Nathan & Linnley

The Power of One Word: WHY

2015-09-14T18:09:00.001-06:00

Two weeks ago I was asked to speak at a Running Group in Tucson Az. After much thought they asked me to speak on why I run. Wow. That sounds simple right? Wrong. On the surface it’s a simple answer right now, for fitness. Honestly though, think about it. Why?

Now apply this to your life: Why do you do the things you do? Why do you wish for certain things? Why do you wake up when you do? Why do you do things the way you do? I promise you there is a big answer there that we just haven’t truly thought about, and this is what this simple yet significant question brought to my attention.

Well, what’s my answer then? This goes back to when I was 6 years old, when I ran my first 5k with my dad. I did it because my hero did it. Then it morphed when I was 15 years old because it was a part of a triathlon. If I wanted to compete and be any good I needed to train and run. From there it changed again, only this time it wasn’t so simple or healthy, I ran to lose weight, to be thin, to push myself even harder, because I had an eating disorder. I ran to escape my feelings of not feeling good enough, I ran as a torture for myself for the food that I ate. Ugh, but I ran myself sick.

I was running to a point in where it was to punish myself because I hadn’t found a positive relationship with myself, with food or what I did. I needed help. Fortunately I got the help I needed. After years of work and continual work now, I transitioned to run to compete again. I competed because I could, because I wanted to and I loved the elation of accomplishment and comradery it brought.

Fast forward years later I still run for competition, but not as much as I had 4 years previous, I now run because simply I love it. Running has been my therapy, it has been my companion, brought me a sense of identity but also a family and community away from family. Running has brought be so close to so many people and wonderful connections in my life I can’t imagine not having.

My relationship with myself, my mind, food and physical activity is so much more balanced after having gone through all that I have. In 20 years my purpose for running has changed, and it has changed me. I run simply because I love it.

Now think about your life. Why don’t you? Or why do you do things? Are you doing things because you love it, because you love yourself OR because you are torturing yourself? I ran for a good part of 6 years to torture myself, but that didn’t bring me peace or love, only heartache. Do what you do because you love who you are because of it.

Thanks to the Goatographer

What is in your food?

