My new journey...Vibes Fitness

It's with mixed feelings that I gave my resignation at Vega on Friday. It is the best company I have ever worked for and I have never met so many amazing people that inspire me to eat better and train harder! As this journey comes to an end, my new journey with Vibes Fitness begins!

I am excited to announce that I will be the Studio Manager of the first Vibes Fitness in Vancouver on Dunbar Street. We are opening in 3 short weeks! I will be posting and sharing my journey as I take on this new role and hope to see you in the studio to go through a workout with me! A workout is only 15 minutes for those who "are too busy" to workout. I will make sure to challenge you during the time we have and meet your fitness goals.

I will remain to be one of Vega's biggest fans and share all that I've learned and bring as much of the culture as I can into this new world! 

Eat. Sweat. Smile. Repeat!

Nicole

Operation: Body Back

Well hello. Yes, it's been awhile since I've written and it's because I felt I didn't have anything "important" to write about but there are lots of cool things I've been doing and I was inspired to write! 

The reason I started this blog was to write about my experiences competing and I had a lot of amazing feedback and always had something to write about. When I decided not to compete, I drew a big BLANK! What should I write about? Should I try a new type of workout or a meal plan to spark some inspiration? The truth is I am passionate about writing and that is what I'm back to do.

The summer is coming to an end and it's been pretty awesome. One thing I've wanted to do all summer I checked off my list yesterday was SUP'ing. For those of you that don't know SUP'ing stands for Standup Paddle Boarding! Auh-mazing! I highly recommend it. Its a great core/upper body/lower body workout. I've also started going to Kondi Callanetics. A high intensity interval/ TRX training/Callanetics workout. You've got to check it out, Kondi Callanetics.

I should also add that I am doing a bike race in 2 weeks! My sister and I are going to do the Tour De Victoria which is 140 km's. I am super excited and got up at 5:20 this morning to get a long ride in before work. For the first 45 minutes I was riding in the dark and it felt like the middle of the night. It definitely did not feel like a summers morning. My bike has some issues right now so I am getting Velofix to come visit me on Thursday to get a full tune up. It needs some serious TLC!

My goal for the next few weeks is to get in 3 long rides, 3 Kondi classes and 2 gym sessions to prepare myself for this. I'm also going to make more of an effort to write because I love writing! Here is to an awesome week! 

Eat. Smile. Sweat. Repeat!

Nicole 

#21daychallenge

After sweating in the kitchen for a few hours to get everything ready for #mpm (mealprepmonday) I feel excited to start my #21daychallenge. On a hot sunny day in Vancouver being outside would seem like the smart decision but eating clean and trying new activities is also important to me.

Brett and I had a busy weekend and after arriving at the gym last night to only find it was closed we were up early to hit Steve Nash Granville for an awesome sweat sesh. It was his first time at that gym and I am pretty sure it could make a gym rat out of anyone. It's got everything! I was in heaven. 

After our workout we hit the grocery store to get some clean eats for the week. Brett is making chili as we speak and the house smells amazing! Fail to prepare, prepare to fail is a very motivating mantra. We've both got our meals planned and I've got my workouts planned for the week. 

I've decided to do a bike race in Victoria at the end of September with my sister. It is a 100 km race around Victoria which I think is going to be pretty awesome. I've been spending more and more time on my bike and I remember why I love it so much. Its freeing to be out on the road and being in control of how hard you push yourself. To get ready for this, I've decided to change up my meals a little and get back to clean eating. So here goes nothing for my #21daychallenge where I plan on eating clean, drinking lots of water, trying some new workouts including Crossfit and riding a few times a week. 

Follow my journey here and photos #21daychallenge. Can't wait to share this with all the ladies who have been inspiring me. Big shout outs to Jodi, Shannon, Jordan, Scarlet and so many more that live near and far for being so inspiring and pushing me to prep even though live can be busy. You ladies are killing it!

Happy Monday Fit Fam.

Eat. Sweat. Smile. Repeat,

Nicole

Early morning sweat sesh!

Five am wake up's are not fun. The alarm blares, I'm half asleep and it's barley bright outside. The thought of getting out of my warm bed to workout is not the first thing that crosses my mind. Going back to sleep does. Then my second alarm goes and the note to myself is - now, you will regret it later.

I'm up and moving. All my clothes are laid out, my gear is ready and I'm off to the gym, or out to ride. I love starting my mornings...I love once I'm in the middle how great I feel.

Today I went for a really early ride, saw the sun rise and appreciate that I am able to live in such a beautiful city and have the freedom to train when I want. The small things matter and I feel so refreshed when my ride or workout is done and I'm shiny with sweat.

For me, working out is my outlet and my time to think and reflect. It's what helps fuel my life and gives me purpose. Everyone asks how I manage to get up so early to workout and I never know how to respond. I don't think I'm special or deserve any recognition for being a crazy early bird. I know others who are more dedicated than me but finding that passion that means the most to you is what matters. What fuels you?

A book I find myself constantly referring to is, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. I highly recommend it. In the book he talks about will power and the importance of forming habits. I was trying to find a quote but there are too many to choose from! I will end with one,

"Small victories create the momentum that excited you to take larger steps along the path to your higher self."

My morning workouts are just little bits of excitement that help me get closer to living an even happier and healthier life. Work on finding yours.

Happy Hump Day Everyone....and I will leave you with something profound my friend, Jaime said to me the other day, Eat, Sweat, Smile, Repeat!

xo

Nicole