Passion…

I’ve been in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years. I studied Exercise Phys in college, I have 5 different certifications, I’ve been a pro athlete. Bla, bla, bla… you guys have read my resume. You get it. My point is I’ve been around awhile and I’m no stranger to the ins and outs of this business.

I recently had a situation at work that tested my resolve. For the first time, I began to re-think my chosen profession. I began to question why I do what I do. I stepped back and started to re-think a different career in a new line of work. I was so disheartened by what happened, I told myself I didn’t need this anymore. I told myself that it doesn’t matter if I’m a trainer and coach. It doesn’t make a difference. I don’t make a difference.

But what about PASSION?

My friend asked me the other day, “What is your definition of passion? What does that mean to you.” I replied, “To have a love of something engrained so deeply in you that no matter what happens in your life, you can see yourself doing this.” I continued, “No matter who is watching, who notices, where you are, rain, shine, depressed, how fat you feel, happy, sad, rich, poor–all that stuff–you will always do this thing, whatever it is. That is passion.”

So, I ask you, my blog reader: What is your passion? Is there anything in your life that you feel this way over? Is there anything that gets you going no matter what? If there’s not, then I suggest you do some serious soul searching. And by the way, “kids” don’t count. You can’t say “I’m passionate about my kids” because kids grow up and move out. Kids move on and form their own lives. They eventually won’t need you anymore and your job with them will be over. So you need to have something other than your kids that you’ll have and love all your life.

I can honestly say that I have a true passion for being a trainer and coach. I can see myself doing this no matter what. Yeah, I took a major hit with what happened at work, but it’s not going to keep me from changing lives through fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Nothing will keep me from doing what I’m made to do. This is my passion.

Episode 30–SPINNING

Cristy posted on largest women’s boxing network in the world

http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2011/news080911codered.htm

4 Summit Challenge, July 30, 2011. Cascade, Idaho

Cristy does the 100 mile Bob LeBow Century Ride 6-11-11

the fire still burns…

Step out of your comfort zone…at any age

As we make our way through spring, most of us begin to shake off the moth balls and come out of hibernation. And although I did some long distance ski races this winter, I’m also getting that itch to be outside more. This includes my fitness. Despite the fact that I’ve been on the spin bike for 13 years and teaching spin for the last few of those, I do not own a road or mountain bike. I know, shame on me. To quote my mother, “Gosh, Cristy, I would have thought that would just be a tool of the trade!”

So this year, I decided to begin training outside on a “real” bike. I was lucky enough to borrow a road bike and borrow a mountain bike so I could begin training for some races while I saved my money for these expensive toys. I mean, come on, Code Red wouldn’t be Code Red without taking it to the racing level, right? (insert nervous laugh–have you SEEN some of these races???) It’s funny to be now 35 years old and beginning a whole new sport…again…and competing against people who, at my age, have already been doing this for 15 years.

But that doesn’t scare me and it shouldn’t scare you to take the same plunge. My sport since 2003 is boxing and I’ve loved every minute of it. So stepping out of my comfort zone (a.k.a. the ring) and training for a triathlon is quite a stretch for me. Believe me, the only thing I do right in the water is pee in it. So I have a long way to go. And the running? Oh my gosh, let’s talk about 10 minute miles here… I think the only way I’ll win a mountain bike race or triathlon is to beat up the other competitors.

Yeah, I’m trying to make you laugh and to show you that although I will train hard for these upcoming races, I try not to take anything too serious and keep things in perspective. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try a new sport. Get some help from the veterans and do your best. That’s what I’m doing!

Payette Lake Ski Marathon Feb 19th

CODE RED TRADES GLOVES FOR SKIS

Since retiring from professional boxing in Sept ’09, Cristy Code Red hasn’t lost the itch to compete. On Feb 5th, Code Red snapped on the skate skis to compete in one of the country’s most prestigious ski marathons: The Boulder Mountain Tour in Sun Valley, ID. A 33km (20 mile) cross country ski race winding through the beautiful mountains was no easy feat. Cristy trained for months to gain the skill, speed, endurance and power to push through to the finish line. “I always said if you can get through a fight, there’s nothing you can’t do,” said Code Red. “And this was no different, except no one was wanting to beat my face in!”

Cristy (in red) with friend, Terri

Snowshoeing 11-20-10