2015-01-20T13:09:00.000-07:00


Nutrient - Daily Amount Needed	Information		Fruit Sources	Vegetable Sources	Nut/Grain Sources	Meat/Protein Sources	Legume Sources
Vitamin A 10,000 IU/day (plant-derived) for adult males. 8,000 for adult females - 12,000 if lactating. 4,000 for children ages 1-3 5,000 for children ages 4-6 7,000 for children ages 7-10	Vitamin A helps cell reproduction. It also stimulates immunity and is needed for formation of some hormones. Vitamin A helps vision and promotes bone growth, tooth development, and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and retinol are all versions of Vitamin A.		Most fruits contain vitamin A, but the following fruits have a significant amount: Cantaloupes Grapefruit Guava Mango Papaya Passionfruit Tomatoes Watermelon	Amaranth Leaves Bok Choy Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Butternut Squash Carrots Chinese Broccoli Chinese Cabbage Kale Leeks Peas Pumpkin Rapini Spinach Squash - summer Squash - winter Sweet Potato Swiss Chard	Chestnuts Pecans Pistachios	Cheddar Cheese Cream Cheese Cows Milk Whipping Cream Eggs Tuna Goat Milk Goat Cheese Sour Cream	Most legumes do not contain a significant amount of Vitamin A
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 1.2 mg for adult males and 1.1 mg for women - 1.5 mg if lactating. Children need .6 to .9 mg of B1/thiamine per day.	Vitamin B1/thiamine is important in the production of energy. It helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Not getting enough thiamine can leave one fatigued and weak. Note: Most fruits and vegetables are not a significant source of thiamine.		Avocado Boysenberries Breadfruit Cherimoya Dates Grapes Grapefruit Guava Loganberries Mango Orange Pineapple Pomegranate Watermelon	Asparagus Brussels Sprouts Butternut Squash Corn French Beans Lima Beans Okra Parsnips Peas Potatoes Spirulina Sweet Potato	Brazil Nuts Buckwheat Cashews Chestnuts Flax Seed Filberts/Hazelnuts Macadamia Nuts Millet Oats Peanuts Pecans Pine Nuts/Pignolias Pistachios Quinoa Rice Brown Rye Spelt Wheat - Durum Wheat - Hard Red Wheat - Hard White	Beef Cows Milk Catfish Herring Salmon Tuna Goat Milk Pork Soy Beans Soy Milk Lowfat Yogurt Roast Duck Bacon Pork Sausage Ground Chicken	Black Beans Black Eye Peas Kidney Beans Navy Beans White Beans Winged Beans
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1.3 mg for adult males and 1.1 mg for women - 1.5 mg if pregnant/lactating. Children need .6 to .9 mg of B2/riboflavin per day.	Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is important for body growth, reproduction and red cell production. It also helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates.		Avocado Banana Cherimoya Dates Grapes Lychee Mango Mulberries Passion Fruit Pomegranate Prickly Pear	Amaranth Leaves Artichoke Asparagus Bok Choy Brussels Sprouts Chinese Broccoli French Beans Lima Beans Mushrooms Peas Pumpkin Spirulina Squash - winter Sweet Potato Swiss Chard	Almonds Buckwheat Chestnuts Oats Quinoa Rye Wheat - Durum Wheat - Hard Red Wheat - Hard White	Beef Cheddar Cheese Cottage Cheese Chicken (dark meat) Eggs Caviar Herring Pollock Salmon Sardines Tuna Goat Milk Goat Cheese Lamb Pork Soy Beans Soy Milk Turkey Breast Turkey Bacon Veal Yogurt Sour Cream Turkey Leg Lowfat Yogurt Roast Duck Hamburger Beef Sausage Ground Turkey Ground Chicken	Adzuki Beans Fava Beans Edamame Garbanzo Beans Mung Beans Navy Beans Pinto Beans Soy Beans Winged Beans
Vitamin B3 (niacin) 16 mg for adult males and 14 mg for women - 17-18 mg if pregnant/lactating. Children need 9 - 16 mg of niacin per day.	Niacin assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy.		Avocado Boysenberries Breadfruit Cherimoya Dates Guava Loganberries Lychee Mango Nectarine Passion Fruit Peach	Artichoke Butternut Squash Corn Mushrooms Okra Parsnip Peas Potatoes Pumpkin Spirulina Spaghetti Squash Squash - winter Sweet Potato	Barley Buckwheat Peanuts Rye Spelt Sunflower Seeds Wheat - Durum Wheat - Hard Red Wheat - Hard White	Beef Chicken Breast Chicken (dark meat) Anchovies Catfish Cod Herring Perch Pollock Salmon Sardines Tuna Lamb Pork Turkey Breast Turkey Bacon Veal Turkey Leg Hot Dog (Turkey) Roast Duck Hamburger Bacon Pork Sausage Beef Sausage Ground Turkey Ground Chicken	Adzuki Beans Fava Beans Edamame Pigeon Beans Split Peas Soy Beans Winged Beans
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) 5 mg for adults and 6 - 7 mg for women who are pregnant or lactating. Children need 2 - 4 mg of pantothenic acid per day.	Pantothenic acid is essential for the metabolism of food as well as in the formation of hormones and (good) cholesterol.		Avocado Black Currants Breadfruit Cherimoya Dates Gooseberries Grapefruit Guava Pomegranate Raspberries Starfruit Watermelon	Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Butternut Squash Corn French Beans Mushrooms Okra Parsnip Potatoes Pumpkin Spirulina Spaghetti Squash Squash - summer Squash - winter Sweet Potato	Buckwheat Chestnuts Oats Rye Sunflower Seeds Wheat - Durum Wheat - Hard Red Wheat - Hard White	Beef Chicken Breast Chicken (dark meat) Cows Milk Eggs Catfish Caviar Herring Perch Salmon Sardines Tuna Goat Milk Lamb Pork Soy Milk Turkey Breast Veal Yogurt Turkey Leg Lowfat Yogurt Roast Duck Hamburger Beef Sausage Ground Turkey Ground Chicken	Adzuki Beans Black Eye Peas Edamame Lima Beans Mung Beans Soy Beans Split Peas
Vitamin B6 (pryidoxine) 1.3 to 1.7 mg for adults - 2 mg for women who are pregnant or lactating. Children need between 0.6 to 1.3 mg B6 per day.	B6 plays a role in the creation of antibodies in the immune system. It helps maintain normal nerve function and acts in the formation of red blood cells. It is also required for the chemical reactions of proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more need there is for vitamin B6. Too little B6 in the diet can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, irritability and convulsions.		Avocado Banana Breadfruit Cherimoya Dates Gooseberries Grapes Guava Lychee Mango Passion Fruit Pineapple Pomegranate Watermelon	Amaranth Leaves Bok Choy Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Butternut Squash Celeriac Corn French Beans Green Pepper Kale Lima Beans Okra Peas Potatoes Spirulina Spaghetti Squash Squash - winter Sweet Potato Taro	Chestnuts Filberts/Hazelnuts Pistachios Pumpkin Seeds Rice Brown Rye Sunflower Seeds Walnuts Wheat - Durum Wheat - Hard Red Wheat - Hard White	Chicken Breast Chicken (dark meat) Catfish Cod Herring Pollock Salmon Sardines Tuna Pork Soy Beans Soy Milk Turkey Breast Turkey Bacon Veal Turkey Leg Roast Duck Hamburger Beef Sausage Ground Turkey Ground Chicken	Black Eye Peas Edamame Garbanzo Beans Kidney Beans Lima Beans Navy Beans Pinto Beans Soy Beans White Beans
Vitamin B9 (folate/folic acid) At least 400 mcgs for most adults - pregnant women 600 mcgs and breastfeeding women should get at least 500 mcgs. Children need between 150 to 300 mcg per day.	Folate and folic acid are both forms of B9. Folate occurs naturally in fresh foods, whereas folic acid is the synthetic form found in supplements. Your body needs folate to produce red blood cells, as well as components of the nervous system.		Avocado Blackberries Boysenberries Breadfruit Cherimoya Dates Guava Loganberries Lychee Mango Orange Papaya Passionfruit Pineapple Pomegranate Raspberries Strawberries	Amaranth Leaves Artichoke Asparagus Beetroot Bok Choy Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Chinese Broccoli Chinese Cabbage French Beans Lima Beans Okra Parsnip Peas Potatoes Spinach Spirulina Squash - summer Squash - winter	Buckwheat Chestnuts Filberts/Hazelnuts Oats Peanuts Quinoa Rye Sunflower Seeds Wheat - Durum Wheat - Hard Red Wheat - Hard White	Cheddar Cheese Eggs Salmon Lamb Soy Beans Soy Milk Lowfat Yogurt Beef Jerky	Most legumes are good sources of Folate but these are very good sources: Black Eye Peas Edamame Soy Beans
Vitamin B12 2.4 mcg for adults and 2.6 - 2.8 mcg for women who are pregnant or lactating. Children need 0.9 - 2.4 mcg per day.	Like the other B vitamins, vitamin B12 is important for metabolism. It helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system. Vitamin B12 is the one vitamin that is available only from fish, poultry, meat or dairy sources in food.		None	None	No nuts contain a significant amount of vitamin B12.	Beef Cheddar Cheese Cottage Cheese Cows Milk Eggs Catfish Caviar Cod Herring Perch Pollock Salmon Sardines Tuna Lamb Pork Veal Yogurt Lowfat Yogurt Hamburger Beef Sausage Hot Dog (Beef) Ground Chicken	Legumes do not contain a significant amount of vitamin B12.
Vitamin C 60 mg for adults - 70 mg for women who are pregnant and 95 for those lactating. Children need between 45 and 50 mg	Vitamin C is one of the most important of all vitamins. It plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. Antioxidants act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism.		Black Currants Breadfruit Grapefruit Guava Kiwi Lychee Mango Mulberries Orange Papaya Passionfruit Pineapple Strawberries	Amaranth Leaves Bok Choy Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Butternut Squash Green Pepper Kale Swiss Chard	Other than Chestnuts, most nuts do not contain a significant amount of vitamin C.	Cod Perch Goat Milk Soy Beans Lowfat Yogurt	Other thanEdamame, most legumes do not contain a significant amount of vitamin C.
Vitamin D 5 mcg (200 iu) for most adults. Between 50 - 70 yrs 10 mcg (400 iu), and after 70 15 mcg (600 iu). Children need about 5 mcg (200 iu)/day.	Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin" since it is manufactured by the body after being exposed to sunshine. Ten to fifteen minutes of good sunshine three times weekly is adequate to produce the body's requirement of vitamin D.		None	Mushrooms	No nuts contain a significant amount of vitamin D.	Beef Cheddar Cheese Cream Cheese Chicken Breast Cows Milk Whipping Cream Eggs Anchovies Caviar Cod Herring Sardines Goat Cheese Turkey Bacon Yogurt Sour Cream Hot Dog (Turkey) Hamburger Bacon Pork Sausage Beef Sausage Hot Dog (Beef) Ground Turkey	Legumes do not contain a significant amount of vitamin D.
Vitamin E 30 IU for most adults. Children need between 6-11 mg/day. (1 IU is equal to approximately .75 mg) Note: some researchers and medical experts believe that with all of the positive studies using higher doses of vitamin E, this daily recommended intake is not high enough.	Like vitamin C, vitamin E plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. It is important in the formation of red blood cells and the use of vitamin K. Many women also use it to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and mothers use it to help heal minor wounds without scarring, as it is valued for its ability to soothe and heal broken or stressed skin tissue.	Avocado Blackberries Black Currants Blueberries Boysenberries Breadfruit Cranberries Guava Kiwi Loganberries Mango Mulberries Nectarine Papaya Peach Pomegranate Raspberries		Butternut Squash Parsnip Potatoes Pumpkin Spirulina Swiss Chard Taro	Almonds Filberts/Hazelnuts Pine Nuts/Pignolias Sunflower Seeds	Eggs Herring Sardines Turkey Bacon	Edamame Pinto Beans
Vitamin K 70-80 micrograms/day for adult males, 60-65 micrograms per day for adult females. Children need about half the amount, depending on age.	Vitamin K is fat soluble and plays a critical role in blood clotting. It regulates blood calcium levels and activates at least 3 proteins involved in bone health.		Avocado Blackberries Blueberries Boysenberries Chinese Pear Cranberries Grapes Kiwi Loganberries Mango Mulberries Pear Plum Pomegranate Raspberries Tomatoes	Alfalfa, sprouted Artichoke Asparagus Bok Choy Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Chinese Broccoli Cucumber Kale Leeks Okra Peas Rapini Spinach Spirulina Squash - winter Swiss Chard	Cashews Chestnuts Filberts/Hazelnuts Pine Nuts/Pignolias Pistachios Rye	Beef Cheddar Cheese Eggs Anchovies Lamb Soy Milk Turkey Bacon Turkey Leg Roast Duck	Edamame Kidney Beans Split Peas

