We Grind Together: 8-Week Challenge
It’s training season, y’all!
There has been a lot of focus recently from our favorite fitness influencers about the difference between motivation, determination and discipline. Motivation is what gets you started. However, you won’t be motivated every day. Discipline is your “why” behind what you are doing. Determination is what helps you finish what you started. We are loving these conversations.
One of our main goals for staying on course when it comes to fitness is to keep a goal ahead of us. We will usually sign up for races or competitions months in advance so we consistently work towards our goals in a safe way. We’ve kicked off by going big. CaCera has signed up for her fourth Spartan Race and Shawnie has gotten back on the running trails with a half marathon ahead of her. It just so happens both fall on the first weekend in April! We are excited to be on this journey together and excited to share it with you.
Over the next 8 weeks, we will be posting more on our training plans, nutrition, hurdles and goals along the way.
Spartan Strong-er: CaCera
I love a good challenge and I get most excited about pushing myself out of my comfort zone. That feeling trickles into many facets of my life, but is most prevalent when it comes to fitness. I signed up for my first Spartan Race in 2018 with the goal of simply pushing my body in a new way. I’d become very regimented with training. When I decided to move beyond the 3-mile Sprint into the 8-mile Super last year, I was looking to fall in love with running. I’d made great strides in the technique needed for the obstacles, but running was still a chore. Headed into my fourth race, I’m back focusing on building strength with the goal of running a clean race. For me that means not having to do any burpees because I’ve put in the time and training to master the obstacles. That will be the biggest reward for me.
Here’s the thing, I’m still working on balance. In order to really be in top shape and aim for completing each obstacle, I’m going to have to ensure I’m getting adequate rest and fueling my body correctly. That will be a mini challenge in itself for a self-proclaimed busy body.
Run it Back: Shawnie
I ran my first half marathon 10 years ago. When I look back, I was such a novice on my fitness journey. I didn't have anyone to run with and was questioned by many friends. I'm not going to lie, my journey to my first half-marathon was tough. I trained alone, I injured myself halfway through preparation, and I didn't understand my body…at all. While I was happy I finished, I didn't really enjoy the race, and I had convinced myself that hate running.
Since that time, I've competed in two fitness competitions, did a burlesque show, got my personal training certification, and participated in more than my fair share fitness events. I always wondered if I could run another half-marathon, but it wasn't until recently that I felt inspired to take on a new challenge. I want to incorporate everything I've learned so far about body movement and really enjoy the journey this time around.
Check in to @_fitwithfinesse on Instagram next week. We will be talking a bit deeper about our journey, how we’ve gotten this far and what we are looking forward to most over the next 8 weeks.
Love,
CaCera & Shawnie