1/2 marathon training update January 21 January 21, 2012

I think every high and lofty goal that is worth having is going to have some sort of opposition along the way.

On January 9th I was super excited to be headed on our annual Jordan Essentials cruise.  My bags were packed with 2 swimsuits and a bunch of work out clothes and high hopes. I was going to use this week as a health retreat.  Our first day at sea we were going to hit the running deck with a nice long run and enjoy the sunshine as a bonus!  In place of this wonderful experience we found the the track very small and the wind very high.  It was a struggle to make it around this one particular corner.  1 mile was really taxing.  On the second mile and about 12 laps the wind picked me up and I landed on the soft spongy track wrong and twisted my knee.  I tried to keep going but the sharp pain got the better of me.

Our first stop in Grand Caymen and I picked up a souvenir knee brace.   I refused to let this get me down but it was really hard not to.  Mentally when you have a plan and it goes wrong it can be the toughest battle.  I am no athlete so I was surprised at how depressing the thought of getting behind on my training would be and how inactivity would be tough on me mentally.

The cruise was wonderful, even though I did not get any exercise in and had to use the elevators.   It was not the health retreat I had planned, but I did focus on the wonderful friends I was with and the beauty of the islands.

Getting back I had to make some plans how to get back on track.  By day two I decided I needed a doctor.  I iced my knee all week and did some elliptical training which brings me to today.

We took off for our long run and I cannot emphasize the word long here enough!  I tried to mentally jazz myself up but physically the break had been hard on me.  Mile one was just plain awful.  Ron had picked a new course for us and it matched how I felt.  It was along a main road with no turns and seemed like an eternity. I am a bit of a baby I like to run where it is pretty and the weather is nice.  22 degrees in an industrial area really stunk.  I had to really keep my mental game on while my body battled with the cold and remembering how to run.

Mile 2- 3 ended with a short break to get rid of some of our outer-ware. I was sweating like a pig (really do pigs sweat?) and I was eager to find my second wind.  Ron told me later he had expected me to stop at the break.  NOT TODAY my friend!

On break Ron has brought me the highlight of the trip!  Did you know they make a gel with honey, caffeine and ginseng in it??????  It was like Mana from heaven!  I am not sure what happened but it felt like I had my battery charged and ready to roll.

Mile 3- 5 went very well. I could no longer feel my legs so that was nice.  Just run, Nancy, run.  We were in the park now and it was pretty, my music was fun and my honey was kicking in.

As we got closer to our parked car it was time to make a new decision.  How far would we go today?  We were scheduled to end at 6.5 but I could see my map at home on my mirror and I wanted to achieve new heights.  My Mama did not raise a quitter.    At the car we were just short of 8 miles.  Ron said call it 7.8 and go home.  What are you nuts?!  I ran up and down the side walk until my GPS said 8~

I finished at 8 miles today but I did more than just run. I  learned you can rebound from a tough time in your life no matter what it is.  You have to win it in your mind first.  The first couple of miles are going to be rough but you can and will make your goals as long as you just keep running and believe!

 

Nanc

 

 

My training log for my half marathon! January 7, 2012

 

January is all about goal setting.  The rest of the year you have to work to complete them!

It is so easy to say “I am going to do something” but the action is the real test of determination.  I said I wanted to run a half marathon about 6 weeks ago.  I was resolved to not think of myself as a weak back surgery survivor.  6 years ago I could not walk.  I have worked very hard to be the person who not only says, have a dream, set a goal and make it happen, I believe we are the example.  I consider it a privilege that I get to interact with so many women.  Our partnership is very unique.  I enjoy the new Consultant calls as much as time with our Success Coach leaders.  One common thread I think we all have is the desire versus the fear of failing.

I wanted to share with you a little about my training story for the next two months until I actually do the race in hopes it will inspire you to go after your dreams.

My first time on a treadmill was last February, 2011. I let Ron talk me into going to the gym. I picked St. Johns fitness center because it is part of a medical clinic and I thought if I feel over dead they could revive me!  My trainer was Suzie.  She is a nice person and thin as a stick!  I did not want to like her, but I did. I liked how she was patient with me and my complaining and doubts.  She just kept saying “You got this”. I hope you have someone in your life who tells you that too.

We went from the treadmill to the elliptical. I was pretty excited the first time I could do 10 minutes on that stupid thing and 15 on the treadmill.  25 minutes work out and I was worn out!   Was I afraid?  You bet!  What if I put my back out and had to have surgery again?  What if I really looked as bad in my work out clothes as I thought I did!  But I persevered.

