Fit Feature: Debi Kemp

1. What are some of your favorite ways to stay in shape? I like variety so it varies from month to month. Sometimes week to week LOL! Right now I have the runners' high going.
2. What motivates you? Not really sure about this one. I have to set goals and these goals have to be something I really want and then that helps me stay focused and motivated.
3. You’ve made a huge commitment to having an overall healthy lifestyle. What’s included in that commitment? And, what did you do as a way to remind yourself of your promise? After my daughter moved out I transformed her room into my work out room aka WOMAN CAVE LOL! I have my inspirational wall which has Biggest Loser contestants before and after pics, a dry erase board where I list my accomplishments, my race bibs are hung on a cork board, etc. It hasn't been perfect, but it helps remind me of what I have accomplished and how I can't go backwards only forwards. (Top: Debi at the Newton Speedway 8K in April. Bottom: Debi's bibs from the races she's run in 2010 - 6 down, 6 to go!)

4. Toughest challenge? Staying on track. Once I complete a challenge such as my first 8k or the Dam to Dam, I tend to "take a break." I always have a hard time getting back on track after that.
5. Proudest accomplishment(s)? Dam to Dam baby!!!!!!! I have wanted to do this race for years. I have done the 1/2 marathon a few times, but this race was just something I have wanted to do. I injured my sciatic nerve the week before and was in pain the morning of the race. I was ready to quit 1 min into the race. Not only did I finish the race, but my pace was a personal record. This race was a physical and mental break through for me! The confidence I have in myself is the strongest it has ever been since finishing that race.
6. When you feel like giving up, what is it that you do to dig deep down and keep on pushing? Unfortunately, it takes a lot to get myself back on track once I have given up. Jen has helped so much by keeping me accountable for my actions. My sessions with her always help pick me up and get me excited about working out again. My weekly Weight Watcher meetings also help.
7. Favorite healthy snack or thing to eat? That changes frequently. Stir Fry with turkey is awesome! Right now I am on a salad kick. My favorite dinner is a grilled chicken breast seasoned with Lawry's & Garlic salt, steamed red potatoes, corn and a salad. It is very filling and not many points on Weight Watchers.
8. What are the secrets to your success? Planning. Plan-Plan-Plan. I try to plan my meals on Saturday night. The less thinking I have to do during my busy week the better off I am. Jen and I plan my work out plan during our session. I have also learned if something isn't working, change it. If it worked for awhile and isn't working now, change it. Variety is an awesome thing!
9. What are some of the ways you reward yourself? Rewarding is hard for me. I always try to plan for them, but never seem to reward myself. Some things that I have planned in the past as a reward is a massage, pedicure, manicure, purchase a movie, stuff like that.
10. Other thoughts? This has been an incredible journey. Trying to live a healthy life style seems to be 2/3 mental and 1/3 physical. It is so hard for me because I have accomplished so much this year mentally and physically, but I am not where I would like to be as far as my weight and my size. My goal at the beginning of the year was to do a race every month and I pictured myself being thinner as the months went on. That really hasn't happened. Yet, I am really proud of myself because I have accomplished so much this year mentally. I have completed races after having some traumatic experiences the week leading up to the races. In the past I was constantly bingeing on Saturday night knowing I would start again on Sunday; now my choices are healthier, not perfect, but definitely healthier. I don't seem to crave or "need" the fried food or sugary foods anymore. When I do eat those foods consistently my body reminds me that it is a no-no. I also could not have done this without the support of Jen, my sister Linda and my "bonus daughter" Missy.