MY LIFE'S PURPOSE

I heard a speaker say once that you have 3 paths in life. You have a job (just outa broke), a career or life purpose. I have lived through the first 2 and am now on my life’s purpose. Now, the road to your life’s purpose is by no means is it an easy walk but well worth it. I have had so many jobs in my life for the purpose of daily survival and then I landed in the fashion industry. I was so intrigued and realized that I had the personality and tough skin for sales. I loved going to work and submerging myself in the garment culture. I thrived on the stress and late hours. The cure for the stress was the gym or cocktails depending on the day and level of stress. My Sundays were spent anticipating the week and what craziness would occur. Fighting with my buyers, or boss or co workers was an everyday occurrence in an environment that encouraged this behavior. If you are quiet and reserved you got stepped on and you had to step up to the plate every day and try to hit home runs and if you strike out you licked your wounds and showed up the next day ready to play. I called this my career because I loved working with brands that I believed in and I was always thinking about ways to make the brand better as if it were my own. I guess I was the type of employee that people wanted, the person that took pride in their work and treated the brand as if it was your own. The only problem is that it wasn’t my company! My career choice, that I was convinced that I loved brought out the best and worst in me. I would say and do things that were so outside my character because I had a point to prove and dam it I WILL get my point across no matter who got hurt and trampled in the process. Salespeople are ruthless; “no matter what it takes close the deal” was my motto. We smile in your face, pretend we really give a shit about you and your family but our only interest is getting you to buy as much product as possible.
I played the game for a long time and became a VP and made the money that I wanted and made great acquaintances and friends along the way. I knew deep in my heart that I would not be in the biz forever. I didn’t see myself leading this lifestyle at 50 so I knew my life would change but I had no idea how it would change. Lucky for me a VERY stressful job came to an end and a nice severance package gave me the time to contemplate my “life’s purpose”. I was great at selling and fashion is the only career that I knew inside and out. I was 43 years old and needed to figure out how to maintain my lifestyle doing something else. I starting writing down all my strengths and everything that I was passionate about. I was able to piece together a plan and I ran with it. It has evolved weekly since July of 2008 and that is because I constantly strive to find another way to have a positive impact in the world. Whether it’s working with kids or adults or seniors the goal is the same, make them see the strength’s they have inside and out. I started Pace Foe Success in July 2008 and it is the BEST thing that I have ever done in my life to date. I use a lot of the positive attributes I gained from working in fashion to launch my business. It is not easy to start a business but I have a very strong faith in God and I know that every step of my journey is a test of my faith so I stay strong and believe that abundance is coming to me in every way. I feel that every step in my past has leaded me to this point today and I am perusing my life’s purpose full speed ahead!

RUNNERS BOOTCAMP

WHAT IS RUNNERS CAMP?

Runners Bootcamp is specifically designed to strengthen runners/walkers and people that want to get fit by using your own body weight as resistance. This is an extremely efficient way to build strength, flexibility and muscular endurance. We use aerobic and anaerobic exercises to maximize your performance if you are training for an event, interested in staying fit after an event, interested in getting strong before you start training or interested in losing excess weight. We target the entire body and give special attention to the lower body and abs. These areas need more attention because they support you during your runs.
Many runners have told me that they see a huge difference in their performance when they strength train versus not strength training. There are fewer injuries and improved speed and endurance when you combine aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
Classes start November 15th, 2008. Please see the event calendar for dates, locations and times for our classes. Classes will be held in Prospect Park, Marine Park and on the West Side Hwy track.
An individual class costs $10.00 per class. Our Bootcamp Bundle is $40.00 for 5 classes. Team In Training participants and alumni get a special rate. Please go to the "Contact us" page and enter your name, email address and class you wish to attend. There Space in each class is limited so please register for classes no later than 4 hrs prior to class.
There must be a minimum of 3 people registered for a session to take place. You will be informed if a class is cancelled due to a lack of participants. You can register for another class or opt for a discounted personal training session.

