Assurance comes in all flavors. Reflections cures all doubts, and having a faithful witness substantiates the truth.
When we weigh a little bit more than comfortably desired or less active than we should be, shedding weight and thoughtful exercise becomes a great witness for others to see. Increased activity is a chance for others to see the new you. A new path forward, a new purpose awaits, increased vision. A reason for a selfie with each you pound lose. You now have the stage, the spotlight, new attention from a community of friends. The gathering place for world viewing once you have started loosing weight.
When I weighed 230 pounds I was really heavy. I had a hard time getting around walking from one place to another bending, squatting, reaching, it was often cumbersome. Transporting myself from one spot to another took more time than needed. I did not realize how much I had fertilized my human expansion.
If I would have continued looking into the mirror at my current status I would have been entirely focused on external circumstances. Only seeing what’s outside could have been depressing. Repeating thoughts might throw me into giving up and not trying. However, I was raised by positive minded parents in a uplifting culture in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. I was very fortunate to attend schools that taught upward goals centered around personal traits. Teachers that instilled confidence and inspiration. I took these lessons as true value and a true recipe for success when aspirations for witnessing was taught.
When we see ourselves as incomplete and needing help with weight loss, it’s the opportunity to witness.
From childhood to adulthood the wheel has been an important part of our life. A transition from one place to another. A trip towards maturity. Steps that lead to our future self.
Memories from the past reminds us of peace and contentment. Thoughts of handlebar ribbons attached to a bicycle, big wheels on a three wheeler, a tire swinging from a sun drenched rope.
The wheel helps our vehicle to roll on the highway to our chosen destination. The wheel guides us through peaks and valleys, ups and downs, twists and turns, the stops and the acceleration. Successful travels to our destination!
Perhaps the most influential purpose of the wheel is it’s ability to transport our grown up person back to our childhood. Directing us back to a time when things were more simple and less stressful. Back when we were abstract from the chorus of time keeping ⏱
When I was born someone had to drive my mother to the hospital in a car on wheels to bring about a healthy birth. My first day at school was escorted by a yellow school bus assisted by wheels. Follow up visits to the the doctor for examination and vaccinations were made possible by the wheels on dad’s car. Baptism, graduation, weddings, reunions, education, job interviews, travel, meetings just to name a few of life’s directives were made possible by the wheels on a car.
We have grown up to accomplish many great things in life, and introduced relationships with wheels riding in your car.
But the most important fact about the wheel, is that it’s part of a beginning and a part of finality. Maybe it’s our attempt to reach back to a peaceful childhood or a effort to fix past mistakes. A combination of introspection and examination.
The first wheel was invented by copper miners in the Carpathian Mountains trying to make their mining efforts much easier nearly 6000 years ago. The result revolutionized transportation and created new innovations by miners crafting the new wheel.
: The first examples of the wheel were simple but paved the path forward for traveling expansion.
Humans have often been gifted with resolution and accomplishment when presented with opportunity. The vision to remedy adverse situations can construct maneuvers to survive in a hostile environment.
When it comes to weight loss and fitness, success comes down to our ability to overcome environmental dynamics. Recognizing that our human nature is not one to be captured our confined. A cage cannot be created strong enough to confine one’s positive outlook.
The wheel represents those things that we long for, and those memories that truly satisfy. If you are yearning for weight loss and fitness, maybe it’s time for inspiration from the wheel 🛞
When it comes to weight loss, we often have to come up with inventive ideas that motivates ourselves to have success. Most ideas come as fresh thoughts while riding a bike, walking, or running 🏃♀️. Maybe when you are in a resting mood. Also, driving on the road to work or home. My latest thought has propelled me even more. The strongest desire to live has given thoughts of longevity, and the reality of finality. Will the last meal that I eat in this life be made with a healthy substance? Will it be filled with unhealthy ingredients. Tomorrow is not given or promised. Today is now and where you are. Today is opportunity now. I have control right now to change the future for weight loss and fitness. Maybe tomorrow! Check out my coaching video below 👇
Coaching
Perhaps a favorite weight loss recipe would work better. Maybe a membership would suffice. Possibly a trip to a relaxing spa. It’s mostly what works for you. It’s what motivates you to be successful in weight loss intervention. Mostly I tend to lean on my own personal feelings, or glean from given thoughts. When we dream about our next step or think about tomorrow. We think about an opportunity to accomplish at that given moment.
When I first started cycling the stars seemed to align together for my chance to experience a life change. Tomorrow is not here yet. Maybe this is your best chance to eat the healthy meal Today!
We all have the idea of sharing a smile, giving a gift, word of encouragement, maybe a telephone call or friendly visit. It’s the start of a new idea, deep thought, or a refining connection. Trying to be a good person to establish a new direction perhaps fresh exploration, and new reflections. Starting the plan and not completing the work did not mean that you failed with goodwill intent. It was the thought that counts! You were successful by planting the seeds of beneficial inspiration. Eventually you garnered enough thought to complete the generous gesture, and helped someone have a really nice day.
Quitters day is a term given by some as the second Friday in January. They say that’s when most people give up on New Year’s Day resolutions. Some designate this date as determining failure for those who have not yet accomplished their New Year’s Day goals. Some give dire prediction for those who do not complete the course or defining resolution.
However, everyone who has lived has remaining goals that have not been completed. All of us have dreams of finalizing our hopes of success. Maybe it’s college education, musical 🎤 aspirations, learning the piano guitar or violin, travel, financial gain. It’s human to dream about the future and human to complete the process.
Completion starts with a thoughtful meaning that’s deep within ourselves. Beginning means small and fresh. New sprouts emerge like seeds in a flower pot. A new born taking the first breath. The sun opening behind unveiling clouds. Dreams of meaning like these cannot be extinguished by someone who gives a completion date called quitters day.
I started cycling at the senior age of fifty four years old. I spent many years passively wondering about the subject of weight loss and fitness. Just think of all the years that I could have been riding running or swimming.
What could have been is a thought that I could entertain. However, I was motivated by my father’s memory while walking past his bicycle.
I proceeded with a thought that I could ride his bicycle as a memorial to my dad’s life. While riding my dad’s bicycle that day, I was overwhelmed with the sense that my dad was right there with me. My dad was pointing to the direction that I needed to ride. He said that I could ride at the park in Harrogate in a circle till I got a good workout in. That day marked a turning point in my life directing further purpose and meaning for weight loss fitness.
My dad was such a hard working caring individual who often put others and his family ahead of himself. I knew that he was a protector bread winner and leader for a lot of people friends and family. I spent a lot of time with my dad walking playing racquetball talking about his father sisters and brothers, and many friends.
It was the memorial spirit that was lying dormant for all of those years that gave me energy to get on the bicycle 🚴 and to attempt weight loss and fitness.
It is the spark of imagination that will lead you to greater aspirations in life. It is the influential thoughts of purposeful dreams that come from real relationships. Not a date called quitters day!
Finding weight loss and fitness is fun when you find friends that join in for your fitness journey. Furthermore, the strenuous process is much easier in the company of enthusiastic persons. Strength comes from those who are experienced. Guidance is directed from others just like you. Cyclist, runners, walking enthusiasts healthy nutrition folks who have gleaned much information long term. Connecting with these groups can be the determining factor when it comes to much weight loss success!
There will be many trying to hinder your efforts to connect with good company. Groups that are inspirational, positive, and motivated about the community and your weight loss purpose are the voices to be listened to the most.
Never let naysayers, obstacles, or negative predictions delay or derail your destiny.
Sometimes we need to disconnect from detoured voices who are negative towards your inspirational goals. Maybe for a short time change the crowd of distraction that tries to inhibit your progress. Make a change in voices that you now listen to. Tune to new input from new communication. Travel to a new destination to a new location for company affirmation. You are ready now for new appointments!
Within every person there is a lean, trim, and skinny athlete really to accomplish any 5K, marathon, or century ride.
It’s not a question of whether you can accomplish your set goal it’s when. The alignment of paths crossed that will steer your traffic in the right direction. You have all of the ingredients to succeed in weight loss and fitness. You have the right DNA the right physical stamina the correct stance. The right look!
Look for those who have overcome obesity, substance abuse, health issues, tragedy just to name a few. Search out stories where people have traversed extreme situations, and come out with successful outcomes. This is the company that you need to keep up with on social media. These are the mentors to follow.
Consequently, your are on the edge of starting a successful weight loss fitness journey. Maybe this is the missing link needed to complete your personal makeover. Remember Company Matters!
I enjoy finding friends making new connections, and embrace those who enhance positive attributes. This is especially true when it comes to weight loss and fitness. You see it takes more than just willpower to see sustained precision weight loss. Its takes a repeated process long term effort to being slightly inconvenient on a schedule. I have found many informative cycling and running clubs throughout East Tennessee and as a result, have met many incredible athletes in the Tennessee Valley. It’s astonishing to witness the inspiration imitating from those individuals who reflect the breath and culture here. To see those persons endure the hardship of running a marathon or riding a century bike ride (100 miles) is truly inspiring and impressive. One common theme for those who have experienced success with weight loss and fitness is the ability to endure discomfort. Not just for a season or a interruption during the week but, a common everyday systematic occurrence.
How to deal with the uncomfortable feelings associated during life style change is important if we want weight loss and fitness. The ability to cope with feelings of physical adversity is vital when it comes to conquering weight loss. It’s up to you to cope with your success seeing that you are more competent and qualified than anyone to control your own success destiny.
Our flexibility during these times of mental and physical exertion is important! That means staying in your lane on the interstate while driving, dark alley walking, or avoiding traffic while bike riding, it’s smart to make quick and precise life changing decisions. Like yoga exercise in the workout center or in your home it’s an inquiry to make you more adapt to make changes to your body and to your environment. It’s not unusual to see people stretching when getting out of bed first thing in the morning, after clocking in at work or first thing at school or taking a test at the end of class. Without proper flexibility sudden body movement can cause muscles cramps ligament injury and cessation of necessary transportation. Flexibility occurs in everyday life, and without its practice we could not experience life in it’s fullness.
However, it’s easy to avoid change. All I have to do is change the channel and begin to digest a program that is more cautious.
Sometimes it’s easier for myself to withdraw from participation rather than signing up for application. To hold my hands over my eyes and pretend is so imaginative. Whistling while walking down a dimly lit path seems to soothe my restless fears.
Many of the aforementioned rituals have worked for me, but they did not resolve my real conflict. That’s because our society sometimes wants us to be who it wants us to be not who we actually are. We were made to be resilient and inventive able to withstand obstacles that are placed in our way. To detour our direction in the wrong way to craft our person modeled into a perfect instrument for profit. As a result, I became complaisant with the order that I must adjust my goals to be ordinary. Not seeing my intricate value found within myself.
You see within everyone is a Marathon Runner a Tour de cyclist a Ironman a weight loss winner. It all begins with rebuttal of the current system and you making the decision to be comfortable with uncomfortable 😳
Sometimes I hear a echo. The echo comes from within or when I am walking along a quiet path, on a old dirt road, maybe in my resting place enjoying some early morning tea. It’s a distant sound possibly produced by someone just behind me? The clicking of a bicycle chain attached to my bike, the rolling of tires that carry me to my destination. Looking up in the sky searching with tilted eyes 👀 I look intensely for the repeating echo of sound.
Listening 👂
The busy sound of the highway muzzle our thoughts and our intent. Sights of red sirens seething and blinking lights flashing can signal us to be alert for the event to come. Announcements spoken through an amplifier sends needed instructions for directions. Life is happening and constantly moving requiring much needed attention. However, life can give birth to anxiety and stress causing us to be diverted from the quiet refreshing sound of the echo.
The echo calls us home like an announcement of supper being ready at the family table. I can remember as a child my mom telling us to come home now because it could be cold if you wait any longer. After a long day of school or playing, kids get hungry for their favorite food. It’s hard to stop or turn away from the evening meal but, there is only one out with bases loaded at the kid’s baseball game. One lap to go to complete a bicycle ride, another layup to be made in practice for the school team
For adults, it’s efforts to make more, and to complete our financial goals. To maintain and enhance our current status in the community with friends and family is a must.
