Tag: transformation

Yes, You Really Can Meditate – and Here’s Why You Should

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Mindset

Yes, You Really Can Meditate – and Here’s Why You Should

Of all the loving, nonjudgmental and supportive methods we can use to practice self-care, maybe the most misunderstood and underused is meditation.

It seems like every time I mention it in conversation, someone says dismissively, “Oh, I could never do that! Stop my mind completely and just not have any thoughts at all? I don’t know HOW you do it!”

Too many people misunderstand the idea of meditation. So, they don’t even try it. So, they don’t ever get the benefits.

What are those benefits?

Ah… Let me share some…

  • Better focus and concentration
  • Improved confidence and self-esteem
  • Lower stress, depression and anxiety
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improved circulation 
  • Less pain
  • Better memory and sleep

Sounds great, doesn’t it? All from a practice that requires no equipment and no money. Plus, you can do it anywhere – while walking, riding a bus, or sweating out an endless work meeting.

During meditation, you sit or lie comfortably and focus your attention on one simple thing – commonly your breathing as you inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth or nose.

When your mind wanders or you remember an errand on your “to do” list, that’s fine. It’s going to happen. Our minds are CONSTANTLY generating thousands of thoughts. The goal is not to stop that process, but redirect yourself back to the breathing focus.

Just gently pull your focus back to your breathing, over and over, without judgment. I like to count to 25 and start over again.

Breathe in (1) Breathe out (1), Breathe In (2), Breathe out (2) and so on to 25.

Or, you might repeat a thought as you breathe – “Joy in…Anger out…”

It’s that simple. You’re not trying to reach ultimate enlightenment or control your thoughts. You’re just tapping into an ancient practice that has helped countless people pause during a busy day, take a few deep breaths, and slow it down for a few minutes.

You can do it.

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program? We use mediation as a form of working IN to create energy to be able to train better, longer and stronger. Want to learn more?
You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of! Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Are you missing something in your training?

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Mindset

Are you missing something in your training?

I have been in somewhat of a brain fog for the last week since completing RAAM, Race Across America. Riding your bike 75-100 miles a day for 8 days with less than 8 hours of sleep total can have major negative affects on the brain and body and recovery for myself and the whole crew is a priority.

It’s a good reminder that if you want to be able to perform at a high level, It is not just the training that makes it happen.

You must include a supportive lifestyle so you can achieve the results you desire and be functional in your life outside of triathlon.

So, I’m asking you to look at your day-to-day routine.

Are you recovering from your training on a daily basis???

Do you take the time to SLOW DOWN after a workout and do some breathing and stretching, and speak some words of gratitude to yourself for getting up and hitting your workout and intervals.

Are you fueling your body with good, clean nutrition and fresh spring water every day so that it can show up for you?

Clean nutrition is needed before, during and after training to get the best out of your body.

Your mind and body will certainly let you know if they are not getting what you need. BUT, are you paying attention to the signs.

You can only ignore the messages your body is sending for so long. After that illness or injury will occur so the body makes sure it gets what it needs!

I love that.

Sometimes we are so focused on the outcome, we forget that the most important thing is the journey, the day to day, and the details!

If you are always pushing and struggling and not enjoying, smiling, laughing and having fun… WHAT”S THE POINT!!!

I ask you to pause today and assess your lifestyle, nutrition and recovery process. See where you can then give yourself what you need that may be missing.

Perhaps after a workout, you lay under a tree and look at the clouds and gently stretch and breath slowly; Before a training session you make sure you are fueled with good clean nutrition to get the job done to perfection, and then sit in mediation after and be grateful for your strong successful body that does everything you ask of it; Or schedule a massage, spa day, or fun outing with friends.

Let’s create some joy and bliss for ourselves around all this training!

What would happen if you took a whole week to nurture your body and mind surrounding your training????

Curious about Full Circle Coaching’s Triathlon Transformation program? You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of. Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

I will never leave my nutrition in anyone else’s hands again!