Shakeology- What's in it?

2015-01-07T16:43:00.003-07:00

Shakeology is a great meal replacement or snack. We drink it for breakfast and it's enough for me, Nathan usually has yogurt or oatmeal along with it. Depending on your fitness goals, and daily caloric need you could add this into your daily ritual.

I have been drinking protein shakes for breakfast for the last 13-14 years. First started with the powder and water mixed up and just chugging the nasty stuff, eventually I realized mixing water AND milk made it taste better. It wasn't until years later that I discovered you can add stuff to it like berries, bananas, peanut butter, or spinach to make it taste a whole lot better and good for you.

Now that I have tried tons of different protein powders I feel like I am a bit of a snob when it comes to this stuff, I have requirements for my powders. I want chocolate, vanilla is too sweet and other flavors just taste fake, but chocolate I just can't go wrong. It must taste creamy not chalky. Consistency and flavor are HUGE! I don't like it super runny, that takes me back to my chugging days of just getting it down. I have learned that food is good and can be enjoyed.

Another requrement of mine is that it shouldn't have crap and chemicals in it, I want FOOD and good for me stuff. That is what I have found with Shakeology. It tastes good, it's creamy, thicker, and it's the healthiest meal of the day. It's so good for me and makes me feel good!

So what's in it?

Protein and Essential Amino Acids to help build muscle and reduce food cravings*

Help build and repair muscles
Reduce hunger and food cravings
Promote healthy skin, hair, and nails
Chocolate and Greenberry Shakeology include whey protein isolate, an easily absorbable source of high-quality protein that's ideal for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. Tropical Strawberry and Vegan Chocolate include high-quality plant proteins from brown rice, pea and other sources. Essential amino acids, found in these proteins, help the body repair muscle tissue and heal wounds; and reduce hunger pangs. The protein in all Shakeology products provides a highly bioavailable source of essential amino acids.

Prebiotics, Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes, which aid in improving digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption*

Aids digestion
Support a healthy intestinal tract
Increase absorption of nutrients
Shakeology contains many ingredients that are beneficial to the digestive system.
Prebiotics, natural components of certain plants, help support the "friendly" bacteria in your digestive tract.
Probiotics are strains of live good bacteria that help with the digestive process. They assist the body in absorbing nutrients and minerals, bring an overall balance to the digestive tract, and help support the immune system.
Digestive enzymes, from sources such as pineapples and papayas, help your body break down food into its individual components, making the nutrients easier to absorb.

Adaptogens

Help promote a strong immune system
Help increase energy
Help protect the body from stress
Help balance endocrine hormones and the immune system
Adaptogens are special herbs that grow in harsh climates and conditions, at high elevations, atop mountains where the soil is rocky and oxygen in the air is thin. Because these plants have to adapt to harsh conditions, they have highly concentrated nutrients that can help your body cope with stress, provide energy, and maintain a strong immune system. Shakeology has a total of 9 adaptogens. Which is more than any other shake out there.

Antioxidants and phytonutrients (plant-sourced ingredients) may help maintain health*

Help neutralize harmful free radicals
Help decrease inflammation
Help maintain the immune system
Potentially decrease the risk of degenerative diseases
Many of Shakeology's fruit and vegetable sources have been chosen for their high concentration of healthy natural substances known as phytonutrients, including flavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins, and catechins. These substances have antioxidant properties, meaning they help neutralize molecules known as free radicals, which damage cells and may contribute to the aging process. In laboratory tests, phytonutrients have shown promise in helping prevent a wide variety of degenerative conditions.

