The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the ‎life of your dreams.‎‎-Oprah Winfrey

Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and they will come true.

-Anonymous

There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling ‎for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.

-Nelson Mandela

The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we ‎must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and ‎danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we ‎can.‎

‎-Robert Cushing Dennison, (1921-1998) American Colonel‎

Weekly Update #9



The Pragmatic Young Professionals really diversified their activities during week #9.  In addition to their weekly running/weight lifting/healthy eating/water drinking routines, they also participated in some exciting personal endeavors.

Bill and Lyndse both supported close friends by being a groomsman and Maid of Honor (respectively) in their friends' weddings.  Katie particpated in a 5K to help support the UC Brain Tumor Center and a cure for brain cancer.  And in addition to Adam's weekly workout routine, he believes he may have lost 3 lbs sweating through the miserable Bengals game and another 3 lbs during the Reds nail biter.

Next time you hear from the PYP's will be in pictures.  This Sunday evening we will post a video montage of our 10 week journey to bettering ourselves. 

Going Vibrant is the best decision we could have made!!!!

Success is not to be measured by the position someone has reached in life, but the obstacles he has overcome while trying to succeed.

-Booker T. Washington

Focus on the journey, not the destination.  Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.

-Greg Anderson

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.

-Helen Keller

Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.

-Karen Ravn

To change one's life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions. -William James

Weekly Update #8

Eight is great! Here is an update on everyone’s progress, in their own words…

Bill: “From a workout standpoint… just okay. However, I did get pictures of me in the ocean.”

Adam: “I hope everyone had a productive weekend. My week last week was hindered by an annoying battle with a cold/allergies/sinus infection. So unfortunately, I was on the PUP list. (Physically unable to Perform List) However, after some incredible rest, I was able to make a full recovery. Yesterday, I awoke and had a protein fueled breakfast, raw eggs-Rocky Balboa style, and laced up my brand new Asics cross trainers and ran the Reggae Run.

In all seriousness, last week was awful for me I was sick and miserable, but feel much better on this dreary Monday. I need to get back on track!”

Lyndse: “Completed my last 20 mile run before race day-- Tapering the next 2 weeks. Struggling with calf pain, however hopefully a few days of rest will solve the problem. The next 2 weeks I will focus on having quality runs and a solid diet to prepare for October 17th.”

Katie: “I ran 2 short 3-4 milers, spinning class one evening, and my last long(ish) run of 15 miles. Continued focus on hydration will be key for me so my body is prepared for the hardest physical test it’s ever had!”

So eight wasn’t exactly great, but it wasn’t bad either. We will keep focusing on the daily motivational quotes we have posted on our blog and look forward to shining in the Vibrance at the end of these 10 weeks!

Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.

-Wayne Dyer

Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

-Francis of Assisi

Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be. 

-George Sheehan

We all face challenges in our lives. But how we handle ‎these challenges, how we look at life is truly what matters. ‎We can all look at life in one of two ways:

‎1. we can focus on the good and move forward, or,

‎2. we can focus on the negative and wallow in self pity.

‎-Catherine Pulsifer

If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes.

Life is a big canvas, throw all the paint on it you can.‎

‎-Danny Kaye

Weekly Update #7

Week #7 was coined "turn-around" week for Adam. He was able to reduce his simple carbohydrate intake by 45 %, while completing 2 grueling cardio workouts on his favorite treadmill nicknamed "Nelly". He also completed 2 weight training sessions but has yet to decide on names for his vast collection of free weights.  Just as Adam was rounding third and heading for home on "turn-around" week, his Dad came into town from CA so he was forced to eat at Skyline, Montgomery Inn, Larosa's, and Graeter's this weekend. In order to make up for this, his goal is to refrain from eating take-out during week #8. He is continuing to work towards his weight loss goal but has a weighs:) to go.  Today is a new day, Mr. Momper, everyday is a fresh start!

Week #7 for Lyndse proved to be very balanced.  She Ran 50 miles, lifted (un-named) weights 2 days, and focused on eating healthy all week.  Work/life balance was also key.  Lyndse successfully made time for work, family, friends, and most importantly herself.  She took time for herself and watched Eat, Pray, Love.  She took away a wonderful message and has been generously sharing what she learned with her fellow PYP's,  Not boring Lyndse, not boring at all!  Continue to be the fearless person you are and just remember- Fear is a manipulative emotion that can trick us into leading a boring life.  Lyndse is looking forward to her last long run of 20 miles in the coming week and is anticipating the victory of her 3:20 marathon in Columbus.

