What Matters Most: Part Four

This is the final post in my series, "What Matters Most."

For my final entry, I can sum it all up in one word:  friendship.  So with that in mind...here's a photo blog of the people who matter most to me.

My closest friends are the ones I rely on most.  They are my confidants, the few people I trust, who I know "have my back," who are there for me come hell or high water.  They are the ones who don't care if I'm crazy, obsessive or goofy.  They understand the challenge I face being married to a police officer, spending holidays and evenings alone.  Most of them understand what it's like to raise teenage boys.

I could write an entire post about each of them, describing how each has affected my life and supported me in one way or another on my journey towards fitness.  Some are family, but have filled the role of friend.  Each is very dear to my heart.  I value them and their friendship more than words can describe.

Amy

My classmates Cyndi & Abbie

There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.  

Proverbs 18:24 (NLT)

Dmitriy 

He is more than my trainer, he truly is my friend and I don't know what I would do without him.

The Counselors at Work

We are an amazing team!  I rely on them so much.  They have been with me through thick and thin.  Left to Right:  Liz, Tera, Sanyalee, Tami, Joe, Me, Erica & Andrea.  Not pictured:  Pam (now retired), Dawn, Jasmine, and Lisa

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

Proverbs 27:9

My Cousin Jaime

Katherine

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:  

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls down and has no one to help them up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

My Aunt Kelly

My Sister-In-Law Maria

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

John 15:13

Michelle

Stacy

I thank God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. 

Philippians 1:3-4

James Taylor:  You've Got A Friend 

Read the rest of my series on "What Matters Most" here:  Part One,  Part Two,  Part Three

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 100:4

Questions for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)
What are you doing for Thanksgiving?
What amazing foods do you plan to eat?  Did you eat?  

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What Matters Most: Part Three

After I did the Ride to Remember in September, I started 100 Days of Gratitude which has helped me reflect on what matters most.  So, in honor of Thanksgiving, I am doing a series of posts on "what matters most."  I wish I could say the posts will be on a specific day of the week, but I'm not accountable when it comes to deadlines.  This is the third post.  
Read Part One here:  What Matters Most
Read Part Two here:  What Matters Most:  Part Two

Above all, my family and friends matter most.  This post is dedicated to the love of my life.

God Gave Me You by Dave Barnes

You stay here right beside me, watch as the storm goes through, and I need you.

God gave me you for the ups and downs.  God gave me you for the days of doubt.  

On my own I'm only half of what I could be.  I can't do without you.

Brian

Brian did the Ride to Remember with me this year.  I was so happy to accomplish this goal with him by my side.  

When I married Brian, nearly 25 years ago, I had no idea what was in store for us.  I was blissfully in love with him.  He is a police officer and had been on the job for a few years already, so I thought I knew what to expect.  When we had the boys, Brian took care of them during the school day while I was at work.  He went into work as soon as I got home.  So, I spent night after night caring for the boys alone.  We only saw each other on the weekends and his nights off.  It made for a very lonely existence for me.

Brian is a wonderful husband and an amazing father.  He loves me and our children more than anything.  I know this is true.  But there was a time when I wanted to throw it away.  I was tired of never being able to make ends meet and the constant loneliness that plagued my existence. We needed to work on our relationship, to remember why we love each other, why we got married in the first place, why we wanted to stay married and raise our family together.  It was several tough years for us.

Brian is my biggest fan, my biggest cheerleader, the love of my life.
Our wedding song was That's What Love Is All About by Michael Bolton.
The lyrics are so true - "As time goes by, we've learned to rediscover, the reason why this dream of ours survives.  Through thick and thin, we're destined for each other."

There came a time when I realized I did not have to be married to Brian, that it was a choice.  I could choose to stay married or not.  I could choose to love him or not.  I could choose to let go or hold on.  If I wanted the marriage to work, I had to repeatedly remind myself about the good qualities in Brian, and remember what made me fall in love with him in the first place.  It took time and hard work for both of us to renew the love we had for each other.

Today, I can honestly say, I can't imagine life without Brian.  He truly is the love of my life.

