Friday, February 18, 2011

The FOCUS Challenge

Every Friday I feel like we’re celebrating as if school is being let out for the summer. I dig it! I’ll join in on that. We all kinda need that excitement by the end of the week, right? Speaking of excitement, I thought I’d make this post a little more “fun” for ya.

So I’m seeing a trend here. Most people said they were stuck “in between” like me this week.  Some are feeling run down, unmotivated, or tired, while others are stressed with their circumstances and just feeling lost. Well, I  hear ya! And you know what? I think I’m going to take the hub's advice and “switch my focus.” I challenge you all to do the same. For the next 10 days, switch your focus to something else. Whether it be to embrace recovery (like Bre mentioned), focus more or Yoga (like Kathleen is doing), or just spending more time doing what you LOVE and gaining that MOTIVATION back.

But like all challenges, we need a reward. Lucky for you, I got one for ya! Our friend Juan just started up his own clothing line for running/triathlon fanatics! It’s call TRIITWEAR. Lots of great comfortable shirts, hats, iPhone covers, etc. I love all the logos too. Check it out! Anyway, Juan gave us a few extra shirts to giveaway (Small Women's, and Medium Men) and I’d love to make this the reward for the end of our challenge. I kinda explain it in the video below (yes, I realize I am a dork and I embrace that!).


Here are what the shirts look like when worn. I think the hubs looks pretty hot in that, ya?
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA         OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA         OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
For more styles, check out the website here!

Wanna win these at the end of our challenge? Of course you do! If not, I’m hogging them all. Hehe!

To Win:
  • Enter the challenge and tell me what you will “switch your focus” to.
  • Check out all the cool gear on their website. They even have iPhone Covers!

Does that sound good to ya’ll? If so, grab a journal or whatever you use to jot down your vision or focus, and start getting out the "in between"!
I'll anounce the winner next Friday (Feb. 25th). That will be just 3 days before the 10 day challenge is over.

Cheers to the weekend!
LC

p.s
GOOD LUCK to everyone running the Austin Marathon this weekend. Enjoy the run and all that hard work put into it!

72 comments:

Carrie said...

LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!!!! I'm going to switch my focus to being positive about the things in my life.. if i have an essay- ill do it and STAY positive.. i really need to focus on looking at things through another light!

Kristina @ Life as Kristina said...

Love this idea! I'm going to switch m focus on to eating cleaner and working outs involving things I like and am in the mood for rather than balls out killer workouts!

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

Lindsay, we are of similar minds, because I just launched a post about the importance of rest times. Your challenge is a great idea, I'll be in for it! I'm just sad that a small women's size doesn't fit with my broad shoulders, I usually have to buy large. However, I'll do the challenge! I think my focus should be my body a little more, instead of my mind solely - getting enough, some regular exercize, good food. Body has been neglected a little lately, and now it has enough (what it shows me by giving me a sinus infection and serious back pain).

Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

I am definitely changing my focus this week! I am going to focus on the positives in my life and not get overwhelmed by the things I can't control...baby steps. I think some fresh air will do me some good too! Have a great weekend Lindsay!

Madeline said...

How cool! I'm trying to focus on finding a good work/life balance. It's hard when you have a job that you bring home with you, but I have some fabulous new distractions in my life and I want to make sure I can enjoy them and be able to put the laptop and the blackberry away!

lauren@spiced plate said...

Since I'm starting a cleanse today (i'm drinking my green smoothie as I type this!) to resolve a potential health problem, I'm definitely switching my focus. I eat pretty healthy as it is, but I'm focusing on alkaline foods again. I'm also focusing on being positive, taking time to relax, and not worrying as much. As a teacher, I have next week off for February break, so that will be nice, too!

Allie said...

Changing focus is a good idea! I needed to hear that today, thank you :) Love the gear!!!! Love Fridays and reading your blog!!! :) Have a good day!

Heather (Where's the Beach) said...

