How To Fall In Love With Your Sport (Again)

"Obstacles Are Put  In Your Way To See If What You Want Is Really Worth Fighting For"

 

 

 

I think about this statement a lot.  Inevitably, the sports you do will wax and wane with success.  No one is successful 100% of the time.   This can create frustration, and lead to the question of "Why am I doing this anyway?" 

 

If you go back, and re-read January's blog post, titled "Finding Your WHY,"  this can assist you in doing an "internal inventory" regarding your training.  Every athlete needs to re-motivate him/herself periodically.  "Plateaus" are part of training, & (at least for me), are the hardest to contend with.

 

My worst trait is impatience.  This is predominately with myself.  I work hard, and like to see results...quickly.  Yet, anything worthwhile doesn't come easy.  It's the attribute of perseverance that yields a champion.  A champion will do what others won't.  When others sleep, he/she trains.  When others seek comfort, he/she practices being comfortable with the uncomfortable.

 

This process is rewarding, yet can also take a toll on the psyche.  It can create "burnout," and prevent an athlete from breaking past plateaus, when they feel they've "hit-a-wall" with their training.

 

In Jiu-Jitsu, there's something loosely termed "The Blue Belt Curse."  This means that, often, when people get their blue belt, they quit Jiu-Jitsu.  Just when they broke through the "just-trying-to-survive" white belt stage, they burn out.  You see this in all sports.  The plateau-frustration stages that you'll invariably hit can weed out those who are serious about training, versus those who aren't.

The question is, when you hit a stage of frustration in your training ( and this can be due to many things), what can you do about it?  How can you re-focus, shift your frustration pattern of thinking back to "training mode," wake up ready to be excited again about your sport?

Let's first identify some causative factors that can produce the plateau-frustration effect.  There are many.  These are just a few. 


- Working With The Same Coach For Years On End
- Poor Diet ("I Workout, So I Can Eat Whatever I Want")
- Not Enough Water/Fluid Intake
- Training The Same Way All The Time (which can also be connected to working with the same coach)
-Poor Body "Maintenance"1.)  Working With The Same Coach:  There are pros/cons to this.  On one hand, if you have a highly experienced coach, you are able to really practice his/her way of training, & get specifically good at that one style.  This, of course, can be of benefit.  This can, eventually, make you an expert in a specific way of training.  While this has many "upsides" to it, this also has many "downsides."  No one coach or person has ALL the answers.  If you find a coach/trainer that you "mesh" with, by all means, stay with him/her.  However, to keep things "fresh" with your training, it never hurts to get a 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th opinion.  Work with your coach, but attend specialty workshops by other experts also.  Sometimes it just takes a new perspective to get you excited to train again.  Sometimes it even takes a fresh voice to say the same thing you've heard, repeatedly, but said in a different way.  It then "sinks in"...you get excited at your new understanding...and are ready to get back...and give it 100% again.  Always seek new knowledge in your sport.  Always attend workshops, seminars, watch videos about it, read books to increase your breadth of knowledge.  This will keep things interesting, and you excited to get up, yet again, and give it your best.  Every expert has many teachers behind him/her.

 

2.)  Poor Diet:  I can't emphasize this enough.  I blow up social media with this message.  As a health care provider, fitness trainer and "CrossFit" coach, I can't help it.  My passion is motivating people to better lifestyle choices, and this always starts with your nutrition.  As an athlete, it's even more vital that this becomes top priority.  You can't put bad fuel in a car, and expect it to run properly.  Your nutrition is paramount to preventing "burn out," and helping you move past training plateaus.  You need to pretend you never heard the saying "You Can Eat Whatever Your Want If You Workout."  I couldn't disagree more.  In fact, I'd even reverse that, and say, if you want the benefits of being an athlete, you have to have a disciplined nutrition plan, no ifs, ands, or buts.  Repeated injury can happen, not only from training incorrectly, but from poor nutrition.  Not giving the body adequate nutrients, thereby, not feeding the body properly is a recipe for training disaster.  "Bonking" is a common term amongst athletes.  It means being past the state of hypo-glycemia, and therefore, far past a "negative checking account balance," of vitamins and minerals.  Its difficult to recover motivation at this point.  And, let's face it, an injury (and repeated ones, at that) are deflating to the morale.  Good nutrition is a large percentage in preventing both repeated injuries and "bonking."

 

 

3.)  Not Enough Water/Fluid Intake:   A reduction of just 2% of fluid can result in reduced athletic output by as much as 10-20%. This is not insignificant. Ponder for a moment the amount of energy that goes into training to improve by just 5%. All that, and more, can be lost by inadequate hydration.  Water intake is something I'm constantly working on.  Its something that every athlete should pay attention to.  The times I tend to forget to drink water is typically when I'm doing something in the cold (like snow-shoe running), and swimming.  You are expending more calories in the pool than you think, but for some reason, when I lap swim, I get "in the zone," and forget to drink water in between laps.  This is something I'm now making a concerted effort to do.  Pay attention to the times that you tend to forget to bring, or drink, water.  Then, make an effort to change that.

