Every Friday I feel like we’re celebrating as if school is being let out for the summer. I dig it! I’ll join in on that. We all kinda need that excitement by the end of the week, right? Speaking of excitement, I thought I’d make this post a little more “fun” for ya.
So I’m seeing a trend here. Most people said they were stuck “in between” like me this week. Some are feeling run down, unmotivated, or tired, while others are stressed with their circumstances and just feeling lost. Well, I hear ya! And you know what? I think I’m going to take the hub’s advice and “switch my focus.” I challenge you all to do the same. For the next 10 days, switch your focus to something else. Whether it be to embrace recovery (like Bre mentioned), focus more or Yoga (like Kathleen is doing), or just spending more time doing what you LOVE and gaining that MOTIVATION back.
But like all challenges, we need a reward. Lucky for you, I got one for ya! Our friend Juan just started up his own clothing line for running/triathlon fanatics! It’s call TRIITWEAR. Lots of great comfortable shirts, hats, iPhone covers, etc. I love all the logos too. Check it out! Anyway, Juan gave us a few extra shirts to giveaway (Small Women’s, and Medium Men) and I’d love to make this the reward for the end of our challenge. I kinda explain it in the video below (yes, I realize I am a dork and I embrace that!).
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Enter the challenge and tell me what you will “switch your focus” to.
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Check out all the cool gear on their website. They even have iPhone Covers!
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And lastly, encourage someone else today. Easy!
I’ll anounce the winner next Friday (Feb. 25th). That will be just 3 days before the 10 day challenge is over.
Maia, I am so glad you shared with me. but I am also so sorry to hear about your toe. It is frustrating but just think how much stronger you will be MENTALLY when you come back. Ready to conquer that marathon in June. I might have to do the same thing. Glad we can support each other!cheers, Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
Great Post! Just found your blog through my friend. Awesome how you find things that are so timely for you, ya know? I broky my small toe on Valentine's day and I was 5 weeks into my spring marathon training. I was told to take 3 weeks off- no running , only "easy" bike rides… I really had to refocus (and am still trying) because I have no decided to NOT run a marathon at the end of April, but istead, run one at the beginning of June. Stupid pinky toe! Bummer that such a small bone can make sucha big difference for me right now! So, still trying to focus on letting it heal and not create further damage by being stubborn 🙂
Oh jenny this is wonderful. I am excited for you! One day at time and it will get there. Great focus Jenny! Lindsay ________________________________
Switch the focus from the "some day" to the "TODAY!" My husband and I will be opening a practice within the calendar year and we keep thinking, "some day" this or "some day" that will happen. Instead, I'm ready to day TODAY we will…
Love the video – and love the kit as well! As always – you're reading my mind. My focus this week and next has been on training to the best of my ability – without comparing myself to anyone or anything (new Boston standards?) else. I'm still off running but have really focused on my swimming, finally reading my TI book and trying to bring it into practise. I'm loving the change, doing what I can to heal up my knee (my friend, the acupuncturist, is making a Sunday morning visit to deal with some of the swelling, and I'm icing, resting and eating well. Thank you for reminding me to keep focusing on this Lindsay! Oh – and yes, I've liked them on FB and have been encouraging my own daughter to go out for a run – which she did!
Love the video… very cute. I'm a dork too and that is a good thing. And great clothing on the website.
I'm also going to keep my focus on staying POSITIVE. Because positivity breeds all things positive. And that just makes me happy. 🙂
This is such a positive post! I love it!I will switch my focus from worry about what I'm eating to enjoying ever single bite I take. 🙂
That would be awesome! Thank you so much!
I liked Tri it Wear on FB & followed on Twitter. 🙂
Love this idea of switching the focus. I'm going to switch my focus to yoga, too. I've been in a running/cardio "rut" and need to mix it up because my whole body needs some stretching therapy…or a massage! I hope you are having a great weekend, my friend! xo
Hear, hear! What a great idea! I'm in. Definitely: I've been trying to start forcing more exercise into my life since Christmas, but worky-crappy stuff has gotten in the way. BUT: as I stand on the threshold of a partly new work phase, this is coming at exactly the right time. I'm in—and I'm switching my focus from too much work to MUCH MORE ACTIVITY! Yay! Thanks for the push!
After being sick for a week and giving myself time to get my energy back up, I am now shifting my focus to getting back on track with my fitness. It's amazing what one week of bumming it on the couch can do for your endurance…and your motivation! Instead of being hard on myself about how much wind I'm sucking while doing my workouts, I am going to keep in mind that giving my body rest for a week was exactly what I needed and though it will take a little while to get my endurance back, with a little FOCUS, I'll be right back where I was in no time!
Hope you are having an amazing Saturday gorgeous girl!!
I'm going to focus on my first race – a 15K – next weekend by making sure I eat well and get enough sleep this week!
I think I'll change my focus to doing less cardio and more yoga…sometimes I feel like I need to more cardio—when I actually need to take care of my joints a little bit better and do less!
i love this switch your focus challenge! i would like to join…….do i need to be specific as to how i am switching my focus?
i am going to try to focus on stretching (doing yoga) alot more because I have been very tight and sore. Thanks for doing this challenge!
Great Idea! I am going to shift my focus to relaxing with my hubby when I have downtime, instead of finding something else to do. Random… but I need to do that!
Oh, you are too cute. 😀
Uh, LOVE those shirts! I especially love the "Velozitti" t-shirt! My focus is switching to consistency! Most want to focus to peace or rest, but that's just not helping me right now, lol!And I "like" them on FB. 😀
I'm changing my focus to sit still and finish my argumentative research paper. Hahaha! But I keep getting up to bake or cook or pee or something.
Those shirts are awesome! I definitely want one- I'm checking out the site right now. I'm changing my focus from instead of jutt hammering every workout I can, but instead stretching, training very specifically, and dedicating myself to do my first race of the year- The Frosty Trails 14 miler! It's a trail run and my goal is to just enjoy the run and savor the simple facts- like honestly that God has given me legs at all and I can be greatful to use them to be outside and enjoy his world!
Got them on Twitter. I like their stuff, and I'm passing the link along to a friend in Austin that I think would like them! I'm on my way to getting out of this funk – the move to Washington starts this week! I will be focusing on keeping all that I can, intact, punctual and chaos-free. Thanks for the challenge. Perfect timing!
I like them on FB!
I love that shirt on you! Fabulous color and fit! I follow them on twitter @blondeponytail
I am switching my focus to stretch and strengthen–it's too easy for me to run without all the extra stuff that would improve my experience!
I didn't know you were hosting a giveaway! I have seen you comment on some of the same blogs I follow and had to check you out! New follower!
Man, I've been switching the focus to being more healthy in my life and still .. stuck in between. I need to re-focus on just BEING and not stressing out about what I need to change. Thanks for the inspo!PS- I love your talking face!
Great challenge! I am going to switch my focus inside and stop looking out there for the answers. It is all in me!
I love this challenge and the video! I've been wanting to kick up my yoga the past few weeks, so I want to challenge myself to try new poses and not be scared to try them. I wanna try to get into a headstand or hold crow for more than 10 seconds.Also, I saw your comment reply back about captivating pictures – I just did a post with awesome pictures today, and I can send over a few other ones 🙂
you are amazing. =)
Actually the Winterman Marathon in Ottawa! I'm from New York, so this is much closer haha! Send warm thoughts this way!!!!
I've been thinking about this all day, trying to come up with something, but I'm so UNfocused, I am having trouble :D. Soooo… I'm going with focusing on what I'm putting into my body for the next week before my first half, stretching/yoga, and ENJOYING my runs. Phew. That was tough.
Cute shirts and great challenge I need to work on doing more yoga/stretching so my body can recover after hard workouts that way I can continue my routine with out skipping the gym.
oh!! and yes, I follow them on fb + twitter, and my encouragement will be to my sister – she is busy and not eating as healthy as she used to (she used to be a HUGE juicer like me!!) and all I have to do is talk about my juicing and she wants it too!! 🙂 I'm going to have her over this weekend and show her a few of my go to recipes also. more focus shift for me, something fun that I love!!
I know it's not "all about me" but I feel like at least partly you are doing this for ME ! 🙂 ..and, I NEED to focus on ME a bit more. sounds weird to say, but I think part of my switch in focus will definitely be Taking Care Of Me. I've spent this difficult time (geez, 2 months!) caring for and worrying about everyone else and while I will still do that, I need to also take care of me and do things that make me HAPPY. I've been to the new gym every day for a week as of today, and that makes me happy! I'm going to continue this, and as soon as I am done with this comment (novel!) I will be looking at my calendar for open places to stick fun things – walks with Basil + Jason, treating Jason to dinner, getting my much needed therapeutic massage, going to a movie Jason wants to see… :)love the video! you're adorable and you Make Me Smile !! every day!! XXO
Ok, my "encourage someone" is to encourage you to COME TO CHARLOTTE! I have a guest room and will personally take you to Cowfish. Standing invite! 🙂
haha! You're adorable! Hope you got that shower. 🙂 I'm going to switch my focus daily like I mentioned. I'm definitely still in juggling mode. The thing I really really want to change is giving my ALL to something when the moment calls for it. Like on my runs…I really want to take it to a new level. 🙂
This is a great post!! I want to switch my focus from the marathon (it's sunday ahh!) and after that (and after I take a couple days off) I want to get right back in it! I've got 2 different half marathon's scheduled and another full in May. I want to do more speed and hill work outs rather than focusing on long runs! I also want to do more cross training and weight lift some days! I have been in a funk strangely enough since marathon training- I tended to only focus on my running and long runs and got away from working my core and other muscles! So after sunday- POW I'm switching my focus and making new goals!
This sounds like so much fun!! I'm going to focus on being positive in my workouts, and finishing them out with no regrets!! You made me laugh with the whole shower thing. I do the same thing on my teaching days!
I love this idea, Lindsay!! My focus will be on happiness. I've been feeling really depressed for about a month now (except yesterday!) and so I'm going to try my hardest to get to the bottom of it and unearth the happiness that is just waiting to be released. This means I will need to focus on doing more of the things I love (reading), cooking/baking, exercising (but not going crazy), spending time with my mom, sister and dog and talking to my friends. I'll also be playing around with my diet and adding in some supplements soon. Operation Happiness is now on! 🙂
AMAZING site! totally love it and just sent the link to everyone I could think of. on your left shirt is hysterical! they need to have that on the front and then something funny on the back of the women's one about chicking the guys 😉
AHHHHH!!! I WANT THAT SHIRT SO SO BAD!! Girl, that looks AWESOME ON YOU!!! Seriously, you are one hotty. Bummer about your hip, yay for yoga. K, I followed them on twitter and I am going to encourage my downstairs neighbor to get out of her funk and run on my treadmill as I feed her skittles.This week I am going to focus on my MENTAL HEALTH. I have a race next Saturday so I will be lowering my mileage and spending time on me:) LOVED the video and it is amazing how gorgeous you are pre-shower etc. James is a very lucky man!! LOVE YOU!
I'm changing my focus by breaking out of my daily monotony and getting out of town for a couple days. I need a change of scenery and to relax and get away from the daily grind. I feel like weeks go by and everything is the same, so if I can break out of that it'll refresh me.
i'm going to try to focus on what is behind my emotions and making sure that i talk about how i am feeling to the people who i care about/who care about me. i tend to store my emotions and then burst at the seams, so switching gears and trying to talk about things i hope will help. AND i am going to focus on my PLANKS! 3 minutes by boston marathon!
I need to shift my focus…being very emotional today… I need two days of rest and to put my mind on LONG TERM stuff. I also need to keep some notes on what I am eating & when so I can get soem issues straightened out.Thanks for the video. I Love that you will post a video of yourself before showering and in a shirt you've worn 3 days in a row =D . You are comfortable in your own skin- love it.
You're so funny… I think you look GORGEOUS and BEAMING in the video! xo
love this post! What a great way to motivate a group.I am going to switch my focus to two different things. 1 – my husband.. focus on us and really support him with what he's going through right now and 2- healthy eating. Focus on the healthy food that I put into my body rather than stressing out about eating a cookie (or two lol).I took a look at the Triitwear website.. really cool! I LOVE the shirt you have on in your pic. The way it looks, the color and the material looks like good quality and comfy!
What a fun challenge!!! I've been caught in an "in between" rut too.. especially since I'm still in my "off-season". Jumpstarting it with a last-minute 5k this weekend! and hopefully that will switch my focus back to training (running and biking) and towards my goal of sub 25-min 5k! (I'll try to post something on my blog after 10 days)
I'm going to work on changing my focus to what my body CAN do, not what it can't or what I find wrong with it. Also, I'm going to work on focusing on the here and now, instead of into the future, even if the "future" is just a day or two from now.
cute shirts! i am switching my focus to following my running plan. too often I feel like I'm not doing enough and NEVER follow it. I have to focus today on taking a "rest" day…it kills me. All I want to do is go to the gym and run a few miles, but I know I will be dead if I do that and won't be able to complete my long run tomorrow.
I'm following them on Twitter. :)Also, I am going to change my focus to my blog (going through some redesign) and just staying present. I notice that I always am thinking about what I have NEXT, and not on what I'm doing NOW.
LOVE the idea of this challenge!! I am going to switch my focus to SWIMMING for the next 10 days. Every time I get away from swimming regularly, the tweaks and little random "what was that??" feelings come back during my runs. Not like I'm not going to run, but I need to at least be getting in my scheduled mileage in the pool. Maybe a couple pool running sessions too! Thanks Lindsay!
I will focus on staying on track at work – and not spending so much time on my Google reader!