Photo by K&MPhotography

There are a handful of people who have stood by my side during my fitness journey.  I wrote about them here:  Don't Go It Alone and Shake It Off and Dmitriy Made It Happen.  If I were to describe how Brian has supported my journey... he has bought me things I needed along the way (new earbuds, a gym bag, a lock for my gym locker, a Nutri Ninja blender); yelled at me when I was overdoing it; given me practical advice on riding; and tolerated and supported a lot of my moodiness.  The list could really go on and on.  What I appreciate most, is that he stood by my side even when I was fat and unhealthy.  His love for me does not depend on whether or not I am thin or fat or healthy or whether I wear a size 18 or a size 4.  Obviously, I would be naive to think that he didn't care that I was overweight and unhealthy.  But he loved me anyway.

Family vacation:  Oasis of the Seas, 2012

Now that my focus is on living a healthy lifestyle, everyone benefits.  Our overall family nutrition is better, except I eat a whole lot more chicken and vegetables than the rest of the family.  We do things together as a family that are active:  cycling, rafting, racing and hiking.  In What Matters Most: Part Two, I said that my children are my heart.  Brian is the thread that binds us together.  He is our protector, our provider, our caretaker.

One of our family vacations.  Disney, 2011 

Questions for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)
What are you grateful for?  

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Fitness Challenges

November had me step things up (literally) to move my body. At work, we participated in "Movember", where everyone sent in their steps for each day. The idea being to increase your steps daily. I also participated in Run Eat Repeat's "Putting On The Miles." Everyone who signed up was to set a fitness goal for the number of miles run or walked and/or workouts completed.

I can't grow a mustache, but I did MOVE this Movember!

Run Eat Repeat

I really enjoyed these challenges because they kept me focused on moving my body and made me accountable for completing my workouts each week. I plan for one rest day each week, although sometimes the rest day claims me.  My goal was 6 workouts and 30 miles each week. I've accomplished my goal so far and am pretty psyched.  

I needed this because I haven't been cycling like I was all summer. It's been cold and gets dark early. Cycling provided me with intense cardio and I was burning tons of calories.  Before I started riding my bike, I did HIIT occasionally during my sessions with Dmitriy, or I did a few minutes here and there on the rowing machine, stationary bike or elliptical. Cycling really became a passion.  So, now moving my body (besides lifting weights) has to be an intentional thing for me.

Sweat

These fitness challenges have encouraged me, more than I can describe.  I'm starting a new one tomorrow through MapMyRide, which is to do 30 miles in 30 days. That should be a piece of cake for me, but I'm only going to log walking and hiking, to make sure I am more purposeful with this one. (I'm not logging my steps around my school building.)

My steps last week.

So I am going to challenge you to join me.  The challenge is by Smart Water, called "Up Your Miles."  It is available on MapMyFitness apps. I use MapMyRide, a lot of people use MapMyRun. It's a free GPS app that tracks your distance and speed.  You don't have to participate through the app, but you will be eligible for prizes if you do. Join me in this challenge. I know the weather is turning colder, but get out there and move your body! Thirty miles in thirty days is one mile a day. Easy.

Join the Up Your Miles Challenge
Find me on MapMyRide as Tracey Pippin Coleman

Make sure to take pictures and post them on Instagram or Twitter, using #UpYourMiles in your posts. Let's make this fun!

Respond in the comment section below if you want to join me. You can download any MapMyFitness app or just join in and keep track of your miles on your phone. Let's see how far we can walk, hike or run this next month!

Make sure to check out my series:  What Matters Most and Part Two Here!

Questions for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)
Are you in for this challenge?  

Now:  Subscribe to new posts!  When a new post is added, you will receive an email notice so you can check it out.  I promise:  no SPAM and I won't share your email address with anyone.  Look at the top right side of the page to subscribe.  

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Planning for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is in one week! Can you believe it? Christmas and all its festivities are nearly upon us. How do you handle the holiday madness and stay on track with your fitness goals? Most people say, "I'll start on New Years." Others just throw in the towel completely. Some get through the crazy season without too much difficulty.  Let's face it. It is a tough time of year. The daylight hours are at a minimum. Shopping for food and gifts keeps us extremely busy. Holiday gatherings are nearly weekly. And we eat and drink more in the next five weeks than we do all year. I  used to tell everyone that my favorite day of the year is December 26 because it's all over! 

