Balance is More than Just Standing on one Foot.

Balance is more than just standing on one leg. To me, balance is finding that peace mentally and physically in my life.That sense of peace that says "Brooke, it's okay to have a some ice cream or maybe drink a beer without feeling guilty." Balance is being comfortable in my own skin, my own thoughts, my own body. It has not always been easy for me to find a sense of balance mentally (this is where I have a lot of work to do, where I struggle the most) and I am okay with working hard to find mental balance in my life every damn day. The physical balance is the easy part for me, but if my mind travels in the wrong direction, more than likely so will my physical balance...

Balance is Key!!!

Being that Balance is what we are talking about, as we take on the SweatPink/Fitapproach  
#BOSUStrong challenge, I will start off this Monday with some Motivation...and Monday's Mad-Lib.

To be quite Honest, I do not incorporate the use of the Bosu nearly enough in my fitness life. Why? I don't have an answer to that. I just don't. It's not to say I don't like the Bosu, because I very much so do... and probably you will to, if you don't already...

It just so happens I forgot to join in last week with my fellow and non fellow sweatpinker's in the #BOSUStrong challenge No Worries! If you forgot too, We can join in this week as it’s all about the balance! We’re standing on one leg, lunging, and BOSU squatting our way through the week.

But balance means more than just being able to stand on one leg, it also means being able to do what you love while making healthy choices at the same time. It means putting in the work and still finding time for An occasional night out with my loved ones. Or eating the extra slice of pizza but balancing it out with an extra serving of my favorite (broccoli) the following day. Or maybe run an extra mile or two (workout) and (HIIT) the garage hard with Intervals (workout) at home when you can’t make it to the gym.

Here are the 6 ways I stay balanced - what are yours?

I make time for myself by Making sure I go take a regular yoga class once a week for me.

My favorite me time is on my yoga mat, practicing handstands, running early mornings.

My rule when it comes to a balanced diet is No dieting, no starving myself, and try to find moderation in everything. I continue to remind myself that I am not like anyone else, so I do not think that what someone else may be doing will necessarily work for me.

I make fitness a priority because it literally is my job and for me I truly enjoy fitness. I enjoy motivating others to enjoy fitness on some level too.

When I get stressed or overwhelmed, my go to is yoga & meditation.

I do try to make healthy choices overall and at the same time, I try not force my family to be as actively involved in fitness as I am. I let my family make choices for themselves which will help my family stay balanced.

Bonus:

Here are my fave 6 (It's Challenging to narrow it down to 6, I have so many) moves to help improve your balance:

1.  Tadasana (mountain pose)
2.  Handstand Practice
3.  Sitting still in cross legged or Lotus (meditation)
4.  Legs up the wall!
5.  Tree pose on the Bosu (teaches balance and stability and growth)
6.  Single leg squats with kettle bell in hand.

 

And So, I along with my fellow SweatPink'ers want to know - are you #BOSUStrong? Copy and paste the above, fill it in and make it your own and then tag me in it and share with your friends! Let’s all be #BOSUSTRONG.

The daily prompts are below. You can also follow along HERE.

DAILY PROMPTS!

Monday, 9/21: Happy Monday sweaties, this week we’re all about that balance. Let’s see you stand on one leg - ready, set, GO! #BosuStrong #SweatPink #FitFamily @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad

Bonus: Y’all know we love to #jumpjoymonday! Show us your BEST jump shot and tag @BOSU_Fitness @FitApproach #BOSUStrong #FitFamily #SweatPink #ad

Tuesday, 9/22: We want to see you #dropitlikeasquat...on your BOSU or perhaps one leg? #BosuStrong #SweatPink #FitFamily @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad

Bonus: It’s time for #treetuesday! Show us your best tree pose. @BOSU_Fitness @FitApproach #BOSUStrong #FitFamily #SweatPink #ad

Wednesday, 9/23: Let’s lunge it out sweaties! #BosuStrong #SweatPink #FitFamily @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad

Bonus: #workitwednesday, show us how you’re workin’ it this Wednesday and tag #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad

Thursday, 9/24: It’s #totalbodythursday. Show us your favorite total body balance  move! #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad

Bonus: Give us a #tbt of a time when you really challenged your balance (feel free to get creative!) #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad

Friday, 9/25: #FreeFriday. Show us your favorite way to get your cardio on! #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad

Bonus: Happy #forearmfriday. Let’s forearm plank it out y’all! #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad






Have a great Week!