This is so timely – I was just posting about my frustrations with my IT band. And now that I'm reflecting, I need to refocus on allowing my IT band to rehab (ie. be dedicated to stretching daily and yoga a few times a week). And coming off of marathon season, I need to refocus on giving myself the freedom to rehab my IT band – meaning, be free from guilt for not running or cross-training 6 days a week. 10 days to stretch and not overdo it. And allowing myself to feel good about taking it easy. Thanks for the post!Love the iPhone covers – what a great idea and a market that seems to not have been tapped into yet for the tri/run community!
my focus switch is to working out…hard. Mainly doing a bootcamp class. hello I'm sore. Have a good weekend!!!
As I generally do, I'm switching my focus to spending time doing what I love: cooking. 🙂 I'm going to work out all the stress of teaching and potential job loss and excessive "have-tos" and just let my mind/creativity/hands/food processor rock 'n roll a little bit!
"I've worn this short for..a couple days now..which is…bad" haha! It looks cute on you, and comfy, yes? So, not bad. I spend days in my lululemon clothes, no shame! ;)Switching my Focus to finding what we Enjoy to do around here – hike, explore a new little mountain town, ride a new bike trail, or run a new route for the 10 on Saturday's schedule. Bringing D along with me, since it's finally the weekend so we actually get to see each other! 🙂
i'm actually switching my focus to training for the Boulder Peak triathlon, so this would be perfect!!
I want to focus on increasing my speed on my treadmill runs. I think it's time to take it to the next level and break out of my rut 🙂
I don't think your a dork ;)Do you have a good recipe for GF pizza crust?
Let's see…switch my focus. I LOVE this phrase btw, your hubs is a wicked smaht (said in my best Boston accent) man, for the record. 😉 I LOVE my workouts, I crave them, yet sometimes I focus too much on them, not in an overtraining or obessive way but…I don't know, it's hard to explain. I just want to focus on working out for the positive impact it has on my health…which I do MOST of the time, but sometimes it's more for vanity which I hate to admit (though I know I'm not alone in this…I still hate that). So my switched focus is on working out for health and longevity and well-being. Is that a rambly weird answer or what??
Oh, and thank you for sharing the link to the gear. I think it's awesome!
Oh, and thank you for sharing the link to the gear. I think it's awesome!
Ok, first off you – you're sooo not a dork, you're an absolute doll! I totally need to refocus several things. For starters, I need to remember that this half coming up is my first. It's about finishing and having FUN (hello key word) not trying to somehow beat some crazy time I've invented. My next refocus is to try to look at the positive side of the car situation and get excited about a new car. Sounds silly probably, but I've been really down about that and I need to turn it around. Hugs to you my friend.
Ok, first off you – you're sooo not a dork, you're an absolute doll! I totally need to refocus several things. For starters, I need to remember that this half coming up is my first. It's about finishing and having FUN (hello key word) not trying to somehow beat some crazy time I've invented. My next refocus is to try to look at the positive side of the car situation and get excited about a new car. Sounds silly probably, but I've been really down about that and I need to turn it around. Hugs to you my friend.
Changing focus is a good idea! I needed to hear that today, thank you 🙂 Love the gear!!!! Love Fridays and reading your blog!!! 🙂 Have a good day!
Since I'm starting a cleanse today (i'm drinking my green smoothie as I type this!) to resolve a potential health problem, I'm definitely switching my focus. I eat pretty healthy as it is, but I'm focusing on alkaline foods again. I'm also focusing on being positive, taking time to relax, and not worrying as much. As a teacher, I have next week off for February break, so that will be nice, too!
How cool! I'm trying to focus on finding a good work/life balance. It's hard when you have a job that you bring home with you, but I have some fabulous new distractions in my life and I want to make sure I can enjoy them and be able to put the laptop and the blackberry away!
I am definitely changing my focus this week! I am going to focus on the positives in my life and not get overwhelmed by the things I can't control…baby steps. I think some fresh air will do me some good too! Have a great weekend Lindsay!
Lindsay, we are of similar minds, because I just launched a post about the importance of rest times. Your challenge is a great idea, I'll be in for it! I'm just sad that a small women's size doesn't fit with my broad shoulders, I usually have to buy large. However, I'll do the challenge! I think my focus should be my body a little more, instead of my mind solely – getting enough, some regular exercize, good food. Body has been neglected a little lately, and now it has enough (what it shows me by giving me a sinus infection and serious back pain).
Love this idea! I'm going to switch m focus on to eating cleaner and working outs involving things I like and am in the mood for rather than balls out killer workouts!
LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!!!! I'm going to switch my focus to being positive about the things in my life.. if i have an essay- ill do it and STAY positive.. i really need to focus on looking at things through another light!