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Nutrition

I will never leave my nutrition in anyone else’s hands again!

“Let thy food be thy medicine” Hippocrates

As most of you know I just completed RAAM- Race Across America, The toughest bike race in the world. My sole responsibility on paper was to ride my bike as fast as I could as part of a team of 4 cyclists. We would have a support crew that would take care of everything else.

Although we did have the ability to list all the foods we wanted to eat during the journey, actually getting the food we needed was another story.

Our team were all rookies at this whole adventure and our RV broke so many times the food preparation really didn’t happen as I had hoped.

It nearly cost me the race!

Lack of adequate nutrition (carbs, fat and protein) along with 2 desert rides in the heat of the day between 10am – 3pm, where I got super dehydrated, followed by two massive climbs up to 8,000 feet and then 10,000 feet wiped me ALMOST out!

I was left pretty useless!

I was letting my team down but I had no gas in the tank. I think a little bit of Altitude sickness at 10,000 feet also didn’t help.

To their credit none of the crew were athletes or ate very healthy, so when I was asking for my clean food, I got blank stares looking back at me!!

I had to explain real food; “You know, protein like chicken, steak, turkey; Carbohydrates like potatoes, gluten free pasta and rice; And yes vegetables. I need these foods every single day without training and even more so on this non-stop 8 day race!

Of course I ate my sports nutrition during my rides but it got old quick.

My main source of nutrition on the bike was Vitargo plain, with watermelon Body health electrolyte powder, Go Macro Bars, Clif Bloks, Organic Baby Food, Endurance Tap Maple Syrup and Perfect Aminos.
(If you’re a member, please visit the website for links & promos on some of these products)!

Off the bike, eating drive thru food like McDonald’s was not an option for me, during RAAM or EVER!

I don’t eat gluten and if I did I would not be able to ride! So I had to take my power back and start getting what I needed to complete this race.

Once I started educating the crew a little more about real food, my energy came back and I got my power back. I actually got stronger every day we rode.

It was very tough and dark in those first four days being so nutrition depleted and sleep deprived (no sleep at all the first 3 days- and about 7 hours total for 8 days)

I really don’t know how I survived!! (Yes I do! I have an IRON will and I am a BADASS!)

I’m so grateful I know what real food and clean nutrition is and what my body responds to.

That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others learn what foods work for them and their metabolic type and lifestyle with my 6 week Nutrition Essentials Course.

Because of this clean nutrition, I was able, along with my 3 other team mates to do the unthinkable and ride 8 days non-stop in a relay style race format, 3078 miles to raise awareness and money for 4Kids. (www.4cyclsits4kids.org)

It really is so simple to eat healthy but I’m always so shocked how few people know how to do it!

Anyway, my first big meal when I finished was a 5 Guys Cheese Burger (no bread) and french fries and a chocolate milkshake!

So yes, I eat fast food every once in a while, but only in rare occasions.

The next day a I ate a huge steak and tons of broccoli and an amazing creme brule’ – Lord knows I deserved it!!

Want to learn more about my nutrition essentials program?? The next 6 week course starts soon!

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program or NUTRITION ESSENTIALS Program?
You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of! Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon/Nutrition Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Rockstar Triathlete Courtney Rivkind is an Inspiration

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS

Rockstar Triathlete Courtney Rivkind

Coach’s notes:

I absolutely LOVE Courtney’s “yes I can attitude.” Everything was brand new to her and despite being unsure, she dove headfirst into training and actually did way more than she even knew she was capable of or knew she had the desire for. That is what can happen when you trust the process and your coaches. It is truly a beautiful thing. She was a part of my Beginner Triathlon Program (VIP version). SO SUPER PROUD of you COCO! You are a true ROCKSTAR Triathlete. Let’s get that Olympic done next!

Age:

31

Profession:

Hospitality/DJ

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?

My friend Matt Kush started training with Full Circle and completed three sprint triathlon within a few months. He spoke very highly of the team and told me they help people at all levels of their triathlon journey.

What is your “A” race for this season?

