Thinking about goals for 2014

As I sit here at my brother's house on vacation, I am thinking about the successes and the setbacks from 2013. I am trying to figure out how I can stick to my goals in 2014 and not get off track. I am thinking about the areas where I have found success and the areas where I find weakness. It occured to me that I have to focus on fixing my weak areas. I am not ready to post about what worked and what didn't yet, but I am sure that there are some changes that WILL be made. That post will be done in the next couple of days.

It seems to me that if I focus on making small changes, I will see big differences. There is no magic pill. I have to WANT it and DO it! It's really easy to want it and sit on my butt and dream about it. I have good days and bad days, and the important thing is that the number of good days out-number the bad. There is no excuse for it being the other way around. No matter what goes wrong in life, there is no excuse for self sabotage.

Are you making New Year's Resolutions? Any tips on writing successful goals? I would love to quote you in my next blog post.

Fabulous Friday! DietBet and Skora Giveaway!

Ready to lose some weight? Join my DietBet! 

http://www.dietbetter.com/games/24743




I also have a Skora Running Shoes Giveaway! Check it out here!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Some of my favorite motivation sayings :)

Skora Running Review and Giveaway

About three months ago, I was introduced to Skora Running Shoes for the first time. I had heard of them, but I hadn't tried them. I was at FitBloggin' and my roommate, Kyndra from Peace Love and Low Carbs told me all about them. She said that she loves them for running, and she also said that they were great for CrossFit workouts. When I got home, Skora Running contacted me and asked if I would like to try their shoes and offered a giveaway. I jumped at the chance. The first thing I did was head over to their website. I wanted to learn as much as I could. Last year I hurt myself by jumping into a different pair of shoes I wasn't used to.  I was pleasantly surprised by what I read.

My Skoras with my Shubeez tag! 

"At SKORA we view Real Running as running how nature intended — efficient, effective and with ease. As the foot strikes the ground, contact is made in the middle of the foot, not at the heel. Running with a whole-foot gait results in less impact energy and force shock transmitted through the body than compared to the heel strike gait favored by conventional running shoes (built with large amounts of cushioning, support and a thicker heel).

Real Running is not something your body needs to learn, but rather be reminded of. As a child we all Run Real, it is only as we grow up and get used to conventional running shoes we forget how to run naturally."

I love this because  Skora Running is taking me back to the basics for running. But I also know that I can flip tires and do CrossFit workouts at CrossFit Blackbeard too. That is a good thing. 

Who wants to win some Skora Running Shoes for themselves? Enter the Rafflecopter below. If you don't win any, they are having a great sale at their website www.skorarunning.com

I ordered the Skora Phase:

FEATURES- REALFIT™ last- Airmesh upper- Laminated reflective overlays (no-sew)- Asymmetrical lacing- Anti-slip microfibre heelpad- No-tongue design- Reflective details- IBR (Injected Blown Rubber) outsole - Rubber toe bumper- Zero-drop construction- Stitch-down construction- 8mm Forefoot/heel stack height 

Most of all, they are SUPER CUTE! :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight on Ashlee Keesey

I love to feature fellow DietBetters. I will be starting another DietBet soon. Here is the link to my new DietBet. https://www.dietbetter.com/games/24743
If you want to be featured on my blog, please sign up for the DietBet and send me an email! Can't wait to share your story!

 Meet Ashlee Keesey! 

1. How many dietbets have you done?  I have done one diet bet and plan on signing up to do more.

2. Why did you decide to do a dietbet?   I decided to do diet bet for the support.  I was able to see everyone else's success which made me want push myself harder.  I love the comments back and forth between those who were in the dietbet.

3. Have you won money?  I have not won any money but for

me it wasn't about that.  I just love when people get together who have the sane sort of goals in mind.

4. What is working for you in dietbet?  The support of everyone and those willing to help other people.

5. What is one thing that you struggle with in your healthy journey?  Ignoring Cravings. For me, going to the gym is easy but when you have had a bad habit of eating bad food most of your life then you switch to clean eating it can be difficult to break the bad habit.

