Well friends,

One week till race day- and throw in my birthday before then, and you will find that everything is exactly where it needs to be. A friend of ours and dear colleague, is writing a book and while I had the luxury to read her first draft – I found myself swept away in her words and desire to help readers reach their full potential. I mean, to really really help you find happiness and to be content in your health and life. Her words inspired me….they reenergized me and reminded me of our purpose in this lifetime:

To leave this planet better than we found it. To touch another’s spirit for the better. To become the best versions of ourselves, throughout our life’s journey.

So remember dear friends- you are exacty where you need to be. Learn, forgive, change, and enjoy the process.

Seek health, kale & happiness,

Tiffany Esser CPT.

 

Well y’all know that my Iron Man race is in 2 weeks and boy is it crunch time! I’ve found along the way that 2 VEGA (plant based Nutrional supplements for athletes) have been kind to me and my GI Tract during my long rides and runs:

1) Vega Sport “Sustain” (during workout) Berry Gel:

I am sooooo picky when it comes to flavors and gels. Usually I just stick to the gooies and chews for quick energy on the bike, and I prefer some kind of vanilla flavor- but this gel is good for a quick boost on the bike. Funny enough- the Team and I all did “shots” of it originally together because we were afraid of the flavor. It had a bit of a chalky aftertaste- and that’s something for the THRIVE company and Beendan Brazier to work on and perfect.

2) Vega Sport “Pre-workout” Lemon Lime Energizer:

I really like this flavor and I actually drink it in water during my rides because it is like Gatorade- only better for you! It gives me the sense of rehydrating and not having that sticky weird flavor on your tongue like other sports drinks. All in all, a winner in my book.

Try some products for yourself! Visit Vega or order a copy of the THRIVE cookbook for healthy recipes!

http://myvega.com/

See you on the road ~

Tiffany Esser CPT.

 

 

 

 

 

It really is true that the mind controls the body!  I’ve noticed that on the days I don’t “feel” like training/exercising are the days I need it the most. When you can change your mindset to a positive view about working out, it frees you to take control of your body and reach that “impossible” physical feat.

For me, it’s the IronMan- a triathlon to which my training is making me hardened and feeling like iron just to complete it. That’s why they say nothing is “IMpossible” – I’m going to try to change my mindset for the next 3 weeks before my race. Join me! Let’s see how much further we can get together with positivity!!!

Check out the Winter HEALTH SCIENCE ISSUE of the natural and healthy living  National Health Association’s Magazine available in the United States and abroad.

Mrs. Tiffany Esser CPT has authored an article on Women’s Health & Fitness.  Make sure to learn about our Health Retreats in the magazine!

Seek health,

Esser Health Team 

Yesterday was a long and challenging day….

5:30am ~

Up and ready to get on the road with Coach and Team.

 

6-9:30am ~

Drive to Haines City, FL to pre-race the 1.2 Swim. At least the car ride of 5 women was enjoyable.

 

9:30-11am ~

Swim (without a wetsuit mind you) in freezing water, crashing waves, a kayaker next to me, and an assistant coach screaming at me to swim faster while I scream back “It is too cold! I need a wetsuit!” To which she replies (while in her warm wetsuit) – “Move your A _ _! (you fill in the blanks)” I dig deep to finish the swim while my hands and feet go completely numb.  Once on shore, my teammate is completely frozen and her skin is purple. After warming up we hit the road…

 

11:30-4:30pm ~

Bike the entire 56 mile course (plus and additional 3 since we all got lost) so that is really 59 miles.  A few notable moments:

1) Hydration: I need more water during the race.  I had enough nutrition, but the team had to stop 3 times in random places to get water.

2) Hills: I officially hate hills.  At mile 30 I yell to Coach “Hey, this isn’t that bad with hills!” To which the Mother of all Hills appears and we ride uphill for what seems like all of Purgatory for me.

3) Falling: On that stupid hill I fell, yes going up a hill. My legs were shot and I fell into traffic. Luckily no car ran me over. Although that would have been easier than finishing the rest of the race.

4) Hitting the Wall: Mile 40 my legs were screaming, “This is stupid, you are stupid. Why are you doing this to us?!!” To which my Coach replied “Pick up your freaking cadence. Stop being a Ballerina and Be a Beast!!!” To which my legs reluctantly obeyed.

5) Mile 57: Lost. The team is lost and our Coaches don’t want to admit it, so we turn up and down more hills and I’m about to pass out from dehydration. The heat is burning our skin (Assistant Coach has the photos to prove her sunburn could be considered 3rd degree) – the wind is coming from every direction, right when you think you get a tailwind, it turns into another side or headwind – and finally my teammate is in so much pain from her bike shoes that her toenails are ripping off. Yes, thats the woman who was freezing earlier – so all in all she had a bad mental day.

6) Completed. We arrive at the car and I’ve never been so happy to stand. Just to get off the bike. We change and get ready for the evening.

 

4:30-9:30pm ~

Home At this point we all eat a delicious meal of bread and pasta (for some others – a pint of beer) then we drive home.  Another TRAINING DAY completed but I realize that I have got some serious work to do before next month’s race.

 

Speaking of which…..Time for me to get back on the bike.