To complete at least one sprint triathlon a month and then hopefully do my first olympic distance triathlon!

Please share your BIG goals:

To complete an Olympic Distance Triathlon within 6 months!

Tell me about your successes so far:

Finished my first sprint triathlon and placed third in my age group!

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance for the each of the following? Swim, Bike, Run, and Nutrition/Health. Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved:

  1. Feeling confident to swim longer distances in open water
  2. Biking at a much faster pace
  3. Pacing my run- in my first sprint triathlon finished with my strongest time yet.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:

  1. Learning how to breathe properly when swimming
  2. Pacing my run/negative splits
  3. Taking private coaching sessions as well as group sessions

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?

Being disciplined, staying fit and healthy, inspiring others to join, traveling to places to race, and the community the triathlon world brings.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?

Full Circle Coaching is amazing at easing you into training. You never feel overwhelmed with the workouts. They customize a plan for you, so you are ready to become a triathlete!

CURIOUS ABOUT FULL CIRCLE’S TRIATHLON TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMS?

You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of!
Schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session NOW!

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Transformation Is a Process, Not an Event

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Mindset

Transformation Is a Process, Not an Event

I see so many people get frustrated with their triathlon training or healthy living plans.

They try to follow their training programs and eat right for a little while.

But then they give up when they don’t quickly, magically become what they want to be – a fast triathlete, thinner, stronger, etc.

So, let me remind you: Transformation is not an event. It is a PROCESS. And that process is comprised of countless decisions and choices you make over time.

These build on each other, bringing small changes that then manifest into the bigger results you’re seeking.

I’m reminded of the Rule of 10,000 Hours, which Malcolm Gladwell wrote about in “Outliers.” He found that genius-level achievement is only possible after putting in that much time. (And don’t worry – you’re not trying to reach genius level, here!)

This is true for any of the great athletes of our time.

They did not start great!

Mohamed Ali, Serena and Venus Williams, Mark Allen, Katie Ledecky, Michael Phelps, Michael Jordan

It didn’t happen magically after they practiced for a few weeks, right?

And, what’s best, you don’t have to spend 10,000 hours swimming, biking and running or eating clean to reach your goals. Remember, these athletes changed the world.

You just want to change yourself.

You’ve got to wrap your brain and your heart around this impactful idea: Success takes time, no matter what the endeavor.

So develop your plans. Align your priorities. Do what you need to do to ensure that you’re following your training plan, eating right, managing stress, and maintaining a positive outlook on a daily basis.

You’ll learn the intricacies of your body and mind. You’ll discover what moves the needle and what doesn’t. You’ll make progress along the way and learn to overcome disappointment and set backs as those are part of the process.

The rest will come – IN TIME.

Curious about Full Circle Coaching’s Triathlon Transformation program?
You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of. Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Rockstar Triathlete Brian Dubow

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS

Rockstar Triathlete Brian Dubow

Coach’s Notes: Brian came to me with a dream to accomplish an Ironman in six months. Although he did have some running experience, I know that is not enough to get through an ironman. 

Six months is a pretty short amount of time to get an athlete there, but I knew my new Triathlon Transformation was the perfect solution.

I prefer to take a newbie through a 2 year process of Sprints and Olympic distance races for the first year, and then 70.3 and full IM distance races for the 2nd year. This approach can be easier on the body and mind.
But when someone comes to me with the “Dream,” I get to live my purpose of guiding them through the journey to success.

Brian’s open mindedness and willingness to show up and learn, definitely expedited the process. 

There were BIG learning curves to overcome in all three sports. But I know my process works if you are open and coachable. 

His success from month to month was awesome to witness. He showed up to learn from everyone on the team and that’s the benefit of the Full Circle Tribe; the support is SOOOOO much of the process and being willing to ask for help when you need it.

Brian’s attitude was infectious, and the success kept happening. The first month was all about safety and learning the basics and improving skills, then testing and training smart, following the prescribed progression.

