Healthier Hamburger Helper Recipe

I still remember walking into my husband's house when we were dating and being hit by the aroma of Tuna Helper in the air.  I honestly never found the stuff appetizing, but he has always been a fan.  I came across a recipe that cleans up Hamburger Helper and is loaded with flavor.  My husband's biggest food complaint is lack of flavor, so I was excited when he LOVED this stuff.  He went way over his proper portion. :) 

Ingredients

*1 lb of lean ground beef (93-96%) 

(ground turkey is a better option but I compromise with my hubby)

*2 Tbsp of olive oil

*2 1/2 cups of fat free milk

*1 1/2 cup of HOT water

*2 cups of DRY whole wheat pasta (noodles of your choice-I used rotini)

2 Tbsp of cornstarch

1 Tbsp of chili powder

2 tsp of garlic powder

3/4 tsp of sea salt

3/4 tsp of paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese (I used colby jack) 

All ingredients added and ready to bring to a boil

Instructions

1.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add meat and cook until browned. 

2.  Add milk, water, pasta, cornstarch, and spices-stir to combine all ingredients. Bring this mixture to a boil, and then turn down heat to low and simmer.  Cover and allow it to cook for 10-12 minutes.  

3.  Stir in cheese and serve it immediately. 

You can play around with the amount of spices for your preference.  Our oldest daughter is like my husband as a child; very picky.  She would eat cookies all day if I let her.  I got her to eat one noodle. I know as she grows up and her taste buds mature, this will be a go-to meal!

Fix Containers: 2 yellow, 1 red, 1 blue (Use the green container to as your portion size but do not count it as a container used)

Happy, Healthy Eating!!

Taco Salad

My husband is a big fan of Mexican food, so I thought I would try this simple recipe when I came across it during my weekly meal planning session.  I enjoy finding ways to incorporate my daily veggie intake other than my typical dinner salad.  This dish is not only delicious, but EXTREMELY filling!

Ingredients:

*1 lb of Ground beef or turkey (I used 93% lean because my hubby isn't a big fan of ground
*Taco Seasoning (I used the 21 Day Fix Southwest Seasoning-Recipe to be posted below)
*Various veggies (I used onion, tomato, and orange pepper)
*Avocado for guacamole-(recipe will be posted below)

This is such an easy recipe, which I appreciate because I am not the best cook; however, I am trying different recipes each week since I tend to make the same things over and over again.  I like consistency in my meal plan, but I need to be considerate of my family.  

Step 1: Brown you meat.

Step 2: Prepare other veggies.

As the meat was browning, I used my food chopper to prepare the onions and orange peppers.  I also cut up some tomato. 

Step 3: Once meat has been browned, add onions and seasoning.

Smoky Southwest Seasoning Recipe- I make larger amounts of this seasoning and keep it for future recipes.

1 tbsp Chili Powder

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp paprika

1 tsp sea salt

I just used enough seasoning to coat the meat and give it a nice flavor.  You can use as much or as little as you would like.  

Step 4: Make guacamole while meat mixture is continuing to cook/stay warm.

I used 1avocado and added 1/4 teaspoon of each of the ingredients: garlic powder, onion powder, and lime juice.

Step 5- Assemble salad.

You can choose to put the ingredients over lettuce and/or spinach, eat in a bowl, or add to a whole wheat or corn tortilla.  I needed to get my veggies in for the day, so I chose the lettuce route. My husband chose to eat his in a bowl.

For all you 21 Day Fix people out there, I counted it as 3 green (romaine lettuce, spinach, onions, pepper, and tomato), one red of the meat, and one blue of guacamole.  

I recall I couldn't quite eat it all because it is so filling! 

Happy eating!!!

Abs are made in the Kitchen

When I started my transformation just over a year ago, I had no idea what Shaun T was talking about in the Insanity workouts when he said I will feel it in my obliques! Other than the pounds I packed on during my second pregnancy,  I didn't see much of anything, let alone feel any of those abdominal muscles working.