Just breathe,
Brooke 

National Yoga Month!

     

I do believe I am strong enough to live this life I have been given

    September is National Yoga Month! What does this even mean? National Yoga Month is a national observance designated by the Department of Health and Human Services designed to educate people about the health benefits of yoga and to inspire a healthy lifestyle. 
   
     If you have been practicing yoga for quite some time, by now you have come to understand that yoga is more than just these fun poses and awesome patterned stretchy pants. Yoga is your own lifestyle, It does NOT discriminate!

Just a few of my favorite leggings come from (Alo yoga, Prana, Lululemon, American Eagle Outfitters, With Love from Paradise).

    I was first introduced to yoga back in college. We had a Bikram Yoga Studio on our street, I lived on at that time. My roommates and myself decided to try it out, knowing very little about this particular style of yoga. I was only going to get my fitness on anyways, or so I thought.
We walked into the studio, signed ourselves in and headed into the room. It was dark, quiet, hot, full of yoga mats throughout, hot, and people breathing, people laying backside down, and did I mention HOT!!!
I was overly dressed and I think my roommates most likely were too. The class began and if you have been into a true Bikram Inspired class you know exactly what happens for the next 90 minutes. By the time we walked out of there, we were covered in sweat from head to toe and I absolutely loved it. But, being in college with little money, I only went back once or twice more. I wished I could have kept going back because it probably could have helped me heal my Eating Disorder a whole lot sooner, but life had a different plan which would come later...

It wouldn't be until a few years later, when I moved to the Big Island of Hawaii that I walked into another yoga class. This time yoga was different. I walked in with an Eating Disorder and lots and lots of Mental stress, so for me yoga started once again, as something I could use to help me to lose weight.
This time, I immediately felt different! I felt for the very first time I could breathe, like this large rock was finally lifted off of my chest and I could breathe. And if you have been following me for sometime, you know where this story is going and some of the many details in between. I won't go into depth repeating myself, but I do have to say that instantly I was drawn to yoga. I wanted to walk into a yoga class every opportunity I could. I didn't care that I didn't have all the expensive yoga apparel or a really nice yoga mat at the time. I wanted to get lost on my mat and out of my head as quickly as I could. I wanted to be free from the long lasting battle with bulimia, I wanted to be free.

So, my story, of how I started yoga began with an intention of losing weight and working out even though it was supposed to be something fun for my roommates and I to do together that was different. My story, of how I started yoga continues on the daily trying to live this life I have been given the best I know how, as strong as I can. My story, of how I started yoga grows every single day. Each time I step onto my mat, I feel is a brand new opportunity to begin again. So for me, I have a new start everyday. I learn something different each time I read through my yoga books, each time I practice with a new teacher, talk to another yogi, or lay down my mat.I don't always know exactly what I have learned in the moment, but it usually reveals itself to me at some point or another.

What are your favorite Yoga Books to Read?

I am beyond inspired by all of you (friends, family, yoga teachers, social media yogi's, students, etc, etc!) I love hearing the stories of other yogis and how their practice began. I am incredibly inspired by my students. Each time they (you who are reading this) show up to class, I am full of gratitude for what this life has offered me, by having all of you as my students. Really you are more than just students to me, you are my teachers because I am constantly learning from all of you.You have become my friends, my inspiration.