Next they suggested I do a spin class.  I like to bike.  Once in class I realized it was no bike ride in the park!  They turned out the lights and turned up the music.  Boy these people were intense. I wondered what I was doing here and if they made padded shorts in my size!  My first class as we were leaving I thought I had stepped in a pot hole in the parking lot, but in reality my legs had given out.  Ron gave me a hand to the car and told me how proud he was of me.  I hope you have someone who tells you they are proud of you too.

Then the next step was boot camp.  I needed a new challenge.  What a challenge it was, a challenge not to throw up!  We ran, did pushups, sit ups, weights and ran again.  The first time we did pushups Suzie was there again.  She helped me with my form and encouraged me and mercifully told me to stop after 5!  Everyone else did 3 sets of 20.  I ran slower, had less muscle mass than anyone, I was the weak link. I was not used to that. I had to remind myself I was giving it my best and I was in a safe environment to get stronger.  Again Suzie would say “Nancy, you got this”.  And again I would get up at 5 am for my next boot camp.  I made it through the 6 week boot camp just in time for convention summer of 2011.  I had so much energy and could give more to the Consultants who I love. I could give more to my family. I was seeing the pay off.

Fast forward to my new challenge a ½ marathon in Little Rock in March.  The training is grueling and I have heard people loose toe nails.  Ugh what an ugly sport running could be until I found they did have cute clothes.  My outfit is stinking cute as you can see!

Today I ran farther than I have ever run before in my life, 7 miles.  That is over half of my 13.1 miles I will be running in 2 short months.   I am sitting here writing this a little sore, yes, but that is what Dead Sea Salts are for, and a little proud of myself.  My son Alex, who is 18 ys old, is running the race with us. Today, half way though he was talking about his legs hurting a bit and then he said I am not as strong as you are Mom.  WOW.  He is much faster and younger I never knew how strong he thought I was. I had become stronger on the outside and inside.

You really can do more than you think.  You never know who you are influencing.  You start out with a big goal for yourself and the benefit is you inspire others to go for their dreams too.  My children know the sky is the limit with their goals.  Alex watched as I underwent surgery and could not walk.  All of the fear of a 5 hour surgery and recovery for months.  Now we just ran 7 miles together and it feels great.

I hope you will go ahead and set a crazy, big, amazing goal in your life, like earning the cruise, or becoming debt free.  It will take effort, time and energy but at the end of the day you can say I am worth it!

Soak up Success

Nancy

me at week 5 and 7 miles January 7, 2012

Still Smiling after 7! 1/2 way there!

Me at 3 miles in week 2 January 7, 2012

It has been a while December 21, 2011

I was speaking to a wonderful new friend who mentioned that she had been to my blog here and noticed I had not written since July, this one is for you Dee.  Thanks for reminding me to share!

I am sure we all have times in our lives when we think it would make a great best selling short story on the Hallmark Channel!  That is probably how I could best describe my 6 month writing sabbatical.  Personally and professionally it has been a real winding road.  You know the kind I am talking about because we all have them.  Sometimes we think we are the only ones who have these tough times but when we remember that we are not the only ones it kind of helps for some reason.

It was a pleasant blue sky day.  I had the hint something was not quite right.  A little nudge but pushed it away.  And then there it was the roughest 4 weeks I have encountered since my back surgery and adoption 6 years earlier.
Being prayed up really helps.  Proactive stress management when times are good really helps when you need to kick it in gear.

One Thursday I had some serious work things that needed addressed.  The next Thursday my Mom was diagnosed with cancer.  The following Wednesday she underwent surgery. The following Thursday we had a key team member put n her notice (it really was best for her and she loves her new job and we love her).  And then kid stuff and then and then…..

Through it all my God stood right there.  It just amazes me.  Makes me think of all the wonderful stories in the Bible of adversity and how God saves the day, carries the wounded, and heals the broken hearted.

My key take away from this season in my life is “Adversity is perfectly acceptable fuel for success”

Mom is doing well.  She has had 3 surgeries and we are looking at her options now.  She is single and my brother, sister and I are closer than ever.  We do not take our health for granted.  I will be running a half marathon in March and no longer eat sugar or white anything.

God has really given me a gift with Jordan Essentials.  I live and learn as a CEO and balance being a Mom, wife and daughter. This season has been a tough one and now I am stronger and ready for an excellent 2012.

God is always good!