Bill ran twice during week #7, played golf once, played racquetball once, and lifted once.  He has been feeling good; but still has some work to do to prepare for his 13.1 mile run.  But Bill knows there's no turning back now, especially considering Lyndse and Katie have spent hours coloring "Go Bill" signs to support him at the Cincinnati 1/2 Marathon.  He has a fishing trip this weekend off the NJ shore that will make working out difficult for a few days, but he certainly won't be presented with the same temptations as Adam since he will be away from the Cincinnati food scene.  Adam and Bill have decided to partner during these last few weeks and really motivate each other to reach their goals.  Bill is considering naming his racquetball racquet "Snookie" in honor of his impending trip to the Jersey shore. 

Katie's week included an intense spinning journey, mile repeats with the training group, and a 14 mile long run.  Katie continued to struggle with some injuries which have moved from her ankle to her foot.  She spent last week learning a very good lesson... When you're training your body to run 26.2 miles, at some point it's going to hurt.  But she sought professional medical attention and has been able to continue to push through the pain.  As Lance Armstrong says "Pain is temporary.  It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place.  If I quit, however, it lasts forever".  Not only do Katie and Lance have similar coping mechanisms for pain, they also both have an affinity for Michelob Ultra.

Everyday for the next 3 weeks we will post a daily dose of inspiration to carry everyone through to the end of their 10 in 10 challenge.

Go PYP's, let your Vibrance shine!

Fear is a manipulative emotion that can trick us into living a boring life.

-Donald Miller, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

You don't have to accept "I can't", because if you want to do something bad enough you will find a way to get it done.

If you want to do it, all you have to do is do it...

This video was posted on the Columbus Marathon website, if this doesn't inspire you I don't know what will!

http://www.columbusmarathon.com/blog/columbus-marathon-2010/the-spirit-of-a-marathoner-one-mans-inspirational-journey/

Go Vibrant and be an inspiration today!

Weekly Update #6

This week the Young Pragmatic Professionals laced up for a big challenge. With less than 5 weeks left in the 10 in 10 challenge, the PYP's have rounded the last corner only to see the finish line ahead. At this point in the race, everyone is dedicated, enthusiastic and most importantly focused on embarking the journey to "Healthy Living". Adam Momper has made great strides with his daily eating habits, especially his ability to weigh his meat. As a result, Adam is able to wear his favorite UK Men's Basketball Jersey that was once too small. William Konecny has mastered the art of work life balance. With a demanding workload, Bill has placed heavy emphasis on taking care of his mind, body and soul. Katie Ditchen has learned that goal setting is one of life's greatest investments; with enthusiasm and passion anything is possible. Lyndse Swann has learned that anything is possible if you set your mind to it; with the power of believing, no goal is too big or small to achieve.

As we continue to make strides to the finish line, be prepared for the sprint in the upcoming weeks. The competition will get fierce…. To be continued next week.

As associates of UC Health University Hospital, it is very important to support the mission of our organization which is to be of service to those in our community and beyond. Becoming part of the Go Vibrant challenge is one way the PYP’s are taking personal responsibility for our own health as well as the health and well-being of the Greater Cincinnati area.

Academic health systems are often some of the region's largest employers and are often the most recession-proof, keeping the health and vitality of a community more stable during times of fiscal uncertainty. Additionally, academic health systems are often involved at a grassroots level with health initiatives and street-level outreach within their communities. They often drive those initiatives, helping to increase the health of a community at large.

Academic health centers are also most often some of the nation’s most noticed in terms of public relations. Ongoing discoveries, new methodologies and treatments currently being pioneered within UC Health are highly visible indicators of our overall community’s health and vitality.

The PYP’s team is proud to represent UC Health in the 10 in 10 Go Vibrant challenge and we look forward to completing the challenge with success. Even if our goals fall short or our expectations are not met, we feel we have learned and will continue to learn from our experiences. We have tested our limits, we continue to make sacrifices, and we are learning the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Most importantly, that it is not just about a healthy body…it is about a healthy spirit.

Go PYP’s, Go Vibrant!

One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do.

-Henry Ford

Adam takes his turn in the dunking booth to support the United Way!

 

Weekly Update #5

Give me a P, Give me a Y, Give me a P, What's that spell??

Last week Katie ran a total of 20 miles but was unable to do any cross-training or weights because she was too busy basking in the Go Vibrant t-shirt victory (please see pics). Although she postponed weight training, Katie has made tremendous strides in sculpting her massive guns. Unfortunately, Katie is dealing with foot pain after the long run Saturday, but she is one tough cookie and will be on the bike quite a bit this week and continue drinking 10 glasses of water a day.

Due to the most wonderful time of the year, FOOTBALL SEASON, Adam and Bill were a bit distracted and unable to go that extra mile this weekend. However, Adam continues to lift weights and run at least 2 days a week all while eating a high protein diet and drinking plenty of H2O. Bill was unable to replicate his progress from a couple weeks ago, but continues to play racquetball and golf weekly, along with multiple rounds on the treadmill.

Lastly, and most importantly, Lyndse continues to lead by example leaving everyone on the team wanting to push harder. Lyndse Will continue to focus on eating healthy, drinking lots of water and training with passion, enthusiasm and energy. 5 weeks left of training until the Marathon -- Lyndse's goal is to run the race in 3:20 minutes. Strategy: Run the first part of the race with my mind, second part with my personality and last leg with my heart. "Pain is temporary, Pride is forever"

"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing"

- Vince Lombardi

Words to Inspire...

If you set a goal for yourself and are able to achieve it, you have won your race. Your goal can be to ‎come in first, to improve your performance, or just finish the race. It's up to you.

-Runners World Magazine

Fun Fact

According to Gallup, who has conducted employee engagement surveys that include the question "Do ‎you have a best friend at work?", companies with a substantial number of employees who answer ‎‎"yes" have reported better employee performance, fewer hazardous accidents, greater productivity. ‎Find ways to connect with your co-workers. It will enrich your everyday work life.‎

Go Vibrant, friends!

Weekly Update #4 (better late than never)

It was another productive week for the PYP's.  We all managed to move in the direction of our goals; even with a long holiday weekend that could have easily thrown us off course.  The balancing act continues to be a theme for this group. 

Bill was off to a slow start but turned it around over the holiday weekend. He is maintaining his 5 mile runs and has managed to get his 5K times down to about a 7:05 / mile pace (roughly 45 second improvement from a month ago). Over the last month his stamina on the racquetball court and in the weight room has steadily increased.  His goal for this week is to increase to a 6 mile run.

Lyndse ran 53 miles...need we say more?  She also focused on safety while running solo: be aware of your surroundings, wear light clothing, and always always bring your cell phone for emergencies.

Adam had another productive week as well.  He has lost a total of 4lbs to date- an exciting milestone!  He did a combination of running and lifting weights.  Adam now runs at a personal record pace of 10min/mile and looks forward to continuing this positive trend.  Unfortunately, all the fun from the LONG weekend set him back a bit.  Looks like rice cakes and carrot sticks this week.

Katie completed her first "long" run of 20 miles on Saturday with the training group. Weights one day, including squats to improve quad strength after some muscle pain. She stuck to her goal of drinking ten 8oz glasses of water and the extra hydration was invaluable.  The down-side is that she has to get to work a 1/2 hour early to account for all the added bathroom breaks throughout the day.

On to week #5, can you believe we are almost halfway there?

Words to Inspire

"I shall shape my future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me. Or I can be lost in the maze. My choice. My responsibility. Win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny."

-Og Mandino

Weekly Update #3

Katie has continued on her journey to success this week by getting her heart rate up in a 45 minute spin class on Sunday, 4 mile run on Monday, 6 mile treadmill run on Wednesday and a BIG 15 mile run on Saturday. On an exciting note, Katie finally fit into a pair of black work pants that she has not been able to wear for almost 3 years; an added benefit of taking on this health challenge.  Her new goal for Week #4 is to drink TEN 8oz glasses of water a day.

Adam GQ Momper has continued to climb the stairwell to a healthier life style by pumping iron and sweating profusely in the gym this week. While Adam's job at UC Health University Hospital demands a lot of time, he has found that even just 30 minutes of cardio/lifting weights at the end of the day can make the world of difference. As a young pragmatic professional, Adam demonstrates that it is possible to balance a heavy workload and a healthy life style simultaneously. To recap his progress, he started his journey by indulging into unhealthy snacks and meals. Week #2 he invested in a weight watchers scale weigh his "meat" and become more proportioned. Now in week #3 he has learned the importance of taking care of your mind, body and soul.