When I started getting rid of the junk from my meals (mostly-I am human and believe it is important to incorporate a treat meal each week), I started hearing my coach and other coaches discuss the idea of "Abs are made in the kitchen." I used to believe the misconception of "work out all the time so I  could stuff my face with hamburgers, pizza, diet pop, and candy." Little did I know, that it was quite the opposite.  Work out as little as 25-30 minutes a day and eat clean, whole foods like a baby, every 2.5-3 hours, and my body will change, and I will be healthy.  I truly believe what I teach those in my accountability groups: Fitness is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise!!

That 20% was taken from me just about a month ago.  My OT told me to stop my interval based workouts and go back to the basics-walking.  I have some compressed nerves, and I found out yesterday after a chiropractor took some X-rays, that my left and right side of my body are very unaligned,and because of that, nerves are being hit and pinched causing pain, tingling, and numbness from my head to my toes on my left side. Eek! I panicked when I heard that I couldn't keep up with my typical 21 Day Fix, T25, and then TurboFire regimen because I LOVE how I feel when I work out.  It energizes me and reminds me of the importance of fueling my body with great, natural foods that don't contain all the preservatives and additives.  My friends, other coaches, and challengers, reminded me about the 80/20 rule I teach.  Truthfully, it has been a bit harder to stay on track with the meal plans when I am just getting in some walks, bike rides, and now wall squats.; however, I remind myself of how far I have come, and how I feel to take me away from my kids' fish crackers or other treats I know won't help me achieve my goals.  I am now getting treatment from a chiropractor and was given additional core exercises by my PT to help strengthen my muscles and keep "things" in place when I am fully adjusted.  

I've lost a little definition, BUT I know I will get it back and attain more as I continue to gain exercise freedom as my treatment persists.  My clothes feel amazing, and I know that is a fantastic measure of progress.  Honestly I haven't weighed myself since before I started TurboFire, and that number won't define me anyway.  

I am proud of where my health and fitness journey has brought me so far.  I know what Shaun T is talking about with feeling different ab muscles now although I have scars and marks from pregnancies and surgeries.  These marks are a part of my journey, just as this exercise setback is as well.  So, just because you hit a roadblock, it doesn't mean you have to give up on your goals! 

So although, exercise only makes up 20% of that fitness equation, it is vital to have in order to accomplish goals one has, and to intensify the results that are seen from the nutrition aspect. I mean, 80%, is average, it's a C really, and I want to be extraordinary with my health, so I am excited to ease back into it with PiYo that launches this evening. The low impact, but high intensity movements will surely be good for my joints and getting back into my routine.  It is ONLY available from a coach when it first launches for a period of time.   Join my test group that starts July 7!! Fill out the application below.  

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Limitations, Not Excuses

I have always been an active individual.  I enjoyed basketball, volleyball, track, and cross country from a young age.  I mean, that is what we did when I was a kid-played!  During my 8th grade basketball season, I tore my lateral meniscus in my knee.  Starting December of 1997, I had 5 arthroscopic surgeries to repair the damaged cartilage.   I still recall my first orthopedic sitting me down at the age of 16 and telling me that I would never compete in competitive sports again.  I was bound and determined to prove him wrong, but each surgery took more and more motivation out of me, until I finally gave up. I now believe that my knee was a big crutch or excuse for me in my life that prohibited me from remaining healthy and fit.  Pounds started packing on due to my lack of activity and therefore poor nutrition.

June 23, 2007

I often look at these pictures and wonder why I let myself get to this place, which was nearly(I managed to drop a few lbs. before the big day) the heaviest and unhealthiest time of my life.

Finally in 2008, I was fed up with how I felt, so I started doing calorie counting and trying out some of the workout DVDs, such as Hip Hop Abs and Turbo Jam, that had been collecting dust in our new home.  I did manage to tediously lose weight over the next 4 years through my calorie counting, restrictive way of eating. 

July, 2012- Just days after I found out I was pregnant with Bristyn 

Despite my my weight loss, I still lacked energy I needed to take care of a toddler and handle my second pregnancy.  After getting pregnant with Bristyn, my daily walks and activities started to diminish because I had yet another excuse for it. So, it was May 2013 that I committed to getting fit again; however, although I completed the Insanity workout for 6 months, it wasn't until I became a coach in November that my true transformation began-body, mind, and nutrition.