If I had a picture to insert of each and everyone of you, I would place it here for the world to see! Instead I will leave you with this ~

“True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose, and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied.” — Aadil Palkhivala

     

~ Just Breathe

Love,
Brooke Myers


Do you practice Yoga? I would love to hear your story, your thoughts. Please be inspired to share!

How do you cope with change in your life?

 

What's New you might ask? Let's see....


After taking a month off running to recover my body and my mind, I am back on the road or trails to training for Honolulu Marathon 2015. I had come to this point where I was feeling completely burned out. I decided that time away from running might be exactly what I needed. During this time I realized something about myself, that if I had not taken time off, I may not had the chance to see. I realized that I am not the girl I used to be. I am so much more than the girl I used to be. I was able to take about 6 weeks of no running without feeling guilty, without feeling lost, without feeling like a failure, without feeling overweight. I realized that I am so much stronger mentally and physically than I used to be. I was able to enjoy waking up to a cup of coffee, sitting with my family enjoying their company, and more importantly enjoy eating! If you know me, then you know I struggled with Bulimia for years and it wasn't until I got pregnant with my son  5+ years ago, that I decided to change to my life. I decided that I would no longer criticize or abuse my body. For 5+ years I have been striving towards becoming a happier person inside and out, mentally and physically. My son changed me and I owe him my happiest self in this lifetime. I have learned to enjoy fitness of all forms, rather than abuse fitness. By no means am I completely healed or completely in love with food, but I have learned that I can take time away without gaining weight or thinking I am fat. Within those weeks of no running, I can honestly say I never cared once about my weight, nor did I catch myself looking in the mirror calling myself fat. That is HUGE for me!!! I learned to appreciate my body and mind even more within this time away. I don't exercise to lose weight and neither should you. You should enjoy fitness? Exercise because it makes you feel alive, it empowers you to become better at being who you are, it makes you sweat & we know sweating is sexy! Fitness for me is fun and if I lose that connection, then why am I even doing it. I started to lose that connection and that's why I decided I needed to back away for a bit. Backing away become one of the best decisions I made.
I'm now a couple weeks back into training and feeling rejuvenated and refreshed all over again. And I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA HOW MUCH I WEIGH, so don't ask me because I don't know and I don't care.

All rights to this Picture are given directly to Velofix.Com

Moving on - with whats new:

Nick bought franchise with Velofix. (The largest fleet of Mobile Bike Shops across North America - and growing!) Be on the look out Big Island because it will soon be serving you!

Trying to keep something this big a secret is not that easy to do, but we did it. It's been a couple of months worth of planning day in and day out, fine-tuning the details to make this opportunity happen. With help, support, and guidance from our family members, Nick is now able to bring Velofix to The Big Island! Our son Whistler, and myself couldn't be more proud of Nick.
I know it can't be easy taking a leap into something so big and basically starting all over, but we believe in you Nick. For the first time in our almost 10 year relationship, I have seen Nick in these last few months become more mature and driven than ever before. How could Whistler and I not support you in this dream, with as much passion as you have towards it.
It will require a lot of dedication and hard work, but I feel confident in Nick being able to manage things just fine.
Keep your eyes on the look out for this Big Red Mobile on the streets in Kona and serving the Big Island wide. 
We as a family are pretty Excited to start a new chapter and see where this may lead us...

Check out Velofix Hawaii 
via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter




On another note: 

Our five year old son started Kindergarten 3 weeks ago already. It's crazy how time seems to move so quickly the older I get. The adjustment for Whistler has been incredible thus far. He has really surprised me with how well he is responding to school. Our son, let me remind you, is used to being with his momma (and his daddy too), but mostly his momma. Since he was born I have been lucky enough to stay at home with him while Nick works. I continued to teach yoga and other fitness classes here and there throughout the years. When Whistler was 2 1/2 we tried putting him into preschool, but that failed miserably. They would call Nick and I to come pick up Whistler because he was crying uncontrollably. We let the idea of preschool go and we made it work with me staying at home with him. Over the years I could tell he needed more than I was giving him. He was ready for kindergarten and learning. The adjustment has been great. There were a few tears the first couple of days school stared, but now there are just a couple of extra hugs and a few good reminders that I will be there before the bell rings to pick him up. He got a really good Male teacher who he responds to very well. And from what I hear, the word going around, is that all the little girls in kindergarten want to marry Whistler. Too Funny!

