CRAIG PRODUCTIONS LLC

I'm fierce.

I'm strong.

I'm unstoppable.

This is MY time.

Bring it.

I'm lean.

Nothing is going to stop me.

These are the words that were running through my mind this morning while busting through my cardio session. Sometimes just repeating the words FIERCE, STRONG and UNSTOPPABLE give me that extra push to get through my cardio - And trust me...I needed that this morning.

I have to be honest and admit that this show prep has been a huge challenge for me. While I normally keep myself mentally strong and focused, I've had far too many break downs and let's just say that these past several weeks have been a HUGE test...I keep stepping back and thinking "Keep going...Keep going..." But I have to admit that it has been VERY tough. I'm in over my head with school work and I think the most frustrating thing is trying to balance what I love and am passionate about (competing) and what needs to get done (school). To me, the thing that I have been struggling with the most is the fact that I'm stressed beyond belief over my current school schedule and it is keeping me from putting as much effort as I would like into my passion of training and competing.  More than anything it has been tough to transition from training during the summer and training during the winter.  For example..My schedule during summer consisted of 40 hours of work and that's it. All of the free time I had outside of work was open to training, hiking and spending time doing what I love to nurture my soul!!! In contrast...my schedule now is completely insane. I work 35 hours..Then attend three classes at UW Bothell...Then spend about 2 hours a day ON TOP OF THAT on homework and studying. After all that is done, I squeeze in my training, prepping food and grocery shopping. Whew!

It has been a struggle to go from a schedule that allowed me to pour my heart and soul into my show prep for the WA Ironman to my current schedule that is making it very difficult to put as much attention and focus into my training as I desire! That's what is killing me...I have this burning desire to train my butt off and push myself to my limits with my training and prep, but I have this wall that is literally holding me back from what I want soooo bad. BUT!! It'll only make me stronger right?! That's what I keep telling myself...And I still believe that if you want it bad enough, you can make it YOURS! It won't be easy...The journey will be filled with blood, sweat and tears (many tears)...But it CAN and WILL be yours if you REALLY REALLY want it. So I continue to tell myself every day: "Diane..You want this...You need this...Keep that fire burning and push through each challenge with unstoppable determination to succeed"

So that's where I am at. I am indeed doing everything that I can with the time that I do have...So I'm definitely not cutting corners and I'm definitely putting in as much effort as I can - I just don't have AS much time as I did last time around to really DIVE into my training and that is causing a mental struggle.  Although I'm still putting forth as much effort as I possibly can, I FEEL like I'm slacking simply because I do not have as open of a schedule as I did when preparing for the Ironman! I'm telling you...the mind is tricky! I'm not going to let it get the best of me. I am putting 100% into my training and prep - So there's no way I'm going to let my doubts creep in and tell me otherwise!

I actually just started reading this great book called, "Be All You Can Be: A Challenge to Stretch Your God-Given Potential" and I think this has been a total GOD moment because everything that I have been reading is exactly what I've been needing to hear! This is something that really popped out to me:

"A friend of mine was discussing the implications of Micah 6:8 with his 7 year old grandson: 'What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?' The little boy, who was memorizing the verse said, 'Grandpa, it's hard to be humble if you're really walking with God' That's great theology coming from a 7 year old. When we begin to get a glimpse of the unlimited resources at our disposal - the power of God himself - then and only then will we sense the assurance tat we are fully equipped to do whatever it is that God calls us to do" --John C. Maxwell

Through HIM I will get through this crazy time in my life - With HIS love and HIS strength I will push through every single cardio session...push through every single clean meal...push through each day of class...each paper...each hour of work...each hour of reading! To be honest...this book reminded me that I CAN do it all..It won't be easy...But I WILL succeed. So that's that.

Be strong people and stay focused on your goals and dreams. Keep them in your mind at all times...Don't let yourself for even ONE second doubt that they can be accomplished.

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

Tags: