A New Year Resolution

A new year what does that mean? While I am not one big on resolutions I do try to use the new year as a time to start over. 2017 was not the worst year I have had but was a difficult one physically but I feel like in the end it may not have turned out so bad. I did not do one run in 2017. I started out the year with a pretty purple cast I spent a total of  5 weeks of 2017 wearing this thing.


During my recovery my physical therapist advised that I no longer run. I tried to stay active with the cast however it was difficult especially with the ice storm and inability to drive. I continued to recover the cast had its own effects on my mobility but soon I was nearly back to normal. Then on Memorial day I woke up with vertigo for the first time. This was depressing as I spent most of a week laying down it took nearly a full month to recover from this but was able to return to activity after a couple of weeks. Luckily my physical therapist was able to recommend a partner of hers who specialized in vertigo. The dog didn't mind all the time I spent laying down but I sure did. The first half of the year was rough.

For my 41st birthday my husband got me the most wonderful gift. He knew that I needed to be out moving and that I missed running. Cardio at the gym just wasn't for me.
I am so thankful for this gift. It literally changed my life.















Eventually I made it back to my other love PIYO, I finally got to use the mat I had gotten for Christmas in 2016. I had been avoiding it as I was doing my workouts in shoes and did not want to ruin my pretty mat. A friend facing injury invited my to a climbing party as she prepared for surgery. I went thinking I would try it. It was harder than I ever thought and after the first try I was wishing I hadn't come. I pushed through, and with love and encouragement of the ladies I was with I finally made it to the top.

Near the end of the year I have joined some local women for an Insanity class, started going to a cycle studio and have met many new people sharing my love of working out. So while the year had a rough start where I felt like I would never get my fitness back. I am thankful that I have and have gained something that may seem small to others but with my setbacks physically and my old shoulder injury I was able to do something I never thought I would.

A plank on my toes. I have always been one to stay on my knees and recently realized that I could do this. So while 2017 started pretty rough I'm happy to see what I have gained. Climbing to the top of that wall, riding twenty miles, and planking on my toes these all would have been great resolutions. So think of that as you look forward to the new year. Things that challenge you that you can work toward and accomplish.  

I am looking forward to what 2018 will bring. 

We have all wanted to push motivation on to others. When they complain about their weight or not feeling well, or are generally not happy with where they are at. I want to find them the solution, I want to tell them about the freedom I have had with Whole30, and the exercise that I have come to love.

Reality is though you cannot give motivation in that way. 

A few months ago while listening to one of my favorite podcasts she spoke to me (okay I know she wasn't speaking directly to me) but her message definitely landed right in my heart. She talked about being the lighthouse. The lighthouse does not go out to sea to rescue the boats but rather stands on shore and shows them the way. The boats must come on their own. After hearing this I stop trying to recruit those around me to join me in this lifestyle. Those closest to me will be with me whether they workout or not. I cannot convince anyone to change their life if they are not ready. 

I took a second step and changed some of those who were around me. 

My neighbor who teaches great classes at our local grange. I met some other great people who share my goals. 

I started going to the new cycle studio I have met several people there who enjoy getting a good sweat on. A friend even contacted me who wanted to go to her first spin class, we had never worked out together before but it was great. She then purchased and at home bike and is getting her sweat on!

Three of my close friends have joined or returned to the gym. On their own when they were ready. 

Not waiting for the new year but just doing it, not for me, not for anyone but for them. 

Another friend has embraced whole30 and sends me recipes often and does PIYO at home and shares a love for this workout.

My co-worker who shares her runs, and strength class and cheers me on. 

A co-worker shared with me last week while she isn't able to attend the class I was inviting to her, she has found a buddy and they are doing a great circuit workout at the gym. 

A friend who just turned 35 is planning to run 35 races in her 35th year! 

While I can't workout with these ladies each day, knowing that we are all virtually getting our sweat on is awesome. I love hearing how people are taking care of themselves every step to better health is a step in the right direction. A 5 minute walk, or choosing a healthier way of eating. 

This motivates me, to keep going, keep sweating!

"Do you ever feel invisible?" 

A friend asked me this the other day. I thought about that for quite a long time.

I thought about some of the workout classes that I had been attending. It wasn't unusual to talk to no one at the class. Not one word, not one person. It is as if I am there alone. 

This got me thinking about what I am doing for fitness. Is this the right class for me? I am getting what I need physically but do I need more?

I have some close friends who cheer me on and cheer me up. I am thinking though I need more of that in my exercise. So I put myself out there to try new things. 

Do you remember the first time you went to an exercise class? Not knowing anyone, not knowing what to do. These are moments that I try to avoid in my adult life, it is easier to stay with what is comfortable. Comfortable does not get results. 

My first exercise class was a DVD in the comfort of my own home. Jillian Michaels yelling at me the same thing each day. It worked I eventually got in better shape. 

Now 12 years later exercise is a large part of my life and I need to get uncomfortable.

I attended a new group class, it started with a workout I was familiar with but progressed into the unknown. What a discovered is some new people to work out with,  a new place, and perhaps some new muscles that I hadn't used in a while.  I've went several times now and enjoy this new group.

Next I signed up for a cycle class at a new spin studio. It was last minute the day before thanksgiving an hour before the class I signed up. When I drove up I almost didn't get out of the car. I sat there for a bit and finally walked in. I was greeted by the owner who was so welcoming especially since I was the only one who had signed up that evening. Is it worse to not know anyone in class or to be the only one. I got over it and worked my ass off. That was a great workout I am heading back there today. 