23 Vitamins and Minerals your body needs to function for optimal health*

Get a wide range of essential nutrients
Get your necessary vitamins every day
Make up for dietary deficiencies
Most of us don't get the complete range of essential vitamins and minerals in our daily diets. Some important vitamins, such as vitamin C and the B vitamins, are water-soluble, meaning they're flushed out of your body after a short time and need to be replenished regularly. Others, like vitamin E, can be difficult to get enough of in food. Shakeology Chocolate and Greenberry provide all these nutrients in an easy-to-take form, so you never have to worry. (Tropical Strawberry and Vegan Chocolate do not have the vitamin and mineral ingredients added.)
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Warning: Processed in a facility that also processes soy, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, fish and shellfish. This product should be used as a dietary supplement only. Those with medical concerns should consult their physician prior to using this or any other dietary supplement

The Holidays!

2014-11-17T11:55:00.004-07:00

It's that time of year where we start to bundle up, wear baggy sweaters, bring out the sweats and cuddle up to some hot chocolate and sweet treats! Am I right??

It all sounds so nice, especially while I am sitting here at work, but it's also that time of year where the average person gains 7 lbs, then comes the guilt at the New Year. We all sign up for a gym membership that we never use then swear that we'll be better next year. Well, it doesn't have to be that way! I promise!

There is no better time to start that work out program or to eat clean than right now! You don't have to wait until tomorrow, why not start today and eat better the rest of the day? Didn't work out this morning, why not tonight?

If it's something you really want to make happen, you WILL make it happen. NO MORE EXCUSES! Don't let go just because it's Thanksgiving next week or because someone at the office brought treats, you know you don't have to eat them, right? If you want to splurge on Thanksgiving, DO! But eat smart the rest of the week and go for a walk, stop by the gym, do some stretched before bed and when you wake up. If you move a little more you'll feel a little better and as you do more, you'll want to do more and put more effort into it.

It's supposed to be FUN!

If you don't know what to do or where to start, that's where I come in :) I LOVE THIS STUFF!!! I am happy to go walking with you, Reese loves to go to the park or walk. Want some motivation, let me know and we'll work it out!

I WANT TO HELP YOU! I don't work out just for myself, I do it because I love it and I want to motivate others. I really do love it, and I want to help you love it :)

Let's start this week to make and reach your fitness goals.

Fitness and Food!

2014-10-28T16:08:00.001-06:00

Fitness, being fit, working out, and being active is what I am all about. I have found so much success in my life as I have continued to be active and make my health a priority in my life. Many people have looked at what I do (the many marathons, hours training, triathlons, weight lifting, etc) and think I am NUTS! Well, I guess I am, because I love it. Here is my WHY:

I love being active because it gives me energy. What? Working out is supposed to make you tired though? Well, yes and no. When I exercise regularly I have more energy and motivation in my day to accomplish everything on my To Do list, but at the end of the day I am exhausted and I sleep well.

I love being active because I feel good. Not only does it help me feel good physically, have energy and feel strong, but I also feel good about myself. When I exercise I have accomplished something, that goal for the day is done and I can feel a sense of accomplishment. Feeling good about myself helps me to be happy and to be a happier, and better wife.

I love being active because I can involve my family. By running and walking daily I get my time out with Reese and doing what we both love. We get to go to the park and play, I get to chase her and she chase me. Nothing is better than being able to keep up with the little ones. Although I don't have children, Reese is my child I get to play at the park with, chase around, and try to drain her energy so we can cuddle at the end of the day. Being active has brought new activities that Nathan and I can enjoy together. We can go for runs, bike rides, hiking and fishing. We can enjoy each others favorite activities and find new ones to do together.

I love being active because I get to really enjoy life. I have the freedom to eat that cupcake I've been craving and NOT feel guilty. Yes, if I eat the whole box I will, but portioning it right I can enjoy it and not regret it. I can enjoy the simple things of life, the sun rises and sun sets, the beauty all around me and do what I love.

Why do you like to be active? Have you not yet found your why? Are you looking for a new way to find joy in exercise?

I would LOVE to help you find activities you love to do, because nothing can beat the enjoyment of a workout so it doesn't feel like work.

Simple Recipes

2014-10-28T16:07:00.000-06:00

I am not the greatest cook. I love to bake, that is where I am more comfortable, however, I can't just eat pastries all the time. Cooking with spices really intimidates me, and I am trying to be better with it. Any tips as to how I can get more comfortable with it?

Using hot sauce, soy sauce and/ or peanut butter is a sure easy way to mix up a stir fry. If you cut up a variety of veggies (peppers, carrots, brussel sprouts, broccoli, squash, peas) and mix up a sauce it's an easy meal you can eat on lettuce or rice.

Lemon and lemon pepper, or blackened seasoning is great on Salmon or Tilapia. Cook the fish in the oven separate from some veggies and roast them with olive oil, garlic and some salt and pepper. Yum!

Ground turkey with a variety of veggies (peppers, carrots, brussel sprouts, broccoli, squash, peas) cooked in olive oil with garlic and blackened seasoning with a little cheese and avocado sprinkled on top. You could also add rice or beans to it too.

Making dinner doesn't have to be difficult, it can be fun and creative and done in one pan. I will try some more recipes soon!

Team BeachBody

2014-10-28T11:24:00.002-06:00

I am now an Independent Coach for Team BeachBody. Which means I am sort of starting my own entity of business under Team Beachbody.

What is Beachbody? Well, have you heard of P90X, Insanity or Brazilian Butt Lift? Those work out programs are all apart of Team Beachbody. There are so many work out programs that they have and I am really excited for the potential to coach people to reach their fitness goals using the resources from Beachbody, and from my own experiences. I also hope to help other people who are also interested in becoming a coach find their way to get signed up and started on the fitness path.

Nathan and I did Insanity a few years back and as some may remember reading about Nathan's blog post about his experience. He had amazing results. Seriously amazing!! He lost about 30 lbs in just 60 days and he felt so good. He has been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and is now running more than he ever thought he could handle. We still do the occasional Insanity work out to keep it up, but this summer we decided to also add T25 works outs in there too. They are high intensity work outs for 25 minutes. There is no need to have to spend hours and hours working out. It's important to start small with the time you have and if you enjoy it you can make more time.

I have found that doing these work out programs have helped me to stay on track when I am not training for a race, and to enjoy working out at home, when I can't go out. The T25 work outs are awesome! I felt more like I was dancing around than actually working out, it's fun to do.

This upcoming week I will be getting my PiYo in the mail and I CAN'T wait to get started on those work outs! I like yoga and Pilates but I just don't have time or the patience to go to a studio, so with PiYo I can do it at home and the work outs are a little more up beat yet I'll get the same benefits. I can't wait to track my progress.

