Posts by Cindra Kamphoff

In about 3 ½ weeks, I toe the line at Grandma’s Marathon. I am extra excited for the race because it’s my husband’s first marathon, and our first marathon together. GO DAN!! In that race, just like in all marathons I have run, I have a goal of eliminating negativity that can set in during…

  On Monday, during my appearance on 93.1 with TJ and Lisa, I declared the #authenticitychallenge. For the next 21 days, which is how long it takes to form a new habit, join us in consciously making the choice to show up as yourself every day—to be consciously authentic. What does being consciously authentic mean?…

By Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D. Over the past several weeks, I have been learning hip-hop dance moves for my performance at Dancing with the Mankato Stars. I do not dance regularly, and I have never hip hopped before. Thinking about dancing in front of an audience has me pushing myself to new limits and thinking about…

By Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D. Last Sunday I ran my 10th marathon, the Twin Cities Marathon. By most people’s standards, this makes me an experience marathoner. Yet, each time I ran 26.2 miles, I am fascinated by this mental and physical battle and the direct connections the marathon has to life. I share this experience in…

By Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D. All athletes experience a time when they are not playing at their best. Sometimes this can be explained by mechanical or physical problems. A key variable, however, that influences the length of time an athlete is not at their peak depends on the athlete’s mind. Specifically the thoughts that are consciously…

By Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D. One of the key characteristics that separate great athletes and performers from the rest is a burning desire to be at their best. Great performers know they can be more than they already are. This desire motivates them to keep pushing beyond their comfort zone. They have big dreams and are…

By Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D. Fear can come in many forms and when we feel it, it can stop us dead in our tracks. Fear can paralyze a performer or athlete in the middle of a play or at the end of the championship game. When we experience fear, we get in our own way. Of…

By Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D. Although my high school days were so many years ago, they seem like yesterday. I have vivid memories of playing sports. My favorite sports were cross country and track and field and I remember my parents attending every meet they could. In fact, I can’t recall a meet they didn’t make.…

By Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D. My youngest son was born 5 years ago. At that time, I couldn’t imagine running a single mile, let alone a marathon. It was hard for me to get started; I felt overweight and out of shape. I started walking because running seemed too difficult. Then I added half a mile…

By Cindra Kamphoff, Ph.D. As I walked back to our hotel the night before the Boston Marathon, I was just mad. Even though I knew I couldn’t control the weather, I was mad at Mother Nature. The weather was projected to reach a record high of 87 in Boston for the race the next day.…