Jiu-Jitsu at "Clark's University of Martial Arts," Bend, OR.

Girls That Lift Are Strong & Confident

 

4.)  Training The Same Way All The Time:  This can be connected to #1.  After all, if you work with the same coach, day in, day out, you may get in a rut, working out the same way.  People often ask me how I can do so many different sports, and not get injured.  I share with them "It's because I do so many different sports that I don't get injured."  I truly believe that being a "mono-sport" athlete is not the way to go, for most, in the way of fitness and longevity.  Even the top mono-sport athletes, now cross-train.  At least, the best ones do.  I know several ultra-runners that also weight train.  As they should.  Weight training will do something totally different (and necessary) for their body that cardio won't.  I also believe it goes both ways.  My big power lifter/strength patients lack agility, speed, and flexibility, because they rarely do cardio, and stretch.  My motto is:  "I will cross-train your cross-training."  You body should have zero idea what you're going to ask it to do, when you wake up each morning.  It should be ready for anything:  run, jump, lift, climb, swim, bike, row, bend, stretch, dance, whatever.  The minute you become a "specialist" in any one area of fitness is the minute you hit a "plateau."  Whatever your given sport is, consider cross-training as your ticket to staying in that sport.  Anytime you train the same way, for months and years on end, you're asking for overuse/repetitive injuries.  Why do triathletes tend to suffer less injuries versus runners or cyclists alone?  Because they're constantly asking their body to train differently.  Even though more sports are involved in a triathlon versus a marathon, you're less likely to get injured.  It's counter-intuitive, but the more different types of activities you do, the less likely you are to get injured.  The body wasn't designed to eat the same food, over and over, and it's no different for exercise.  Cross-training also prevents boredom, and keeps things fun :)


5.)  Poor Body "Maintenance":  Now I put on my acupuncturist hat.  I'm constantly amazed at how well we maintain our cars, homes, and care for our pets...but, not ourselves.  People have a funny notion that it's "charitable" to put themselves last.  Not one of my Mom clients/patients have said this has worked well for them.  We run ourselves ragged care-taking everyone else, yet our own "gas tank" is on "E."  You must put the same amount of effort (if not more) into taking care of your body.  My guy patients only typically come in to see me, because their wife/girlfriend made the appointment for them.  They grumble their whole first treatment, then come back to the second treatment reluctantly admitting that they feel better.  Once their symptoms start to disappear, they then ask me how often should they come in.  I (only semi jokingly) say "You're On The 'Jiffy Lube' plan.  When that sticker on your windshield says it's time for an oil change then you come in for one of your own."  That seems to work.  I have my own plan, which I highly recommend for every athlete.  Every 3 months I do CPR:  "Crack," "Poke," and "Rub".  That stands for chiropractic, acupuncture and  massage.  I play hard, and want to continue playing hard.  I know my body needs "tune-ups" and "oil changes," just like my car.  In fact, it's more important than my car, because it's the "house" I live in.

 

 

If you give your attention to the following things listed, you will skate over training plateaus easily.  Molding your body into an efficient, strong, capable machine is a joy.  There are bound to be a few  "obligatory" bumps and bruises along the way, but don't lose your enthusiasm.  Sports offer us limitless bounds to test our capabilities in so many ways.  From the inner to the outer levels of who we are.  Frustration is normal.  It can be a way of doing an inventory in your life to see where the "holes" are in your training.  This can be a powerful way of participating in your health, and enriching your life with success, confidence, and growth.

 

 

 

Climbing At "Smith Rock," 2015





REAL Women Move

~ REAL WOMEN MOVE ~

 

 

                                             

 

It became apparent to me, early on in life, that I was a MOVER.  I rarely sat still.  My parents could see that I didn't fit the mold of "traditional" team/ball sports that were offered for the girls at my school.  I swam, rode my bike, rode horses, went to dance class, but rarely did I fit in with the girl jocks.  I liked, and associated with people of different social groups, but never really fit into one, in particular.  I'm still that way.  Only now, I'm very comfortable with it.  Some people never get comfortable with not fitting in.  In fact, I would say most people don't.  Even upon reaching adulthood.

