By Emily McLaughlin
This week, two of my favorite organizations released some amazing mobile app news to feed my healthy addictions. Read more to learn about a new app from lululemon and a charitable addition to the (already amazing) Zumba Fitness app. Continue reading
By Emily McLaughlin
Yes, you read correctly… LIL JON (!) and GINA GRANT. For most of us, Lil Jon brings back memories of middle/high school dances and pointing from the window to the wall. If you follow Zumba Fitness at all, then you most likely have a huge crush on celebrity instructor, Gina Grant. I honestly don’t know who I was more excited to see last night — it was such a perfect pairing.
As expected, Gina rocked it. Lil Jon didn’t let me down either. His DJ-ing was spot on and his spontaneous “OKAYYY” and “YEAHHHH” really kept me going during the Zumba Nightclub Series event.
I recorded a little amateur footage in between shakin’ my romp and jumping around, but it is enough to give you a taste of what the night was like:
Dancing with my iPhone was a little tough, but I really wanted to be able to snap some video/pictures while I was getting my groove on. Here are some snapshots from the night:
By Emily McLaughlin
This weekend, I put on my Maggie’s Crew t-shirt to help get “One Step Closer” to a cure for MS. Many of my friends and family members have participated in this walk for years in honor of an amazing person we all know and love dearly. The walk is a scenic, 6-mile tour around Plymouth, MA in good company. It is a great way to raise awareness for a life-altering disease and to fund-raise for much-needed research.
A walk is just one way to raise awareness for a cause near and dear to your heart. Many other “athletic” events also encourage fund-raising efforts for disease research, patient care, animal rescue… you name it… there is an event for it. Marathons, triathlons, 5Ks, and bike races bring attention to a causes that need aid. To do good, you don’t always have to register and donate — there is always strength in numbers and simply being there is important.
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In light of my walk-around-the-block this weekend, I wanted to share the efforts of a few of my friends (a growing list):
BASKETBALL 3v3 TOURNAMENT – April 21st
This basketball tournament sponsored by the Student Officials Organization and UMass Campus Recreation Student Advisory Committee, benefits the Will Werner Memorial Scholarship Fund. Will was my co-worker at UMass Campus Rec, so this one is very close to heart. Amherst folks, take part or come out to watch the event. Learn more here.
YOGATHON – April 28th
Ali Wagner is participating in Yoga Reaches Out’s New England Yogathon to support Boston Children’s Hospital and Children’s Tumor Foundation. Additional funds will help healing through yoga in Newtown, CT. To learn more about the yogathon and support Ali, go to her Facebook event page.
100-MILE BIKE RIDE – June 1st
My uncle is participating in the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port – a 100 mile ride in support of Best Buddies International. Donate and learn more about the event here.
PAN-MASS CHALLENGE
My friend Jon is also doing a bike ride for a great cause.
“I’m a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. My dad is a 15 year rider, and I’ve always wanted to join him. This is my year to support the PMC so that no child will ever have to grow up missing a parent, so that no brother will have to say goodbye to their sister, and so that we can one day live in a world without cancer.”
To learn more about Jon’s ride, visit his donation page.
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Are you planning or participating in an active charity event? Share your event in the comment section below.
By Emily McLaughlin
I graduated with my best friend. <3
Many of my friends and family members are immersed in a transitional year… a commencement year. Commencement signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in this wonderful book of life. Everyone’s book has different highs and lows, but no book is more captivating than another.
Whether you are graduating high school or college, there are a few things I want you to keep in mind as you enter the next chapter of your life. It’s been almost 1 year since I graduated from UMass Amherst and 5 years since I left Pembroke High School — I’ve learned a lot about myself and the person I am destined to become in that time. You may be thinking, “Oh, crap! I have no idea!” and I promise you that things will fall into place in time.
Everything you need is within you now.
When I am dealing with a difficult situation emotionally or physically, this is the mantra I resort to. I repeat it a few times in my head to reaffirm my inner strength (there’s the yogi in me). If you are in a commencement phase of you life, odds are you are dealing with at least one of the following: Taking finals, choosing a college, moving, finding a job, preparing for grad school, saying goodbye, meeting new people. Through all of those stressful, life-altering moments, remember that everything you need is within you now.
You are making the right decision.
Stop asking yourself, “Am I making the right choice?” What is the right choice, anyways? Your path will enfold the way destiny has planned… you just have to let it. With that said, don’t spend your time thinking, “What if?” because…
Life is sure to take you to some amazing places, just hold on tight for the ride.
There will be highs and there will be lows. I can’t tell you when you will hit those points, but I can tell you they are coming. There may be times when you think that you are not strong enough and there will be times when you question the decisions you made (we’re human). What I am suggesting is that you don’t get hung up on what could have been… Live in the NOW and roll with the punches.
Find healthy ways to deal with stress.
During the last few months of college and through the start of my first “real world” job, I exercised a whole lot. From experience, I know that a little sweat and movement is the best way for me to deal with stress. This might not work for you (even though science says it works for everyone ;) ). Find an activity or hobby they helps you maintain a little sanity in your busy, chaotic life and MAKE TIME FOR IT.