Santa's baking cookies!

Truth:  stress can become unmanageable if you allow it.  When your life seems unmanageable, it's easy to lose focus on your fitness goals.  And if you want to start a fitness plan or restart a better diet, most people wait until New Years.  In this post I will share some strategies for surviving the holidays and even lose weight if you want.  Last year I lost 8 lbs from my weigh-in in November through January 1. Not a lot, but it was better than gaining!

A New Years Eve selfie (2014)

For this to happen, you must decide that you are a priority during this time of year.  

First:  plan to work out at least four days a week from now through New Years. On your "rest days", make sure you walk as much as you can. If you are out shopping, park far away from the entrance so you can get in extra steps.  At work, plan a stretch and walk break at least once per hour.  Think about ways to move your body.

New Years Day (2015) I went out for a hike with Koby.  It was cold, but exhilarating!

Second:  stick to your nutritional plan as much as you possibly can. Don't let an evening holiday party be an excuse to go off your diet all day.  Eat clean and healthy the rest of the week.  Do NOT skip meals and starve yourself because you have a party to attend. Make vegetable soup and eat that for lunch. Eat low fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for a little protein.  Have a handful of almonds as a snack.  For lunch on Christmas Eve last year, I had a bowl of steam fresh vegetables and a glass of Cabernet. Should have had some protein, but hey, it was better than eating like crazy or skipping a meal entirely.

Third:  Be smart.  Plan healthy sides and low fat desserts for the big holidays. Consider substituting chicken broth for butter in your mashed potatoes and other casseroles that call for it.  Use coconut oil to sauté vegetables (onions, garlic, celery) for those recipes that you would normally use vegetable oil or meat drippings.  Substitute half apple sauce for the oil in desserts. (For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of oil, use 1/2 cup apple sauce and 1/2 cup oil.). Use a little less sugar than the recipe calls for. If it calls for one cup, cut back to 3/4 cup.  Your guests won't even notice the substitutions.  I started using oats instead of white flour. You can't do that for everything, but it works well with many recipes. I put the oats in the food processor to make oat flour. It takes a few seconds and viola.  I don't think I would do that with every recipe, but it works well with some.

Chicken broth (or stock) is a great substitute for butter in mashed potatoes and casseroles.  It adds flavor without the fat.

Fourth: Drink lots of water! The holidays lend to consuming more alcohol than normal, which is full of nutrient poor calories.  If you enjoy a cocktail or two, make yourself drink one 8 oz. glass of water in between every cocktail.  If you have a hard time drinking enough water on a normal day, make a point to drink one glass of water when you get up and with every meal and snack.  Staying properly hydrated will help your energy levels and will help you to ward off hunger. Often we misinterpret thirst for hunger.

My Wonder Woman Tervis cup.  Don't leave home without it.

Coming Soon:  My Favorite Holiday Recipes.

Make sure to check out my series:  What Matters Most and Part Two Here!

Questions for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)
What's your favorite holiday meal?  What's your biggest challenge during the holidays?

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Follow me on Instagram:  @tracoleman99

What Matters Most: Part Two

After I did the Ride to Remember in September, I started 100 Days of Gratitude, which has helped me reflect on what matters most.  So, in honor of Thanksgiving, I am doing a series of posts on "what matters most."  I wish I could say the posts will be on a specific day of the week, but I'm not that accountable when it comes to deadlines.  This is the second post.
Read part one here:  What Matters Most.
Read part three here:  Part Three.

Above all, my family matters most. This post is dedicated to my children.  Tears come to my eyes as I write this because I am so proud of them both.

Always by Seventh Day Slumber

I'll never find the words to say, how beautiful you are, my son...

Even when I'm far away, I will dream of you tonight, I will pray to God to bless your life.  

Always, always.

Left: Joey
Right: Mitch

I was blessed with two sons. They are the light of my world.  As an only child, I never understood their fighting or disagreements. One would drive the other crazy and I would say, "You don't know how lucky you are to have each other."  My husband would chime in, "They're brothers, that's what they do."  I will never understand.