To this day, molds don't fit me, nor I them.  I'm almost 39, not married, & childless.  Many other women, actually, don't really know what to do with that.  You'd think it'd come from the men, but no.  Often, I make other women uncomfortable.  They can't put me in a box, & therefore squirm just a bit.  This is not new to me.  But, I'm good with it.  Women have asked me "Ohhh...you must not have kids, because you're infertile, or there's something 'wrong' with you?"  Not it.  But, to tell them, you're currently "childless by choice," there's a lot of squirming that goes on.  The "Fit Mom" group doesn't quite know where I fit in.  I'm fit too, and they like that, but my lifestyle is less restricted than theirs.  That's both a pro and a con, but because I don't fit the age norm, for what my life "should" look like, I make many women uncomfortable.  Half the time they're not even clear what about me makes them uncomfortable, but I can see it in their eyes.  Women are threatened by one another.  It doesn't have to be that way, but to say that doesn't exist, would be false.  I mirror emotions in them that are uncertain, and they're not sure what to do with that.  I know.  It happens often.  And it's OKAY.

I'm typically the one who, out of a group of women, will be doing the "odd" sports.  I climb as high as I can, until people below me disappear.  With the wind in my face, and the sun inching towards me, I feel free when I climb.  I can climb away from all issues on the ground.  I climb towards my true self.


              Ice Climbing, Ouray, CO.

                                                

I beat dudes up.  Well, sort of.  Sometimes I'm able to pull it off.  Sometimes I'm not.  But, Jiu-Jitsu has become an intrinsic "thread" that connects me to the core of myself.  Try explaining to other women that you roll with large men (especially, other women's husbands).  Most of the time, I'm the only girl in the morning classes.  Other women tend not to know how to react to that, either.  Just one more way that I make them squirm.

(Pictured Right)
Jiu-Jitsu at "Clark's Univ. Of Martial Arts," Bend, OR.


I like to lift heavy weights.  I've been doing "CrossFit" for 8.5 yrs.  I've been coaching it for 3 yrs.  I've been a certified fitness trainer since 2005.   Happily bench-pressing, with a bunch of dudes, often raises an eyebrow with other women.

"CrossFit" comp., Salem, OR., 2013

I don't have a stroller.  I'm not married.  I typically do male dominated sports (although campaigns like this are helping to change that), and I love it.  I will never fit in.  I will always dance to the beat of my own drum.  I will always be a MOVER.  In my OWN way...and that's what #REALWomenMove means to me.  That's what this campaign is for.  To help raise awareness that you will find your own unique movement(s) to express different facets of your nature.  That's powerful in it's own right.  I am a candle for other women.  That is what I do.  I live in a strength of my own, which gives other women and girls who observe what I do, silent permission to do the same.  I'm authentic.  I'm confident.  I love to grow internally by activating my body to dig deeper.  I've always known, since I was little, that my role was to live authentically, a life full of adventure, full of laughter, and to inspire other women and girls to do the same. 

Be a part of the movement.  Join the campaign.  Hashtag your social media pictures, over the next month with #REALWomenMove   Let's demonstrate that ANY way you choose to break a sweat, is not only valid....but valuable.  And that being authentically YOU is the best gift you can give to the world.

 

 

FOLLOW ME ON:

Instagram: @alminebarton
Twitter: @AlmineBarton1
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/alminewellness






Running With My Ancestors

"Listen To The Wind,  For It Carries The Wisdom Of Our Ancestors On It's Back"

Fitness has always been important to my father.  Jogging on the beach, along the Oregon Coast, and swimming at our local pool were always "non-negotiables" to him.  We knew the harder it rained, the longer he'd be gone.  He loves running in the rain.  He always says he feels it "cleanses" him.  He would come home dripping wet, with a big smile on his face.  No words were needed.  His batteries had been re-charged.  He was able to give to his family again.

Post 2014 "Shamrock Run," Portland, OR.

The elements, so harsh and cold on the Oregon Coast, are what chiseled him, like the rocks that line the sea shore.  Dark, jagged, and resilient. The Pacific Ocean, and the abrasive landscape it shapes, are what he draws strength from.

I remember the day he left home to spread his mother's ashes, along her favorite stretch of beach she ran.  Like his mother before him, un-hospitable landscapes are where they chose to derive their stoic nature from.  Raising 4 children on a houseboat in Alaska is something that seasoned my Grandma. A hardy woman, who braved Alaskan winters, got her bush pilot's license, and shot dinner for her children.  

My Dad is adamant that his Alaskan roots, and mother's influence are what solidifed the foundation for hard work in his life.  "Train the body, train the mind" are at the core of his life.  Hard work breeds good results.  Sweat equity yields excellence.

Dad Enjoying The View From "Pilot Butte"

He lives that to this day.  He insists he can run and lift weights 5-6 days a week, "because I swim."  He's a big fan of swimming.  "It's a sport you can age with.  You'll never find fault with a pool."  He states his balance, coordination, clear thinking and level-headedness "come from the water."

One day, I will spread my father's ashes along his favorite stretch of beach, just like he did his mother's.  I will run along the shore, and  know that my love of fitness is a gift from him, like his mother bestowed to her son.  I will feel the cold wind on my face, hear my feet touch the sand with rhythm, and know my ancestors are running with me...as I do my best to carry their wisdom on my back.