Life was great! I was helping family, friends, and those I never even met, make lifestyle changes. As they changed, I continue to grow and complete my personally goals.  I was feeling stronger than ever until February 17, 2014.  Being a stay-at-home-mom now, I try to do as much as I can for my husband around the house.  Although, I LOVE when he does the dishes and folds laundry :) That Monday, before we headed to my parents for dinner,  I thought I would take the garbage out.  Well, our Cleveland winter was one of the WORST in years, and we had a large mound of snow on the tree lawn.  I decided to keep the city trash can empty while lifting it onto the snow pile.  I knew instantly when I lifted that can that I did something to my wrist. After a week without any change in my discomfort, I got a name for a doctor to go see.  After 4 months of tests, therapy sessions (OT, and PT), and various doctors, I find myself here today dealing with a torn TFCC and more painfully a compressed nerve(s). At the beginning of what seems like FOREVER, I continued working out as I normally would at 530 in the morning, but modified when it came to exercises that involved my hand/wrist.  The pain continued to worsen, so I continued to find ways to modify exercise such as not using weights or a band.  Finally, just about a month ago, my OT said, "I want you to do nothing but walk." WHAT!!?? I nearly cried in her office.  I did on the way home in my car, and am brought to tears as I write this.  Those words took me back to when I was 16, and my orthopedic said, "No more sports." I know some may not understand; however, this is MY thing.  Working out has been MY time for the last year. I also thought about the individuals I have been trying to inspire through my personal journey.

I have been bound and determined to look at what I am experiencing this time not as an excuse, but a limitation.  I have been finding different approved ways of maintaining daily activity that I enjoy.  

This morning's walk with Dad, Daughters, and Dog

My parents, especially my retired dad, have made it possible to get in walks with all the kids (even when I have my nephew). Sure, this isn't time just for myself, but it forces me to get the dog moving and get the girls outside as the weather is finally nice (although a little hot :).

It is important that I take time for myself.  I often believe that is why many don't commit to changing their unhealthy habits.  I felt a little selfish in the beginning, but recognize that I am a better person, wife, and mom, because I am taking care of myself. 

This has been my new ride for about 3 weeks ago.  I wiped off the dust and filled the tires with air.  I tried it one day and was happy that my OT said I could start incorporating biking into my routine.  Those nearly 300 calories are nothing in comparison to what I am used to burning with Insanity, T25, The 21 Day Fix, TurboFire, etc., but it is allowing me to stay true to my goals and those who look to me for encouragement.  

I started physical therapy last week to try to strengthen my muscles so that my nerve issue can be resolved, and she had me do wall squats.  I figured this would be a nice exercise to add to my walk/bike routine, but I know I enjoy these challenges when friends are doing it with me.  So a group of girls, some former challengers, and I started our 30 day squat challenge.  A squat helps far more than just one's legs!! 

Day 1-Squat Challenge-25 wall squats- I had a helper who made it even more challenging today :)

Is this ideally how I want to maintain the progress I have made for myself over the last year and continue to reach new goals? NOPE; however, this has yet again reminded me that life isn't ideal, and it throws curve balls at us to see how we will react.  In the past, I reacted by giving up and walking away; however, the positive people I have surrounded myself with through my involvement with Beachbody, taught me to NEVER GIVE UP!

So, what's holding you back from joining me and others on a journey to live a healthier lifestyle? Time? Money? Physical restrictions?

Want to be a part of my next accountability group that will use PIYO-a low impact, but intense program by Chalene Johnson that will sculpt your body using the foundation of Pilates and Yoga? My test  group is starting July 7, and I will limit it to 10 people.  Fill out the application below. 

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Accountability- The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

I remember my husband, Brian, approaching me about this Insanity workout he saw on an infomercial about 5 weeks after we had our second daughter.  My c-section belly, although deflating bit by bit as I started my calorie counting ways, needed some major help.