Whatever season you are in be sure to make your way of life strong and positive.  You never know what tomorrow brings, so enjoy your today.

Believe and Succeed,

Nancy

 

Guess who is coming to my Jordan Essentials house this week?! July 17, 2011

We are getting ready for our annual convention. To be honest Ron says it makes me a little crabby.  You can ask my team at the home office too but they may lie to you!  LOL.

When we were in Russia our facilitator said I have “Syndrome of the best”  a better American word is Perfectionist.  I really strive for the best.

In the striving to create the best event ever for our  family of consultants I can get irritable, crabby, punchy and you can fill in other words here too.

Have you ever hosted the family get together? Then you know what I mean.  People who are very important to you are coming to your event and you want to impress them, pamper them, help them have the best time possible while in your care. That is how I feel about our annual Convention.

And then I think about the story of Martha and Mary in the Bible!  Oh that one, you may not know it but it does raise emotions for me.  Humor me…

Luke 10:38
Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus gives us a little wink, wink, nudge, nudge it will be ok!  People are coming to your house to be with you, to listen, fellowship and learn.  I could learn something from this, maybe you can relate.

And so I am laying out all my clothes for convention, packing up my jewelry, practicing my trainings I am going to share it should be fun, it should be exciting and not stressful on my spirit.

I am going to keep my focus on the faces of the beautiful women coming!  I have a sign in my office here at home that says “Pray hard, Work hard, Trust God”  Ah my own advice hanging over my head.

As we head into this week on July 21st  some of the most amazing women and men on the planet will be coming to my house.  I will welcome them with open arms.  I will not run around like a chicken with my head cut off. I will enjoy the moments and memories we make as we build Jordan Essentials bath and body into a household name.

To all my Martha friends out there let’s enjoy the company. The work has been done, we pray and we trust.  To all my peeps coming in this week LET’S PARTY!!!

Believe and Succeed,

Nanc

 

It began with one word June 14, 2011

It all began with one word “ok.”

My sweet husband wanted to know if I would do a 25 mile bike race with him this month. I have been enjoying spin class and thought “why not”. So here we were on a trailhead, it‘s 90 degrees outside and we‘re doing a test ride. I think it was to test my endurance, patience and love for my man! We began the ride on this trail I was very unfamiliar with. I had no idea what was around the next corner but I knew we wanted to ride about 10 miles to get a feel for the distance before the big race day of 25 miles. It was hot and getting hotter. I began to think about how prepared I was to ride. I had been riding a bit in class, I walk on a regular basis, but was I ready for this? I know I want to do it and I say I will, however, the rubber was hitting the road.

It then dawned on me this was a mental game. A game to win the race was in my head.

I began to look around at the scenery I would not see if I had not come. I began to tell myself I was strong and I was really good at hills. Ron began to notice! I would ride past him and he would say “Wow I cannot keep up with you!” My self talk was carrying me along. What adventure do you want to go on but you are afraid? Where do you want to go but feel un-prepared? Where is your life headed that makes you strong and proud? I know we often do not feel prepared and so we never try.

I really felt proud of myself and strong at the end of our ride. Now onto the 25 mile race next weekend. I can promise you a couple of things. I am going to do my best, I am going to have positive self talk and I am going to finish strong.

It is like all things in life.  You have push through to get to the benefits that await you. I had always stopped short because exercise hurt.  I found when you push through the second half is better than the first half.

You have to push through in everything really.  Marriage is better after you have worked through the tough stuff, you have to push through.  Exercise is better when you have built muscles and you push through.  Owning your own business like Jordan Essentials is better because we push through.  Quitting anything is the only sure way to lose.

Check your heart is this something you really want in your life?  Then push through to be the winner you want to be!

Blessings and happy riding!

Nanc

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Insecurity… who me? May 12, 2011

I am going to blog a bit from our Wednesday night church sermon.    If you do not want to hear me preaching this is NOT the message for you! I found it encouraging and relevant for my own insecurities and wanted to share some insights that might help.

It was really an eye opener for me.  Special thanks to James River Assembly, Pastor John Lindell for your leadership!  For more info or to hear the message first hand go to jamesriver.org

Tonight the message was on insecurity.  This is a big topic for women.  We have had over 11,000 women join Jordan Essentials bath and body in 11 years.  The one common thread I have seen is that if they have self confidence they have long term success, if they don’t they will struggle and most times quit.

Here are the 7 points made that point to insecurity and a life without joy, peace and enjoying all God has to offer.