RUNNER'S BOOTCAMP CLASS SCHEDULE FOR MANHATTAN AND BROOKLYN

Prospect Park
Tuesday-6:15am-7:20am- meet at the statue at the entrance of 9th and Prospect Park West
Thursday-6:15am-7:20am- meet at the statue at the entrance of 9th and Prospect Park West
Sunday-3pm-4:15pm- meet at 15th street and Prospect Park West by 2:50pm then we will head over to the West Drive and Center Drive intersection in the park.
*If you are familiar with the park you can meet at Center Drive & West drive at 3pm
Please see the link for a map of the Park http://www.prospectpark.org/media/file/map.pdf

Marine Park
Monday-6:15 am-7:20am- meet at Ave. S entrance of marine park
Wednesday-6:15 am- 7:20am- meet at Ave. S entrance of marine park
Sunday-7:30am-8:45am- meet at Ave. S entrance of Marine Park

West Side Hwy Track - meet at the 14th street entrance
Monday-6:30pm-7:35pm- Bag check is at Fredrick's Downtown Restaurant -637 Hudson St @ the corner of Horatio St.
Tuesday-6:30-7:35pm- Bag check is at Fredrick's Downtown Restaurant -637 Hudson St @ the corner of Horatio St.
Thursday-6:30pm-7:35- Bag check is at Fredrick's Downtown Restaurant -637 Hudson St @ the corner of Horatio St.
*You can meet me at the bag check site by 6:20pm and then we will head over to Horatio street & the West Side Hwy. If you are ready to work out and don't need bag check you can meet us at the Horatio street entrance. If you are late we will be warming up on the track between @ Horatio

HOLIDAY CLOTHING

HI EVERYONE,
PACE FOR SUCCESS INC. IS SPONSORING A HOLIDAY CLOTHING, TOY AND NECCESSITIES DRIVE FOR HIV/AIDS INFECTED CHILDREN, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS THAT HAVE BEEN ABANDONED OR ORPHANED. THESE KIDS RESIDE AT THE INCARNATION HOUSE FOR A DURATION OF 6 MONTHS TO 6 YEARS. THIS IS THE ONLY HOME THEY KNOW AND MANY OF THEM WILL NEVER BE ADOPTED OR PUT INTO FOSTER CARE BECAUSE THEY HAVE HIV/AIDS. THEIR AGES RANGE FROM 1 YR OLD TO 19 YEARS OLD AND WERE ALL INFECTED THOUGH THEIR MOTHER.

THERE HAS BEEN A HUGE DECREASE IN DONATIONS TO THE INCARNATION HOUSE DUE TO THE POOR ECONOMIC CLIMATE AND THEY ARE DESPERATE FOR HOLIDAY DONATIONS. WE WANT THESE KIDS TO HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY. PLEASE HELP US PUT SMILES ON THEIR FACES AND MAKE THEM FEEL LIKE PEOPLE REALLY DO GIVE A DAM. I URGE YOU TO REVIEW THE LIST BELOW AND PICK ONE ITEM TO GIVE AS A GIFT.

ON DECEMBER 15TH, WE ASK YOU TO DROP OFF YOUR GIFTS AT FREDRICK'S DOWNTOWN BETWEEN 5:30PM AND 8:30PM AT OUR PACE FOR SUCCESS HOLIDAY EVENT. THERE WILL BE DISCOUNTED FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS BETWEEN 5:30PM AND 8:30PM.

IF YOU CAN NOT ATTEND PLEASE MAIL YOUR GIFTS TO:
PACE FOR SUCCESS INC.
5224 AVE K
BKLYN, NY 11234

WISH LIST FOR THE INCARNATION HOUSE

GENERAL NEEDS: HATS, SCARVES, GLOVES, COATS, SOCKS,SCHOOL SUPPLIES, BACKPACKS, ARTS & CRAFTS, LEGOS, TOYS, GAMES (UNO, CONNECT FOUR, FAMILY TYPE GAMES), INDOOR BASKETBALL,DVD'S RATED G,BOOKS, JOURNALS, UNDERWEAR, SWEATERS, JEANS, COATS,TIGHTS, LEGGINGS, BATTERIES, BODY WASH, COLOGNE, PERFUME, LOTION,SLIPPERS, SLEEPWEAR,BEDDING FOR DOUBLE BED, GIRLS JEWELERY, HAIR ACCESSORIES,COMPACT MIRROR, THERMALS,L/S TEES,NIGHT LAMP,SOFT TOYS, BUBBLES.