Ok, first off you - you're sooo not a dork, you're an absolute doll! I totally need to refocus several things. For starters, I need to remember that this half coming up is my first. It's about finishing and having FUN (hello key word) not trying to somehow beat some crazy time I've invented. My next refocus is to try to look at the positive side of the car situation and get excited about a new car. Sounds silly probably, but I've been really down about that and I need to turn it around. Hugs to you my friend.

Heather (Where's the Beach) said...

Oh, and thank you for sharing the link to the gear. I think it's awesome!

Jess said...

Let's see...switch my focus. I LOVE this phrase btw, your hubs is a wicked smaht (said in my best Boston accent) man, for the record. ;-) I LOVE my workouts, I crave them, yet sometimes I focus too much on them, not in an overtraining or obessive way but...I don't know, it's hard to explain. I just want to focus on working out for the positive impact it has on my health...which I do MOST of the time, but sometimes it's more for vanity which I hate to admit (though I know I'm not alone in this...I still hate that). So my switched focus is on working out for health and longevity and well-being. Is that a rambly weird answer or what??

Matt said...

I don't think your a dork ;)

Do you have a good recipe for GF pizza crust?

Gina said...

I want to focus on increasing my speed on my treadmill runs. I think it's time to take it to the next level and break out of my rut :)

Lauren Anderson said...

i'm actually switching my focus to training for the Boulder Peak triathlon, so this would be perfect!!

Heather @ Dietitian on the Run said...

"I've worn this short for..a couple days now..which is...bad" haha! It looks cute on you, and comfy, yes? So, not bad. I spend days in my lululemon clothes, no shame! ;)

Switching my Focus to finding what we Enjoy to do around here - hike, explore a new little mountain town, ride a new bike trail, or run a new route for the 10 on Saturday's schedule. Bringing D along with me, since it's finally the weekend so we actually get to see each other! :)

Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen said...

As I generally do, I'm switching my focus to spending time doing what I love: cooking. :) I'm going to work out all the stress of teaching and potential job loss and excessive "have-tos" and just let my mind/creativity/hands/food processor rock 'n roll a little bit!

Sarah @ OneLoveSarah said...

my focus switch is to working out...hard. Mainly doing a bootcamp class. hello I'm sore. Have a good weekend!!!

Leslie said...

This is so timely - I was just posting about my frustrations with my IT band. And now that I'm reflecting, I need to refocus on allowing my IT band to rehab (ie. be dedicated to stretching daily and yoga a few times a week). And coming off of marathon season, I need to refocus on giving myself the freedom to rehab my IT band - meaning, be free from guilt for not running or cross-training 6 days a week. 10 days to stretch and not overdo it. And allowing myself to feel good about taking it easy. Thanks for the post!

Love the iPhone covers - what a great idea and a market that seems to not have been tapped into yet for the tri/run community!

Jul said...

I will focus on staying on track at work - and not spending so much time on my Google reader!

Dr.TriRunner said...

LOVE the idea of this challenge!! I am going to switch my focus to SWIMMING for the next 10 days. Every time I get away from swimming regularly, the tweaks and little random "what was that??" feelings come back during my runs. Not like I'm not going to run, but I need to at least be getting in my scheduled mileage in the pool. Maybe a couple pool running sessions too! Thanks Lindsay!

Jen @ She said. She said. said...

I'm following them on Twitter. :)

Also, I am going to change my focus to my blog (going through some redesign) and just staying present. I notice that I always am thinking about what I have NEXT, and not on what I'm doing NOW.

Ashley said...

cute shirts! i am switching my focus to following my running plan. too often I feel like I'm not doing enough and NEVER follow it. I have to focus today on taking a "rest" day...it kills me. All I want to do is go to the gym and run a few miles, but I know I will be dead if I do that and won't be able to complete my long run tomorrow.

Shannon said...

I'm going to work on changing my focus to what my body CAN do, not what it can't or what I find wrong with it. Also, I'm going to work on focusing on the here and now, instead of into the future, even if the "future" is just a day or two from now.

Tran Nguyen said...

What a fun challenge!!! I've been caught in an "in between" rut too.. especially since I'm still in my "off-season". Jumpstarting it with a last-minute 5k this weekend! and hopefully that will switch my focus back to training (running and biking) and towards my goal of sub 25-min 5k! (I'll try to post something on my blog after 10 days)

Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner said...

love this post! What a great way to motivate a group.

