Welcome to Friday’s Featured Female!

This weekly series features inspirational stories from admirable women.  IMHO, it’s always good to be reminded of how strength, determination, hard work, heart and ingenuity can impact the quality of one’s life and I’m proud that these women will allow me to share their stories here.

Today I have one of the most motivating bloggers around, Tammy (Tambra) Means from GingerMantra.com guest posting. Tammy and I were both at FitBloggin’ 2013 but we never actually met.  I checked out her site after the conference and I’ve been hooked on Tammy’s upbeat attitude toward life, running (she did 10 half marathons in 2013) and healthy living ever since.  Tammy recently turned 40 and I’m exceptionally proud to call her a member of the 40’s and Fabulous Club so…

Haaaave you met Tammy?

What was your “A-HA” moment?

Several years ago I found myself going through the motions of workouts.  In high school I was an avid athlete playing multiple sports and loving every second of it. In my 20s I found myself longing to be back in prime shape and spent countless hours in the gym. I was slim and fit, but still longed for purpose and burned out.

Entering my 30s I began working out again because I knew that was what made me the happiest but I couldn’t find my mojo to keep me interested. Turning 37 I knew I had just a few short years to get my fitness where I longed to be before turning 40. I reconnected with a longtime friend that had recently found passion in running and I started participating in a few 5k races with her.

For the first year my distance racing mileage was low and I was hooked on being fast. But for me that wasn’t where my passion was. Embarking on my second year I found my stride in quality of running and for longer distances. I ran several 10k races and began training for my first half marathon which I completed in February 2013. I was hooked on the half. In 2013 I committed and ran 10 half marathons and loved every second of it. In February 2014, just a few weeks shy of my 40th birthday I attempted my first full marathon but was stopped at mile 24 due to impending weather and a tornado warning. For me running was my A-HA moment and my sport had shown me that this is so much bigger than each of us.   Running gives us purpose, passion and heart.

What is your favorite way to workout/exercise?

My favorite workout, by far, is running.  But one cannot count on running alone to stay fit and healthy.  I also love to cross-train with my husband in the mornings as well as hiking and biking.  Living with an avid outdoorsman, I have to keep up which means staying in shape.

What is your #1 cheat food?

I have changed my diet over the past 6 months to eliminate dairy and most all processed foods and meat.  But for me after a long race or intense workout week, there is nothing like a great slice of pizza!  I love mine with veggies and light or no cheese cooked a little longer so that it is thin and crispy.  But after a long run like a half marathon, I love to celebrate with a cheeseburger.  I feel like I have burned enough calories to earn it.  It is a ritual that my running partner and I have after long races that we run together.

What advice do you have for those starting on a fitness journey?

“Never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle” is one of my favorite quotes.  It is so true and it is sometimes hard to stick with something when you want immediate gratification, which if you are working towards a goal the healthy way, just takes time.  I have been on my fitness journey for a little over a year and I’m seeing results slow and easy.  I have setbacks, but I face them head on and realize that I’m only human and we just have to pick ourselves back up and keep moving forward.  Never give up on yourself and never give in to criticism.  YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Favorite Motivational motto/quote:

I shared this above in my advice to newbie’s beginning their journey but I will share again.  My favorite motivational quote right now is “Never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle”

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?

I am an extremely shy person until you get to know me.  It comes from growing up being picked on for having red hair.  My Mom always said, one day they will be sorry they ever picked on you, you are beautiful and they will be sorry.  Though it was tough, I always hung onto that little joy that she brought me with those words.  Words hurt, but they can also be very inspiring and comforting in our darkest hours.

MB note – If you’re not connected with Tammy, get on it now.  She’ll help you see yourself and the outside world differently (and that’s a good thing).  PS – She also makes and sells her own vegan friendly Ginger Jams, Jellies and Butters made from seasonal ingredients that sound delicious.

Social Media Links –

Blog: http://gingermantra.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/gingermantra

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gingermantra

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/gingermantra

Instagram: http://instagram.com/gingermantra

What’s your life philosophy/mantra and where did you get it from?