Handstands On Christmas Morning, At Home In Newport, OR.

FROM MY DAD:

I am a jury trial lawyer.  My work is intense and pressure-laden.  Stress and responsibility are my daily grist.  I have worked out 5-6 days a week since 1971. Why?  Maybe it was the vision of my mother jogging down the beach when I was home from college, rain or shine.  Maybe because it’s a natural stress reducer and helps me sleep, or maybe it’s just because I enjoy pushing myself.  When I work out alone I also gain the private time necessary to sort out my day and life’s challenges.  I do know I’m 66 and enjoy great enthusiasm, health, and optimism. 

There’s a communion that occurs during and after a good sweat.   When my daughters were young, I took them jogging on the beach.  While we no longer take beach runs, working on our fitness together allows me to connect and share with all three of my kids.  I enjoy playing tennis with Almine’s older sister and basketball with her younger brother.  These days when I get together with Almine, we share a workout at the gym and pool, followed up by a salad.  

From L--R: Dad, Me, Brent & Monique, 2014 "Shamrock Run"

We’ve also taken some exciting trips and have hiked the Inca trail and rafted rivers in Croatia.  I look forward to more adventures.

Last year my daughters and I planned the first of what will hopefully be many father-daughter weekends centered around shared physical activities like hiking, swimming, tennis, and yes, hanging out.  We workout, get massages and eat right.  These weekends are intended build our relationships and are a wonderful opportunity to share, vent, revisit and rewrite history.

*Dad & His Girls*

A lot of people are very good at many of life’s tasks, including their jobs, but neglect taking care of themselves.  This catches up with them; I know as I look around at my peers.   I think of my workouts as the best investment I can make in myself, and it’s obviously something nobody else can do for us.

When people don’t take good care of themselves they marginalize a central aspect of their lives.  It’s easy to take one’s health for granted, especially when you’re young.  Regularly working out isn’t convenient or easy, and not every workout’s a pleasure, but good health is certainly one of our most important personal assets.

Do running and the outdoors in some mythical way connect Almine to the grandmother she barely knew?  Maybe.  I believe working out is a glue that bonds me to my mother, and in turn to my three children.  When my mother died I spread her ashes on the beach where she used to jog.

Dad (with my pup, Anok) Surveying The Land He Purchased To Be Left As A "Green Space" For Future Generations

My advice to parents is to find an activity you can share with your children, and remember, each child is different.  Find something they like, and then build on it.  It all starts with them, life will answer where it ends. 

"Love Your Parents.  We Are So Busy Growing Up, That We Often Forget They Are Getting Old."

Find Your "WHY": 2015 A New Year...New You

My fellow "CrossFit" coach, Danielle King, & I both thought we'd share with you why we workout, & love living a healthy lifestyle.  Different women are motivated to workout for different reasons. Maybe you have kids, & it's about setting an example for them.  Maybe you don't have kids, & it's about setting an example to your community.  Whatever your motivation, it's important to find your "Why." 

Human beings are motivated to perpetuate healthy habits when there's a reason behind it.  It needs to make sense to our logical brain, just why we're getting up, when it's dark out, to make ourselves get "uncomfortable."  And that's what fitness should be...a bit uncomfortable.  If it's not, you're still within your comfort zone.  The "comfort zone" is rarely a place where you see gains, & grow internally.  It's important to find out who you are, outside your comfort zone.  This is where you see progress, and growth.  Not just externally, but internally as well.

Fitness, for me, is an outward manifestation of internal growth.  The physical is just a reflection of hours of mental determination, & pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.  I like to think of it at "The Tao Of Fitness."  When I see someone whose fit, I can appreciate the anatomy and the physical beauty their body is an example of.  What I really see, as a personal trainer & "CrossFit" coach, is beyond that.  It's the hours of dedication, discipline and hard work that it's taken that person to get where they're at.  The physical is just the shell.  It's the mind that's been "harnessed," & controlled to do the will of the spirit.  The spirit is a powerful thing, that drives the human being.  In Chinese medicine we call it the "Zhi."  It is the "Zhi" that makes you dig deep to find that "One More Rep."  You could think of the "Zhi" as being slightly beyond the mental will.  It's just a smidge beyond the word "willpower."  It's the strength of the "Zhi" that will be the deciding factor in who stays alive, & who doesn't in a survival situation.  It is important to harness the "Zhi," to discipline the physical body, & it's capabilities.  It's the horse that drives the cart.  Discipline the horse.  The cart is pulled efficiently.  

A powerful acupuncture point, that is considered the "seat" or the "house" of "Zhi," thereby affecting it's reserves, is GV-4.  This point stimulates motivation, and drive to succeed.  It's a point that is beneficial to be needled, by a licensed acupuncturist, before a sporting event, for extra motivation, determination and drive.  It was a "secret house" point of the Shaolin martial artists in ancient China.