I am going to switch my focus to two different things.
1 - my husband.. focus on us and really support him with what he's going through right now and 2- healthy eating. Focus on the healthy food that I put into my body rather than stressing out about eating a cookie (or two lol).

I took a look at the Triitwear website.. really cool! I LOVE the shirt you have on in your pic. The way it looks, the color and the material looks like good quality and comfy!

Christin@purplebirdblog said...

You're so funny... I think you look GORGEOUS and BEAMING in the video! xo

Small Town Runner said...

I need to shift my focus...being very emotional today... I need two days of rest and to put my mind on LONG TERM stuff. I also need to keep some notes on what I am eating & when so I can get soem issues straightened out.

Thanks for the video. I Love that you will post a video of yourself before showering and in a shirt you've worn 3 days in a row =D . You are comfortable in your own skin- love it.

Kim K said...

i'm going to try to focus on what is behind my emotions and making sure that i talk about how i am feeling to the people who i care about/who care about me. i tend to store my emotions and then burst at the seams, so switching gears and trying to talk about things i hope will help. AND i am going to focus on my PLANKS! 3 minutes by boston marathon!

Brittney said...

I'm changing my focus by breaking out of my daily monotony and getting out of town for a couple days. I need a change of scenery and to relax and get away from the daily grind. I feel like weeks go by and everything is the same, so if I can break out of that it'll refresh me.

hungryrunnergirl said...

AHHHHH!!! I WANT THAT SHIRT SO SO BAD!! Girl, that looks AWESOME ON YOU!!! Seriously, you are one hotty. Bummer about your hip, yay for yoga. K, I followed them on twitter and I am going to encourage my downstairs neighbor to get out of her funk and run on my treadmill as I feed her skittles.
This week I am going to focus on my MENTAL HEALTH. I have a race next Saturday so I will be lowering my mileage and spending time on me:) LOVED the video and it is amazing how gorgeous you are pre-shower etc. James is a very lucky man!! LOVE YOU!

Bre said...

AMAZING site! totally love it and just sent the link to everyone I could think of. on your left shirt is hysterical! they need to have that on the front and then something funny on the back of the women's one about chicking the guys ;)

Ayla said...

I love this idea, Lindsay!! My focus will be on happiness. I've been feeling really depressed for about a month now (except yesterday!) and so I'm going to try my hardest to get to the bottom of it and unearth the happiness that is just waiting to be released. This means I will need to focus on doing more of the things I love (reading), cooking/baking, exercising (but not going crazy), spending time with my mom, sister and dog and talking to my friends. I'll also be playing around with my diet and adding in some supplements soon. Operation Happiness is now on! :)

Geekturnedathlete said...

This sounds like so much fun!! I'm going to focus on being positive in my workouts, and finishing them out with no regrets!! You made me laugh with the whole shower thing. I do the same thing on my teaching days!

Cait said...

This is a great post!! I want to switch my focus from the marathon (it's sunday ahh!) and after that (and after I take a couple days off) I want to get right back in it! I've got 2 different half marathon's scheduled and another full in May. I want to do more speed and hill work outs rather than focusing on long runs! I also want to do more cross training and weight lift some days!

I have been in a funk strangely enough since marathon training- I tended to only focus on my running and long runs and got away from working my core and other muscles! So after sunday- POW I'm switching my focus and making new goals!

Stephanie said...

haha! You're adorable! Hope you got that shower. :) I'm going to switch my focus daily like I mentioned. I'm definitely still in juggling mode. The thing I really really want to change is giving my ALL to something when the moment calls for it. Like on my runs...I really want to take it to a new level. :)

Brittney said...

Ok, my "encourage someone" is to encourage you to COME TO CHARLOTTE! I have a guest room and will personally take you to Cowfish. Standing invite! :)

Kristina @ spabettie said...