I am going to be doing a challenge soon as the Holiday season comes upon us! So stay tuned for details on it :)

Nathan's family has also had so much success with P90X and Insanity. I hope that I can eventually share their success and the success of others on my blog!

If you have ANY questions about the programs, how to get involved or just about anything let me know! I'd love to answer your questions.

If you want to see what BeachBody is all about check out my website for the work out programs as well as shakeology:

www.beachbodycoach.com/LINNSWEENEY

http://www.shakeology.com/linnsweeney

Reese

2014-10-21T16:42:00.001-06:00

Our little Reese isn't so little anymore, she has grown up and is such a huge part of our family! We absolutely love having her. Nothing is better than getting home from work (especially a bad day) and having her greet me with the love that she does.

Here are a few things about Reese:

She knows her best friends names! If you say Prea or Zoey she will freak out until she can play with them. I usually don't tell her we are going until we are on our way. She also know's Grandma too.

Reese loves Mommy Reese cuddle time in the afternoons. After I get home from work put my stuff down I tell her it's cuddle time and she runs to my room jumps on my bed with her head at my pillow and we cuddle for about 5 minutes while I rub her belly. She is so loving!

She likes to fall asleep with me at night and crawls under our bed when Nathan comes in for bed.

After she gets a bath she runs around like a crazy girl, it's like it gives her a super burst of energy.

She eats when we eat or only after she has had her daily exercise.

She bites her lip a lot, it's my favorite look! So funny. (I'll try and get a picture up).

Reese would rather run than walk, and her favorite thing to do is play fetch.

Reese nearly drown her first time swimming, but with lots of practice and watching other dogs she is now a pro!

Reese isn't just our dog, but she is our family. I absolutely love her and the addition she has brought to our family. She bring peace, love and fun into our home and we love playing with her.

Reese is extra spoiled by daddy. Nathan loves to give her treats, but she has to earn the treats with doing lots of tricks.

She is super smart, and almost too smart for her own good.

She loves to ride in the car! Best road trip buddy!

Dormant...

2014-09-10T11:39:00.002-06:00

Well, it's been ages since I last wrote, and I was told by a little birdie (Nathan) that I should start updating again. Here is a quick little update of what is going on and I will try to catch up and post more later.

Reese is the joy of our lives! She is absolutely the best companion I could have asked for. We run together pretty much daily, play fetch, hide and seek around the house, run errands, and cuddle (lots and lots of cuddles). She will be two years old in just a few weeks! She is just about 100 lbs of love. Reese is super obedient, she doesn't like men so much, loves all females, loves treats, and she loves to eat fruits and veggies. Coming home at the end of the work day to be greeted by her is the best thing ever, I love her loves and enthusiasm for life.

Nathan is working so hard on his PhD at the University of Arizona in the Cancer Biology program. He has started his 3rd year of grad school and enjoying his work. In the next few months he will be finishing up his preliminary exams and moving onto just doing research. He is officially done with classes and homework, now it's just staying up with the research and writing a lot. He has been running a lot, I am super proud of him. Nathan could run a half marathon anytime if he wants to because that's just how well he has been training. He has recently started fishing on Saturday mornings, no fish to report yet. Nathan is busy but doing great!

Linnley, well I am busy trying to keep my head on and support Nathan the best I can and make sure Reese doesn't have too much energy at the end of the day. I am loving that Nathan is doing what he enjoys, and that I get to spend my afternoons with Reese. Work is work. I am still teaching Sex Education in the Middle and High Schools around Tucson, it makes for very interesting stories at the end of the day. Last December I got my Personal Training Certification so I've been looking for a great job that would mesh with my personality and passion for training people. I am training for marathon #10, which will be the St. George Marathon in just a few weeks. I love training but I am eager to get the marathon over with.

This summer we celebrated our 5 year anniversary! We had a great little vacation in the Phoenix area, which Reese got to spend time with her Grandma and Grandpa Sweeney. It's hard to believe it's been 5 years, it feels like forever yet at the same time it feels like it's gone so fast.

I will try to post more about the adventures we've been on in the last year, complete with pictures!

Curly Hair 101

2013-05-03T09:32:00.001-06:00

As school is coming to an end for so many people, it is only beginning again for me. Before I get back into the school mode I would like to teach a little of what I know about Curly Hair 101. Most days I am told be some random person that they wish they had curly hair, a lot of the time I just smile and nod. It's just easier then to tell them the truth of what it's like to have curly hair. SO, with that into today I will let the faint of heart learn what they need to know in order to care for curly hair :)

Shampoo and Conditioner that does the least amount of damage to your hair is $40 per bottle
Shampoo your hair every other day, condition everyday (which means you need to buy two bottles of conditioner per one bottle of shampoo)
Brushes make curly hair frizzy
Humidity sucks when you have curly hair.
If you look at curly hair wrong it frizzes
If you put gel in it, it makes it crunchy. Crunchy= Gross
Moroccan Oil is amazing but expensive
Growing out curly hair is impossible (When it grows it gows out not down like a normal person and it take about 3 years for you to notice it's gown a tiny bit)
Cutting curly hair sucks
Dying curly hair damages it
Putting it in a ponytail damages it
Swimming damages it
Any kind of heat on curly hair damages it
Shampoo that lathers damages it
Brushes damage it
Straightening curly hair takes forever, you love it but no one else does (the feel of stroking your fingers through smooth hair is amazing)
Curly hair is amazing for getting stuff stuck (pencils, earrings, hair pins)
Only use a wide tooth comb while in the shower with conditioner to lessen the damage done to hair
Sleeping damages curly hair (unless you buy a fancy silk pillow case)
Curly hair can never be controlled
Curly hair will frizz no matter what you do
With curly hair you will NEVER have a trendy cute hair style
Use lots and lots of conditioner no matter how many times your husband makes fun of you, conditioner helps get all the knots out
When growing out thick curly hair it gets heavy and hurts to put in a pony tail
Thinning out curly hair is great, but makes it frizzy
With curly hair you will always look like you just woke up
Curly hair fro's great when you want to be crazy
Using a towel to dry it out after showering does just that, dries it out and damages it. For best results use an old t-shirt
Curly hair takes about 4-6 hours to fully dry, in the winter it never dries
Curly hair gets super damaged and can break off easily
Growing out curly hair sucks, but keeping it short you look like a Q-tip
When living with curly hair, you learn to understand that you will always hate it and that it will always be damaged.
The purpose of growing out curly hair is to just keep it in a bun all day everyday.
Curly hair will always trouble you, no matter what you do it will break off, ends will split and it will poof. It can't be tamed, no matter what hair products and stylists say, just cant.