They knew of its abilities to procure, and strengthen the "Zhi."

Find your "Why" and dig deep to harness your "Zhi" this year.  It's a fresh start to a new you.  My mantra for this year is "NEW YEAR, NEW STRONG."  I invite you to embrace your next level of "strong," increase your fitness in 2015...and embrace "Uncomfortable."  Your growth there will yield more than you ever dreamed of.  

Best Wishes For A Year Of Health & Fitness,

Almine Barton & Danielle King

HERE'S A FEW WORDS FROM DANIELLE:

I am sort of like George Washington being I cannot tell a lie. Well sometimes and one thing I cannot lie about are fitness and why and how I love fitness. In the beginning it wasn’t as if I had this great epiphany nor was I an awesome high school athlete. I haveto admit I had gained a few pounds and had what most would refer to as a mom body and I was ok with it. Well, ok with it isn’t and wasn’t enough for me so when a young lady practically talked me into taking her cross training class I reluctantly took her up on her offer.  I mean seriously, most start working out to look hot so then it started!!Damn!! What am I doing here sweating, trembling and on the verge of vomiting? I am embarrassed, but Iwas more embarrassed at the weight I had gained and how I wasn’t eating properly so instead of… here goes nothing, wait here goes everything!!After the first few sessions I was hooked!! The sweating, the heavy lifting, the cheering, and the camaraderie it was all so amazing. After a few weeks I felt a change a change that I had never felt before.My body was different. I was both stronger and happier. This transformation wasn’t just physical but even more so mental. I felt like I could tackle the world. It was amazing, invigorating and quite frankly liberating feeling. These gym feats trickled over into other aspects of my life aand career. For instance, I stood taller, spoke with confidence and most importantly became a role model of health for my children especially my 14-year-old daughter. I want her to see me as strong and not afraid to lift heavy and train hard.

DANIELLE KING, "CrossFit" Coach, Certified Personal Trainer

ALMINE BARTON, "CrossFit" Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, Licensed Acupuncturist

***HAPPY NEW YEAR***

"Almine's Top 10 Workout Clothing Must-Haves."

"Everyday Is A Fashion Show, & The World Is The Runway."
~ Coco Chanel ~

 

 

 

 

Let's face it.  Every girl knows it.  When you get a new article of clothing, it puts an extra "pep in your step."  Whether it be a new pair of heels, a new accessory or a new sports bra.  Having clothes that are both fashionable & functional are important to me.  They have to be able to weather lots of trails, hard workouts...essentially blood, sweat and tears.  However, I am still a girl.  And that means I don't care to look like a boy.  I like to play hard, but still enjoy pretty patterns, lines, cuts and colors.

 

 

I've been a certified fitness trainer and licensed acupuncturist since 2005.  This means, I've heard the same fitness/health questions over and over.  Mostly from women.  And the same question comes up often.  "Almine, what do you wear when you do (insert the sport/activity)?"

 

 

After "test-driving" many workout clothes and gear for various sports, I've listed some Top 10 favorites here for you.  Rest assured, I've tested these pieces in a variety of conditions and weather, so if I recommend them, I promise, I've put them to the test.

 

 

 

1) "SkirtSports" Redemption Capri:  I buy 2 of these at a time, because of how fast I "burn" through these (holes, you name it).  I wear them climbing, for "CrossFit," trail-running, yoga, etc.  They wick sweat away from the body wonderfully, and I love the way they fit.

 

 

 

Climbing In "Redemption Capris"

 

Putting Them To The Test In "CrossFit"

 

 

 

 





2) "Tough Chik" Visor:  Let's face it.  I'm a girl who likes to play outside.  With that comes the responsibility of taking care of my skin.  I've gotten more aware of this as I approach 29 (just kidding!)  :-)   But, yes, keeping the sun out of my face is becoming more important to me, so a good visor, that wicks sweat off my forehead is crucial.  One that has a cute slogan on it I like even better.

 

 

 



 

Out Snow-shoe running up by Mt. Bachelor

 

 

 

3) "HOKA" Running Shoes:   I was first turned onto "HOKAS" by my friend, ultra-runner, Catra Corbett.  Catra is the only woman in the world to have run over 100 one hundred mile+ races.  Yes, do the math:  that's over 100 x 100 miles (& she still keeps going without sore feet!).  That's good enough for a meager trail-runner like myself, who just enjoys getting her pup out for a nice 5-8 mile run a few days a week.  I do own 3 different pairs of "HOKAS" for 3 different types of terrain.  I wear the "Bondi B's" for road-running, the "Mafates" for trail-running, and the "EVO Stinsons" for "hybrid" terrain (maybe some road, some trail, some scramble).  I love them, and won't run any kind of distance in any other shoe at this point. 

