What is my secret?
A past BHAG of mine was FANS 12 hour race. My goal was to run a 100k in under 12 hours. Every day I woke up excited to work towards earning this Tee shirt that was a prize for accomplishing this goal. It says “I ran 100km in 12 hours” on the sleeve.
A little background….
The first ultramarathon I registered for was Javelina 100k. It was before facebook and I did not know anyone else that had experience in running and finishing ultras. My race day nutrition plan was old fashioned soft puff peppermints in my fanny pack that I ate during the entire race. I was surprised to see the aid stations full of pizza, pumpkin pie and lots of yummy real food. I had never ate that on my runs. I successfully finished the 100k with my peppermints but there certainly was a better race day nutrition plan to be had.
From that 1st ultramarathon I grew as an athlete with professional help in training and nutrition. It makes me happy that within Ornery Mule Racing we have been able to build a strong group of Personal Run coaches and Registered Dietitians. We realize that not everyone can budget for a personal coach/dietitian so we also created an OMR Fitness group that meets twice a month and has a private FB page to support one another. Coach Erin leads this inspiring group. Our first task for success each year has been to set a BHAG. These letters stand for Big Hairy Audacious Goal and is pronounced “bee-hag”… fun to say & even more fun to accomplish!
What the heck is a BHAG?
BHAG is defined as a long term goal that will bring you great joy to achieve. It is something that will take dedication, organization and consistent work in order to succeed. A BHAG needs to be something you really want and will wake up every day energized and motivated to work towards.
2022 my BHAG was working on my nutrition and managing my stress.
I hired a Registered Dietitian, took classes, participated in OMR fitness group, and worked on stress management with counseling. I dedicated a full year to my personal health and fitness. The result of working towards my BHAG gave me joy. I lost weight, went down multiple sizes in clothing, and my running improved.
What is my secret?
I have so many people ask me how they can achieve the success that I have had in weight loss.
I wish I could give my success to anyone that is struggling. What my suggestion would be is to do something different than you have been doing. Make a 100% commitment to it. Know that your fitness journey is not going to be a quick change, it is a lifestyle change that you work on over time. Use common sense, quick miracle diets do not work long term. I eat 100% real food, no sugar, no processed foods and my meals are simple and easy to put together. Try new foods and give them a chance. Once I took out all the processed junk that was in my diet, I gained a new appreciation for the sweet flavor of steamed broccoli, a plain baked sweet potato, spring lettuce flavored with juicy tiny tomatoes and crisp fresh veggies. Foods I used to not like- now taste sweet, savory and delicious! The food I have learned to love is food that works for my busy life. It is quick and easy to make, taste good, fuels me with great energy, and I never feel deprived. Find something that fits your lifestyle.
I share my story hoping I can help others find happiness. Let me know if there is anything specific you are struggling with. What do you want to hear about? Please leave comments for me and I will share what has helped me.