My curly hair, make me, ME! Although most everyday I hate it, I can't imagine having straight hair. Welcome to the life of curly hair :)

Curly hair drives me nuts!!!!

Reese

2012-11-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our adorable Reese!

IT'S A GIRL!!!!

2012-11-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

This is a LONG time coming and I am so excited to announce our new little addition to the Sweeney Family. We have added a GIRL to our family and I couldn't be more excited!! I've known for a while now and it's been so hard to keep quiet. (At least from Facebook anyway). I am a MOM!! I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for this and here it is. Her name is Reese, she is an 8 week old Chocolate Lab, and ever so adorable.

She is not yet in my possession, I have to wait a week or 4. I have been nesting like crazy since we got the approval and let me tell you, I think Nathan wants her here more than I do so I will stop annoying him with all the pictures I have of her and saying how adorable I think she is.

Nathan works long days, and I am home alone a lot (right this moment), and I have been needing a little companion and now I will. She's my Christmas gift, however we will be getting her early. Seriously I can not wait until she is in my arms!! She is going to be one spoiled little girl, and I can't wait to spoil her. :)

LandLords

2012-09-13T20:02:00.002-06:00

So this week we have been dealing with our landlord, it has been so frustrating! They just want to squeeze every last penny out of us! They wanted to charge us a ridiculous fee for something that wasn't even our fault!

We got the notice on our door the other night about this charge, so what did Nathan do? He went to go fight it but the manager had left for the day, and so he ended up spending the rest of the night researching our rights as renters, and re-reading our lease etc. He spend forever looking up how to fight this stupid charge.

When he called the Manager she was not willing to work with him, somehow Nathan worked his magic and she has agreed that if the Power Co. charges us extra on our next bill then she'll drop the charge. Because the power company couldn't come read the meter the day we moved in (he came a week later), she wanted to charge us what she thinks we owe from that week plus an additional fee. It is nuts I tell you!! Nuts!!

Ever since moving in we have not felt welcomed at our apartment, the staff is very rude and I avoid going by the office at all costs. We are wanting to move out, and we haven't even been in our apartment a month yet. Ugh!

Best New Treat!!

2012-09-09T22:52:00.001-06:00

Tonight I had a rant about food with Nathan, and being healthy etc. So, when I was craving a s'more at 9:40pm tonight I didn't think it was appropriate for me to make one. Nathan would a. laugh and me and b. tell me how silly I was for my rant earlier.

After having a little battle with myself I decided to have something else and let me tell you it was way better then any s'more!

Glass of milk with cut up banana then I put chunks of gram crackers in the glass. It tasted like banana cream pie!! (which by the way is my favorite pie).

Nathan was skeptical but I gave him a bite an sure enough he agreed. Alas! I have found another healthier alternative for my late night snack cravings. Yum!!

Love

2012-09-07T12:44:00.000-06:00

The last couple of days I have had a lot on my mind, especially as I spend each day at home by myself. I have had a lot of time to ponder on many things. Today while on my run I came up with a nice list of things that I love about Nathan. I am hoping that I can express all that I felt. Honestly as I kept coming up with stuff that I just love about Nathan I just started crying. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful person in my life, and that loves me for who I am.

I love that no matter how many times I burn or ruin dinner, over melt s'mores, or make mac n' cheese Nathan still asks me to make him dinner, and breakfast. Or how little mustard or honey I put on his sandwiches he continues to ask me to make him food because he loves when I make it.
I love that no matter how many times he has to remind me to do something he still is patient enough for me to finally get it done.
I love how hard he works. Even though it may feel like we will be students forever at this point, Nathan works so hard to do so well, and to learn everything he can. He has just this curiosity and love for learning new things that is so fun. He is so smart, and really learns things through and through.
I love when he is studying for a test or writing a paper he asks to read me his writing or teach me what he's learning. He is so good with words. He really makes all this science mumbo jumbo make sense. He has a way of teaching that is just so fluid and amazing.
I love how sincere he is when he does something.
I love that he is such a great example to me and to everyone he is around. He does the right thing all the time. Though sometimes it can be frustrating how long it take for him to make a decision, it's always a good one.
I love how he makes me feel. He loves to make me laugh. He is just such a goof!
I love when he does silly voices or faces to make me laugh.
I love that he loves me. Over the summer he told me that an 8 hour work day is too long to go with out seeing me. He just wants to be with me everyday. I love that he makes me feel wanted and loved.
I love it when he cooks. He is so good with mixing flavors it always turns out so well. He throws caution to the wind and does what he wants and sometimes I think he's crazy, it always turns out so yummy.
I love when he comes home after a long day and just wants to cuddle.
I love when he asks me to go for a walk (even though it's not his favorite he knows it's my favorite thing).
I love how he always wins when we play games, except I hate that that means I always loose :)
I love how picky he is. It means he really likes his choice when he finally makes it.
I love how he lives in the moment and has fun no matter what.
I love dancing with him. I love that he twirls me around our living room and holds me close as we dance to many songs.
I love that he is so good at finding awesome music to listen to. I don't know how he finds these bands but man they are awesome.
No matter how much I hate xbox I do love watching him play. I love when he plays with his brothers. He just has so much fun, and they have a bond that is so awesome. I would rather watch him play and be happy, then sit around watching T.V of any kind.
I love that he thinks I am beautiful when I look my worst. Especially that he loves my awful hair.
I love that he kisses me goodbye every morning, and kisses me after we pray together, and when he's happy, and when ever I want a kiss.
I love the little nudges he gives me while sitting in church for me to scratch his back. It's like he's a little puppy wanting attention. So cute.
I love that no matter how much he teases me about wanting a puppy I know he wants one too :)
I love how cute he is with kids. I am so excited to be a team teacher in Primary with him. He will be a fun teacher!
I love how fun Nathan is! I can't stay in a bad mood long because I just want to be with him and he just can make me happy so quickly.
I love how he cares so much. Last week I went for a run and was feeling super home-sick, when I got home he wasn't home and I just started bawling in our room. I had my music in my ears so I didn't hear him come home. He hurried in our room to see if I was okay, I told him how home-sick I was. He was relieved because he was worried I had been attack or something. It was so sweet. He did what he could that say to help me not be home-sick.
I love being around Nathan. I feel like I can't get enough of him when he's home.
I love how that he is so strong and stands up for what he believes and knows to be true. He is a true leader, and great example.
I love when he does things for me, because I know a lot of thought went into it.
I love that he can make anything fun. He has a real love for life, and lives to have a good time.
I love Everything about Nathan. His amazing blue eyes, and dimples are just big bonuses :) He is so handsome! How did I get so lucky?