6. What is your advice to someone who joins a dietbet? If there is anything else you would like to add, go for it. Thanks.  Have fun!  You are not alone in your journey to be healthier and don't be afraid to reach out to someone for help.  We are all here for the same reason - to be healthier and to lose weight.

My success - 
Recently I have lost almost 20lbs and 17 inches all over with a 5lb muscles gain. My secret? Working out 6 days a week, advocare, and a great clean diet. There have been a lot of temptations to deter from what I am doing, but I have managed to keep at it. I have a goal of being able to compete in a bikini body building competition by the end of the year/or next year.
You can follow Ashlee on her Facebook page HERE!
You can follow her on twitter here: https://twitter.com/AshleeKeesey
Great job Ashlee! Keep up the good work!  Do you have a success story! Email me at mindyartze@aol.com

A few of my favorite things.... Raysbaseball and Fitness... Fitness Night at the Trop

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.... 

Yes, those are nice but do you want to know what my FAVORITE things really are... 

Fitness and the Tampa Bay Rays!!!

Can you imagine my excitement when I heard that both of these things are going to be combined into one fabulous night!!!!

Check out Rays Fitness Night at the Trop!

     Thursday, September 19th, 7:10pm  Texas vs. Rays

         For $30 per person package includes: Lower Level Reserved Ticket

 Rays Dri-Fit T-shirt

      Deadline to purchase tickets Tuesday, September 17

        Visit www.raysbaseball.com/fitness and use to the code FIT2 to purchase

He is such a goof! 

We LOVE our Rays and can't wait to be there! We hope to see you there!!!!

I went Over the Edge! #otestpete

Yes, you read that right! I went over the edge of a 28 floor building, and I rappelled down it!

This opportunity was presented to me on my facebook page. I honestly didn't even know what this was. I immediately looked into it. It benefits St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation. It took place on Saturday, August 17th at One Progress Plaza in St. Petersburg, Florida.

This was taken directly from their website.

The St. Anthony's Hospital's Foundation wants to know: 

"HOW HIGH WILL YOU GO FOR YOUR COMMUNITY?

Dare to go Over the Edge in a fundraising event for St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation benefitting the Sports Medicine Services among other programs. Participants who raise a minimum of $1,000 will have the opportunity to rappel twenty stories down One Progress Plaza, the tallest building in St. Petersburg! Join us for this event on AUGUST 17, 2013 by visitinghttp://stanthonysfoundation.org/ote/."

So so tall!!!!

When I was first asked, I immediately answered YES! I shared with my mom, and she was shocked that I would do this. Then I told Bryce (my son.) He was excited, but then he started to have second thoughts. A few days before, he begged me not to do it. He said he was really scared that something bad would happen.  I ALMOST backed out. But I decided to take a different approach with him. I talked about how excited I was and how I knew that I would be safe. I wanted him to see that this would be something that I could do to prove to myself that I am capable of anything. He ended up telling me that he wanted me to do it.

I actually didn't truly believe that I would actually follow through with it. I tried not to think about it. When we got to the building and I looked up, I laughed out loud. Seriously? Did I really think I would do this?  I figured that I would get up there and chicken out. And then my sweet little boy turned and looked at me and told me that he was so proud of me for doing this. We saw a man coming down, and he let go with one hand and waved... WOW! I was impressed, but even more than that, I knew when I came down, I HAD to wave at Bryce so he would know that I was okay, even if I wasn't really.

We went up the elevator to get suited up.  Bryce wouldn't be able to wait at the top with me, but he was able to see me get suited up. It was good for him to see all of the equipment they used to keep me safe. I could see that he was really relieved too. He look at all the gear and took photos while I suited up.
He was really excited to know that it was his job to take all of these photos.

Tropicana Field

I am not sure you can tell by these photos, but I was FREAKING out right about now. I knew that I had to keep it together for Bryce, but EHHH!!!

We headed up to the roof, and Bryce did get to ride up there with me. He took a great picture of our favorite place in downtown St. Pete, Tropicana Field, and then he gave me a BIG hug and said he would meet me at the bottom. My dad was downstairs ready to watch with Bryce.

I got a quick tutorial on how to rappel down the building. Oh my gosh! I was really doing this??? I still didn't believe it.  My biggest fear was that I would get part of the way down and freak out... freeze... I didn't know what they would do if I did that. It turns out, they had a plan for that... not to worry!

It was my turn... Time to go! I closed my eyes as  I went "OVER THE EDGE!" I couldn't look down. My heart was racing... The man in charge talked me over the edge. I was feeling pretty good once I was over. I learned how to let go with one hand, so I was thinking that maybe I could actually wave to Bryce. The man told me to stop and look down to see the little boy waving and cheering. It brings tears to my eyes writing this right now even remembering it. There was my son and my dad waving to me. I went down a few floors and decided to do it.

I let go with one hand, and I looked down at them and waved! HOLY COW! I really did this. I was doing it! I looked around! It was beautiful! I faced my fears and succeeded! It was truly mind over matter. I did it!

The best part of this adventure was not just believing in myself, but it was showing my son that anything is possible! Here is a quick look at how it looked seeing me go down the building...

This is an event Bryce and I are planning to do next year. He can do it if he weighs 100 lbs. next year. I told him that he has to start pumping up! :) We can't wait!

Head over and "like" their foundation's facebook page so you can keep up with the latest info. https://www.facebook.com/stanthonysfoundation

Wig out for Hope! Miles for Hope...5K with Obstacles

As you know, I love running fun races with my little man, Bryce. When I heard about Miles For Hope and their wild and crazy wig out 5k event, I knew we were in! 

Who wants to join us on Saturday, August 24th, 2013 for a family-friendly day to include water slides, foam tanks, obstacle courses and lots of fun along the waterfront in beautiful downtown St. Petersburg. 

When I told Bryce we would have water slides and foam, he said we had to do it. And then you add in the fact that this is to help end brain tumors, you can't lose! 

Enjoy a day of fun with us in at South Straub Park. There will be entertainment, clowns and games for families to enjoy as well as food, and a beer garden for the adults. Stay after the event to dance, drink and have a great afternoon.

Register today at www.BrainTumorEvents.org/WigOut

Register in advance online or mail in the registration form. Fees are 7/15 through 31; $65 - 8/1 through 8/11; $70 - 8/12 through 8/23 and $75 day of event.

On-site Registration opens at 6:30am. The event starts at 8:00am in 15 minute incremental waves of 150 runners. WAVE 1 IS THE ONLY TIMED, COMPETITIVE WAVE WITH AWARDS GIVEN FOR TOP 3 MALE AND FEMALE RUNNERS.

Would you head over to their facebook page and give them a "like" It's a great cause!! https://www.facebook.com/wigoutagainstbraintumors

Disclaimer: I was provided 2 entries to the race. All opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAYS!  Don't forget my two giveaways going on...

Click here: Polar Heart Rate Monitor

My #C9atTarget shopping spree! And giveaway!

So summer is here! That means I don't have to wear work clothes til August. And you know what that means!!! Chances are if you see me out, I will look like I am about to workout or I have just worked out. Yep... I will be wearing Activewear all summer long. Well, you know I love Target, I mean who doesn't? I have written two sponsored posts for them. We have been lucky enough to have a giveaway and guess what? We have another one! So when Target asked me to head out to try on some of their C9 activewear by Champion and buy some, I, naturally jumped up and down... I really did!!! This post is sponsored by Target!

What do you think?

He was pulling outfits out like crazy

Today, Bryce and I headed out to Target. We walked straight over to the hats first because I needed to know if my new haircut would look good in a visor... I am thinking yes... hope you agree!