My husband, Joey, Mitch, and my brother-in-law, David.
Brian and Joey are Giants fans.  Mitch and David are Patriots fans.
It just adds to the family feuds!!  Today's game was INTENSE!

Mitch

Mitch getting ready for little league game. Year = 2002 or 2003?

Mitch is now a junior at Worcester State University, majoring in business. He is doing so well. On top of school, he has a part-time job and is an RA so he can help with his college tuition.

When he was a teenager, we were like oil and water. We did not get along. Now, we get along amazingly well.  I so enjoy his company. He is incredibly smart. I love listening to his perspective on issues, even though I don't agree with him on many of them.  Because he is away at college, I miss him. Sometimes I will drive out there just so I can see him. 

Mitch was the President of his class.  It was such a proud moment when he gave his speech during graduation.

Joey

Joey with the cutest smile on my parents' boat.   Year = 2002 or 2003?

Joey is now a senior in high school. He is kind and has a warm heart.  Unlike his brother, he is very quiet and it's often like pulling teeth to get him to talk. But when there is a topic of interest to him, he is a flurry of talkativity.

Last November in Epcot Center

Active in our church's youth group, Joey has been on several missions trips. He's been to Pennsylvania, Washington (the state) and Northern Ireland. He has helped with various fundraising for the team. Each trip has been an opportunity for him to serve others and to see a different world perspective.  

In Northern Ireland, the team provided a lot of service to the community, including cleaning gutters, painting, gardening and hauling gravel to restore this little area into a community garden.

He is also my hiking buddy.  He loves to climb to the top of the mountain.  The more dangerous and steep, the more he likes it.  I will be so lost when he is off to college next year.

Last month on Monument Mountain

It may sound cliche to say my family is what matters most to me.  But it's true.  I think in this busy world we live, in our comings and goings, we often lose sight of what matters most.  In my journey to be healthy and fit, I have sometimes become mega focused on my goals, and my family has taken a back seat.  Taking time to step back and breathe has allowed me to reflect on gratitude.  I am grateful for the blessing of my children.  I am so proud of them both.  They are my heart.

On Veteran's Day, we went to Worcester to visit Mitch.  We were going to go hiking, but it rained all day.  Yesterday, Joey went on a college visit to Worcester State because he's interested in their Computer Science program.  He really liked it.  It will be both awesome and weird if they both go to the same college next year.  I'll probably get a room at a bed and breakfast so I can see them all the time.  (Just kidding!)

Question for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)
What fun things did you do this weekend?

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Just Breathe

Last week, I started reading my blog backwards.  It's really intriguing to see what you've written over time, remember what you were thinking, how you were feeling. Since most of you don't have a blog, try the same thing by looking at your pictures on your phone, your posts on Facebook or Instagram.  Remember how you were feeling. It's interesting!

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts you.

Isaiah 26:3

When I started re-reading my blog, I could almost feel how I was feeling. I thought, "You were pretty undone."  In my more recent posts, I guess I was. Maybe it wasn't as bad as I remember, but I think it was like a yo-yo, wrapped up really tight and then let go to just unravel.

Last month, I wrote about being at a Crossroads.  It was an uncomfortable feeling to not know what's next. Since that time, I've taken several weeks to step back. I started doing yoga about once a week. I've been hiking (a lot). And I've been eating like crazy (and not gaining weight). I really have to be careful of that because it will catch up with me. 

On top of Monument Mountain, Great Barrington, MA.

BUT I am finally starting to feel like I can breathe. My mind isn't racing, I don't feel like a vice grip is on my chest anymore.  For the first time in months, I feel "normal." 

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

I am really enjoying my workouts. They aren't a chore to "get done."  I even add things to my usual routine, just because I feel like it.  I am seeing progress and have a genuine sense of satisfaction from that.

I got a new workout shirt too.  I LOVE it!

I've been thinking about the holidays coming up and I am looking forward to them. Usually I want to run away and hide until they are over. I go through the motions and clap for joy on December 26th.  

It's nice to just breathe.

