Everyone loves a free gift, right? ย Well don’t you know that nothing in this life is free? ย I’m not talking about money, but something way more precious – blood, sweat and tears. ย Usually lots of tears.

MomentumGiveaway

If I’m being completely honest with myself, my motivation comes from winning. ย When I’m heavy into a serious training cycle (like the one for the World Championships) I’m focused on doing my very best, placing as high as I can, and knowing that when I’m in that race I did everything I could to be as prepared (mentally and physically) as possible. ย Now, I was obviously in no position to win that race but, I’m only racing against myself. ย All hail the PR (personal record)!

A little while before I started training for Worlds, I was reading a post by Beth at Shut Up and Run. ย She was training for an Ironman (because she’s an animal like that) and she had ordered bracelets for her and her daughter to wear that had one word on them – BELIEVE! ย She wore it everyday of her training, as a reminder.

I thought it was such a great idea and when Cori at Olive to Run, posted about Amy Cochrane’s company Momentumย Jewelry and their super cool and functional (read: you can sweat in them and wash them)ย wrap bracelets – I knew I had found my talisman:

 

When you're grinding out a workout on a hot day, you have to smile when you read that wrap.  Find the joy in sweat, pain and endurance!

When you’re grinding out a workout on a hot day, you have to smile when you read that wrap. Find the joy in sweat, pain and endurance!

More about these later…andย they don’tย just make bracelets!

I took to FB recently to ask all of you about your honest motivation. Because everyone is super honest on FB. HA! However, I was thrilled at the response andย honesty. ย In fact, there were so many (50+) I can’t even include everyone’s response, but here’s a sampling:

Muscles and definition, lol! Motivating others and building friendships. Plus working out before work gives me the energy I need to take on the day. Watch out if I didn’t workout first! – Sarah V

I’m seriously motivated by a good sweat and the feeling I have AFTER I killed a workout and had told myself “I can’t do that”. –ย Amanda G

ย On regular training runs, I choose busy streets… Cars keep you accountable. Not only do you have the exciting potential of being hit by a car, but we all know they are watching you, judging you, yelling run Forest run… YEAH, REAL FUNNY, GUY! I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR EDUCATED CONNECTION BETWEEN EXERCISE AND A FILM FROM 1994! AREN’T YOU A MODERN FREAKING DAY BILLY CRYSTAL! I DON’T SEE YOU OUT HERE, BUDDY! YEAH, THAT’S RIGHT I JUST CAUGHT UP TO YOUR CAR IN TRAFFIC… Drink it in, pal… we both know I’m faster than you in real life, but now you know I’m even faster than your car… And yes, we were racing… And yes, I won. –ย James G.

I love that one so much! ย First all of, James is a total badass runner and triathlete, but he’s also hilarious and a great friend. ย And youย know those people driving are totally judging you!

MY SEXY ASS? Bah ha ha! Okay but in all seriousness, however that was a pretty SERIOUS ANSWER- the way I feel after working out motivates me to keep on waking up at the ass crack of dawn to get it done!!! Plus, I want to be a positive influence- I have to practice what I preach!! –ย Gigi D

I hate working out! But I want to look fabulous by 40. I use one of my students our school lost this year as motivation. He was an incredible athlete. And when I feel like I can’t finish my exercise – I use him and the appreciation of being alive to motivate me. –ย Laurie B

So I’m not a crabby pants. I have great friends to be hamsters on the treadmill with or go for a trot outdoors. I need to burn calories to eat calories. I’m too cheap to buy new clothes, so I have to stay fitting in the ones I have; and I prefer to wear them without a muffin top if possible. And I need to keep up with my kiddos! –ย Barbara M

Wine. ย –ย Allison S

At first it was seeing a smaller number on the scale and now it’s become about what my body can do…running 5 miles easily when it used to be super difficult or lifting heavier weights than I used to. I am also enjoying seeing muscles where there wasn’t any before. –ย Barb B

Proving to myself and others that I can do it. Whatever it is. Don’t underestimate the thick girl from Brooklyn ย –ย Nellie A

I think I speak for everyone Nellie, when I say – NO ONE underestimates you!

This is the Suede Cuff.  Total bad ass!

This is the Suede Cuff. Total bad ass!

My motivators are health and responsibility. I feel like this country is in a health crisis right now, and I want to be part of the solution and not the problem. It feels good to take responsibility and make my health a priority while balancing my career and family. I want other people, especially women, to believe that they can do the same. – Diana M.

Fear that I will be 215 pounds again; joy in the marveling at the ability of a well kept body; hunger…I simply love to eat and drink; pride in my long list of small accomplishments; friendships-fitness friends understand me… –ย Heather L

Honestly? I’m motivated by fear. I am afraid that I will regain the 100 pounds I lost and go back to that awful, depressing, sickly life as an obese woman. Now in my 60’s, I’m afraid of being weak and frail. I want to be one of those strong old broads that make young people surprised and amazed at what I can do “….for my age”. I’m afraid of failure. I’m a winner by nature and don’t do failing well. On the plus side, I’m motivated by young strong women like yourself. I wish I had found this lifestyle when I was young. I am motivated by women who are strong mentally and physically no matter what their age!! –ย Aunt Kris G.ย 

Obviously fear, weight, mood,ย foodย and drink are huge motivators! ย I’m also motivated by strong women and I like to surround myself with them, which is why I’m giving a huge endorsement to Momentum and a GIVEAWAY for y’all. ย I just got back from Savannah, so I can say that.

Not only does Momentum have the coolest wrap bracelets, they also have Foot Notes, Necklaces, Headbands and Earrings. ย I dare you to be un-motivated with all that on!!! ย You can literally surround yourself with encouragement. Just do it.

These are my Foot Notes:

OBEY YOUR SHOES!

OBEY YOUR SHOES!

You can shop now, using coupon codeย GGS 158. ย It’s good for 15% off their website purchase from now untilย Sept. 15, 2014.

To WIN a Foot Note Charm of your choice – follow me and Momentum on Twitter and Instagram:

Momentum Twitter | Instagram

VITA Train For Life Twitter | Instagram

thenย leave a comment telling me which Foot Note you would chose and why.

Good luck! ย Entires close on Wednesday, July 9th and the winner will be announced Friday, July 11th.

[Tweet “Enter to win @momentum Foot Note #motivation jewelry! What motivates you?”]

I was gifted a wrapย bracelet and Foot Note in exchange for this post but, if you think this post is anything but the truth, you know nothing about me. ย I honestly love these and thisย company, so just enter the contest or buy oneย already!

 

What motivates YOU?

If you had a choice, what would you put on your wrapย bracelet?ย 

What is one of your favorite motivational mantras?

 

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