It's great to see him learning how to spell his name. talk about friends, and want to come right home to work on his homework (lets hope this lasts).

Whistler's first day of Kindergarten 

These last few months have been enough to create tension, stress, and all the above between the three of us. We as a family have seemed to get it right so far and can only believe it is going to get even better. I know I am looking forward to seeing this Velofix mobile here on the island with my man driving it! 
I am pretty darn proud of Whistler for being brave enough to start kindergarten. Nick, I am proud of you for being brave enough to leave a company you have been with for ten years, brave enough to challenge yourself, brave enough to dream bigger than ever before. I am proud of my boys for all they are accomplishing right now, and I hope that I can be strong enough mentally to support the both of them always...












When changes occur in your life, how do you cope, adjust, or handle it? I want to know because maybe the way you cope may help myself or someone else reading this...



~ just breathe, as I always say,
Brooke

Who wants to #LiveInPrana? I know I do, I do...........

HAPPY MONDAY, everyone!

Hope your week is off to a sweaty good start! Fit Approach is back with a fun, Mad-Lib style blog prompt to help us get closer to #1MillionMinutes and our very own #liveinprAna outfits! I would love to strut around on The Big Island in my Prana Apparel - wouldn't you?

1 2 3 Ready set GO? Just copy the blog prompt below, fill in the blanks with your answers, and share, share, share!

I'm so excited to rack up more minutes towards our crazy beautiful [adj] goal of reaching 1 million minutes this summer!  While most of my sweat has come from running, teaching spin classes and various types of yoga [type of activity], I have also done quite a bit of interval training and recently getting into Body Pump (its amazing)[type of activity].

To motivate myself to get from dropping my son off at school [workout / activity] to training for another marathon or one of the fitness classes I teach [workout / activity] and through my day, I always have to be armed with an extra change of clothes, proper shoes and of course my Vega Fuel [noun]. I find that the more versatile [adj] that I am, the more ahead of the game [adj] I am at achieving my goals.

Since staying on track requires so much physical & mental [adj] muscle [noun], I think it’s important that I treat myself! If I were going to reward myself with something from prAna this week, it would most definitely be Soleil Bra Top, Meadow Top & a pair of Roxanne printed leggings [item(s) from prAna] because well, I have never owned Prana apparel before, but have always wanted to and I can ALWAYS use a new pair of yoga pants and not to mention a new bra top that doesn't stink like sweat!!!

I now am tagging a few of my friends to participate:
"You really don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to WIN because prAna has just launched their new Fall collection and there are so many cute pieces to choose from! "

I tag @mommasmovingmountains [person], Tonya-Sasha [person], and @Ericka.Davis.39 [person] to join me for this week of #1millionminutes for a chance to win some fantastic goodies from prAna!

And don’t forget to join in on the challenge fun, here are the weekly prompts:

Week 1:

• Monday, August 10: Show us your weekly workout attire. How do you go from one workout to the next? #1millionminutes #sweatpink #liveinprana @prana @FitApproach
• Tuesday, August 11: What item in your workout ensemble needs an upgrade (show us in a selfie) OR browse the new prAna collection and show us what’s on your wish list (a selfie works!)? #1millionminutes #sweatpink #liveinprana @prana @FitApproach
• Wednesday, August 12: What does a fitness lifestyle mean to you? Show us! Is it life in leggings? Always being gym bag ready? Getting outdoors more? #1millionminutes #liveinprana #sweatpink @prana @FitApproach
• Thursday, August 13: Partner burpees? Double downdogs? Rock climbing? What’s your favorite buddy workout or move? #1millionminutes #sweatpink #liveinprana @prana @FitApproach
• Friday, August 14: What are your fall goals? Show us! #1millionminutes #liveinprana #sweatpink @prana @FitApproach
• Saturday, August 15: Get outside and salute the sun – whatever that might mean to you! #sunsalutesaturday #sweatpink 1millionminutes #liveinprana #sweatpink @prana @FitApproach
• Sunday, August 16: Gym bag packed? Meals prepped? What are your favorite ways to make your weeks a little easier? #1millionminutes #liveinprana #sweatpink @prana @FitApproach

Week 2:

• Monday, August 17: We want to see you how you #jumpjoymonday. That’s right, its time for lift off. We wanna see you, jump jump! #1millionminutes #liveinprana #sweatpink @prana@FitApproach
• Tuesday, August 18: How has living a fitness lifestyle transformed you? Show us! #1millionminutes #liveinprana #sweatpink #transformationtuesday @prana @FitApproach
• Wednesday, August 19: How do you reinvigorate your fitness goals? Show us! #1millionminutes #liveinprana #sweatpink @prana @FitApproach
• Thursday, August 20: What has been your favorite moment of the #1millionminutes challenge? Show us! #tbt #liveinprana #sweatpink @prana @FitApproach
• Friday, August 21: We want to know what community means to you – show us how #1millionminutes has helped keep you on track and accountable this summer! #liveinprana #sweatpink @prana @FitApproach

 

Have Fun writing your MAD-LIB and be sure to tag me so I can read them too!

Have a great week,

Just Breathe ~

Brooke 

@breathebrooke via Twitter & Instagram

#breathebrooke5kGIVEAWAY via INSTAGRAM

I'm so pumped to bring to you my

#breathebrooke5kgiveaway

On Instagram....

My love for yoga, running, and fitness began taking over most of my posts and along the way the (IG community) began to follow me. Many of you have continued to Follow, Inspire, and Support my journey. To all of you wonderful people, I am incredibly Grateful and would love to give back with a 5k GiveAway!!!

Head on over to Instagram and follow me @breathebrooke for your chance to Win!!!

Rules:
1.🌞Repost ( screenshot my photo or use repost app) & use the hashtag #BreatheBrooke5kgiveaway
2.🌞Tag and follow Myself and Follow ALL Sponsors's!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3.🌞Next week I will announce the winner's. Tag ALL of your friends to join in because the GiveAway is Awesomeness!!!

I am SUPER STOKED to announce that these incredible sponsor's have offered to participate in my GiveAway:

➡ @affirmats  #affirmats is giving away one YOGA MAT to one lucky follower

➡ @vega_team is sending one lucky winner a TUB OF VEGA SPORT PROTEIN & A SHAKER CUP!!! #FuelYourBetter

➡ @itakebioastin will be sharing SOME YUMMY GOODIES to one lucky follower #itakebioastin #NutrexHawaii

➡ @fitapproach is giving away a FUN SWAG BAG of goodies ( trucker hat, tank, laces and more.....) #sweatpink #fitapproach

➡ @bicbands is giving away a $40 GIFT CARD to one lucky follower #bicbands


So what are you waiting for, hurry up and join in on the fun and your chance to win!!!



Good luck!!!



~ Brooke Myers

How Do You Dream Big?

Fill in this blog prompt mad lib for a chance to win a copy of Lorna Jane’s new book, Inspired! Copy and paste the mad lib below, fill in the blanks with your own answers, and make sure to share your link, tagging @LornaJaneActive @FitApproach and hashtag: #LJInspired#SweatPink in all of your shares!