 

 

 

 

Running Through OR. Coast Old-Growth Forest In My "Mafates"

 

 

Additional "Mafate" Gear-Review Written By Me For "The GearCaster"

 

 

http://www.thegearcaster.com/the_gearcaster/2011/03/hoka-mafate-trail-shoes-review.html

 

 

 

4.) "SKHOOP" Down Skirt:  Yes, I do end up "skirting" everything I can.  Reminder:  I like to wear lipstick, I like perfume, I like skirts...and I like to sweat.  All those things make fashion and fitness fun for me.  I was first introduced to "SKHOOP" down skirts, when I was ice climbing in Ouray, CO., several years ago.  Like any winter sport, you're not cold when you're moving, but just standing there, belaying...yeah, you get really cold.  Especially, if you've just come down from a climb, and you're drenched in sweat.  Having something to keep your core warm, while you're belaying your climbing partner, is wonderful.  Then, when you're ready to climb, you're still nice and warmed up.  It feels like a down blanket wrapped around your middle-section.

 

 

 

 

Me & my ice climbing gal-pals, hamming it up in Ouray this year in our "SKHOOP" skirts

 

 

 

5.)  "SkirtSports" Cruiser Bike Girl Skirt:  Once again, "SkirtSports" comes through for me.  I really do like, pretty much everything they make.  I love road and mtn. biking in their chamois-padded bike skirts.  Each of the built-in bike shorts (underneath the skirt) have elastic grips, so they don't hike up while you ride.  In addition, pockets on each leg fit gels, spares or iPod.  I've finished a mtn. bike ride with a nice dinner with friends, not worrying about having to change clothes.  The skirt is cute enough to wear on/off the bike.

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Dirty...In My "Cruiser Girl" Cycling Skirt

 

 

 

 

6.)  "Affinity" One-Shoulder Sports Bra:  I really love this sports bra.  I get bored of the same old pattern of sports bras out there.  I like the cut on this one, with the pretty lines, and yes...(drum roll)...it IS functional, ladies.  It has great support.  I've put it to the test in "CrossFit" with box-jumps and "double-unders."  It passed.  :-)

 

 

 

 

 

Rocking my 2nd workout of the day in the "Affinity" sports bra.  It gets my 2 thumbs up!

 

 

 

7.)  "Brooks" FLOW Shoes:  These are my "go-to" shoes for "CrossFit."  They're not completely "minimalist," so I still feel safe doing run-sprints on the pavement, box-jumps, etc. in them (read: they have arch support), but they're not too large a sole to get in the way of lifting.  That makes them pretty versatile for the majority of "CrossFit" WODs (workout of the day).  I'm on my 2nd pair now, and plan to get a 3rd pair soon.

 

 

















 

Rockin' My "Brooks" FLOW kicks, post "CrossFit"

 

 

 

 

 

8.)  "FLUX" Beanie:  I love beanies.  They're versatile, and keep my ears warm, while I'm doing any activity.  I like to support local artists, and our "FLUX" team signature beanies are made in Hood River, OR. by a kick-ass lady!  :-)

 

 

 

 

"FLUX" logo on the beanie, with a variety of colors to choose from

 

You can order at:   http://fluxwater.com/products/headwear/

 

 

 

 

9.)  "SkirtSports" Gym Girl Ultra Running Skirt:  The best running skirt I've run in, hands down.  Love the light-weight material, which wicks wonderfully.  This skirt is versatile and stylish.  Another athletic skirt I've come right off the trails, and to another engagement wearing, without concern of needing to change in between.  Want to switch from running in shorts to trying a running skirt?  This is the one.

 

 



 

"Gym Girl" Running Skirt Hitting My Favorite Trail

 

 

 

 

 

10.) "SkirtSports" Versa Jacket:   I've gone through 3 of these.  Yes, you read that right.  I've put the "Versa Jacket" to the test in torrential downpours, extreme wind conditions, snow, sleet...you name it.  I love this jacket.  Its wind-proof, water-proof, has breathable panels around the armpits (i.e. zero "B.O. Factor"),   Its reflective material is great for night running, has double-layered wrist warmers, and a large back pocket, where you can put snacks, keys, etc.

 

 

 

The "Versa Jacket" comes in both pink & silver  :-)

 

 

 

 

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

― Howard Thurman











"Girl Power": RE-DEFINED

"And Though She Be Little, She Be Fierce." ~ Shakespere

A little over a month ago, I had the opportunity to climb with a girlfriend from out of town.  As we were hiking down the path towards the base of the climb she said to me "Almine, I wish you were in the car with me last week.  I was driving two teenage girls, one of them being my daughter, to school.  In front of her friend my daughter said to me 'Mom, I wish you didn't have such big muscles.  They're unfeminine.'  I turned around, looked at her friend, and asked 'Do you think they're 'unfeminine'?  She said 'No.  I think they're cool.'  I then looked at my daughter and said 'I've earned these muscles.  I'm an ultra-runner and a rock climber, and frankly, your Mom's not too shabby at either sport.  These muscles make me feel proud, and are evidence of a lot of hard work."