You will learn and mature most in the hardest of times.
Tough times will make you stronger… so I’ve learned. It will be in those hard times, those unexpected times, that you will discover something new about yourself — perhaps a quality you didn’t realize you possessed, or a belief system you didn’t realize you held. These hard times won’t necessarily be bad times, but a struggle will be present.
Keep friends close and friendships strong.
After graduation, I got a job in Newton, MA. For a couple of months, I commuted back and forth from my hometown… but that 1-1.5 hour commute was really taking a lot out of me. By October, I was settled into a little apartment with college friends a few towns east of Newton. Back on the South Shore were my two best friends. While we text daily and talk on the phone occasionally, we definitely don’t see each other enough. Make time for your friends, even if you have to pencil each other into your crazy-looking planners.
This list could go on forever, but I want to keep it short. If you remember at least one of these pieces of advice as you transition from high school to college, from college to the real world, or from one job to another, you’ll do just fine. I promise.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received when going through a major life change? If it wasn’t advice, what quote/mantra do your occupy your mind with during struggle? Sound off in the comment section below. :)
My room(soul)mate Rachel Levine and I have spent 4 years tirelessly working to make the most out of our experiences at UMass Amherst. Each semester we have moved to exciting adventures that have sent us to explore different groups, classes, and countries. Combined, we have almost exhausted the unimaginable amount of opportunities here at UMass…that is until we attended the UMass Alumni Networking night in Boston, MA. While there, Rachel had the opportunity to meet with Ben Happ and learned that he has great involvement with the global organization, Room to Read (just one of the outstanding things he does). To give the most simplistic definition, “Room to Read partners with communities across the developing world to promote literacy and gender equality in education by establishing libraries, constructing classrooms, publishing local-language children’s books, training educators and supporting girls’ education.”
Rachel’s enthusiasm for this was carried into the arms of the 12 Communication Department’s Peer Advisors, which Rachel and I am a part of. With the never-ending support of our professor, Lynn Phillips, we created a Room to Read UMass campaign that will drop in April with several events. We have entitled it, Students Rising, which is a play off of the 10X10 film, Girl Rising. This movie highlights the global struggle of young women in developing countries and the power of education (Room to Read affiliation). Follow the event on Facebook & Twitter @RoomtoRead_UMA!
I got to see Girl Rising when the special screening came to Hadley and as it played I felt a feeling that could not be shaken. I cried for the 9 girls from the 9 different countries who shared their personal stories of being oppressed and sometimes only seen as commodities. But as Amina spoke in Farsi to tell her story about being a young female in Afghanistan, it was like a knife hit my heart. All of a sudden I was doing the ugly cry, you know, when your mouth frowns so hard it hurts, boogers are everywhere, tears are in the mix, and you try to make it look like you’re fine. I was confused as to why it was so painful and then knew that Amina was speaking words that my Iranian grandmother, Nana Aziz, would have said if she was still living (and spoke English). The similarities that unraveled were astonishing:
My grandmother was lucky in that she eventually got to move to America and see her family grow in a place where equality is encouraged and education is expected. I can only imagine how ecstatic she was for all the young female grandchildren and great grandchildren to have the opportunity to think big and act big. With that said, I am more than ever fortunate for the freedom and education I have and determined to make my Nana Aziz proud with the Students Rising Campaign. In the Student Union Ballroom on April 2nd from 6pm-8pm there will be a Room to Read kick-a-thon where we will celebrate and raise money. I hope you join us in kicking for empowerment, gender equality, and the right to dream big.
In the lyrics of Skinny Love, the theme song for Girl Rising, it says, “who will love you, who will fight”. Nana Aziz, I love you and I will wipe my tears away and fight in your honor to promote the importance of educating girls…I hope you will all join me.
By Emily McLaughlin
I’m halfway through my yoga teacher training and it has been indescribably special thus far. I have met some incredible, like-minded people and made some amazing self-discoveries. Now, that is not to say that I am changing as a person — but, rather, becoming more myself. Every weekend, I learn a little more about my desires, my potential and what makes me happy.
You may not be a yogi-in-training, but there are a few things that I want you to take away from my experiences (thus far):
Communication is key. When you are teaching a yoga class, how you communicate throughout the practice is very important. Words are powerful and must be chosen deliberately to make sure that each student gets what they want and need from the practice. Outside of yoga, this communication rule couldn’t be more vital for relationships. I have a few people in my life that are horrible communicators and it definitely takes a toll on our relationships. Whether these people are communicating with me or with others — words are not chosen deliberately and consequences aren’t considered. I am, by no means, saying that I am a great communicator. Effective communication is a two-way street and I’m working on getting better is this department. Baby steps…
Confront your fears. The only way you can conquer your fears is by facing them head on. Some of the yoga teachers in training have difficulty speaking in front of groups of people (a necessity when you are instructing a yoga practice). With every small effort they make, their public speaking improves. I’m often afraid to stand up for myself or speak my needs, but every time I make a small effort, I feel it making a big difference. I know it’s not going to be easy to overcome this fear, but I’m confident that I will succeed.