Sometimes life happens and aspirations are needed to venture towards the peak of successful financial fortune. We all need something to work for and we need goals to achieve. However, it’s always beneficial to keep an ear open for the sound of the echo. The echo tells us something and gives much needed direction. Without direction it’s easy to get lost. Just like a blindfold placed over our eyes, distractions of life can cause us to be misguided and alter the true meaning of life.
When it comes to weight loss and fitness listening to the echo can be beneficial. It’s very hard to obtain results without the help from someone or something. The echo is a powerful voice that gives us a reason and purpose to carry on and to experience successful weight loss and fitness!
Climbing a mountain can be a monumental task that requires a lot of thought, energy, and preparation. The highest peak ahead is somewhat daunting and frightful. Apprehensive feelings could detour some from attempting to climb the mountain. Sometimes the decision to delay is more acceptable than completion. Putting off my goals for development is a strenuous decision, seeing that it’s a easy choice. However, The rewards of weight loss and fitness is simple and relative to climbing. The investment of victory is worthwhile!
At the top
First up is the survey of the mountain from the bottom. Looking up is usually how we judge. Elevation and distance is important. This determines how hard this is going to be and what is my pain experience during the run 🏃♂️ or perhaps a meal adjustment 🍔
Next, it’s the mental preparation, I think of the best outcome despite the obstacles of indifference. The repeated chants spoken inside our inner thoughts tells our human psychology yes you can instead of repeated declination. Exercises of approval and disapproval is now a part of the process. Now you have two choices. Whether to wait or to accept the challenge of climbing the mountain ⛰. That’s my Delma ☺️
My first thought of riding the afore mentioned hill was one of trepidation 😞
I had vivid memories of not being able to complete my first century ride a few years ago. I can remember it very well. It was like yesterday that I signed up for the historic long ride. It was my first attempt to ride a 100 miles at the tour de cure in Knoxville, Tn. I thought that I was promptly prepared to ride for 100 miles in honor of my dad. All ready to go with a photo of my dad in my jersey pocket, I thought it would be a complete fastest ride ever!
Century Ride
After reaching the 82 mile mark I found myself in a friendly neighborhood yard with unbelievable cramps that caused me to quit and to be be rescued by the SAG wagon!
I was so distraught and discouraged about giving up. Some sadness while riding in the SAG wagon. But, I overheard the SAG support say over radio communication that he had nothing to be fretful for it’s a very long ride.
I did not give up after that day. I continued my quest for my first century ride, and was successful at the tour de tellico with my dad’s memory on my bike.
Sometimes the mountain gets you. Most times you’ll get the mountain if you’ll continue to! Happy weight loss and fitness 😀
I can remember many birthday gifts that were purchased for me by my mom and dad. A figure eight race track, a scooter, fancy bicycle, model airplane ✈️ and lots more.
Growing older and trying to imagine where those objects might be now is a task that’s very hard to do.
Maybe those gifts are in the closet behind some clothes at my house, or possibly my mom’s storage barn outside. The toys that I have played with as a child are resting inside of my siblings attic at their home? I have often thought where are they now? where have they 🎁 gone?
At the time, the persuasive imagines seemed to be very important and highly sought after. The picture of my gift framed inside my head seamed to be real, they often inspired my efforts.
Seeing
No one or no thing could replace it’s ranking on my list of things to do. Somehow I must accomplish the goal that was set before me. The vision was all consuming, and no resting no ending until the day was done. I would lie in bed at night just dreaming how perfect it would be to receive my prized possession. No longer would the prize be a fantasy or imagination, it would now be a reality in my precious collection.
I was on my best behavior vying for the chance to get acceptance from mom and dad. Putting on a show to get the gift 😁 Somewhat like an actor on the stage 🎭 a singer 🎵 in the auditorium, the first note played by a famous musician. I could mess up or be successful. I could play flat or play sharp slip up or sound great. It could be very scary or rewarding! However, it’s a chance I was willingly to take.
The Stage
I can remember washing dishes to take away chores from my mom. Kitchen duties seemed like a nominal effort considering the payback that I was going to get. Cutting grass was not to bad seeing that my dad had to work a lot of hours. The time spent on a lawn mower was considered a great investment.
I can remember how hard I had worked, and the hours I had invested in the search for the gift. 🎁 It seemed very important a valiant goal to achieve, and I knew that it was worth the work. It was worthwhile 👍
However, the thought of not knowing where those gifts are now as a grown adult is sort of disappointing. No longer are they very close or nearby but now they are forgotten. If they were so important and beneficial why are they lost now?
Then I had the fondness impression. A very inspirational moment! The best part about gift giving was not about the inanimate object. It was about the love that my parents had shown to me. That would lead me to a path more fulfilling and rewarding than the inanimate object. The thoughts of my parents would also prepare me for the upcoming road called life.
In my summation, these gifts do not have life nor do they provide substance. They cannot help me out when I fall. Cannot not lift me up when I am down. Do not give me inspiration or peace when I am in the valley. Nor do they comfort me 😌
Our culture wants us to believe that the inanimate is all that we need. Much needed energy is placed on the chasing of the inanimate, and as a result we are left with an artificial replacement 🤖
Lifelong purpose and a reason to exist is what we need the most. Real life and happiness comes from deep within ourselves and not from something inanimate 🧸
The same can be said about weight loss and fitness, it’s about the strength that we find in ourselves that helps us to eat right and stay healthy.
Success is not with the inanimate. Complete restoration is within!
Walking 🚶♀️ on a elevated trail in the woods. Maybe riding your bicycle up a long hill. Climbing 🧗♀️ a steep mountain. All of these activities are scary at first but, can be overcome by your imagination and seeing your weight loss fitness goals via your creative thoughts you 🧑👩holding the trophy 🏆
I started cycling at the age of 54. Started running sometime later. However, I was apprehensive about my age having the strength and courage to do such things offered a big question mark for myself. This experience was different unknown uncharted not familiar.
There was not the assurance that I could spin the wheels on a road bike in the middle of the road surrounded by cars larger than myself. I did not have the guarantee that I could complete a pre-defined route on my Garmin computer. All I had was the dream that I had of myself holding the trophy and myself at the top.
Sometimes the imaginary dream’s of yourself standing at the top, and holding the completion trophy is all that you need to to overcome fear. It’s not a special formula or special gadget to get to the top or something giving you the trophy but, it’s the visualization of you crossing the finish line, and you the person that completes the race that makes the work worthwhile.
Success starts with a thought seed planted. Once planted you are now responsible for watering, feeding, weeding, and cultivating. Once the growing begins it never stops if you so desire the growing to be. A repetitive overcoming gives us confidence that You can accomplish anything that you want to in the face of obstacles. There’s no stopping your intuition or your imagination once you have planted the garden 🪴
Harvest is coming up after a successful growing season, and now it’s time for you to reap the benefits. No longer will you have to rely on artificial means to lose weight and to experience fitness. It’s your learned experiences in overcoming apprehension and fear 😧 that will enable yourself to compete and hold the coveted trophy 🏆
Just outside of Maryville, Tn near Gatlinburgthere is a picturesque place for cyclists to sight see, relax, ride a road bicycle, and to get a very serious workout while doing so. 🏔 Scenery, solitude, and a breath of fresh air can be found within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park🌳 and the famous Foothills Parkway!
I started riding the foothills parkway about four years ago. Maybe it was five years ago 🤔 It’s possible to lose count especially when having so much fun and touring in the Smokies on a road bicycle.
I start just outside the parkway in Walland, Tn a small community located near Maryville, and about 6 miles away from Townsend, It’s here where I usually park near the fire station on river road then ride about a half mile to the start of my destination 🌳 the parkway
There’s not as much traffic here like I have seen at other stops located within in the smokies park. Not much litter, smoggy smoke, or honking horns. No drag strip or go carts to be had here at the foothills parkway.
🥵
I have gone through long stretches of highway at the foothills without seeing or hearing anyone. I have often wondered is anyone here or have they shut the place down? What if I needed help who would be available to stop 🛑 and help me back to civilization. Who could assist me with food or water 💧 maybe a possible snack.
I love being outdoors and seeing nature at its best. There are plentiful plants at the foothills parkway, and I enjoy taking photos of plants every time that I go.
Daisies
There are numerous pull overs for a chance to break from hill climbing, and fast downhill riding. All I have to do is exit find a nice spot and have lunch.
After riding the foothills parkway from Walland to Wears valley and back I get really hungry seeing that I cycled 31 miles with a elevation climb of 3,812 feet!
Way up here
If you like getting away from the busy highway and traffic jams. Try the foothills parkway in the GSMNP🌳
1 Yogurt: comes in many flavors. Eat this first thing in the morning in a meditation prayer for others to wake up feeling refreshed.
2 Eggs: are full of protein. The building blocks for muscle strength. Prepare these for increased mobility.
3 Whole wheat toast:with less sodium and more fiber. Consume as a remembrance of those who are homeless 🏡
4 Raisins: Powerful antioxidant to help fight cancer. For those going through chemotherapy 🍇
5 Fish: A heart healthy food that is great for cardiovascular strength. A happy Friday food 🐟
6 Peppers: I have been eating peppers as a probiotic for years, and have lost weight as a result. They can be hot. However, I attribute the agitation as an remedy, and a thought for those in service 👮♀️👮
7 Avocados: I eat these at Mexican restaurants. It’s a nice way to make friends where avocados are grown 🥑 Mexico 🇲🇽 Great healthy eating
8 Apples: I like peanut butter spread on a few slices of apples Good for fiber and protein. Eating apples are healthy plus a tribute to the well known planter Johnny Appleseed
9: Grapes: Good for everything including bone health and energy production. Great for energy before memorial Walking or a 5K 🏃♀️🏃🏃♂️
10 Banana : This fruit is good for recovery ❤️🩹 they remind me of Bicycles fun to eat and fun to ride 🚴♀️ A tribute to our childhood 👦
If you see me out in public riding my bicycle 🚴♀️ or 🏃♀️ running in the park 🌳 it’s the foods mentioned above that have helped me to enjoy these activities!
There are obvious signs that things are better when getting older. Classic cars, wine, collectible coins, paintings, documents, and jewelry just to mention a few. The price of these things seem to increase significantly when they are handled with care, and when they are well maintained. Something old can be like new again. Discovered renewed and refined.
The same statement can be said about people. If we take care of ourselves, change our direction, and our purpose. The possibilities for quality filled life seems to be realistic. Wow😮 quite possible🤔 Opportunity 🤩 This could be your chance to measure imagine and visualize your new artwork and artistic expression like a team of builders remodeling an old house🏡 or a mechanic fixing an old truck 🛻. The inspiration to rebuild is visual powerful and amazing. Perhaps even better than new.
Just because we begin to age does not mean that life is over. Does not mean that we have run the last lap or walked the last mile. In contrast, your age can be a benefit to your well being. The memorialthoughts that you have collected since childhood could be an inspiration to achieve goals for yourself and a witness for others. It’s a opportunity to shine a light for someone else💡your achievements will get noticed 🚨
I started losing weight well after my 50s, I discovered cycling and running much later in life. Much further down the road. It truly has been an adventure, and something that I never really dreamed of.
I had no idea that census, marriage, and immigration records would prepare myself for weight loss and fitness.
Old pictures 📷
I have often wondered why I invested so much time into family history research and genealogy,and what leads me into this exploration spirit accompanied by it. I now give credit to the memorial attributes associated with genealogy as my preparation for cycling and running.
It was when I discovered that losing weight cycling and running could be a tool to benefit others, and that it gave me the ability to highlight those who needed to be noticed. That’s when it became powerful and rewarding all at the same time.
You see when we are older there’s a lot of emotional memories built up within ourselves, and that’s where we can gain our strength to accomplish anything that we want to. Especially with a memorial attitude.
I hope that you can do the same with your memorial efforts.
Freedom is not just a word we use in a song or in a book, it’s a way of being, a state of mind, perhaps a natural feeling. A thoughtful simple solitude. A guided healing of the heart Appreciative confidence!