1. Focus on yourself.  If you focus on yourself all the time you will miss what the Lord has to offer.  Your eyes need to be on what He has for you.  Insecure people are always looking at everyone else.

2. Feeling of inadequacy.  Oh this is where it really hit home for many of the women I have met.  We are not good enough, cannot be enough, cannot rest until we have achieved enough and even if we did we would feel guilty about it!

3. Loneliness.   Feeling like we are all alone in the world is just not true.  We have a heavenly Father who loves us.    He says I am with you ALWAYS.  When we realize we are never alone, we will not be lonely.  This is one I struggle with.  People who know me would think this is odd. I know tons of people.  I have 4 kids and a loving husband, how can I ever be lonely?  Well it happens. I forget and I let little words creep into my head that give me a feeling of being very alone in this world.  the key is to speak truth and life into our lives, the truth the Lord has for us.

4.  Fear.  I had someone work for me once who lived is such great fear it strangled her from a normal life.  I know my daughter has great fear because of the abuse and life she had in an orphanage.  If  anyone could have a reason to have fear it would be her.  But the Lord teaches us we have nothing to fear.  We can have a peace that passes all understanding and just one word and our fear can be gone.  That word is Jesus.  When we got Annya from Russia she was petrified and riddled with fear.  I tried everything and it was not until I began to sing Jesus, Jesus, Jesus over and over again that she calmed down.   There is power in the name that calms all fear.

5. Inability to accept coaching.  Coaching is a good thing.  We can learn from people who want to help us.  When we put up a wall, think we have nothing to learn or we think we are too good to learn anything that is a sign of insecurity.  Friends coach, friends help each other and a good friend can be priceless when she helps in love.

6. Competition.  If your life revolves around winning everything you can, something is wrong.  Healthy competition is one thing, winning to be the best and conquer others is not.

7. Control.   This is a big one also for many people including me!  Learning to let go of control while still doing our best gives us peace. I  really learned this in January of this year.   Jordan Essentials had been growing at an odd pace.  We have been moving forward at a good clip and I began to get some old feelings like when Country Bunny began and I had felt then like my life was out of control.  I quickly re centered myself knowing I am in Gods will in my life and began to enjoy the ride.  Enjoy knowing I am in God’s plan and it feels great. Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my life’s verses so it was cool when it was quoted tonight: For I know the plans I have for you.  Plans to prosper and to not harm you. Plans for a hope and a future.

God knows our future.  He has everything in control

Here are 3 things suggested to help us with our insecurities:

1. Confess it to God.  If you are insecure tell Him about it.  Pray for him to help you with that.  It is a great place to begin.

2. Have a scripture to help you.   Ah this has been a good key for me. I do not do well memorizing so I sing songs.  Many Christian songs are scriptures and you just need to crank up the tunes and sing along!  It is my little trick you can borrow.  Drive along with the windows down and sing your little heart out.

3. Accept God made you the way you are and enjoy it.  We are wonderfully made.  Have some joy knowing the creator of the universe made you.  He likes what he has made.

I heard John Maxwell say “God gave me potential.  It is now up to me to use it!”  What a gift we have!  Do not waste Gods potential he gave you.

I pray this little message blessed you like it did me.  I do struggle with the little voice in my head that tells me I am not enough.  I am just a little house wife from the midwest who am I to do anything great?  The answer to that is, I am a daughter of the king of the universe!

Keep your head up and wear your confidence proudly and enjoy the life of joy and peace God has for you!

Many Blessings of favor and confidence,

Nanc

A little past will do ya! April 15, 2011

This morning I picked up a stack of photos.  Yes, for all the new digital people in the world I have been married for 22 years so I have stacks of photos.

These are the ones that never made it into an album.  With 4 kids the time never seem to be there.

Looking through the photos I was amazed at what I found and even more amazed at what I felt!  There are photos from before I married my best friend, times before I had children and some of the times before I had any fashion sense at all!

Pick up a box (or open a digital file) and look back with this thought in mind:  Who was I then, who am I now.  Last night we were talking about adversity, how we handle it and how it defines us .  On a scale of 1-10 I would have to say I was a 2 for a long time.  Looking at those photos I could have enjoyed a lot more of those years had I learned how to handle adversity better.  I am about an 8 now.  I am still a sensitive, emotional, other oriented person so I may never love adversity, but I have learned how to deal with it.

And so I walk though the years as I look at the photos.  I think about the love of my life, the purpose of my life and my family.  Time moves so fast…  We have to think about the photos that are not yet taken.  The ones where I have kids graduating from school, grandchildren and many new friends I have even yet to meet.