Practice an attitude of gratitude. Everything in your past has gotten you where you are today… regret nothing. As humans, we spend a lot of time dwelling on the past, but like Eckhart Tolle preaches in The Power of Now, living in the present is the best you can do for yourself. You are never going to get these moments back — enjoy what you are doing, where you are, who you are with… just be grateful. Let those around you know that you are grateful for their company, let your friends know you are thankful for their guidance and let your family know that you are appreciative of their support. Most importantly, be grateful for your body and all that your good health has to offer.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. -JFK
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. -Melody Beattie
Surround yourself with people and things that make you happy. Practice gratitude, communicate deliberately and meet your fears head-on. When you feel a void, turn your attention inward first. The answers are within you… strength is within you… the power to change is within you.
Stay healthy, stay happy… Namaste.
By Emily McLaughlin
This week I checked in with Robyn from Run Pretty Run Fast, a blog about “running fast with style.” I’ve been following Robyn’s blogging about race training and favorite running gear for some time now. Recently, I reached out to ask the genius behind Run Pretty Run Fast a few questions about where she find motivation in her day-to-day life. Read on to see what Robyn had to say:
Click to learn more about Robyn.
What made you start blogging?
I was working on a leadership book for a class I was teaching and it had us list our talents and passions. My list was remarkably short. Outside of running what else was I doing that I was good at and passionate about? Well I loved writing but was I any good at it? Not so sure but this leadership talked about the importance of practice and to me that clearly made sense with running so why wouldn’t it make senses with writing? So the blog was born!
What was the inspiration behind Run Pretty Run Fast?
I struggled with naming my blog for a while. I sought friends feedback… and nothing. How does one name their blog?! Then one day I saw someone use the hashtag #runprettyrunfast and I just knew it was the prefect blog title. I love running fast but I’ve also always loved style and fashion so it seemed like a good fit (though most of my post really are about running).
What is your favorite piece of running gear (practical, fashionable or both)?
Do I have to pick one?! I have three go to brands right now: Oiselle, lululemon and Nike (I am from Eugene). I’m obsessed with Oiselle’s Lesley Running Tight and distance shorts. The Lesley Tight’s material is perfect for colder running and holds-up really well in the rain and the fit is super flattering. The distance shorts are the most flattering shorts I own, not too long not too short and also great in the rain. It’s my go to short for any workout with lots of pockets and great range of motion for fast days.
lululemon has my two go to pieces: the racer back tank and all sport bra (you don’t even want to know how many of these I own). The cuts are simple and the colors are great and the function can’t be beat (I mean it’s hard to find a good flattering sports bra right?). I also love the tanks because they are nice and long (and lulu will hem them if they are too long for you).
Finally I’m in love with Nike’s Pro line long sleeve and short sleeve shirts. I have to size up in them or they are way too tight but I love the length and the fabric is the prefect about of st retch and weight. The line is very flattering (but again I’d recommend sizing up or they might be too tight- they are supposed to be a base layer).
Do you have races planned for 2013? What are you training for now?
Right now my plan is to run the Eugene Half in April and Ojai full in May. I’ve been sidelined with and injury for most of February and part of March so we’ll see how quickly I bounce back! This summer I’ll run some local races and of course relay races (my favorite). I plan on running Ragnar NWP, will hopefully land on a Hood to Coast team and then I’m looking at a few other Ragnars. Depending on how Ojai goes I’ll most likely race a fall marathon but that’s still a bit TBD.
Who (or what) inspires you most? Is there a person you look up to? Is there a quote you like to live by?
My dad has always inspired me. He started running when he was 40 and he couldn’t run around the block. By the time he was 55 he was running sub 3 hour marathons. In high school I used to run with him and his masters running group, they are some of my most cherished memories.
The other two people who have inspired me are Harland Yriarte and Cathie Bellamy Twomey. Harland runs a running camp (Steens Mountain Running Camp) for high school kids that pretty much changed my life. My first trip to camp was after I found out I had cancer. It was easily removed but I was still struggling with it. He taught me that life was hard and we all had obstacles to overcome and that we could sit there and feel sorry for ourselves or get up and over come them… I chose the latter. My second summer at camp was 8 months after nearly dying from a misdiagnosed ruptured appendix and I continued to learn what it meant to work hard and fight for something.
Cathie’s a former world-class runner that helped me high school and college. She’s incredibly inspirational and often time believed in me more than I believed in myself. She was always there to talk me through my doubts and push me to be the best runner that I could be.
I’d say my faith in God and Jesus is what really grounds me though. I might be hard to explain but I really do think running is a gift. I’ve met so many amazing people and friends through running and learned a lot about myself. It’s also been a great outlet for me. There’s nothing like and early morning run before the world is awake. It’s one of my most favorite times of the day. I try to have fun on my blog (I think humor is medicine for the soul) but I think I’m able to have fun because I know it’s a gift and I’m thankful for it.
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Thank you, Robyn, for sharing your story! You can follow Robyn’s journey on her blog, Run Pretty Fun Fast. Stay healthy, stay happy, stay motivated, everyone!