I have been fortunate to have found a peaceful meaning for freedom while in the Gap. I have been fortunate to have lived here near the Gap and give credit to the location for my recent weight loss, cycling, running, and hiking activities. I hope that you will find the same here in the place called Cumberland Gap , Tn
From the sand cave and white rocks in Lee county, Virginia, to the town of Cumberland Gap, there are plentiful opportunities to find serenity, beauty, friendly faces, discovery of one’s self, and physical fitness. The Gap is where you will find purpose and opportunity. It’s in the Gap!
There are no busy interstates or busy pathways. No crowded greenway or crowded walking trails. Just the ability to explore your personal goals without a distraction. To be able to spread your wings in all directions look up and just fly.
Sure there are numerous trails to be found inside of well trafficked areas within diving distance or a short commute. A very scenic opportunity. A day trip off work. A bucket list hike for taking photos. A festive fun event. Nice different and strenuous. Sometimes very scenic absolutely picturesque. A lot of fun, and very entertaining. Everyone should experience this. However, a trip to the Gap is prescribed. Often ordered by myself to get away from the crowded highways. The freedom accompanied by a peaceful feeling seems to be the remedy for what I need. My mind and body needs a vacation. Time to get away from the stress of everyday life. Time to refresh 😌
Here is a list of my detox locations that helps me to restore in the Gap!
My favorite hike in the gap is the tri-state marker a place where you can see all three states standing in the same spot at the same time. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia!
Riding my bicycle or running walking through the old train tunnel is a must for individuals who want to go from the Gap to the city of Harrogate through a tunnel and onwards to the campus of LMU.
Everyone likes to have friends a lot of friends, and everyone likes company.
Friendly relationships helps us to feel loved, liked, and often creates happy thoughts within ourselves. Helps us to assemble around others, to blend in with the group, and do so most emphatically.
As an example, we gather around sports teams, hobbies, musical performance, concerts, and fitness groups just to name a few. There are many more to be mentioned but these shall suffice.
Friends
We like to be around individuals who strengthen and encourage ourselves. We tend to search out persons who accommodate our same likeness those that share and confirm our same standards. Relaxed relationships that support our desired feelings. The company of conviction from friendly conversation.
Have you ever noticed that most sports teams have a following fan base who all wear matching clothing signifying who they are cheering for. Some fans wear just a t-shirt. Some fans may wear a t-shirt plus decorative matching pants. Some go all out with a complete makeover. Where is the person behind that extravagant costume?
Some schools of choice specialize in different categories of education. Students can decide to specialize in medicine, law, engineering, veterinary, and vocational skills just to name a few.
Brilliant minds seem to think alike and excel when matched together with similarities. Ideas about new technologies new treatment are found when students and professors share their united thoughts with each other. Diseases have been cured lives saved lessons learned by aspiring staff scientists and doctors.
If we desire weight loss and fitness, it’s helpful to have the same affinity for friends who also share the same enthusiasm for weight loss and fitness. Sports fans teachers and health professionals assemble all of the same characteristics when it relates to winning. We all need good friends.
Opportunity is available to find weight loss and fitness walking running groups in your area on Facebook, instagram, and Strava.
Runner’s market from Knoxville, Tn is great. Bike shops have group rides or group running walking available every week. Able to accommodate the beginner to the novice. People just like me and you are there waiting for you to come and hangout.
One of my favorite places to go is the Barley Run Club in Cumberland Gap, Tn meeting on Monday & Thursday @ 6:30 in front of Angelo’s.
When we think about weight loss and fitness, we think about diets recipes a change of life style, activities, reading about the subject, it’s a great start to begin. But, the real advantage is when we find a reason coupled with efforts mentioned above.
The real person resting inside of us is the most influential component when weight loss and fitness is wanted. The ability to focus on inspiration coupled together with willpower will get real results.
Once our reason is found, nothing can slow us down. No amount of hinderance will detour us. It’s just identifying our purpose that’s starts the process.
One famous person had a purpose and a dream!
Dr. King
If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
REG LANCASTER//GETTY IMAGES
From his April 1960 address at Spelman College.