I know it's not "all about me" but I feel like at least partly you are doing this for ME ! :) ..and, I NEED to focus on ME a bit more. sounds weird to say, but I think part of my switch in focus will definitely be Taking Care Of Me. I've spent this difficult time (geez, 2 months!) caring for and worrying about everyone else and while I will still do that, I need to also take care of me and do things that make me HAPPY. I've been to the new gym every day for a week as of today, and that makes me happy! I'm going to continue this, and as soon as I am done with this comment (novel!) I will be looking at my calendar for open places to stick fun things - walks with Basil + Jason, treating Jason to dinner, getting my much needed therapeutic massage, going to a movie Jason wants to see... :)

love the video! you're adorable and you Make Me Smile !! every day!! XXO

Kristina @ spabettie said...

oh!! and yes, I follow them on fb + twitter, and my encouragement will be to my sister - she is busy and not eating as healthy as she used to (she used to be a HUGE juicer like me!!) and all I have to do is talk about my juicing and she wants it too!! :) I'm going to have her over this weekend and show her a few of my go to recipes also. more focus shift for me, something fun that I love!!

kate@ahealthypassion said...

Cute shirts and great challenge I need to work on doing more yoga/stretching so my body can recover after hard workouts that way I can continue my routine with out skipping the gym.

Heather said...

I've been thinking about this all day, trying to come up with something, but I'm so UNfocused, I am having trouble :D.
Soooo... I'm going with focusing on what I'm putting into my body for the next week before my first half, stretching/yoga, and ENJOYING my runs. Phew. That was tough.

Cait said...

Actually the Winterman Marathon in Ottawa! I'm from New York, so this is much closer haha!

Send warm thoughts this way!!!!

Leslie said...

you are amazing. =)

Lauren said...

I love this challenge and the video! I've been wanting to kick up my yoga the past few weeks, so I want to challenge myself to try new poses and not be scared to try them. I wanna try to get into a headstand or hold crow for more than 10 seconds.
Also, I saw your comment reply back about captivating pictures - I just did a post with awesome pictures today, and I can send over a few other ones :)

Tracy Simmons said...

Great challenge! I am going to switch my focus inside and stop looking out there for the answers. It is all in me!

Missy said...

Man, I've been switching the focus to being more healthy in my life and still .. stuck in between.
I need to re-focus on just BEING and not stressing out about what I need to change. Thanks for the inspo!

PS- I love your talking face!

Jess Allen said...

I didn't know you were hosting a giveaway! I have seen you comment on some of the same blogs I follow and had to check you out! New follower!

Jess Allen said...

I am switching my focus to stretch and strengthen--it's too easy for me to run without all the extra stuff that would improve my experience!

Jess Allen said...

I love that shirt on you! Fabulous color and fit! I follow them on twitter @blondeponytail

Blonde Ponytail said...

I like them on FB!

natalie hopkins said...

Got them on Twitter. I like their stuff, and I'm passing the link along to a friend in Austin that I think would like them! I'm on my way to getting out of this funk - the move to Washington starts this week! I will be focusing on keeping all that I can, intact, punctual and chaos-free. Thanks for the challenge. Perfect timing!

chuck feerick said...

Those shirts are awesome! I definitely want one- I'm checking out the site right now.
I'm changing my focus from instead of jutt hammering every workout I can, but instead stretching, training very specifically, and dedicating myself to do my first race of the year- The Frosty Trails 14 miler!
It's a trail run and my goal is to just enjoy the run and savor the simple facts- like honestly that God has given me legs at all and I can be greatful to use them to be outside and enjoy his world!

burp_excuzme said...

I'm changing my focus to sit still and finish my argumentative research paper. Hahaha! But I keep getting up to bake or cook or pee or something.

Tiffers110 said...

Uh, LOVE those shirts! I especially love the "Velozitti" t-shirt! My focus is switching to consistency! Most want to focus to peace or rest, but that's just not helping me right now, lol!

And I "like" them on FB. :D

Tiffers110 said...

Oh, you are too cute. :D

Angie said...

