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.

Be Confident and "Live Out Loud Everyday" Even in a Swimsuit

I know that I am not alone in saying shopping for swim wear is the bane of my existence. I don't love my body, I don't like seeing it in harsh fitting room lighting and I really loathe the idea of finding a two piece that's top and bottom both fit (finding the Holy Grail may be easier). I often settle for an ill fitting takini top and board shorts, or at my lowest point last year, my lycra tennis skirt with built-in shorts. So why do I share this humiliating information with you? So you will understand just how lucky I feel to have found LOLE Swim wear.

LOLE (Live Out Loud Everyday) creates clothing that takes a woman from the trail to lunch in the city with ease. In that same spirit their swim wear is both attractive and a little sexy while still being functional. I was fortunate enough to receive two tankinis and the first thing I noticed was how sturdy they felt without being bulky.

Upon further examination, I noticed that the bottoms are fully lined and that is a huge plus to me. If you've ever been swimming in the ocean or a sandy area you know the perils of sand crotch. There is nothing more uncomfortable than sand stuck in the lining of your swimsuit, and getting it out discreetly, forget about it! With the fully lined bottoms that is not a worry.

When I tried on Gulf Halter Top and Reef Hipster bottom in Watermelon I was pleased with the fit. The leg holes were roomy, the top provides excellent support, and the color was very flattering, even to my pale skin. I then tried on the Cali Halter Top and Catalina Bottoms in Light Moss and this was my favorite. I really love the color and the cut of the bottom is very flattering for my shorter legs.

After the fawning over pleasing fit and colors I had to take them for the real test, the swim. I am delighted to say the suits were just what I wanted. The tankini tops are cut loose enough to give you some breathing room but not so full that they flop around when you're swimming. The bottoms stayed in place when I kicked, no riding up so I suddenly wasn't caught in the accidental thong. Not only are they beautiful and functional but they're chlorine resistant and rated UPF 50+ for protection from UV Rays.

If you find yourself in a bind this time every year looking for swim wear I highly recommend LOLE. While tankinis are my preference they also have a one piece and various bikinis. The colors and prints are designed to mix and match so go crazy, and Live Out Loud Everyday this summer! Click here for a list of retailers.