You can’t stop what you are doing to smell the roses, plan a healthy dinner, cook, exercise, etc. You are “way too busy for that.” Who will get the kids where they need to be, pay bills, cut the grass, put away the laundry. No one else is going to do it. Right? Of course they are not going to do it. You are absolutely correct. There are two key elements, or secrets even, to getting others to do more work so you don’t have to do it all. No one will do any work to help you unless YOU ASK THEM to do it. Want to know the other secret to getting those around you to work harder? Shhh…don’t tell anyone…ready? YOU HAVE TO STOP DOING IT! If you always do it, why would anyone else EVER do it? They don’t care how much you gripe and moan so long as it gets done.
Chances are you are doing work that is not yours to do. You are probably running yourself ragged so that your kids can play video games or watch tv “until it’s time to go.” You are most likely getting everything ready for everything so all anyone else has to do is pick up their fork or their car keys. What is that doing to your nutrition, fitness, stress levels, marriage, and overall wellness?  What is it doing to those around you?  You’re not really helping anyone.
A good business owner knows that training your staff must happen on a regular basis. It increases productivity, morale, and personal satisfaction. A good fitness instructor/trainer knows that training your body must happen on a regular basis as well. Working particular groups of muscles while others rest, repair, and gain strength. Don’t these traits apply to all individuals no matter their line of work, birth order, or marital status?
If you didn’t know it before, you know it now. Practice it. Train others. Set that example. We are all required to teach and share what we learn. It will increase your productivity, morale, personal satisfaction, and wellness.

Well, the St. Louis contingent is fired up and ready to run.  Right?  Today is the first day of the Go! St. Louis Family Fitness Weekend.  The Missouri crew started training on January 1 of this year.  We have endured brutally cold tempatures, snow, rain, and temptations to go out to breakfast as opposed to running on more than one occasion.  It’s all about to pay off.

There is something pretty amazing about the fact that the hard part of the race is over.  You have all earned a spot at the starting line.  The finish line is out there and not nearly as far away as it may feel when the gun goes off.  Enjoy every step of the way, the comradie of the other participants, the sights and sounds of our beautiful city, and the support of the Ellipse family in Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, and New York!  You are well trained (if I do say so myself) and ready for results!

There will be emotional and overwhelming moments on the course.  Embrace them.  Look at the inspiration all around you.  There are folks running in memoriam, with cancer, fighting obesity, building confidence, and a multitude of other reasons you can’t even imagine.  Run in their uplift.  Enjoy the fans.  They are there for YOU! 

Have a great day.  GO TEAM!

Wear you medal all day.  Wear it all day on Monday too with your race shirt.  Be proud.  You’re amazing!