"Almine, I was stunned.  It really drove home the fact that our young teenage girls are being influenced, not just from peers or the media, but from all sides as to what the definition of 'Feminine' is.  She certainly didn't get her opinion on what a woman's body 'should' look like from me."

I was stunned too.  With all the work that has been done, over the years, by the women's movement, you'd think that teen girls would feel free to think for themselves.  Capability, self-esteem, confidence and empowerment are all words that come to my mind when I think of my body.  Like my girlfriend, my muscle tone, flexibility, endurance and agility has come from years of hard work on many "playing fields."  I've earned it.  I feel healthy.  I don't feel apologetic about it.  So, why do young girls feel the need to apologize?  Why are they being handed down "second rate" definitions of who they are, and what they're capable of?  And more importantly, why are they embracing distorted views on definitions of "Feminine?"

I MAKE MY OWN RULES AS TO WHAT I FEEL "FEMININE" MEANS TO ME...ON ANY GIVEN DAY  :)

 YES. I BELLYDANCE.  YES, I DO "CROSSFIT."  YES, I ROCK & ICE CLIMB.  WE'RE GIRLS.  WE CAN DO IT ALL.  :)

It is the age old answer to blame the media.  Is this justified? Yes.  Is this a bigger social dilemma than the media?  Yes.

I had a conversation, the other day, with a beautiful 11-yr. old girl.  She plays basketball.  She's competitive in track.  Our conversation began with me talking about pull-ups.  She said "I don't know how to do a pull-up." I replied "No problem.  I can teach you."  She began to scroll through some photos on my phone.  She looked at some of me climbing rock and ice.  She also looked at some pictures of me Bellydancing.  She said "You do both?  Climb ice and Bellydance?"  I said "Yes.  Why not?  They both represent aspects of who I am.  Some days I feel tough.  Some days I feel delicate.  Both activities get me sweating, and appeal to differrent parts of my nature.  My mother taught me how to Bellydance.  Its a wonderful thing she and I share.  I don't need to deny that part of myself because I like to get dirty too."  Her eyes got big.  "Wow!" she said under her breath.  "I would've never thought of it like that" she said.  She continued scrolling through the pictures.  "And you run in a skirt too?"  she asked.  "Absolutely" I replied.

YUP, I TRAIL-RUN...IN SKIRTS (& FUN SOCKS)  :)

To deny various aspects of ourselves as women is what seems to be getting across to young girls.  You must act like (and look like) a boy to be taken seriously.  No lipstick allowed.  No pink allowed anymore.  That stuff's "unfeminine."  Then we have the "flip side" of the equation.  "Mom, your muscles are too big.  They're 'unfeminine' too."  The mixed messages that are being sent to teen girls is staggering.  Be empowered...but not too empowered.  Be athletic...but don't have muscles too big.  Climb and run, but only without make-up, and in clothing that could mistake you for a boy out there.  These teen girls can't win for losing.

What I'm proposing is that we begin a candid, honest, open dialogue of re-defining who we are as women.  This starts from the "ground up," and that would begin with our middle school and high school tween/teen young women.  The message I would like to see sent:  You Can Define Who You Are (& Change This Definition) Daily.  There Are No Confines Of Femininty.  You Make Your Own Rules.

ME, INSPIRING YOUNG GIRLS TO CLIMB AT "THE GIRL EFFECT" FUNDRAISER

Want to be athletic?  Guess what?  You can wear anything you want to that makes you feel that way...on any given day...a skirt or sweatpants.  You have the luxury to play with various aspects of who you are, as a woman, and teen girl, like a blank canvas.  You have unlimited colors to paint your canvas with, and the process of splashing your canvas with the brightest, most vivid (or not) colors is what makes life beautiful.

Luckily, I was not alone when having the conversation with my girlfriend about her daughter.  My pal, who I jokingly dubb "The Teen Tornado," Ms. Stephanie Jacobson, was with me.  Stephanie is amazing.  She is an inspiration to teen girls everywhere.  She is a sponsored "POCKETFUEL" teen athlete, who relishes in a good "CrossFit" WOD as much as she does doing a 30-day "Bikram Yoga" challenge.  She loves to trail-run, do charity relay/race events, and is now learning to rock climb.  Our conversation peaked her interest.  She said "You know, its tough out there for teen girls.  We have so much pressure coming at us from all sides.  I used to think muscles were 'unfeminine' too.  That is, until I started 'CrossFit.'  Now, everything has changed about my definition of 'feminine'."

