Another day of work...and that much more fun!

Today was take your child to work day and I was really happy that my oldest daughter, Amira (who is 9), wanted to come with me to the gym. My other 2 wanted to go as well, but I knew they wouldn't last for hours and my checkbook isn't ready to cover damage to gym equipment. I'm kidding, but none the less I knew this would be a really great time for Amira and I. She got a feel for the normal day to day stuff that goes on and I had fun showing her some free weight exercises on the gym floor. As always I brought my camera along to snap a few photos of us.

Amira and I in the gym office

I feel very fortunate to work where I do. I've worked for Anytime Fitness Gyms the past 2 years and I sincerely love my job. Being able to go to work in exercise clothes is the best perk ever! Sometimes I'll jump on the treadmill and run a couple miles on my break. The best part is being able to help people with their fitness goals, to motivate and encourage them.

My Anytime Fitness (home away from home!)

Pick your pain girl!

I became a certified personal trainer through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) in 2008. I knew after the huge transformation that fitness (and running) had made in my life, on both a physical and emotional level, that I wanted to help others reach their goals too.

Amira and I lifting weights. Mine are a bit heavier than her's

Amira took this one - shoulder press with 25's

 Amira trying to lift one of the 25 pound weights - heavy!

Trying to balance work with family life and everything involved with having 3 kids was challenging before, but now its just down right insane! I've had to cut down on my work hours because of all my traveling this year. I had to provide some kind of normalcy for my family by being home a couple nights a week. It's been such a catch 22, as important as family time is, I also need to bring in more income to offset all the extra travel costs.

Finally the treadmill!

 Even in jeans she can fly!

But going to work and loving what you do makes every crazy day count! And when people walk into the gym, overweight, obviously uncomfortable and feeling out of place, I smile. I know exactly what they are going through, having walked in their shoes, and I'm happy I have a chance to show them something different. Most of my life I was the "fat girl". I missed out on opportunities because of my weight, felt uncomfortable in my own skin, avoided mirrors, etc. I also avoided the reality of why I had a weight issue. I didn't want to face the ugly truth that losing it would be a lot of hard work, physical and emotional work. Still,  I would have never ever ever thought that being fat would positively effect  my life. How could being overweight do anything good for anyone? I was so wrong! Going through that wasn't easy, it wasn't fun, but as a result I can relate with peoples struggles. I can offer them hope. I can speak their language.

It also makes me a better runner. I've learned to persevere through the challenges, just like on the race course when the miles add up and my body is physically done. It's at that point that drive, that determination makes all the difference. I remember where I came from and I know I can push through anything. I went from a girl who couldn't run half a mile to save her life, to running marathons to help save others. I don't ever look back on being fat as a bad thing anymore. I know that part of my life was a process in the journey that brought me here and I wouldn't trade shoes with anyone!

And I didn't even tell her to write that! Seriously, the best part of my day!