I believe that the key to a happy life is FAMILY & YOGA [noun]. FAMILY & YOGA [same noun] inspires me to be the BRAVE [adj] person that I am today.
I am lucky to have WHISTLER & NICK 
( MY PARENTS, SISTERS, COUSINS, ETC.ETC.)[person] and MY YOGA COMMUNITY [person] in my life because they inspire me to live life to my fullest and to chase my dreams.

My dream is to one day OWN MY OWN YOGA STUDIO [verb] and even if it takes MANY CHALLENGING MOMENTS, LESSON AFTER LESSON TO BE LEARNED, HIGHS AND LOWS [noun], I know I’ll get there because I’m not afraid to dream big!

While I dream big, I hope to inspire others by THE STORIES I SHARE ABOUT MY OWN LIFE, THE EXPERIENCES I HAVE LIVED THROUGH, MY DEDICATION TO LIVING A BIGGER LIFE, AND BEING THE BEST ME I KNOW HOW TO BE.

Join me, starting on Monday, July 13th for a fun 5 day #LJInspired Instagram Challenge hosted  by @FitApproach & @LornaJaneActive.

Here are the daily prompts:

Day 1 (Monday, July 13th): How do you dream big? #sweatpink #LJInspired @FitApproach @lornajaneactive #1MillionMinutes

Day 2 (Tuesday, July 14th): What’s your fave healthy swap? #LJInspired #SweatPink @FitApproach @LornaJaneActive #1MillionMinutes

Day 3 (Wednesday, July 15th): Who inspires you? [Tag 2-3 friends!!] #LJInspired #SweatPink @lornajaneactive @fitapproach #1MillionMinutes

Day 4 (Thursday, July 16th): What does happiness mean to you? #LJInspired #sweatpink @fitapproach @lornajaneactive #1MillionMinutes

Day 5 (Friday, July 17th): What makes you an #LJInspired girl? #sweatpink @LornaJaneActive @FitApproach #1MillionMinutes

And don’t forget to join us on 7/21 from 5:30-6:30 pm PT for a fun #LJInspired #SweatPink Twitter party for another chance to win prizes & a copy of Inspired:https://www.facebook.com/events/852624931491346/.

Pre-order your copy of Inspired today: http://www.lornajane.com/INSPIRED/Inspired.

Find your inner warrior

~Just Breathe

Brooke Myers

Race Recap: "DNF'ing too Close"

109 Brooke Myers #60          30 - 34    F Kailua Kona, HI     4:47:43  10:58

 

I Run because I Love it. I constantly remind myself that I will not take my love for running for granted. I have been in the position before, where I forced running and am all too familiar with those feelings that come along with forcing. 

Sunday's Marathon was not about a lack of nutrition, lack of training, nor the fact that it was hotter than poop on the Queen K. My unforgettable 4 hours and 47 minutes and 43 seconds on the course were all a matter of Mental Aptitude. My body was there and in the moment, but my head space was NOT. And if I am going to be honest with myself and all of you, my head space has not been there since March.

After finishing Honolulu Marathon 2014 with my best Marathon to date (3:21:52) and two weeks later finishing on top at the Hilo to Volcano 50k (First Female / 5th overall 4:38:05), I have found myself in somewhat of a Mental Slump. I feel like I have been in this constant mode of wanting change and needing something more than I do. I continue to remind myself I love running. I feel like I hit this major high after Honolulu & Hilo 50k and all of sudden fell down and seem to have a bit of trouble getting back up. I look at myself in the mirror with disgust and a lot of hatred towards my body again. I guess I have been quite negative.
I have treated people really close and dear to me with a lack or respect. I haven't wanted to practice yoga, run, or really participate in any physical activity for that matter. (I even took pregnancy tests because I thought something was wrong with me for not wanting to workout.) NO I AM NOT PREGNANT...

I continued to train and continued to teach my classes as I typically would, giving as close to 100% to my students as I could. When it comes to myself, I seemed to be giving less than 100%. I can honestly say I have been lacking the motivation to keep going. I want to drink coffee with Nick in the morning rather than go running, but instead my head tells me to go run and so I do. I want to eat before my yoga classes, which I never do. Maybe I cannot explain it properly, but something just seemed to be missing. My passion, my motivation, my inspiration.

And so, I decided to keep up with all that seemed to Inspire my followers because I did not want to let anyone down. I didn't want to admit to myself that I need to take a break. I didn't want to seem weak to all of you. My weakness showed during Sunday's Kona Marathon. The fact that I do need a break, showed with my performance. 

Sunday June 28th, I woke up excited and ready to race. I woke up in this amazing Hotel Room out at the Hilton (thanks to Team BioAstin for offering to us). I woke up listening to the sounds of Nick and Whistler still sleeping. I woke up with my sister getting ready to run too. I was excited when I saw my friends down at the starting line. I was excited seeing the crowds of people I didn't even know.

And so, it happened around mile 5, I didn't want to run anymore. I went through my typical talk in my head "start slow" "run your own pace" "Breathe" "hydrate" and when mile 4 came, when it was time to "turn up the heat" and get on race pace, I lost my drive. I felt it inside and am pretty sure it showed on the outside. It wasn't until around mile 11 and mile 13 when things started to fall apart for good. My pace dropped and females began to pass me. I knew it was only a matter of minutes before the 3rd female would come running by. I knew back at mile 5, I wanted to call it quits.
 I Brooke Myers, wanted to QUIT. I haven't wanted to quit any race since before Whistler was born. I have been working, practicing, and training strong for 5 straight years. But, something inside of me no longer wanted to be out on the course running. I wanted to be playing with Nick and Whistler. I wanted to be with my family. 

Once out on the Queen K highway, at one of the aid stations I walked under the tent and I stopped. I looked at two familiar Kona faces (Cory & Doug) and said "I'm Pau""I just don't want to run anymore". The three of us talked for a little bit and they kindly tried to lift my spirits and reminded me sometimes we do need to take a break because sometimes if we don't, we wont come back at all. With a phone in my hand, I almost dialed Nick to come get me off the Highway. I was ready to be done. 

As we all know, there is always more push within us than we realize and with that more, we keep pushing on. Some guy from Colorado, I never met before, encouraged me to keep going, and within a split second I handed the phone back to its owner and I began running up the hill. We talked about racing and Ultra Distance running to take my mind off the fact that I didn't want to be running. Eventually our conversation had to end and I told him to go ahead, I had to walk. By this point, I had been taking in too much water and Ice from the previous aid stations. My stomach couldn't handle the liquids, so with each footstep I began to puke and dry heave.
If you are anything like me, once you walk you continue to walk (walking becomes comfortable). I continued to walk more than I ever should have. I looked up that hill and thought what in heck am I doing. I managed to get myself to the turnaround and headed back down that hill slowly. 

I began to gaze off into the distance at all these runners out here with me pushing forwards. They were sweating, walking, running slowly, running stronger than ever, but what touched me the most was the fact that not one of these individuals were QUITTING. They were here and they were not going to give up. And so, when I found myself under the same tent talking with the same two familiar Kona faces again, I decided I was not going to give up.
Luckily, my sister came riding upon a bike she borrowed from a friend and I knew I had to keep going. I walked and she walked with me with a nice ride next to her. Not only did I, but a few other participants on course wanted to take her bike and ride. She did offer it to me and even said she would jog next to me. I couldn't make my sister who just finished the Half Marathon and is in the midst of training for her upcoming triathlon jog next to me. Thank you for the offer Bree....

She listened as I talked and within that time together, I knew I needed to keep pushing on to the finish line whether I walked or ran, I needed to finish. And I knew in that moment no one was going to come sweep me off the Highway.

I looked at my Garmin and was so far off pace and time, that all I could really do is smile at this point and try to cheer everyone else on. I wasn't alone out there and I wasn't going to act like I was. 

