I started right after the Biggest Loser with my first 5k in Phoenix, AZ for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  I thought it was perfect!  After making the connection and being empowered by my team color ‘PINK’ on the Biggest Loser.  There couldn’t have been a better fit for my first race to be one that supported other women fighting for their lives and strength.  Day in and day out when I didn’t feel like getting up I thought about all those other women out there in ‘PINK’ who were fighting so many bigger battles than me and it gave me strength to carry on.

I find when I put myself in that frame of mind and kind of narrow in on what feels so hard and impossible for me, it brings it back to reality and I am able to break my obstacle back down one step at a time.  There are so many things in my life and this world that I have no control over and there is nothing I can do about it, so it is important for me to focus on that which I can, in this moment.

I remember being scared to death the morning of the 5K.  What if I couldn’t do it?  What if I was the last one to cross the line?  What if I trip?

After I started none of those thoughts mattered, I was completed moved by running after the survivors of breast cancer in their honored ‘PINK’ t-shirts and amongst family and friends.  It was that day that I realized that this will be how I stay healthy the rest of my life.  I made the commitment to myself to pick 3 races a year to train for, for me and for all those who can’t. 

This year one of those races is the San Diego Susan G. Komen Race  for the Cure on Nov. 7, 2010, I decided to go back to my roots!  However, this time I’m going to be the Captain!  I know I’ll give you a minute to catch your breath and settle back down.

Start lacing up those walking /running shoes, because we are getting ready to TRAIN!  You are going to join my team, aren’t you?  Follow this link http://www.komensandiego.org/ to sign up to be on Team Designer Whey.  I can’t WAIT let’s see how many people we can get to be on our team.

Until next time,

Ali xo

One of my favorite accidental discoveries this summer has been my Lemonade popsicles.  You guys have to remember I am from Arizona, so as you can only imagine I love me some popsicles!  I had mixed up a new Lemonade 2Go pack in my bottle water and stuck the unfinished bottle into a hotel fridge which must have been set wrong because when I went to grab it, it was slushy, which was the bomb!  Since that time I have taken all the flavors and made little popsicles and they are fabulous!! I either make it in little Dixie cups or even a ice cube tray sometimes.  You should try it – especially if you have kids.

So I was thinking…and you guys need to let me know… maybe we should do a poll or something to get together for a race of some sort.  I’m up for almost anything from a triathlon, cycling, or running.  My idea is that we all pick a race somewhere in the States and train together through the blog here and have a huge presence at one of the races, what do you think?  Send in your ideas and let’s figure something out.

Travelling the country speaking to people about regaining control of their lives through controlling the only thing we have control over is what has become my mission. I realized through my experience that I can create anything I want in my life by taking the little steps that in turn make the big difference. The best way I am able to judge my progress and stay in the moment is by staying on top of my diet and exercise, which allows me the energy to stay active and feel GREAT about myself. I may not be able to control many things in life but myself I can control.

Travelling adds lots of unexpected turns in the road that I don’t always plan for and the key is to have a plan. Some of the ways that I stay prepared for the unexpected is make sure that I always have my go to items in my carry on baggage. You never know when weather is going to come in play and change the course of your day. I travel with a jump rope, workout clothes, my laptop, lots of snacks, and my Protein 2Go packs. The jump rope allows me to have an opportunity to do cardio wherever I might be as well as jumping jacks, step ups, mountain climbers, and burp-pees. I love having my laptop so that I can pull up a workout no matter where I am through many online services like exercisetv.com.

If my travel plans go as expected then that is a bonus and I always stay in hotels with a gym. Most hotels these days have gyms so check them out ahead of time, to inspect what you expect…not all hotel gyms are created equally . Make sure you pack enough 2Go packs so that you are able to get your protein needs met before and after workouts.

My snacks allow me to have the fuel I need regardless of my options. When I leave home I always have popcorn, chicken breast, hard boiled eggs (which I always warn the person sitting on the airplane next to me about), fruit, almonds, and my 2Go Packs. As soon as I pass through security I go immediately and buy bottled water for the flight.  