pacing for success

JASMINE’S LEAP OF FAITH

My name is Jasmine Graham and I am the President of Pace For Success INC. I am also currently a coach for the Brooklyn chapter of Team In Training (teamintraining.org) the world's largest endurance training organization with all proceeds benefiting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. I have run 3 Marathons and numerous half marathons. I have coached hundreds of participants and aided them in their quest to cross the finish line in various endurance events.
I was recently laid off from a VP of Sales position in fashion. I had worked in fashion for the past 16 years and worked my way from assistant to VP of Sales. Fashion was my 2^nd career, I was a paralegal right out of college and realized that the legal field was not for me and I started temping and ended up at Speedo and worked my way up from there. I learned a lot about humility during that transition. I went from having an administrative assistant to type my depositions to answering phones, getting coffee and being paid much less. I knew I had to take a step back to move forward and I did.
On May 5^th, 2008 the EVP for my division told me that due to budget cuts May 30^th would be my last day of work with the company. I knew that layoffs were eminent but once I heard it I felt free to some degree. I can't explain it but I never panicked. I worked to the last day and put 100% effort in during that time. I received a good severance package so I knew I had some time to think about my future. I took the month of June to relax and de-tox from a toxic work environment. By the last week of June I started thinking about what I wanted to do with my future. I went on a few interviews but I knew deep in the heart that I would not be returning to fashion. I always knew that I would not be in fashion for the rest of my career but never knew what I would do. My thought was to make the money and hustle for as long as I could and then I could pursue other things. I had no idea that I would be facing this decision in June 2008.
My 91 year old grandmother told me to pray to God for guidance and write down my goals and aspirations. I took her advice, wrote down all my ideas and came up with Pace For Success Inc. The goal of my company is to create F.I.N.E. WOMEN through Fitness, Involvement, Nutrition & Empowerment. I wanted to reach out to women and teens and teach them how to eat better and exercise and get involved in their community. I realized that I needed to get certifications and i did. I took business couses that instructed me on how to start my own business. I became a student of the universe and I was taking in as much information as I possibly could. I launched my site in late July 2008. I contacted nutritionists and trainers and life coaches and let them all know what I was doing and asked them to join me. I expected this to be an instant success so I wanted to be ready for business. Build it and they will come was my motto.
I soon realized that I had a great site but not too much traffic. People started going to the site but no one was signing up for any of my programs. I knew that I had something that the world needed but it seemed like no one wanted it. The month of Oct was tough for me emotionally. Here it was 3 months after I stated the business and I had no clients. I was spending a lot on marketing and other business related expenses and it seemed like it just wasn't working. I questioned my choice to start my own business and think I was a bit disappointed. I kept a smile on my face but inside I was struggling to hold on to my dream. I prayed a lot and did a lot of marketing and brainstorming and praying and finally came up with my Runner's Bootcamp class. The moment I sent out an invitation on Facebook I got so many replies of interest and confirmation of classes. I also sent out emails to nonprofit organizations and now I am working on presentations for teen girls. I feel so blessed to see that in these hard economic times people are signing up for my classes and I can get an income so that I can work with nonprofits and help make a difference.
I am not making my 6 digit salary anymore but I am helping people and making a difference in people's lives. I am currently launching a Holiday drive for the Incarnation House in New York. They house abandoned and orphaned children with HIV Aids. I called and offered my services and they were so grateful. They told me that usually they have 30 calls about Holiday drives by now and they only had 3 this year and were concerned. I am putting 100% effort into this project and all my mini projects that bring people hope and put a smile on someone's face.
I took a leap of faith and I never looked back. I took all my years of planning someone else's business and planned my own business, Pace For Success Inc. I realized that because of my sales background I was used to instant gratification and this is not possible in my business. I had to build the foundation and make it strong and have faith that everything would start to come together. Well, it has started and I am beyond grateful to the universe for opening doors that allow me to follow my dreams. So many people tell me that I have a GIFT and I finally realized that I really do and I am using it to benefit others.
I am 44 years old and for the first time in my life I feel that my life has purpose and that I am on the right track. When you set a goal to run a marathon sacrifice your time and you train hard and you show up on race confident that you can do it. You have probably run between 20 to 22 miles on your long runs so when you show up on race day you may be nervous but your body is conditioned and after 5-6 months of training you should be prepared. I used these principals for life, you set an attainable goal and you sacrifice and do all the necessary duties to get it done. It's not easy, you may cry, fall and get hurt during the process but you will reach your goal if you tell yourself that you can do it. I'm at mile 13 with 13.2 miles to go and I will cross the finish line. I am fearless as I move forward in the next phase of my life.

JOIN OUR CIRCLE OF FINE WOMEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Pace For Success wants to get you through the holidays and jumpstart your health and wellness for 2009. Join our Circle of F.I.N.E. WOMEN Holiday program for $20.00 per personand let's get you on track.  We are also offering gift certificates  that can be used for any of our programs. Enjoy the Holidays and stay healthy. 
Gift Certificates

We have gift certificates available for your Holiday gift giving.  What a great way to show someone how much you care. Give them a Gift Certificate for a personal training session or multiple personal training sessions. Our Running Bootcamp personal training sessions are a great gift.  We meet at a location that is most convenient for the recipient and the sessions are 60 mins long. The cost is $35.00 per session and if you buy 4 sessions the cost $125.00. You can also choose from any of our available programs.  Please contact us atjasmine@pace4success.com with any questions.

