But I....

I weigh too much. It's too embarrassing. I am too old. I just can't...

I have been thinking a lot about the excuses I hear and give when it comes to living an active life. While this blog post was moving around in my brain similar  thoughts were in the minds of two women I admire. The first post comes from Amy, an incredible woman and life coach. In her post "Excuses", she guides you on how to identify what types of excuses you're giving, how many are valid, and how to develop a strategy to get through the invalid excuses.

So I can hear the excuse for this now..."What if I don't do it right?" or "I don't believe I can motivate myself". Well then check out how Katie, at Adventure-Inspired Tales, used Amy's model and put it all out there. She's a brave girl, and I know you're brave enough to do it too. Confront yourself and your excuses!

If you need a little more motivation, check out these great stories of inspiration.

I can't do it alone

A few of these stories came courtesy of Michele Flamer's amazing, inspirational, emails and posts as the leader of the 30 Day Challenge on Facebook. So if your excuse is "I can't do it alone" check out the group and you will find safety and success in numbers!

I'm too big and too heavy

At 501 pounds Scott Cutshall was told he would die in six months. Click here to learn how he went from barely being able to move to biking as a lifestyle.

I'm too old

It's true once you reach a certain age you may no longer be eligible to be a professional athlete (though don't tell that to Mara Yamuchi who began her professional running career at 30). However age shouldn't and won't stop you from trying something new and having FUN! I love this piece on beginning kayaking after age 50. It has some great information on getting started that can be translated to other sports and activities.

I haven't done anything like this...it could be embarrassing.

Yes, when trying something new or pushing yourself to the next level you will be outside your comfort zone. You won't know everything and you will make mistakes. Some of them will be embarrassing mistakes but you're not alone and if you're able to laugh at yourself it can be character building. Check out these stories from Runner's World.

But I...I..I just can't

 If you really believe that watch this video. The amazing story of a man who runs for his son who can't.

Dirty Girls Need Love Too: Products That Pamper Active Gals

I like to get dirty, but I think you knew that. Between biking, climbing, hiking, and just playing outdoors I tend to be a little grubby a lot of the time. At the same time I like to take care of myself. I like soft skin and pretty shiny hair (even if it's windblown or I am rockin' the lovely helmet hair). Over the last few years I have found some great products for girls like me who are no stranger to being dirty but like to feel a little pretty too.

Lips

I love the lipgloss by "Yes to Carrots". It is shiny and soothing with just a hint of color. My favorite element is how easily it is applied. A lot of glosses are globby but this goes on smoothly. I love that is not tested on animals and 95% organic and Paraben and Carmine free. The only thing I would change is to add an SPF coverage.

Face

I don't like to wear a lot of make-up. Sure I own Foundation but that's really for special occasions. For my daily wear I opt for tinted moisturizer by "Kiss My Face". I have sensitive skin and most tinted moisturizers I have dried irritate my skin. The Kiss My Face pigment comes from minerals, not chemicals, and the product is oil and fragrance free. The mineral coverage also provides SPF 8 UVA/UVB protection.

Hands and Feet

My hands and feet always need a little extra love. They tend to be dry and when I added activities and the elements to that they just don't stand a chance. However I have found using Burt Bee's Thoroughly Therpeutic Honey and Bilberry Foot Creme does the trick. While designed for feet I love the results so much that I began using it on my hands as well. I have tried other products that work well but they are heavy and greasy. This moisturizer is light, absorbs quickly, and smells delicious.

Hair

I wash my hair every few days. I am prone to dry skin and also dry hair so shampooing frequently doesn't help. However, I am not a fan of that second or third day "Have you been in the wilderness too long?" look my hair takes on. So when I discovered "dry shampoo" I fell in love. The powder spray allows you to apply it right at the roots where hair may get a little oily and makes it easy to style. The transluscent formula has worked on my hair when it was dark brunette as well as blonde. While there are a lot of more expensive brands on the market I have found Batiste Dry Shampoo works just as well and is less expensive. I prefer the "Blush" scent but it also comes in "Tropical" and "Original".

My Adventures In Cycling Part One: Prepared Like a Girl Scout, Where's my Badge?

It seemed as soon as I was road ready the weather decided to work against me. However I have managed a few rides and realized just like any other activity being outdoors is much different than the gym. You can't compare running on the treadmill to a trail run and riding uphill in the cold with wind blowing is so different than the stationary bike.

Since the weather hasn't worked in my favor I have been training and riding in smaller increments working my way up for the big daily commute goal. One part of that goal is being prepared for emergencies, particularly flat tires. I have outfitted my bike with an under seat bag including the core basic repair items:

• Spare tube


• Patches


• Tire Pressure Gauge


• Tire Levers


• A Multi Tool


• Pump

Of course having the tools is useless if you don't know how to use them. A client who commutes via bike frequently told me just sit down and change the tire three times in a row, in the comfort of your own home. The last thing you want is to have your first tube change be on the side of the road when the sun is going down. I watched this video a few times and went for it.

How to Change a Flat Tire on a Bicycle -- powered by ExpertVillage.com

It was so much easier than I had imagined and I feel better when I am out on the path miles away from home. My next installment will include tips for making your bicycle commute more comfortable in the mean time,visit REI's Expert Advice Site for a Basic Cycling Checklist.

Cupcake Wobbles But She Doesn't Fall Down(or My review of "Yoga for Climbers")

The skinny, I enjoy this DVD. I love the way it's laid out with a section on meditation, breathing, and then two 28-minute sessions. Session I is for climbing days and Session II for non-climbing days. So tonight I did Session II. The music is mild and not distracting, the direction is clear, the pace is good and the supplemental climbing footage helped me stay focused on the goal.

My only disclaimer is this may not be right for everyone. I have been doing yoga casually for a few years and in the last four months been stepping it up with daily poses and private instruction once a week. If I had no prior knowledge of yoga, this video would be a little intense.

This Session contained a lot of balancing poses like Half Moon and Warrior III. If you're new to yoga or need a little assistance have a chair or yoga block and strap available to help you through the poses. I suggest reviewing Poses menu for the session prior to diving in. You can get acquainted with the poses at your own pace.

Overall I am happy with my purchase for $24.95 I've added another element to my weekely routine. I would recommend it to any climber who wants a quick yoga routine they can incorporate into their training.

Video available through Amazon.com.

Cupcake in Downward Dog Artist: Snailwing

200 Sit-ups and 100 Push-ups! Can I make it?

While my niece has a little lunch and chills a bit I thought I would share my latest fitness endeavor. I found these programs through a post on The Presurfer and started the program a few weeks ago. Then I got sick so I am back to Day One.

The theory is that by the end of six weeks anyone is capable of being able to do 200 sit-ups and 100 push-ups. The routine isn't crazy, you just build up to it and the physcial benefits of a stronger core and upper body are always a nice perk. I will try to report my progess over the next six weeks and soon I will be hardcore like a PowerPuff Girl.

If you want to check out the programs visit 200 Sit-ups and 100 Push-ups.