Ali "On The Road"; GNC Show, June 2010

When you get back to the hotel see if you are able to get the kitchen or bar to mix up your protein shakes for you, this is an easy way for them to make you a regular customer.  If they do not have a blender just make sure that you packed your blender bottle and you are all set.  Blender bottles can be found at almost any health food or vitamin store, just ask the person behind the counter and they will point you in the right direction.  If you take the time for these few extra steps there really are no excuses no matter how often you travel to eat healthy.

The best way to get things changed around in the right direction is to gather knowledge, get a support team, and start where you can.  You did not gain unwanted weight overnight and you surely won’t be losing over night either.  I remember talking to a lady who came over to me at the Biggest Loser protein booth at the HiHealth store in the mall and her sharing with me how this was the 5th season she had tried out for the show.  My heart sank as she continued to share with me that she felt like this would be her last time to line up for the casting call, she felt as if the stars were aligned in her favor.  I agreed with her that this would be her last casting call and as she her eyes lit up and she asked me “really? you really believe it?”  I said “yes because no matter what happens you must choose you”.  She promised herself in front of me that no matter what the outcome of the casting selection she was going to start on her journey of a healthier lifestyle.  I shared with her some quick get started tips as well as gave her some samples of the Biggest Loser protein 2Go packs, I love them because they are easy and convenient so they prevent you from ever having an excuse that you are not prepared

I’ll will be at the LA Biggest Loser casting call encouraging those in line, signing autographs, taking pictures and handing out Biggest Loser protein samples.  So whether you are trying out for the show or just want to say hi, come on by.

See you soon,
Ali

www.alivincent.com

I know it’s that time of year where some of you might have gotten the bat out to beat yourself up for not following through with your New Year’s resolutions with spring and summer around the corner.  I’m here to tell you to put the bat away and let’s just re-choose.  There is no crime in renegotiating our goals with ourselves.  How many times in your life have you forgiven someone because a plan wasn’t executed in the time frame originally intended?  It’s time to do the same for yourself.

My challenge for you is to take this next month and start acknowledging everything that you are doing to be a healthier you.  Get a journal that will be the place that you start writing down what’s GREAT about YOU!  A good place to start is by setting a new goal to work towards so that you have things to acknowledge and celebrate.  This is the season that so many communities have a lot of different events to sign up for and participate in.  Pick one.  Whether it is your first 5k walk/run or a MS150 bike ride, pick one.   Get the support you need to train for it.  And always remember to recover and celebrate.  I always like to make a really good shake after a hard day of training.  Get out your blender, your chocolate Biggest Loser protein, 1/2 of a banana, ½ cup milk and blend adding ice to the consistency of a shake, pour it into a malt glass add a little whip cream, put a straw in it and go sit outside and enjoy your accomplishment of the day with your journal.

Good luck and I’ll talk to you soon,

Ali xo

I am constantly trying to come up with new things to keep my diet and exercise routines interesting so that I don’t get bored and get tempted to go a astray. I know most of you can relate to that! Being that it has been colder in most parts of the country and I been traveling a lot, I have started mixing my vanilla and chocolate protein in with my oatmeal a lot but I also wanted to share with you that I have also been putting it in with my coffee. I know some of you might be thinking GROSS! However I promise you for me it makes me feel as if I getting a vanilla latte or a mocha drink from a local coffee shop.

So I’m not sure if any of you know but I am training for the Boston marathon and as a result of this I have found that I am constantly hungry. Which as you can imagine for me is a little scary. I do however realize that my body is just telling me what it is that I need so I’m OK with it. One thing that I have noticed however, and if any of you are feeling the same way it might help, is that whenever I increase the ways that I add my protein into my diet it prevents me from experiencing as often. So get creative and share with me as well because Lord knows I can always use the help!

I have a lot of really fun things coming up this summer so I hope you will continue to follow my journey as I share my ah ha’s, struggles & triumps.

Till next time- Ali xo