What is the CIRCLE of F.I.N.E. WOMEN?

We gather you and a few close friends and family at a location of your choice and we map out a plan to get you through the Holidays and keep you fit and healthy through 2009.

1- Our 1^st topic is Fitness. I give you tips on how you can get fit during the holidays and stay fit in 2009. Please wear work out attire because we will do a few exercises together.  I will give you handouts to take home so you have a plan. Depending on each person's schedule I can give you a weekly plan based on your choice of exercise.

2-Our 2^nd topic is Involvement. We can all do a small part to be an example in our community or workplace. During the Holidays would be a great time to volunteer for a soup kitchen or start a clothing or food drive in the office. I will have contacts for various charities and organizations and can help you put a plan together.  There is nothing more rewarding than helping others and you appreciate just how much we are blessed.

3-Our 3^rd topic is Nutrition. Starting with Thanksgiving through New Years it seems that our diets deteriorate slowly. Sweets, cocktails and great calorie laden foods are the culprit. I can give you tips to help you glide through the holidays without gaining weight. You can enjoy all the fabulous dishes you want with portion control and proper exercise. There are minor changes that you can make in recipes that won't alter the taste but will lower the calories. Remember, we are what we eat so even if we cheat the goal is to get back on track. Lean meats, vegetables, fruits, legumes and vitamins are the key to feeling GREAT. If you are tired of feeling tired every day it's time to make a change.  You will be surprised at how small changes in your diet make a HUGE difference in how you feel and look. I will have handouts for you with tips for a healthy diet and recommendations for a fabulous nutritionist if you feel that you need more help.

 4-Our 4^th topic is Empowerment. When we take control of our lives from the inside out we become empowered. When we make a difference e in our community and workplace we empower others as well as ourselves. I will have a speaker or videotape of women that overcame various obstacles to be successful. I want you to leave the F.I.N.E. CIRCLE of WOMEN feeling like you can do anything because you are in control of your destiny. You are in control of your workout, your diet and your day to day activities in a positive way. It's not easy but you have taken the initiative to make a difference.

How long will the session last?
90mins to 2hrs

How much does it cost?
$20.00 per person.  Everyone will have my e-mail and phone info so that I can be reached to answer any questions after the event.

When do the sessions start?
As soon as you can schedule a date. I can do weeknights and weekends except for Wednesday evenings or Saturday's before 3pm.

What is the minimum and maximum amount of people per session?
There is a minimum of 4 people and a maximum 8 people. I want to be able to give everyone the attention they need.
I look forward to hearing from you and have a safe and healthy Holiday Season!

Empowerment

When you make the conscious decision to get healthy you immediately become empowered.

If you are reading this I know its time for you take control of your life and start making smart decisions that will benefit you your mental and physical health. When you take the plunge and allow PaceForSuccess to assist you in your journey to self fulfillment you will be opening up a door to many opportunities.

Women who exercise and eat a balanced diet are more focused, disciplined, productive and successful. Fitness, Involvement and Nutrition equal Empowerment.

These four elements promote good self esteem and you will feel and look better. You want to make a change in your life and we are here to assist you through the process but you have to be ready to work hard to make it happen.

Some of you have lost your identity at home, in relationships or at work.

Regain your individuality, it starts today when you contact us. We empower women to greatness through exercise, diet and constant motivation.

My quote of the week comes from Louise Hay's book, i Can Do It. I love her affirmation "I am grateful to be alive today. It is my joy and pleasure to live another wonderful day."

Nutrition

We have licensed nutritionists to assist you with revising your diet so that it supports your new active lifestyle. Exercise coupled with proper nutrition will have great results that you will see and feel within the first 3 weeks of the program.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans has recommended consuming at least two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables daily. A diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with decreased risk of obesity and certain chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers. Proper diet and exercise are the mainstays for a healthy lifestyle, however many Americans turn to costly fad diets and exercise programs that fall short of achieving their desired goals.

The basic tenets to gradual weight loss and good health include developing healthy eating habits and increasing daily physical activity. We will help you get healthy and fit through a revised diet plan.

There are small steps that you can take that will make a huge difference:

• omit sodas

• choose leaner meats and meat alternatives

• use low fat dairy products

• eat smaller portions

• remove visible fat from meat and the skin from poultry

• limit the use of extra fat like butter, margarine, and oil

• Minimize your intake of alcohol, caffeine and foods high in salt and sugar with no nutritional content

We are here to answer questions daily and really keep you on track with the program.