I invited Stephanie to share her thoughts with us in this blog.  I'm grateful to young women like Stephanie.  They are re-defining roles for young girls, and are working diligently to re-define themselves.  This process, in turn, shines as an example to their peers.  It IS slowly changing the face of what we call "feminine."  One empowered, capable, strong young woman at a time... to check out Stephanie's blog you can go to:  http://gtdcrossfitteen.blogspot.com/

STEPHANIE & I "HAMMING IT UP" AT THE ROCK GYM. 2 "POCKETFUEL" ATHLETE AMBASSADORS.  2 LADIES WHO LOVE TO CLIMB.  :)

Stephanie's Thoughts:

Your changing view of muscles as your fitness has increased:

As my fitness has increased, I've definitely gained a greater appreciation for my muscles. I have worked hard and dedicated myself to gain each and every one of them. They did not come easily, and for that reason, I am highly appreciative of them. Fitness is measurable in all sorts of ways though, so having muscles doesn't necessarily define your fitness, but I know for me, I have gained a lot of muscle mass from CrossFit! It makes me stronger, and faster, and I love it. Muscles are the prize for hard work and dedication.

Body Image issues for teens:

"Issues" and insecurities with body image in teens is not uncommon. I can honestly say, I am slightly insecure of my body image, but that just comes with the territory. Somehow, somewhere in our late elementary, and early teen ages, there is this "idea" of "perfect" bodies. The influence is everywhere, magazines, the internet, and TV. Young women are being objectified and capitalised, and adolescent girls are one of the market audiences. They may not be advertising "perfect" body image, but when that is all you see, it becomes the "ideal" body image, and adolescent girls start questioning their body image. There is a huge pressure in school that says if your not: Skinny, have long shiny hair, wear cool clothes, and date a football player, then you must not be a "cool" person. And somewhere along the lines, "skinny" became the "standard" that most girls thought they needed to be. With this, self esteem, and body image issues develop. Girls don't love themselves for who they are, or what they could become, because there is a social stigma that plagues this world. As a teen, I will admit that I fell "victim" to this. I never felt good enough. I always felt the need to "change" myself. I was constantly thinking "How can I be like this person", " Maybe if I stop eating, and get skinny, I will be good enough and someone will want to be my friend, or date me". Thats not to say I didn't have friends, but I felt very alienated by everyone. Felt like I wasn't cool enough to hang with those people because they were somehow better than I was. I hated my body. I thought I was fat, and ugly. I read magazines, and dreamed to be like the girls pictured. I watched digital media, and longed to be as beautiful as all the models, and actresses were. I honestly wanted to be anyone but me, because I was "insecure", and unhappy with who I was and what I looked like.


What "Strong is the new skinny" means to you:

Strong is not just skin deep. Strong means you have the drive and determination to be better than you were the day before. To push past all the negative, and overcome obstacles that not only you, but others, have set for you. Strong is physical, and mental. There are no limits when you choose to be strong! If you choose skinny, you are choosing to let others control you. You are following what society says is "right", and allowing social norms and pressures to overtake your mind. At this point, you are not thinking for yourself, or as psychologist refer to: Group Think. "Skinny" Means wanting to change yourself because an outside force told you that you are not "good" enough. You are extrinsically motivated by someone or something that could care less about who you are as a person, as long as you look "good" or skinny in this case. When you choose skinny, you hand over your right to think for yourself. You are now a puppet, and there is more than one puppeteer. When you are strong, you set the rules, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You take ownership and pride in what you have worked for, and you respect the hard work and dedication it takes to reach goals, and strive for a life that's worth living. Strong girls, do things for themselves, they don't rely on others to get stuff done, because they are willing and capable. They forge their own way, and don't let anyone stop them. If someone doesn't like them because they won't "bow" down to what they want, they will keep on walking. Strong is empowered, skinny is weak.

STEPHANIE LIFTING UNDER THE WATCHFUL GUISE OF COACH TOM BENGE AT "CROSSFIT BREAKTHROUGH."

What your idea of exercise vs. Fitness is:

Exercise is buying a gym membership and walking on the treadmill for an hour everyday because you "have" to. Fitness is striving to reach goals. Being a well rounded "athlete". Mixing up your routine, and trying new things that get you active and moving! Fitness is defined however you choose it to be defined. Exercise is sounds like a death sentence. Fitness is a way of life. Fitness is for life. I workout to live, I don't live to workout. But when you start doing things like rock climbing, trail running, nordic and alpine skiing, cycling, and trail running, fitness is amazing! Everything I listed gets you outside and active, and creates a healthy lifestyle. Anyone can be physically fit doing something they love that gets them moving. Exercise is a confining term, but fitness is a infinitely broad term that can take you anywhere!

STEPHANIE & I AFTER "BIKRAM YOGA"

ME, WORKING WITH STEPHANIE ON TECHNIQUE AT THE ROCK GYM