Tomorrow is the inaugural Rock N’ Roll Marathon in San Antonio. As a fitness blogger in the local area, many of my readers and followers were surprised when I did not share any insight on the historic event or express any excitement about it. Usually I run for a charity or non-profit organization and heavily campaign on some world-saving crusade, but I remained utterly silent until now.

I lost my father this year. Eight days before my 33rd birthday. Since his passing, I’ve struggled grieving for this remarkable man because he raised me to always look at gains and not loss. This same man helped me see the glass is half full through rose colored glasses when things looked downright low and impossible. We had a unique father-daughter connection that is sorely missed at this time in my life. I have reserved my mourning for the morning. I run for Dad tomorrow, every mile representing significance each too personal to share.

During my training, I heard his voice in my head. “One step at a time, one foot in front of the other”. "Just a little further, you’re almost there”. “Don’t give up.” As a trainer, these are words that I use to encourage my clients/students. In fact, they are creeds I live by. Yet, here I feel I am taking steps backwards, very fatigued and ready to throw in the towel. My compass is gone. I don’t know how to register this pain of losing a father. I understand bodily pain in joints and muscles but a broken heart is still foreign in my pain threshold. How I wish I could really hear my Dad’s voice again, encouraging me at the finish line. Perhaps when I cross it, he’ll be there. Standing. Hands on his hips. Nodding in approval. Glancing at his watch with pride in his eyes.

It’s a difficult task being me-Mom. Coach. Teacher. Girlfriend. Sister. I’ve tried my best being all of these roles. Serving the best I can give at all costs with as much grace as possible - I humbly admit with many shortcomings and faults. It’s exhausting. A lot like running a marathon. Tomorrow I will be just Lyzz. Lyzz Stauffer – Coach Stauffer’s daughter. It will be me and the road. I’ll leave all of this year’s loss on the trail. Pounding everything I’ve got with every step. Forward. Carrying Dad in my heart.

It is officially fall! The summer came and went in a blink! I've been über-busy trying to navigate my way through some very personal issues. My father passed away in August. He was and always will remain my inspiration. He was a coach for over 30 years and is the reason I pursued the fitness career path. I have been grieving in my own way and am honoring his legacy by remaining strong. I've been training for the inaugural Rock N' Roll marathon and am running on his behalf. I'll post more information about this soon.

I am happy to announce my new fitness & wellness column in San Antonio's newest lifestyle magazine. I'll be writing about the latest fitness & wellness trends. I am thrilled to be a part of the team. The debut and launch is slated for November. Click on magazine cover above or visit this link: Stash Magazine
You can email me directly at Lyzz@stashsa.com

I'll be at the Yoga Month in Austin on September 17! If you want to go, just register online by clicking banner above! Register now for only $88!

$88 VIP-PASS includes preferred seating and unlimited access to all workshops and events (reg. $ 125)

Learn from some of the best yoga teachers and health experts and enjoy festival activities:

* Workshops with top national teachers like Hemalayaa, Sadie Nardini, Luke Ketterhagen + others
* Free lectures and demonstrations
* Yoga, health and green exhibitors
* Yoga for kids area and experiences

All proceeds benefit Youth Health Alliance and health education for children. See you there!

The Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & ½ Marathon will take place November 16, 2008. Don’t miss out on the unique, block-party experience when the race implements its rock ‘n’ roll theme with rousing music, hundreds of local high school cheerleading squads, and themed water stations lining each mile of the course. The inaugural event concludes with an evening concert at the Alamodome, free to all participants and featuring a major rock ‘n’ roll headliner. Click banner above to learn more about the course and to register.

Are you ready to train? Then train for FREE with New Balance! Click the banner below for details!

I know that this is REALLY early notice but I am SO looking forward to this holiday season! There are several events coming up and this definitely looks like a lot of fun!

Put on your reindeer antlers and get ready for some holiday cheer! Jingle Bell Run/Walk® is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others!

Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving.