Friday, February 3, 2012

Oblivious Impact!

TGIF!!!! I'm so glad it's Friday because that means 2 things for me.  I am excited about my Crazy Cardio session tomorrow with a great group of ladies and Sunday is the Super Bowl! Unfortunately, my team (Titans) isn't in Indianapolis but I do plan on going to South Lake Tahoe to watch the game and get some skiing in this weekend and Monday! I am guessing I will venture around the casinos which should make me feel like home in Vegas.
This morning's 5:30am workout was all core/lower back so it was a good change.  After the workout, My girls Emme, Erin and I decided to do extra credit booty but realized after one set we were cashed out for the day.  There is something to be said for rest. As I write this, I am mentally prepping for kickboxing in 45 minutes. I still need to get my cardio in and this class makes the time fly while brewing up a great sweat.
A very cool thing happened to me yesterday that I would love to share.  I once again headed out to the grocery for probably the 100th time this week. Somewhere in between the asparagus (yep it's making me gag right now) and broccoli (still gagging), I was approached by a very gentle and concerned looking woman.  She started off by asking me if I had just been for a run. I would have thought she was stalking me if I didn't realize I was wearing my running gear and looking as red as the delicious apples I was drooling over (nope, can't have apples on my diet). I was also wondering if it's offensive to the produce that I stroll in huffing, puffing and glistening like an angel (ok so I look like a drowned rat usually)? So I acknowledged I had just finished a run when the lady started telling me how she sees me running all the time, sees my dog running me a lot and that I'm sometimes oblivious when crossing the street (I'm seeing a theme this week with the whole car accident thing).  I really had no idea where this conversation was going at that moment.  I could only stand there smile and politely nod.  Quickly the tone of the conversation changed and she began to confide in me that she noticed me exercising often and admired the dedication of the community of runners. She continued on to tell me that she wished she could get her twelve year old daughter to do any activity and often pointed me out to her daughter when they saw me running. Her daughter would always reply that she would never be able to do anything close to running. When I asked her why her daughter would say such a thing, she proceeded to tell me that at twelve years old her daughter was 250 pounds. She had slipped into such a deep depression that she only made it off the couch to attend school and majority of the time she would skip her classes because of peer torment.  I was shocked and in awe at the cruelty of teenagers from the stories she was telling me. Then Betty, by now we had introduced ourselves, told me she just wanted her daughter to have a chance. She wanted her to have a chance at life, health, homecoming dances, dates, first loves and best friends.  My heart was breaking right there in the produce department as this lovely lady shared some of her deepest emotions with me.  I assured her there is always hope and opportunity each day for her daughter. The toughest part was just taking that first step in the right direction. I asked Betty if she would allow me to talk with her daughter. I told her I would love to take that first step with her could walk with her daily to get her started.  You would have thought I gave Betty a million dollars with her overjoyed reaction and thanks.  Betty said she didn't have a phone at this time so I gave her my information and told her to please call me. Before she walked away, Betty also told me she had seen me in the same grocery several times and had actually copied some of the items I was putting in my basket even though she didn't know really how to prepare some of it.  I just laughed but it really made me think deep inside about how I had influenced someone without saying a word or even noticing.  I was oblivious that someone was paying attention to how I lived my life.  Coach Doug always says live like someone's watching you because you never know when they are.  I guess people really are paying attention.  I can only hope that Betty calls because I would really be honored to help her daughter.  More than likely, you've been an inspiration and not known it. That's a great feeling!
So have a great weekend, be safe and keep working towards your goals whatever they might be.
Also, don't forget to "Like" my athletic page Liz McMillan Future WBFF Fitness Pro on Facebook and join my blog to be entered in my LOVE YOUR BODY MONTH contest with over $200 worth of LOVE goodies for your body! My loss can be your gain this month!

1 bottle of Noceto OGP (The Original Grandpere Vineyard) 2008 Zinfandel from Amador County
CHOCOLATES
Gift Certificate to Sports Authority
Lush Bath Products
2 Lift Tickets to Sierra at Tahoe or Gift Certificate to Spa Finder (something for everyone....options are good)



PS-BTW, I will be paying more attention when I cross the street now on my runs as well as yellow/red lights while driving!

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