Great Idea! I am going to shift my focus to relaxing with my hubby when I have downtime, instead of finding something else to do. Random... but I need to do that!

nicole said...

i am going to try to focus on stretching (doing yoga) alot more because I have been very tight and sore. Thanks for doing this challenge!

kalli said...

i love this switch your focus challenge! i would like to join.......do i need to be specific as to how i am switching my focus?

Lisakthrives said...

I think I'll change my focus to doing less cardio and more yoga...sometimes I feel like I need to more cardio---when I actually need to take care of my joints a little bit better and do less!

KathleenM said...

I'm going to focus on my first race - a 15K - next weekend by making sure I eat well and get enough sleep this week!

hungryrunnergirl said...

Hope you are having an amazing Saturday gorgeous girl!!

kissmybroccoli said...

After being sick for a week and giving myself time to get my energy back up, I am now shifting my focus to getting back on track with my fitness. It's amazing what one week of bumming it on the couch can do for your endurance...and your motivation! Instead of being hard on myself about how much wind I'm sucking while doing my workouts, I am going to keep in mind that giving my body rest for a week was exactly what I needed and though it will take a little while to get my endurance back, with a little FOCUS, I'll be right back where I was in no time!

S @ extremebalance.net/blog said...

Hear, hear! What a great idea! I'm in. Definitely: I've been trying to start forcing more exercise into my life since Christmas, but worky-crappy stuff has gotten in the way. BUT: as I stand on the threshold of a partly new work phase, this is coming at exactly the right time. I'm in---and I'm switching my focus from too much work to MUCH MORE ACTIVITY! Yay! Thanks for the push!

Dorry said...

Love this idea of switching the focus. I'm going to switch my focus to yoga, too. I've been in a running/cardio "rut" and need to mix it up because my whole body needs some stretching therapy...or a massage! I hope you are having a great weekend, my friend! xo

Dorry said...

I liked Tri it Wear on FB & followed on Twitter. :)

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

That would be awesome! Thank you so much!

(what runs) Lori said...

This is such a positive post! I love it!

I will switch my focus from worry about what I'm eating to enjoying ever single bite I take. :)

(what runs) Lori said...

I'm also going to keep my focus on staying POSITIVE. Because positivity breeds all things positive. And that just makes me happy. :)

(what runs) Lori said...

Love the video... very cute. I'm a dork too and that is a good thing. And great clothing on the website.

Petra said...

Love the video - and love the kit as well! As always - you're reading my mind. My focus this week and next has been on training to the best of my ability - without comparing myself to anyone or anything (new Boston standards?) else. I'm still off running but have really focused on my swimming, finally reading my TI book and trying to bring it into practise. I'm loving the change, doing what I can to heal up my knee (my friend, the acupuncturist, is making a Sunday morning visit to deal with some of the swelling, and I'm icing, resting and eating well. Thank you for reminding me to keep focusing on this Lindsay! Oh - and yes, I've liked them on FB and have been encouraging my own daughter to go out for a run - which she did!

JennyV said...

Switch the focus from the "some day" to the "TODAY!" My husband and I will be opening a practice within the calendar year and we keep thinking, "some day" this or "some day" that will happen. Instead, I'm ready to day TODAY we will...

lindsay cotter said...

Oh jenny this is wonderful. I am excited for you! One day at time and it will
get there. Great focus Jenny!
 
Lindsay




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Maia said...

Great Post! Just found your blog through my friend. Awesome how you find things that are so timely for you, ya know? I broky my small toe on Valentine's day and I was 5 weeks into my spring marathon training. I was told to take 3 weeks off- no running , only "easy" bike rides... I really had to refocus (and am still trying) because I have no decided to NOT run a marathon at the end of April, but istead, run one at the beginning of June. Stupid pinky toe! Bummer that such a small bone can make sucha big difference for me right now! So, still trying to focus on letting it heal and not create further damage by being stubborn :)

lindsay cotter said...

Maia, I am so glad you shared with me. but I am also so sorry to hear about your
toe. It is frustrating but just think how much stronger you will be MENTALLY
when you come back. Ready to conquer that marathon in June. I might have to do
the same thing. Glad we can support each other!
cheers,
 
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net   
www.cottercrunch.com




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