I haven't been in the back of the pack for a while now. I guess you could say I have kind of forgotten what it was like to be last. In a lot of ways, it is much harder for these individuals to be out there in the heat, than to be running faster in the front of the pack. My heart felt heavy for some of the people I saw out there. I kept thinking I am so over this, how do you all of out here on this course feel? Are they tired, are they hot? Are they wanting to quit too? 

 I don't believe any of them wanted to quit. I believe they wanted to FINISH. There on the side of the road was a sign "Breathe You are Doing Great" and with that I took a deep breath. I too wanted to finish this race. My Garmin must have been thinking the same thing as it beeped at me the battery was dying. I laughed at myself and then kissed my watch and said I'll try to get to finish before this battery dies. 10k left, and then only a 5k left and I knew I was going to finish, just not as pretty as I am capable of. Not as fast as I am capable of.

Nick and Whistler showed up with 2 miles left to go. I was so happy in that moment to see the both of them. I told Nick it just wasn't my day and it hasn't been for a while. I shared with Nick my feelings and my apologies for some words I have spoken in the last couple of months that should have NEVER been spoken to them. I am human and I screw up all the time. No excuse, but I do. Being alone on the course sure opens your heart...

At mile 24 my Garmin died and I again just had to laugh it off. I was closer to the finish and tried to run it home the best I could. I wasn't mad, upset, nor embarrassed. Truthfully, I learned a lot on Sunday's course....

Just ahead of me was a friend (Raul) whom I decided to chase after. Raul - thank you for letting me grab a hold of your water belt to the finish. I needed that pull! I needed that laugh!
I have never been so excited to see the finish line, than I was on Sunday. I felt like it was the first race I have ever run or something. Lots of friends and my family were there. So many sweaty hugs and big bright smiles to make my day. Lots of great stories from friends and their race experiences. And Whistler there begging to go to the water slides and pool back at the hotel. Lol. Poor little guy had to wait so much longer for me to finish, way to hang in their Whistler.

And just like that, another race, another Marathon in the books. Not my day, but still one worth holding onto for future lessons. But for now, I think I will take a little break from running. 
My parents will be out here soon, so that will be a beautiful time to just enjoy their company. 
It will be a nice time to renew, refresh, and rejuvenate myself. And besides, I need a new pair of running shoes, so it seems like the right timing altogether. Running  I love you and will miss you, but I need to clear my head and find my motivation. I will come back ready to train and give it my all for the Honolulu Marathon 2015! You can count on me!

***Oh and I am Super Excited for The upcoming Handstand Workshop with Melissa. We will be teaching this special event together - Saturday July 25th at Yoga Hale from 2-4:30 
(Sign Up on the Yoga Hale Website If you would like to join us).......






***To everyone who participated in the Kona Marathon Events (Runners, Walkers, Volunteers, Spectators) on Sunday June 28, 2015 - THANK YOU FOR KEEPING ME GOING. Congrats on your Finish!!!



 To those of you who ask me what I thought of the course, if I liked the New Course:

1. I still think the Marathon should start at 5:00 or 5:30am.

2. I think the Marathoner's should instead of doing two loops in the beginning, we should head out to the Queen K just as the Half Marathoner's did and then maybe loop a second time towards the end.

3. Aid stations were great, but I heard from some other older participants that there was too much a gap in between aid stations on the Queen K. They needed more in between. (The Volunteers at the aid stations were there and helpful and a great support.)

4. And no matter if we are walking or running, we should NOT have to wait for the the traffic. At the intersection coming out of the resort, an officer made us wait for at least 50 cars (Not really 50 but it sure felt like it). I even made a joke in regards to this ruining my PR. When we were trying to cross, he made us wait. No matter if you are at the beginning or the end of the race pack, participants should NOT have to wait for traffic.

5. It was Hot. It was tougher. Yes I did like the course (Did not like my performance).














Thanks for Reading,
and remember to Breathe ~

Love,
Brooke 


@breathebrooke via Twitter & Instagram
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