Then, I grabbed a whole bunch of stuff to try on. I am not sure Bryce was too thrilled, but I did tell him if he would come in and take pictures when I was done that I would buy him some C9 activewear too! That pepped him up because, let me tell you, there is some awesome stuff for kids in the C9 line. Bryce could bankrupt me too. That kid loves clothes!!!

Isn't this just beautiful! Look at these colors. I have to be honest... I have been overweight so long that I have not really looked for clothes other than black pants and black shirts. I really had fun digging in to these beautiful colors and realizing that I can wear these clothes! That was fun!

I found that I was drawn to the pinks and the blues the most. I am still partial to the black pants and shorts, but at least I am changing things up with my tops! That is progress, my friends!

I tried on some really cute activewear shorts. Bryce said that I looked like a golfer. So I had to practice my swing... I think I've still got it! :) I really loved this sleeveless shirt with the shorts. Too cute! I had to buy it! I feel like my sister in law. She dresses like this because she is an athletic trainer, and I like that look a lot! Plus, I thought it was slimming... definitely a plus! There were so many shirts that had adorable cuts on the back! I am only a month into crossfit, but I already see a difference and liked the way these looked! I loved these! I bought the ruffled black one, but I really am thinking that I need to go back for the others too!

I cannot wait to wear my new clothes on my runs, to crossfit, or just around the house. As I said before, I will be found in activewear for the next 2 months! And with my new C9 clothes from Target, I am going to be stylin'!  Would you like to be stylin' too? All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter below. Enter for a $25 Gift Card to Target to buy some C9 gear for yourself! They have men's gear too!

I bought this too... won't wear it til it's cold, but it was too cute to pass up!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am also giving away Headbandsofhope: http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/headbands-of-hope-and-giveaway.html

Headbands of Hope and giveaway!

I would love to introduce you all to Jessica Ekstrom. She is doing something amazing, and I want to help her. She is a senior at North Carolina State University studying communications. She launched Headbands of Hope in April 2012 during her junior year. Since then, her company has been featured on the TODAY Show and TOMS Shoes Blog. Jessica is providing us 3 headbands for a giveaway. 

Please enjoy this guest post by Jessica.

Almost everyone can think of a moment where they knew their life was about to change. For me, my moment was right before my 20th birthday in the summer of 2011. I began my internship at the Make-a-Wish Foundation that I can confidently say, changed my life forever.

Everyday, I got to wake up and grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. I took day trips to visit the wish kids at their houses and bring them their favorite toys. We received hundreds of letters from wish children that said we changed their lives; little did they know, they were changing mine.

I thought about the thousands of girls around the world losing their hair to chemotherapy. Being a young girl presents many struggles with self-esteem already and losing their hair as a result of a life-threatening illness is traumatic.

For girls and women everywhere, their hair is a part of their feminine identity. Wigs can be uncomfortable and unappealing, especially to younger girls.

I realized that headbands are the perfect way for these girls to keep their feminine identity and have a constant reminder that they're not alone. Therefore, I started HeadbandsOfHope.org.

For every headband purchased, one headband will go to a girl with cancer and $1 will be donated to the St. Baldrick's Foundation to fund life-saving childhood cancer research.

Since I launched in May of this year, I've sold thousands of headbands online and in stores around the nation. I created a company where I didn't have to choose between making a living and making a difference. I can wake up and do both at the same time.

I’ve had the opportunity to distribute headbands to girls in the hospitals across the nation. The best part of my job is opening the door to their room and seeing their faces light up when I bring dozens of colorful headbands to their beds to choose from.

Even though it’s fun and fulfilling to bring the girls headbands in the hospitals, I’m constantly reminded that there still isn’t a cure.

Childhood cancer takes the lives of more children in the U.S. than any other disease - in fact, more than many other childhood diseases combined. 

Children with cancer cannot be treated simply as "smaller adults." The cancers strike kids differently and they are in a crucial stage of development, which complicates the effects of treatments and can result in life-long complications.