There are so many gifts 🎁 lying in your possession so many talents waiting at your disposal. These traits and talents are inclusive to you and only you. No one on earth is like you, and no one on earth has the same abilities that you have. That’s a very inspiring statement concerning your unique opportunity to identify your purpose.
T.D. Jakes
Using your gifts to help others to smile, promote charitable causes, and to inspire many others will strengthen and improve your unique gifts. It’s a valuable treasure that you have. 💰
Imagine that you are responsible for saving the world. All of that responsibility is in your hands. Just like super man, iron man, any super hero seen in the movies. Those heroes seam to be invincible having the power to change disaster into victory at a moments notice.
Superman
You have the same ability to perform the miraculous just like those folks. No one has your same traits, talents, smile, personality, or enthusiasm that you do. That makes you special not better but special. Also, makes you just as important.
In conclusion, finding a reason is very inspiring in life, and an important ingredient when finding weight loss & fitness.
Riding my bike for 59 miles in celebration of my 59th birthday was a challenging but rewarding experience that I accomplished on a hot very hot summers day riding from Harrogate, TN to Jonesville, VA. along the wilderness parkway on HWY 58. This ride was a little different than last years ride when I rode 58 miles for 58 years seeing that it was a day that included thoughts in honor of my Dad Carrol Roop the one who initially inspired me onward towards this journey of riding a bicycle and more specifically cycling. It all started when he gave me instructions about riding his last bicycle before his passing from this life some years ago. Whenever his bicycle was handed down to me (After my father had passed away from a long battle with Alzheimer’s,) I had thought of many ways in which I could keep his memory and spirit alive in not only myself but also friends and family and others who knew him well. So then one day as I glanced around the side of my Toyota there stood by its self was this bicycle that he once rode next to my truck tucked away under my front porch weathered by outside elements and tied to a 4×4 hardwood post. I think at this time that my dad must have said son here is my bike you can ride it at anytime that you wish. Concurrently, it was at that point that I proceeded with airing up the tires, oiling the rusty chain, clean up the drivetrain , and checked the brakes. After completing the much needed tuneup, I started riding this bike around the block first and eventually a few miles down the road until I felt much invegorated and inspired by the thoughts and words of my dads voice of approval. To make a long story short, I have now been riding for about 5 years now and have traveled many miles in memorandum of many individuals family and friends and most of all my Dad Carroll Roop! Thanks Dad👍
I have concluded that Inspiration from my Dad is what I needed to be more effective, powerful, and yet stronger when trying to obtain weight loss and fitness. Furthermore, his brother motivation could kick willpower’s butt any day of the week including weekends and holidays.
I know what you are thinking! this guy is trying to sell me something that I do not need or can afford. Some gymyic piece of gnarley equipment that I can place under my bed or in my basement for quick retrieval until the time I need a painless workout. He wants a get quick rich scheme enabling himself to make tons on money right? No, I am just illustrating the enormous possibilities when the human spirit has been inspired by external positive influences to accomplish the task at hand that seams impossible to pursue. My Dad gave me the motivation to ride. You also have many connections that could lead you down the path of successful weight loss and fitness results. It starts with inspiration from someone or something that is just as strong as the thought of riding for 59 miles on your 59th birthday in honor of your Dad.
My first birthday ride was so eventful and entertaining seeing that I was riding for 57 years equaled by 57 miles of riding on my road bike.
Moreover, I was assisted by my dear friends who introduced me to cycling. This ride started with just a thought or idea not pre-planned or suggested by an app or smart phone. The idea just instantaneously happened like an automatic food craving. That’s what makes fitness so fun with friends who share the same kind of get up and go as you do.
If you’re interested in losing weight or finding more lasting fitness, start making friends who share the same interests as you maybe running clubs, cycling events, bicycle shops that are in your community then join in with them. Apps like Facebook instagram and Strava are an excellent source to help you to connect with individuals just like you who are wanting to do the same.
My friends pictured above had everything to with my success. They were so glad for me to join their group and to help me out with lots of riding companionship and important instructions. They gave me the idea about the birthday ride. Wow that was so much fun and I still try to complete this ride every year. It is my wish that you can find and make new friends to help you just the same!
Memorial Fitness 