So, the day after Mother's Day, we started our journey.  At first we did the workouts together; however, that changed.  I would do mine in the morning, and he would do his later at night before bed.  I now understand why he liked it that way.  It is just nice to have that time for yourself with no other distractions (like me huffing and puffing next to him). I suppose he may have also changed his schedule to possibly allow himself to get out of it since I wasn't there moving him along. He made it nearly to the end of the program, but he stopped, even though he saw results (MUCH faster than my own I might add- Men!) He didn't hold himself accountability to anyone else.  I kept going, and going, and going like the Energizer bunny.  I did Insanity for 6 months.  I still struggled with my eating and trying to figure out how to fit this in with juggling the daily responsibilities of motherhood.    Many people say I continue to go because I have this unbreakable will power.  I don't really think it was/is that at all.  I set goals for myself and shared what I was doing on Facebook to stay accountable to them.  The power of social media is pretty amazing when used properly.  I kept posting the different workouts I did that day and pictures as I went along.  It helped me want to keep going. Wow, I picture shows so much more than a scale ever can.  

Although I was finding success in what I was doing, I still lacked the energy I needed to enjoy and be present with my two young girls each day.  I lost some weight; however, the calorie counting was exhausting, and I sort of hit a rut.  The scale and my waistband weren't moving after a while.  I was doing the same workouts over and over again.  In October 2013, I was approached my another Insanity lover, Kirsten Nuss, and that is where my Beachbody journey REALLY began.  

She, via Facebook private messages, talked to me about adding clean eating and Shakeology to my Insanity regimen, and this idea of being in a challenge group.  I was hesitant at first because I felt selfish for spending money on myself when my husband gave me the opportunity to leave my teaching job to be with our girls; however, after listening to a coach opportunity call and the mission of Beachbody, I knew I needed to do this for myself and others who I hoped to help with their own goals.  

I started my challenge group with my coach November 25, 2013 (Yep, the week of Thanksgiving!). It took me through 3 major eating holidays-Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.  I changed up my workout from Shaun T's Insanity to his Focus T25.  My schedule really appreciated the 25 minute workouts!! I lost 15.5 lbs and 14.75 inches in 60 Days!! I gained energy, confidence, a positive attitude, a LIFESTYLE, and a great network of individuals who continue to assist me with my goals. 

So what was missing from my Insanity routine? A couple things really such as a balanced, no calorie counting way of eating clean, my daily dose of Shakeology and its 70 beneficial super foods, but most importantly, accountability from others who had similar goals.  When I was completing Insanity, I thought I was eating pretty well; however, being a part of the group allowed me to really recognize how and what I was eating and to discuss it with others.  It educated me about planning in a "treat" meal as opposed to a treat day or weekend.  My coach and other participants picked me up when I struggled on a particular day and celebrated successes both on and off the scale.  I checked in with them daily about how my workout went and if I followed my meal plan and when I enjoyed my Shakeology.  Knowing that I was doing that daily check kept me on track (mostly) with my eating and workouts.  I'm human so of course I struggled with eating from time to time( I still do), but even despite some of those setbacks, I still saw results because of the small, daily changes I made because of my group.  The power of a positive environment with supportive individuals battling the same struggles is amazing.  There is no need to take the journey alone! 

This is May 12, 2014- 1 year after I started my journey with Beachbody

I continue to need the accountability, so I am looking to start up a new challenge group Monday, June 23.  That week I will spend time educating you about planning and prepping for success.  The next 3 weeks will be spent using effective 30 minute workouts and eating a balanced, portion controlled meal plan.  Although I can't do the workouts because of my wrist injury and nerve issues, I continue to follow The 21 Day Fix meal plan; however, I know that being accountable to you and the group will sway me from some of the late night snacks I have been having.  Although they are typically healthy choices such as my yogurt, honey, cinnamon, and peanut butter concoction, it is more than I should be eating, especially that late in the evening.  So,  let's help each other! Fill out this form so I can find out more about you and your goals so we can get started! 

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Mini Tortilla Pizzas-Husband and Kid Approved

I will be there first to admit that cooking isn't my favorite activity to do each day; however, as I committed to living a healthier lifestyle in November, I knew it was a necessity.  Eating foods that are full of preservatives and unnatural ingredients won't allow me to feel my best.  Those foods make me feel sluggish and actually confuse my brain into thinking I am still hungry when in fact I am not at all.  So, I have made it a goal recently to try a new recipe each week in order to change it up for myself and my family.  In this world of technology, it is quite easy to find numerous recipes.  I for one enjoy simple. I like making traditional meals like sloppy joe's and chili and use whole, healthy ingredients.  I thank one of my challengers for posting this recipe in my general health and fitness group I run via Facebook.