What am I doing in my present to create those opportunities in my future?

Who was I?  I was an awkward, insecure, creative, loving person.  Over the years I can see my hair style has changed (to many time to mention), my weight has changed up and down like a roller coaster

One thing I do notice is:
1. I am surrounded by a great family and people I love.
2. The insecurity in who I was is gone now. I find my confidence in my relationship with Christ and my faith that God has a bigger plan than I do and I can rest in that.
3. I am still loving, creative and have much to offer.
4. I am still surrounded by great people in my life beginning with my family.  My 4 kids are all teens now and I can say they are wonderful people to be around!

I am excited about the new snap shots in my lifetoo. What will it be?  Where will I be?  Who will I be with?

Life is an exciting adventure and the good news is you can can decide what the photo is going to look like.  You have a lot more control over your life than you think.

Jordan Essentials bath and body is all about empowering and equipping women and men to put their faith and family first while still making an income to support their families.
I have heard time and again that being a part of this JE family has changed them for the better in their confidence and their incomes.  This is a snap shot I treasure and will hold in my heart. I am truly blessed with a box of photos filled with love and laughter. 

Time to grab a new shoe box and start making some new memories this year too!  I hope you will create some great shots of your life and begin create the life you want.

Blessings,

Nanc

What your colors say about you! February 22, 2011

Have you ever seen a magazine and they ask you to pick a color and then tell you what it means about your personality?

Mine really has changed over the years, so it is hard to say one color over another.  Yes, there are colors I look better in but I am pretty much a free spirit when it comes to colors.

Recently I read a Martha Stewart  tip to color coordinate your closet.  I am about as far from Martha Stewart as you can be.  She wears khaki, I do not own anything khaki, but she has a point.  I moved all of the pinks together, all of the greens, all of the blacks etc in my closet.  I wondered to myself how long this would last.  I LOVE IT!

Organization actually helps my creative spirit. I go in and think “How am I feeling today?”  if it is pink I go to pink and then match my pants and shoes and off I go. I like to be ready to go in about 30 minuets.  Must be my ADD.

My Mineral Make up color choices came next.  How can I use this info to have a great, easy, pretty routine in the morning that makes me feel good about my finished look.

Step 1. I have 3 base colors.  Depending on what I am wearing I pick my base shade of color.  Most days it is Jordan Essentials White Sands on a dry eye shadow brush.  Sometimes when I feel a little glamorous I wet the brush.  Recently introduced I love the new Jordan Essentials Petal Pink.  I did not think of myself as a pink eye shadow girl but it is sheer and beautiful as a base color. My third base is Aztec Gold for a bright eye day and no shimmer.  Most days I like to shimmer.

Step 2. I have 2 Liner Colors.  I used Chestnut Brown FOREVER, and thought it was time to really up “my look” to something new.  Plumtastic and Emerald Green are my two new liner loves.  The angled brush makes all the difference.  Everything I read and the experts I talk to all say, the brush makes the difference and I have to agree. I love the liner brush wet and have not missed the pencil liners of my past pre JE Minerals!

Step 3. To smudge or not to smudge.  I use the applicator that comes with my liner color and make a light or dark c shape from the outer corner of my eye and smudge the liner a little for a more smokey finish to my eyes.
However, some days I chose not to accent or smudge at all, just line.  My lashes are pale yellow so I have to do something.

Step 4. a New Mascara!  WOW your mascara really counts. I take my time with the new Volumizing Jordan Essentials  Mascara, I LOVE IT!  It gives a wet look without clumping.  The brush is short and great to really define lashes.  I have been using a second coat on the outer lashes in the corners which defines and gives my eyes a playful wink.

Step 5.  Aw, just blush.  I have probably not been using enough blush I learned after my makeover in Oregon with professional make up artist Jenny Karl.  She started light and layered until I was just right and rosy.  Too much?  We just brushed a little mineral powder over the top.

I think we as women get a little caught up in wanting to have great colors that still keep us looking like ourselves.  Minerals can really do that for you. They lay nicely on the skin and look lovely while lasting all day long.

I am feeling organized and ready for spring. I have worked out my closet, my colors and it really helps my confidence.  Nothing is as beautiful as a confident woman in my opinion. I meet women all across the country in all shapes and sizes.  The real beauty is in what she thinks about herself.

Give your closet and your make up vanity a spring check up and try your hand at something new. I think you will love it!

Believing in your beauty,

Nanc