I love my Nathan!! :)

On My Mind

2012-09-06T16:38:00.001-06:00

There is so much I'd like to write right now, but the best thing for me to do is to recommend everyone to read last October's General Conference Talk from Elder Anderson. http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/children?lang=eng . This talk is amazing and all should read it and take the words into their heart and please remember these words when talking to other about their choices. Like my mom always told me "You've got to learn to understand them so you can love them." The same reply stands for understanding where they have come from and where they are going. Life isn't always as you would predict, some get it so easily others don't. So as they pray to understand their circumstances, pray for them as well.

Home Sweet Home

2012-08-30T12:52:00.000-06:00

Alrighty, I finally have some pictures for you!!! We are feeling settled in, we only have 6 boxes still packed (although I think we have 10 more coming in the mail :)) Our new apartment has a fitness "center", it's more like a room with squeaky machines and two nice treadmills, a beautiful pool, and it's gated. We are on the North West side of Tucson. Technically we are within the city limits of Marana. It is a newer part of town, newer development. We have a lot of great stores so close! It is a great location! I am very happy with the apartment, ward, and location. Enjoy the pictures (they were the best I could do) :D

Our Beautiful new bedset

My Baby!! Yay!

Giant Bathroom, this does not do justice of how big it really is.

Extra Storage, I don't know what to do with it all!

New Dining Room Table/Nathan's Desk

More than two people can fit at a time!! Not even all my cupboards are full!!

Nathan's Baby + Unpacked boxes :)

Couch looks so small in here!

Hope you can get a taste of how big it is. Below are a few pictures of our last apartment just so you can compare the upgrade :)

Yes Dirty, but so cramped :)

Way too small!!

Arizona

2012-08-25T23:54:00.002-06:00

Nathan and I are now finally starting to feel settled into our new home. Three weeks ago we made the big move and drove from Salt Lake City, to Tucson. It was a long and sometimes boring ride, but we made it. Once we arrived we drove to the Seegmiller's a wonderful family that had a room for us to stay. Because of the wonderful connections in the church my Mom, who resides in North Carolina, has a friend from her ward from Tucson. Through their connection we were able to stay at the parents house of my mom's friend. We arrived close to midnight, yet they were still up waiting for us to drive in. They were so kind inviting us into their family, and their home.

For our first week and a half we were able to stay at the Seegmiller's. While we were there I set out looking for an apartment everyday while Nathan was in orientation for grad school. It was a very frustrating and a very long process. Fortunately Nathan had a day off Orientation and we were able to go together to find an apartment. We did find a great apartment, however it was going to be another week until it was fully ready for us. After finally getting housing figured out I set out looking for a job.

Thursday was my day to find a job, I went around to a lot of places with my resume in hand and dressed up nice. Every place I went in to apply all told me to "Go online and apply there." Honestly the most frustrating phrase ever. I went back to where we were staying at sat at home everyday after that just applying online and doing nothing. It was a very rough place to be for me. Even the running store had told me NO. What was I to do?

These past few weeks there have been many tears shed. All of which have been sad. I miss my family, I miss my home of Utah (never thought I'd say that). I miss working. I miss the many wonderful friends we have left behind. Moving out of state has been quite the roller coaster. Things take a lot of time to work out for us, and I know they will eventually, but boy am I learning patience!

So far, I have had 6 interviews with one more to go. Two job offers and one no. I have turned down on job offer, but not the other because I want to wait till Monday to hear from another job. It's so complicated, and stresses me out to the max! I am hoping that my Heavenly Father helps me on this, makes things a little easier for me with finding the right job for me. I am very, very grateful to have offers, to know that someone wants me to work for them.

There has been so much up and down, not only with trying to find a job, and apartment but with finding furniture as well. We were promised a beautiful couch from the missionaries, but as things would have it that couch unfortunately belonged to someone else. So I don't know. I can't explain how disappointed I was. Also finding that Ikea charged $200 for shipping stuff to our zip code, man I was very frustrated. Fortunately we were able to get some very nice furniture on sale at Sam Levitz (similar to RC Willey). We now have a beautiful bedroom set, kitchen table, entertainment center and a couch. Everything but the couch is beautiful wood. We found them all on clearance for damage, but the damage was hardly anything. Our apartment is starting to feel a little more like home.

After I get a job, I will be able to decorate a little more with rugs and throw pillows and such. I am so looking forward to doing a little more TLC to this place. Our apartment is huge! I love it. I am very excited to have more space to work with, and beautiful furniture in it as well. I am working on taking good pictures to post. For now you will just have my long post of our first few weeks here. Arizona is great, it's hot but not killer hot. I am adjusting, and enjoying it.

Oak Island

2012-06-07T21:48:00.000-06:00

We went out to North Carolina to visit my parents. First we flew into Charlotte to stay at their house. Saturday we went to the National White Water Center for a day full of climbing, zip-lines, jumping off buildings, white water rafting, and just lots of fun in the sun! It was just the adult kids with my dad. We had a blast!

We then drove to Oak Island stayed at a beach house the rest of the week. It was a lot of great fun. Boogie Boarding, laying out, sunburns, sand castles, bike rides along the beach and jet-skiing. It was a great break from work, and being in the real world.

We had a great time with our niece and nephews, my siblings, parents and my adorable dog Ginger. Boy do I miss Ginger!

One Door Closes...

2012-05-05T21:28:00.001-06:00

As the saying goes.. as one door closes another door opens. I will agree, it is more than completely true. This last week has been an end of one chapter in our lives, I have finished school. It's actually true. I received my Bachelor's Degree from the University of Utah in Health Promotion and Education. It has taken my 5 good years to accomplish, it sure feels rewarding. With commencement this week we had the wonderful opportunity to have my parents fly into town and enjoy this exciting time with us. With this door closing on us, we have had another one open.