Progress is also especially slow in curing adolescents and young adults, because federal funding for childhood cancers is a fraction compared to adult cancers. 

Therefore, attention needs to be brought to childhood cancer. Progress can't be made without research. Research can't be done without funding. And funding can't be done without awareness.


Headbands of Hope aims to start with awareness and end with a cure. Together, we can spread hope in all girls…one headband at a time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: Headbands of Hope provided me with a headband and a tshirt. All opinions are my own.

Lose Weight and Win Money!!! And 2 Giveaways!!!

Reminder: I have 2 giveaways going on: 
Target Gift card: 
http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/keeping-family-involved-in-fitness.html
Flavor Run 5K entry:
http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/flavor-run-5k-giveaway.html

DietBet! Lose Weight and Win!

Who doesn't want to lose weight and win money at the same time! Seriously! This is a win-win! We are getting ready to begin another DietBet. If you haven't joined us yet, this is the time. Why not drop some pounds during this summer season. 

I know that I have a hard time eating in my bathing suit. Maybe this is the trick! I would love for you to join my DietBet for June! It is a great way to lose weight and have some fun!

How does the DietBet work?

 

I have done a handful of DietBets now, and I always almost doubled my money when I won. It has been a great way to keep me focused. DietBet does a really great job of ensuring honesty, and they make it very difficult to cheat. We also have a facebook group that will help keep you motivated. You can request to join HERE!  You can also follow me on facebook for extra motivation.

We would love for you to join this bet! It's going to be a lot of fun! Join here: http://www.dietbet.com/games/17432

If you have more questions you can check out these posts about the DietBet: 

http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/05/time-to-jump-on-weight-loss-train.html

http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-have-to-join-this-dietbet-13000-and.html

Have you done a DietBet before? Would you recommend this to friends? Comment below!

Flavor Run 5K... Giveaway!!!

We love Color Races, right? How fun are they, right? Well, how about adding some flavor to our color??? Doesn't this sound fun! I have been asked to be a "Flavor Fairy" for The Flavor Run! So excited.... (read to the end to win a registration!) 

Here's Bryce and I after a color race.

So What is The Flavor Run?
The Flavor Run is a 5K family running or walking event that takes place at the Florida State Fairgrounds. It is on August 17th  (8:45-3:00.)

This run supports local businesses and farmers by creating a fun run that engages ALL of your senses! Their website states that "During this epic 5k, there will be five separate Flavor Stations that will cover you in a delicious flavored (FDA Approved/All Natural) celebration powder and followed by a refreshing taste of locally produced fruits."

You can choose to sign up for the 5K or you can be a "Flavor Fairy!" You can also do the Flavor Family Mile Walk/Run.  Go to https://flavorrun.webconnex.com/RegisterOnline to register for this event. 

Early Registration prices go until 6/12 11:55pm.

5K is $35

5k Registration includes:

• 5k Entry
• Flavor Race Bib
• Flavor Run Shirt
• Mystery Flavor Prize
• Two Flavor Packets*
• Finish Line Fruit Extravaganza
• Live Music Access
• Post-Race Activities

Flavor Fairy is $40

• Everything in Flavor 5k Registration (Yep, you get to run the race too!)
• Flavor Fairy Wings
• Snacks & drinks
• Basket of Flavor
• Access to sprinkle Flavor on participants in the Flavor Forest
• Wave 1 - 9am-10:30
• Wave 2 - 10:30am-12:00

Mile race is $25

• 1 Mile Entry
• Flavor Shirt
• Flavor Packet
• Finish Line Fruit Extravaganza
• Live Music Access

I have also been given an extra registration to give to one of you!!! This giveaway will end June 11th at midnight. If you don't win, you will have a chance to get the lower prices before the price increase on June 12th. If you want to be on my Fairy team, the team name is Mindy's Fitness Journey and the password is "bryce." I am doing the early wave.
All you have to do is comment below telling why you should win this. It will be a random draw for the winner.

