyed running the entire 6.2 miles. 

Highlights

My Outfit: My "I Run For Boston" tank was a surprise gift sent from one of my best friends from home (Thank you Theen!!). 

I loved wearing this not only because of my soft spot for Beantown and all my peeps up there, but also because it made me super easy to spot on the course! Not to mention my killer running sneaks! 

Other Runners: I was pretty nervous about running with so many other people, but as the race got going this part grew on me. It was cool to be out there with so many different people, all trying to do the same thing at the same time. Over 700 of us just trying to get through our 6.2 miles. A few in particular stuck out in my brain.

• I saw a couple running together, each pushing a baby stroller and basically not using their arms to run - impressive AND adorable.
• A little over halfway through the course, I was super focused and looking straight ahead until I heard a mans voice yell, "Look out!" In the midst of my focus, I was headed straight for a patch of ice that likely would've landed me on my butt. Needless to say, I was grateful he jolted me from my "zone" before that patch of ice did. It was a small thing, but it was a cool feeling knowing someone on the course, a complete stranger mind you, had looked out for me.
• A man was juggling while running his race, not like 2-3 balls either. I want to say he was juggling 6 while running. How in the world?!
• Approaching the finish, I was neck and neck with another female runner. We both "dropped the hammer" at the same time. It was the only part of the run I felt I was in a "race," and being pretty competitive, this definitely helped my final kick to the finish.

My "Good Luck" Charm: I ran with a coin Dad gave me when I moved to D.C. It's one of those flattened touristy type ones, (he got it/made it at a rest stop on the Jersey Turnpike on moving day) and it has "Good Luck" inscribed on it. Throughout the race I couldn't really feel it in my shoe -except for when I'd slow down. Then the coin would shoot to the front of my toes and hit my shoe, almost kicking me to pick up the pace, which is exactly what Dad would do.

My Fans: It was a cold Sunday morning, before 9AM,and they were screaming at me as I crossed the finish line. It meant more than I can say! One in particular had been especially helpful in training and overall my biggest support. I am very thankful and was very excited to see him at mile 4, standing on his bike in the middle of the course holding this sign-->

Of course I heard from my Mom up in Massachusetts in the morning of and many others wished me good luck from near and afar (thanks guys!). 

And then, of course, I was all smiles when it came time for finish line hugs! Do I not have total BABES for fans?!

It was a fantastic day and experience altogether! I GREATLY encourage anyone and everyone to try a race! The distance or intensity doesn't matter (especially not for your first one), but the overall energy of participating is pretty amazing and a total blast! 
For races in the D.C area click here & keep me in the loop if you sign up for any. We can be a team!

Here's to conquering my first 10K and to your first race!

2/16/2014 George Washington Birthday Classic 10k