Mini Tortilla Pizzas

Ingredients

* Whole Wheat Tortillas

* Pizza Sauce

* Shredded Cheese

*  Toppings

*Cupcake tin

1.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and get out your cupcake tin. 

2.  Take 3 whole wheat tortillas and a can to create the small pizza crust.  When applying a good amount of pressure, the excess tortilla broke off pretty easily. 

I ended up getting 5 mini pizza crusts out of one tortilla. I saved the excess to give to my daughters. 

3.  Place tortillas into cupcake tin- lightly- do not press in- keep it toward the top

4.  Add pizza sauce- I used a tsp. in the 4 veggie pizzas I made for myself but followed the original recipe of 1 Tbsp. to the others with pepperoni. I simply used Ragu because the amount used was so minimal; however, there are organic, cleaner options you can find. 

My oldest daughter helping add sauce to the pizzas.

5.  Add cheese- I used shredded mozzarella.  I filled a blue 21 Day Fix container.  I only used a little more than half for my 4 mini pizzas.  The rest was put on my nightly salad. :)

6. Add toppings- This is where you can get creative.  I didn't want to use pepperoni; although, I think I will try it with turkey pepperoni.  I opted for veggies, and they were amazing.  I used red pepper, onion, and spinach.  I filled a green Fix container with my veggies.
7.  I cooked for 10 minutes. Check to see when cheese melts. 

Toppings being added-4 had my veggies on them

It is important to find meals that my family enjoys, and it becomes easier and easier when people share recipes they have tried.  

Simply take a fork to lift the pizza out of the tin.

Our youngest enjoying her pizza!

Those following The 21 Day Fix Meal Plan ( like me): 

1 yellow for tortilla- 4 pizzas

1 blue for cheese

1 green for veggie toppings

Enjoy this simple, yet healthy and satisfying meal! It went really well with a salad of romaine lettuce and spinach.  Eating healthy is quite enjoyable especially when one sees the affects of those healthy choices.  

Don't Call it a Comeback

       It's been 4 years since, Chalene Johnson, a motivating and upbeat fitness instructor, launched her last Beachbody Program, TurboFire.  I had the opportunity to do a week of TurboFire, before my OT benched me from my workouts to deal with some nerve issues I am suffering from, and her energy is contagious.

I got myself fired up after a weekend away with my friends!

Waking up early in the morning before our 2 girls get up to make sure I get in my "me" time, isn't always easy; however, her upbeat personality and amazing tunes in her programs really help!

Back in the day, before my Beachbody coaching days, I used to rock it out with her TurboJam program.  

I was taking it back to 2005 with TurboJam! I was prepping for the arrival of TurboFire.

       Chalene has impacted millions of people's lives with her inspirational personality and effective programs.  Although her last Beachbody program launch was in 2010, her influence has been around for years!! At the end of the month, PIYO will make its debut, and this program will be a game changer for so many people. Using one's own body weight, a person will sculpt his/her body with these 25-45 minute workouts without having to lift a weight or jump! They are low impact, but high intensity.  This may be my COMEBACK workout.

      I injured myself nearly 4 months ago lifting our garbage can onto one of the many GIANT mounds of snow we had in our yard this winter.  I ended up with a TFCC tear in my left wrist, and it has compounded some issues that most likely have been creeping up on me-It's getting on my NERVES, literally.  Due to some compression of nerves in my spine somewhere, I am struggling with numbness in some fingers and my arm.  Because of this, I was told to only walk.  WHAT?! I CRAVE my workouts, and I hope to work PIYO into my regimen as I continue to work with my OT and PT.  

Do you want in my PIYO test group? I am limiting it to 10 people, as to maximize their individual results.  Fill out this application so you can be a part of it.  We will rock these workouts, eat clean, and enjoy Shakeology daily in a supportive group environment on Facebook! 

Group starts July 7!!