I hope to hear that a lot of you are going to be there! This is the first time they are having this race.

Also don't forget the I am giving away a $25 Target Gift Card. Enter HERE!

**disclosure: I was offered a free entry into this race for me and also one to giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Family Fitness Fun at Manatee Paddle

SUP at Manatee Paddle: A Great Way to Enjoy Nature and Get a workout! 

Do you want something amazing to do this summer with your family? Head out to Crystal River's brand new place to experience one of a kind nature and fun! Manatee Paddle is all of that and so much more! My son and I got a group of bloggers together and headed out for a day on the water. It was the most fun! Manatee Paddle is located right off of Crystal River and if you have never been to Crystal River, you have to check it out. 

As we launched, Bryce, my 9 year old, went first. He was a pro! He made me realize that I could do it. I have never been paddle boarding before so I was a bit nervous. There was no need to be. I did fall twice, but I quickly learned to center myself and engage my core. It was easy! We also had a chance to stop and swim and enjoy the beautiful water. My son saw a manatee and was very excited.

How about this for a calorie burn??? And I had a blast the whole time!

Manatee Paddle opens June 1st. We were fortunate to be a part of the trial run. Wes, who runs the tours was amazing. He had so much patience and knowledge, it was a blast. I cannot wait to go back once they open. We are addicted! Please hop over and "like" their facebook page. You have to see this great new business in action! 

The water was so clear and so beautiful in the Springs.  We started out on the river and paddled over to The Three Sisters Springs. It was so beautiful! I hope you will check it out. Have you ever been paddle boarding before? I definitely want to buy one, soon!

*disclosure: Manatee Paddle provided this tour free of charge. All opinions are my own.

Beginning CrossFit! Feeling tough!

Time to Cross something off the Bucket list! 

There is something that you need to know about me, if you don't already... I am a competitor. I will compete in everything I do whether you like it or not. Running has been tough for me because I am lacking in the "fast"department. So at a race, I lose!  It's okay, I am starting to understand that I can still compete against myself, but this past Saturday, I got "that" feeling back when I worked out.

I decided to contact a CrossFit box near me and find out more about it. I contacted CrossFit Blackbeard because I have 2 good friends who have been there and love it. I went in the very next day to begin my CrossFit journey. This has been on my bucket list for over a year, and I will tell you that I was so nervous walking into that box Saturday morning. I saw strong men working out, but I was amazed by the strong women who were competing with them and I think they were actually winning! Love that!

This is Rob and he's pretty much awesome!

Day 1

I met Rob, one of the owners and Jenn. They were awesome! I have about 50 or so pounds to lose (yikes, I just admitted that out loud didn't I) and I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to hang. Rob showed me some important skills, like the proper form of the different squats and push-up and pull-ups. I did 5 assisted pull-ups, but I am proud of that! I like the view from above that bar and plan to kick butt with those in the future! Another item on my bucket list is to do an unassisted pull-up. I am pretty sure that CrossFit Blackbeard is going to be helping with that. I did my first "WOD" workout of the day or as we call it at Blackbeard, "Met Con" short for metabolic conditioning. It was tough, and I am pretty sure they went easy on me. I may or may not have lost my breakfast during this workout, but I came back and continued. I felt like a beast!!! It was awesome.

Day 2

Yesterday, I returned for session 2 of the fundamentals class.  I got to meet the other partner Trey. Trey was a little tougher than Rob. (I think Rob let me get away with a bit, but they were both awesome!) Trey showed me the rope, the rings and the bar! Oh my... Not the bar with the drinks unfortunately! He talked me up and made me feel like I was capable of anything, because I AM!  I had a great second workout, and I look forward to walking in again today! I wonder what the next workout will be. I will share it with you tomorrow!

Please check out their website and you can find pricing here as well. Their website offers you a workout of the day as well. facebook! Tell them that Mindy sent you and follow them on Twitter too!