A very sweaty selfie after an early morning cardio workout.

Undone by Mercy Me

To the cross I run, holding high my chains undone.  Now I am finally free.  Free to be what I've become.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Make sure to check out my series:  What Matters Most and Part Two Here!

Questions for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)
What time do you usually workout?
What do you have planned this weekend?

New:  Subscribe to new posts!  When a new post is added, you will receive an email notice so you can check it out.  I promise:  no SPAM and I won't share your email address with anyone.  Look at the top right side of the page to subscribe.  

Follow me on Instagram:  @tracoleman99

What Matters Most

After I did the Ride to Remember in September, I started 100 Days of Gratitude, which has helped me reflect on what matters most.  So, in honor of Thanksgiving, I want to do a series of posts on "what matters most."  I wish I could say the posts will be on a specific day of the week, but I'm not that accountable when it comes to deadlines.  

Family Photo - taken in Spain.  I was probably four or five months old here.

Above all, my family and friends matter most to me. This post is dedicated to my parents.

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Exodus 20:12

As an only child, I am very close to my parents. I treasure them with my whole heart. They recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. 47 years! That's a LONG time. Through the good times and bad, they have stuck it out. Their love and dedication for each other is truly a blessing.

My parents on their wedding day.  They were so young!

This was taken on the rooftop of their apartment in Rota, Spain.  My father reminds me of Opie from the Andy Griffith Show.  My mother was so beautiful!  (She still is.)

I've written previously about my father. He has instilled in me a desire to achieve, to push myself, to work hard, to be all that I can be, to NEVER give up. 

My father was in the Navy.  He worked to make sure the optical equipment on the submarines was in working order.  This is a picture of him studying, something he always encouraged me to do.

 I have not talked about my mother.  My mother taught me how to stand up for myself and to fight for what I want. She pushed me to be a strong woman at a time when women were discouraged from pursuing education or a career.  She sacrificed, so I could have.

Me and my mom.  I love her so much!

My mother taught me important skills to be successful in life. These are just a few: hospitality, thoughtfulness, generosity, organizational skills, how to trust the Lord, how to be a good mother, how to get things done.

My mother loves to entertain!  She used to make and decorate my birthday cake and always taught me how to be a good hostess.  I think these pictures are really cute, with her cutting the cake and me right next to her.

When you are an only child, you are the center of your parents' universe. I always knew I was loved.  I never lacked for anything. 

My parents were so young when they had me.  This was taken the day of my senior prom.  Look how young my parents are!!  My mother's face is priceless here, she's giving "the look."  She'd probably be like, "Tracey, take that picture down.  It's awful."  But I love it.  It so captures her.  Words can't begin to describe how much I love my parents.  I think it's different when you're an only child.

On my journey towards fitness, my parents have championed my successes. Dad joined the gym and goes with his buddy almost every morning. He was at the starting line when I did the Ride To Remember in September.  When I told my mother that I wanted a Go-Pro, she gave me money for my birthday to go towards it. Since my old clothes didn't fit, Mom bought me some new ones.  When we come to their house for dinner, Mom makes sure there is food I will eat, conscious of my new healthy lifestyle.

Dad sent me and Brian off before the Ride to Remember.

My mom and I.  This was taken after my hair was cut, so I was probably six.  We had coordinating clothes on.  She said my dress was red with navy blue and white stripes and her outfit was navy blue and she had the red and white stripes.  I did the same thing with my kids when we had family pictures - we had to coordinate colors!  

The material things...I do appreciate them. But far more than that, I appreciate the love and dedication my parents have for each other and for  and their family. The example they have set to love and honor the Lord, to trust in Him for all things. 



Both of my parents walked me down the aisle when I got married.  This was unusual, but it's what I wanted.

Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.
Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV

Update:  Read
What Matters Most:  Part Two
What Matters Most:  Part Three

Question for you:  (Answer in the comment section below.)
For what are you most grateful?

New:  Subscribe to new posts!  When a new post is added, you will receive an email notice so you can check it out.  I promise:  no SPAM and I won't share your email address with anyone.  Look at the top right side of the page to subscribe.  

Follow me on Instagram:  @tracoleman99