To a great surprise we are able to announce that we will making a big move this summer to....

TUCSON, ARIZONA!

I can't believe it, it is finally here. Nathan has been accepted in the Bio-medical and Biological Sciences Graduate Program at the University of Arizona. He will be working to get his PhD. This is a very exciting and perfect timing for us to be able to move on with our lives and make big progress for our future.

This has been a very big week for us with my graduation, but also, I had a marathon today (in Provo). I got a new Personal Record as well as got a time fast enough to qualify for BOSTON! I didn't think I'd make it that fast. I am honestly so excited for this as well. Now to decided to enter into the lottery for the race :)

It's been quite the week, so much going on and a lot of great things going on!!

Hair Challenge #2

2011-12-07T21:27:00.001-07:00

Okay, so on my birthday my Aunt Annie posted a picture of me when I was younger (supposed to be embarrassing), but it was a cute picture. Looking at that picture and studying it for a while I was noticing how long my hair was then. Oh my goodness it was SO long. I feel like it's time to do it.

Then

Now

This new hair challenge is to try to grow out my hair like it used to be. NOW I need YOU and your guesses.

So, how long do YOU think it will take me to grow out my hair that long? Do you think I have it in me to grow it that long??

What do you think? I look forward to this challenge and I know it's going to take a long time. :)
Please comment below your guesses or on my facebook.

11 months

2011-11-08T10:08:00.001-07:00

So it's been 11 month's since I decided to grow out my hair. And unfortunately I got a trim last week, so it's not as long as it was getting. We cut too much off in my opinion. But now is the time to compare from 11 months ago :)

12/4/2010

11/8/2011

So these pictures are just awful, but you get the point. My hair is growing, SLOWLY.

Crazy Week

2011-11-02T18:50:00.002-06:00

This week has become quite a crazy week! My usual week is full of class, work and my internship. Everything has it's time each day. I am trying to be very organized, and I am very uptight about my schedule if anything changes. Well, this week all sorts of things have been changing. Not that it's all bad, it started out quite nice, but now it's turning crazy!!
Monday I didn't have to work, it was great to have that night off. Tuesday my evening class was canceled so I was able to get things done and spend time with Nathan, again it was so nice to have an evening available. Today, I had my internship (an 8 hour day), it was long, but you know enjoyable. Unfortunately I was asked to do an assessment tomorrow as apart of my hours, so I agreed, little did I know it meant that I have to wake up tomorrow at 3:30am to be up in North Ogden by 5am. I won't get done till 2pm. It's going to be a long day. Not only that, but tonight I will be training at the gym, it's going to be a late night, and I have to wake up way too early. I am hoping to make it through tomorrow.
I am so looking forward to Sunday!

Reality

2011-10-27T15:28:00.003-06:00

On my 2nd run, of the day, today I was brought back to reality.

This week, and for the last little bit I was thinking I am a good runner. I am good at weight lifting. I am a great athlete. I've been a competitor for a long time, and done quite a variety of sports. This mornings run was freezing cold, but I felt great. No watch, no GPS just me and my Vibrams (and clothes of coarse) out for a run. It was awesome. After class today I decided to go for another, I didn't get quite enough in this morning. I was craving a little more.

So, after getting home I got ready for my run. While I was getting ready I was thinking about things I wish I had done in my life up to this point. One of my thoughts was that I wish I would have run Cross Country in College. You know, I was feeling I was good enough to actually do it. My last couple of half marathons I had either gotten 2nd or 1st place, so yeah that means I am good right?

Well, while on this run, it was short, but my knees hurt a little so I switched up my running style and felt better. As I was on the last mile and a half stretch back home I was feeling real good. I hit a light about a mile from home and behind me comes two U of U cross country runners (you could just tell). When the light turns green we go, and they just bound ahead. Yeah I expect them to be fast, but it made me realize how slow I am.

I did catch up to them at the next light, which made me feel awkward. Here they were in a t-shirt and short shorts, and there I was in a black long sleeve shirt with gloves, and running tights I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb!

Oh wow, my dreams were crushed in those few minutes between lights (just with in a mile).

I realized that I am just an average person. Just someone who is obsessed with running. Being obsessed don't mean you are good, it just means you really like it. I thought that because I work at Salt Lake Running Co it actually made me a good runner, but unfortunately it doesn't. It just means that I live running.

Just because I am a pacer for the Halloween Half this weekend doesn't mean I am a good runner, it just means I got lucky to know the person who was in charge.

Reality is that I am just average. I am not a fast runner, I can just go long distances. I am never going to be a College athlete. I will always just be someone that likes to work out and who will always be asked the question "Are you a runner?" Instead of them recognizing that I am a runner by looking at me, and the fact that I do work at Salt Lake Running Co.

I will always wish that I could be good, or awesome at something., but until I one day actually achieve that I will be out on the road chasing it down.

Fall Update

2011-10-16T20:09:00.001-06:00

This school year has been crazy. It's such a fabulously exciting time or year as well as life in general. Nathan is applying for Graduate School for next fall, awaiting his GRE score, and is still working hard in the Trede Lab at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He is busy, but having a great time, and learning a lot through his work. He is doing so much valuable work not only for the things they are researching and discovering, but also for his own skills and talent in that area of research.

As for me, I am in school, half way through my second to last semester of my undergraduate degree. Oh, how I enjoy saying that. I am just so eager to get this chapter done with. I am taking 6 classes to help me to hurry and finish, they are all so interesting, exciting and I am learning a lot. One thing I really like about being at the end is that my classes tend to overlap, it's a great reminder of the things I am learning and allows me to really get it instilled in my brain. Along with my classes I am still working at Salt Lake Running Co, I don't say that negatively, I really do love my job there. I like that I can feel I am making a difference in some peoples lives, and just how much I am learning about running, proper nutrition, injury prevention, and good training. I do love what I do. I also recently got an internship at Orriant, a corporate wellness company. They go to other companies and offer them wellness programs for their employees, to decrease their cost of health insurance, well as work to improve health and moral in the companies. I am going to be working on their Coach Training program and helping to write and publish a Coaching Handbook/Workbook. I will also help write next years Newsletters on different health topics. It's really going to challenge me, and challenge my writing skills, but I am so excited for this opportunity. This is going to work me hard during this already busy time, but it's goint to be amazing!

This year has been surprising to say the least, but super exciting. I love it.