It’s funny hearing the words “You are officially a runner”. As a friend of mine said that the other day, I looked around in disbelief and thought she couldn’t possibly be talking to me… but SHE WAS! And boy was it good to hear. I’ve always wanted to be a runner, or at least run in a small race. Nothing big, just a Disney Race so that I can wear a cute tutu. Or one of the local Wine and Chocolate 5k’s so there’s a delicious treat at the end. But I ended up doing so much more than that. I completed the Gate River Run 15k this past March. The Gate River Run is the largest 15k in the United States!
I’ve never been one to set goals or make New Year’s Resolutions, but this year I decided I was going to give my all into getting my life and health together. I started with eating clean consistently and completing the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. I absolutely love Advocare and have taken the Challenge 3 times. It is how I lost most of my baby weight and what taught me how to eat clean. However, this time around I decided to include 6 of my closest family and friends. Under my guidance this group lost over 80 pounds. While they were thankful to me for assisting them in fulfilling some of their personal goals, I was thankful for them the most. Seeing them so successful encouraged me. At this point, I had no excuses. I personally lost weight and inches from the Challenge, I gained an enormous amount of energy because I was finally eating right and realized that if I can help others reach their goal I was strong enough to reach my own.
Slowly but surely I started running. Just a little each morning before my Ship Shape Boot Camp class started. 1/2 a mile was a struggle but I was determined to push through. I decided that I would increase by ½ a mile each week. After 3 weeks I was up to 1½ miles and hit a plateau. Luckily, I have a wonderful group of boot camp friends who knew my struggle, gave me tips and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, which was exactly what I needed. I also have an amazing, encouraging, and supportive husband who started running with me whenever I wanted to. So once again, I had no excuses. After about 5 weeks, I decided I was going to sign up for my 1st race, The Gate River Run.
Finishing that race, gave me the most accomplished feeling I have ever felt. Knowing that I completed a goal that I’ve had since high school is still astounding to me. But that was just the beginning! You see, you never know who is watching. As a result, I have helped so many others reach health and weight loss goals through Advocare. I recently earned a spot as an Advocare Advisor. I continue to run 3 times a week and have signed up for my next race. I’ve been an example to my 5 year old daughter who loves to yell “girls rock” when she’s accomplishing her personal goals. I’ve helped and encouraged others to take on a Clean Eating Lifestyle. But most importantly I feel the best that I’ve ever felt in my life, healthy, strong, energetic and young.
I said all of this to say that you can do it!! Whatever your goal is, go for it and keep going until it is achieved.
Follow my hashtag #crossingofffitnessgoalslikeaboss to see my journey. Or contact me for more info about Advocare. www.Advocare.com/150714682
Written By:
Kimberly Gilley
Sporty Momma of 2
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