After Ultimate Tri Camp, I can say Brian was officially a triathlete at heart and completing Haines City 70.3, with a smile on his face, I knew we were on track.

The next few months were tough, but he trusted the process and I can say I am so proud of you Brian. Thanks so much for putting your faith in FC. Together we achieved the “Dream” and I know that for you there is no limit…

You are the “Ultimate FC Rockstar!!!” We will miss you dearly. Let’s not say goodbye, just see you soon! 

Please watch my LIVE interview with Brian by clicking HERE!

Age: 27

Profession: MBA Candidate at UCLA Anderson 

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey? I signed up for an Ironman with minimal experience in swimming and biking. I needed a coach and team that would help me transform into a triathlete in time for my race (six months out). After meeting with Erinne for a brief informational session, I loved her energy and knew she was the coach for me! 

What is your “A” race for this season? Ironman Lake Placid

Please share your BIG goals: My BIG goal was to become an Ironman. At the time, I didn’t realize that the six months of training that went into becoming one was the real race, with the Ironman itself being a celebration which enabled me to officially call myself an Ironman and proudly rep the gear. Looking back now, thanks to the training I endured through FCC, the moment I toed the start line in Lake Placid, I was already an Ironman mentally which allowed me to accomplish my Big goal physically.

As a goal oriented person, my next immediate BIG goals have to do with continuing to build my brand (Hit of Happiness), bringing my best self to business school every day, maintaining a healthy/organic diet and staying fit enough to easily ramp up for a marathon.

In the long run, I do want to continue to test my endurance and my limits (or lack thereof). I definitely have a 100-mile ultramarathon on my bucket list.

Tell me about your successes so far: Success is super relative. When I first started training with FCC, making it over the Key Biscayne bridge in one piece felt like a huge accomplishment. Then my first long ride down South with the team was a major milestone. Since then, I completed the Haines City half-Ironman and the Lake Placid Ironman. The real success was showing up to practice day after day after day and growing to love the training and lifestyle. 

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance for the each of the following? Swim: Bike: Run: Nutrition/Health: Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved:

Swim: I had no form. I might as well have been a fish out of water. My 400m time improved by a minute and a half over my time at FCC and I went from fearing the water to someone who will continue to swim as a form of cross training for the foreseeable future. 

Bike: I wasn’t comfortable reaching down for my water bottle while riding when I joined FCC. I could barely even clip in. To be able to bike 112 miles on a hilly course like Lake Placid six months later says it all. 

Run: Erinne taught me a ton about running form. Even though I was a marathon runner prior to joining FCC, I now have a much more efficient stride and improved my all-out mile time by 20+ seconds. 

Nutrition/health: Transitioning back to a social school environment, I am definitely struggling to give up my Ironman training diet/lifestyle. Erinne taught me to eat a much more natural and nutritious diet while also maximizing sleep and minimizing alcohol. I am now far more intentional in what I put into my body and more aware of how different foods make me feel. 

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:
1. The team. The FCC team is an amazing group of humans! They each took time to help me along my journey and provided a ton of accountability and inspiration along the way. I am very grateful for the relationships I have developed. Being a part of this community undoubtedly helped me believe in myself and reach my potential in my A race. 

2. The coaches. Erinne and Jac are incredible! They know exactly what they are doing and they tailored my training plan to accommodate my lifestyle. Trust the process, and the results will come. 

3. The structure. Having practice in person five days a week was huge for my progress. Every time I went to practice, I pushed myself harder then I would have if by myself, while also improving my form and technique. 

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?Everyone is on a journey. I love hearing people’s stories and being a part of something that for most is about more than completing a triathlon. The community aspect, the internal growth and the self actualization all resonate with me. 

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program? Just do it! While you may be considering it for physical reasons, you will quickly learn that this is also a spiritual and intellectual journey. With the support of the team and coaches, you can absolutely accomplish your goals, whatever they may be! The only thing standing in the way of you and your triathlon dreams is taking that first step.