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Helping Others by Helping Myself

       When I was a kid, I recall helping my mom when she had a headache.  I would lie with her in bed and rub her head until she began feeling better.  From that moment, I knew I wanted to care for people.  I didn't quite know how at the time, but as I went through my formal educational years, and the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" continued to be posed to me year after year, I knew I wanted to inspire a classroom of students.  I hoped to alleviate the anxiety and fear I often felt while in school.
      My interest turned into a reality as I entered the Education program at Loyola University of Chicago in the fall of 2001.  My preparation took me into diverse classrooms with students with various needs.  Once I completed my coursework in spring of 2005, I returned back home and in the fall of 2006, I returned to my roots at St. Charles School in Parma, Ohio.  I attended school there and was surrounded by the community my entire life.  I spent 7 years at St. Charles doing my best to educate students in the core subjects, but I also wanted to instill in them life lessons that went beyond the classroom.  My time at St. Charles ended in 2013, after my husband and I welcomed our second daughter.

We made a decision to have me stay home and raise our two sweet girls.

      Staying home with our girls is an amazing opportunity; however, I recognize that in order to be the best mom, I need to be the best version of myself.  I spent years trying to figure out a way to get into shape.  I was always an athletic and active individual, but five knee surgeries starting in my teens, left me feeling vulnerable when it came to exercise and working out.  I had pretty successfully figured out the calorie counting routine, but it just wasn't cutting it after baby #2! I refused to buy new clothes after restocking my wardrobe the spring before I got pregnant again.  My husband lit a fire under me to start this "Insanity" workout, so I figured I would give it a whirl.  I kept chugging along with my calorie counting, and although I was losing weight (slowly), I wasn't feeling myself.  I was sluggish, required a daily nap when the girls took theirs, and wasn't feeling confident in my clothes.

I posted about my "Insanity" workouts on Facebook, mainly to keep myself accountable, and through the wonderful world of social media, I was connected to Kirsten Nuss. She reached out to me one day because she saw that I "liked" a photo of her "Insanity" transformation.  We had a few conversations, and she asked me about incorporating Shakeology into my daily nutrition.

visit my site www.beachbodycoach.com/kpearrell to learn more

Being a stay at home mom, my first question was of course, "How much does it cost?" I didn't allow myself to buy it because I felt selfish.  My husband gave me the gift of staying home with our girls, so I felt I couldn't really do anything for me.  Kirsten didn't stop interacting and assisting me because I said, "NO." She invited me to be a part of a group she ran on Facebook that offered support.  She asked me, maybe a month of so after first talking, if I was interested in being a coach.  She knew that I loved the product, enjoyed inspiring others, and could use the extra money to help my family financially.  I listened to a coach opportunity call, and I was instantly attracted to the positivity and support of the team!  I NEEDED to be a part of this.

Me, Kirsten Nuss (my coach), and fellow coach, Danielle Engle at Super Saturday in Pittsburgh, PA

I instantly signed up as coach in November 2013 and began my journey to help others by keeping myself accountable to my personal goals and striving to help my family financially. One of my first goals as a coach was to inspire at least three people to join the upcoming accountability group my coach was running via Facebook.  I was excited to be a part of this to learn from her, but I was also looking forward to reaching health and fitness goals for myself.  I committed to enjoying Shakeology daily so that I would reap the benefits of 70 super foods, more energy, and less cravings!! I started utilizing the method of clean eating nutrition to rid my body of all the processed junk and to keep my meal plan as healthy and natural as possible.  I was shocked when the challenge and program were over because of the results that I saw in myself, not only physically, but mentally as well.  This was possible because of the daily support and motivation of Kirsten and the other members of our group.

15.5 lbs. lost ( NO CALORIE COUNTING), and 14.75 inches  (eating 5-6 meals a day)

      So although my "classroom" has changed, my daily objective is the same: help people. It is a fantastic feeling to be inspired by others; however, it is far more rewarding to inspire! Follow me on my journey of helping others through fitness and nutrition.  Join the movement to end the trend of obesity and assist others with living a healthier lifestyle.  Each small step we take, leads us to big changes!

Please fill out this form to if you are interested in joining one of my online fitness and health accountability groups.  

Are you ready to inspire others? Fill out this coach application to get the process started.