William unfortunately had a few setbacks this week due to other obligations, however he values the principle of the mind, body and spirit. After several days of stress and fatigue, he decided that a yoga mat and organic yoga pants would be a great investment. Not only is he concerned with his own well being, but the well being of mother earth. Bill is not only going VIBRANT, he is also going GREEN. "  As a result of Bill's "down week", he dreamt he was skipping backwards for 6.3 miles.  No worries Bill, this week you will certainly move forward!  Take care of your body with steadfast fidelity. The soul must see through these eyes alone, and if they are dim, the whole world is clouded"  -Goethe

Last but certainly not least is Lyndse's progress; suffice to say she more than carried the weight of our team this week. Lyndse ran an astonishing 50 miles, that's right folks, a five with a zero behind it!  In addition to all those miles on foot, she completed an additional 30 miles on the bike.  But there's more!  Although Lyndse understands the importance of cardiovascular exercises and cross-training, she also values strength training and sacrificed her personal time to life weights 3 times this week; she refers to this as the icing on the cake.  With Lyndse's intense focus, I suspect we may have a Boston qualifier on our hands!

Here we go PYP's!  Best of luck to you as we forge ahead into week 4 of our challenge!  

Fun Fact

Did you know that you burn roughly 10 calories for every flight of stairs you climb?

PYP's are steppin' up to a healthier lifestyle.

Weekly Update #2

This week Bill was about quality rather than quantity. He had a great round of golf, played ‎several games of racquetball against a much better opponent and gave it his all, and got in a ‎solid run/workout on Friday while vacationing in the Windy City.‎

Adam Q Momper also decided that Quality was a much healthier option than Quantity. To ‎recap week #1, Adam consumed over 600 calories in cake, however this week he rounded the ‎corner and selected the healthy salad for lunch, banana for snack and a 5oz chicken breast for ‎dinner. Thanks to the Weight Watchers scale, Adam is now able to weigh his meat:). Way to go ‎Adam! "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog"‎

Katie has been training physically and mentally for the Columbus Marathon. As she balances ‎work, relationships, hobbies and running, she a true inspiration to the rest of the PYP team. As a ‎Young Pragmatic Professional, Katie demonstrates that hard work, consistency, dedication and ‎perseverance will take you a long way in this journey. ‎

Lyndse has continued her training for the Columbus Marathon, however faced a few setbacks in ‎week #2. Often times we all face challenges, but the true test of a man is how he handles those. ‎‎"You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your ‎face" -Gatorade ad

Words to Inspire...

Set your goals high because what a person accomplishes is in proportion to what they ‎attempt. ‎

-Mitchell Naufell

And a little inspiration for Adam, http://www.lose10pounds.org/

Weekly Update #1

Week 1 came with its ups and downs. As a team, the PYPs started to come ‎together and commence our workout plans. The runners (Bill, Katie, Lyndse) ‎have put in the time and worked out at least three times. Bill cross trained, ‎running (4) miles three times, playing racquetball twice, and walking nine ‎holes on the golf course once. Katie is half way there to preparing for the ‎Columbus, OH marathon. Lyndse has continued her training (and quite frankly, ‎is a step ahead of the rest of the group).‎


Those were the ups. However, I did mention there were downs. Adam has promised ‎to diversify our team goals by losing (10) lbs in (10) weeks. As you can see ‎by the picture below, he does not have a clearly defined action plan. The PYPs ‎are planning an Adam Q. Momper intervention later this week.‎

Bill Konecny

Team Photo

Meet the Pragmatic Young Professionals team:  From left to right, Katie, Adam, Lyndse, Bill (aka, Thinking Man).

So pragmatic, so professional.  Stay tuned for a progress report from week #1! 

We are accountable only to ourselves for what happens to us in our lives. 

-Mildred Newman

Go Vibrant or Go Home

It's the challenge of a lifetime.  Each member of our 4-person team has 10 weeks to meet their individual "healthy" goals.  Lyndse and Katie will finish training for and compete in the Columbus marathon, Bill will train and run a half-marathon, and Adam will lose 10 pounds. 

Why?  It's all part of the bigger picture and an organization called Go Vibrant http://govibrant.org/  Visit the link to learn more about the challenge and the impact it will have in Greater Cincinnati. 

Follow our blog and be part of our personal journeys over the next 10 weeks as we meet our goals and make our life stories more exciting.

Like the title says, Go Vibrant or go home!

-Katie, Lyndse, Bill, and Adam