Feel free to reach out to me (brian@hitofhappiness.com) if you have any other questions about my journey and make sure to read my Ironman recap below! Ironman Recap (hitofhappiness.com

 Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program?  You too can become a triathlete!  Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session and let’s do it!

Remember to watch my LIVE interview with Brian! It’s inspiring!!

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of the 16 week Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Life Savers- 6 Steps to Total Transformation

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Mindset

bookHow do we stay on course with training, family and work when so much of life gets in the way. If you really want to make triathlon training a part of your daily routine I have found an awesome resource from the book, The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod. It was a total game changer for me especially when I started getting busier and busier with my daughter, work and a few health setbacks. It’s an incredibly easy read and I listened to it in the car in a week on Audible.com  I immediately started implementing the 6 Life S.A.V.E.R.S. Hal describes in the book. I have never accomplished so much in such a short time. Below is a recap of the book, but reading it will clarify a lot of details.  Hal also has a ton of resources on his website for free that you can download.

#1 Silence – Practice Silence Daily. The benefits of meditation are undeniable and scientifically proven. It really is simple and the benefits are tremendous. Improve concentration, immune function, reduce and manage stress. In as little as 2 min/ day but ideally 10-20 minutes you can have all of these benefits. I wake up and include it every morning and it completely sets up my day in the best way. Some Apps to try are Address Stress; Deepak Chopra 21 day meditation (Perfect Health is a favorite); Insight Timer, are just a few.  The Release Technique by Brendon Burchard is a very simple way to start. I also incorporate my breathing exercises while meditating, so I am actually improving lung capacity and CO2 tolerance at the same time. Try Box Breathing – inhale for 4-6 seconds, hold your breath 4-6 seconds, exhale 4-6 seconds and hold your breath out 4-6 seconds- keep repeating for as long as you have time.

#2 Affirmations – Say them OUT LOUD! When you say affirmations out loud you are literally reprogramming your brain’s subconscious or operating system. Use them for every area of your life. And say them every morning out load after your Silence.

Use this template: I am committed to (insert behavior or activity) so that I can (goal you wish to achieve) by (deadline you wish to achieve by). So, for example- I am committed to running 4 days/week, every week by the 30th of November using a speed work training program so that I can run a 23 minute 5k by August 1st, 2017. Or, I am committed to doing 5 minutes of yoga and box breathing every morning for 5 minutes by the end of the week. You get the idea. I include an affirmation for every aspect of my life: Spiritual, Relationships, Family, Business, Fitness, etc.

#3 Visualization – See your end result exactly how you want it to be. Tap into emotions, smells, physical feelings and visual displays of your exact outcome- this works for everything, not just sports! Make a vision board.

#4 Exercise – I would bet almost everyone reading this already exercises and knows the benefits. Something to consider is if you have a balance between working out and working in. Or applying an intention and or purpose for every training session. I find the more intentional I am in my training and recovery the better my results.

#5 Read – There are definitely times when I find it harder to read since I became a mom and entrepreneur, but with Audible.com this becomes SO much easier. Every car drive I am listening to a book. I also listen to podcasts and videos as well. All count towards reading and learning and bettering yourself. If you commit to 5 pages every day, that adds up to 1,825 pages or over 9 books a year!

#6 Scribing or Journaling but the S is better on the end of the acronym SAVERS. It’s great to just record your thoughts every day. Some days I write longer than others. I can self -reflect and get thoughts out of my head. I usually write down all the things I am grateful for everyday. Even the struggles because this can allow you to accept things as they are and move through them. “I am so thankful and grateful for my foot injury because it has allowed me to slow down and appreciate when I am pain free, what could have caused the injury and how to get better”

Get the book today and start your transformation. It is absolutely amazing how well this works and you won’t be disappointed. Try the 30 day challenge at TMMBOOK.com.

Wishing You Well,

Coach Erinne

Remember to reply and comment below and share with anyone you think would like to read. Also feel free to email me at Info@fullcirclecoaching.co to ask me to write about anything triathlon or health and wellness related.

Thanks for reading!