I needed to get out try new things, push myself physically but also to make new friends who will be supportive and workout with me. 

The diet that is right for you.

Paleo Crossfit Running Keto Vegan Cycling Calorie Restriction Weight Watchers Monarch Weight Lifting Swimming Carb Cycling Yoga Macros Vegetarian Medifast 

Diet and lifestyle are very personal. 

While we hear everyday of the next best thing the diet that will help you lose weight and become "healthy" the truth is it doesn't exist.

While there are many ways to lose weight and to improve your health there is not one way. 

I have been down the path of the next best thing, I have taken on diets and become a believer. I have touted that following a certain plan where I lost weight is the best diet on the planet. What I realize now is that there is no one size fits all and while I do not follow a diet I have found some freedom in the wisdom of Whole30. It has helped me in so many ways, but not in weight loss. I currently weigh the same as when I was not doing Whole30. I am however feeling pretty good at maintaining my weight without one thought of dieting. I have discovered health in a different way. 

This leads me to my new found freedom. I don't really care what "diet" you are doing. I don't really care why you "can't have" a certain food. In that I will not bore you with reasons I order my burger without a bun and then eat dessert. I will not give you a dissertation on why I'm not drinking alcohol on our girls night out. I know not everything works for everybody and for you it may be a new diet each week but don't feel like you every have to justify with me your choices. I hope you find what works for you to get to where you are comfortable.

I do not expect if you are overweight that you will be starting a diet on Monday, or that you are going to get back to the gym. I do not want to hear how you wish you could eat dessert but you have been so "good" today. I hope you find what works for you but never feel like you have to explain it to me.

If you want to change your lifestyle....do it! If you need support I'm here. Do it for you, not because you feel you have to, do what works for you, not what someone else convinced you to do. 

Silver Lining

Every day is a new curve ball. 

Memorial day I woke up with a new problem, the world was spinning.My first time experiencing vertigo. I spent several days laying down. Starting a new term of school provided some challenges but I was able to get the work done. I got to spend some quality time with this girl and get a week of rest on my poor ankle.

 My sweet friends let me know that was the silver lining. My pain free ankle was the blessing that came from this. Here it is weeks later and that vertigo is almost gone. Made it back to Piyo finally last evening. Downward dog proved to be a bit challenging. 

Celebrating 41 was a great day. My sweet husband helped me to pick out and purchase this beauty.

I have spent considerable amount of time mourning the loss of running. I especially miss the time spent in my own head as I travel down the beautiful country road that we live on. This had become so therapeutic for me in the last couple of years. November 27 was the last time I ran. I may run again, who knows but for right now I have found something.

I am so happy I found that spark. Ankle is doing great we've even done some evening family walks. Last night I did two miles my longest distance (not counting Vegas who knows how far we walked there?!?) My Orthopedist released me, my physical therapist released me, although I gained a new one with the Vertigo hopefully that is short lived. 

I hope you too can find your spark!

Where have I been?

It's been a rocky road. In February I took a little trip to Vegas. A lot of fun and much more walking than I had been doing set me back.  Vegas is a fun place and the trip was good for my soul, but not necessarily my body. 

After our return my pain in my foot worsened the threat of surgery loomed over me but instead my doctor ordered another cast. Better than surgery but still yucky.

Only two weeks this time. I really struggled after due to a bursitis I developed. I'm getting back to the gym but it has been gradual. Have been able to do Piyo in shoes and finally last week went back to cycle. Learning about not pushing myself too hard as I feel like things are finally healing. A couple of sessions of accupuncture have dramatically improved things. 

Things are really going well. The pain is decreased, the sun is out, I'm ready to move past this injury and maybe on to the occasional run!

Running only to save your life.

Wow this journey of being injured has been a long one with a road much bumpier than I had hoped. A few weeks ago my PT let me know that she doesn't feel like running is the right exercise for me. Her exact words: "Running only to save your life" I thought that running was saving my life. Turns out that's not what she meant. Running from bears and burning buildings was the life saving activities that she was speaking of. I've been feeling better and optimistic about my recovery. Less pain, less swelling. I had a little vacation to Las Vegas a little more walking than I had been doing, but with it came a bit of a flare up. I've been resting since returning home, no gym, no bare feet. Today I returned to the orthopedist. Hopeful for a release maybe back to bare foot piyo, but instead a prescription for steroids, and a hope that things would get better with a small threat of surgery to figure out why there is still pain. Trying to stay positive.

Back sweating in the Gym.

            I ran into a friend who has just started at the gym, she was leaving a tough class covered in sweat and red in the face.  I could tell that she was self conscious.  I was feeling the same way as I made my way back into working out.  I saw here different than she sees herself. I saw a strong working mother making time for herself,  It encouraged me.  I love seeing others choose to do something for their health.

BACK TO PIYO!!!

           My first day back at PIYO I was almost late to the class which meant front row, and I had to wear my shoes. For a minute I went back to middle school gym class.  What would people think, I look foolish. I even ended up right in front of a mirror. But I pushed those thoughts aside and I kicked ass. I left there sweaty and happy. My husband didn't know what hit him I was in such a great mood. Yes that's the feeling I'd been missing for the last several weeks. I was sore for days a great reminder of how hard my body worked.

My sweaty happy smile leaving the gym after Piyo! Its good to be back!

No running.

After three weeks in my cast I was sure I'd be ready to run. Sometimes you go in blind and get a slap in the face. My orthopedist was happy with the decreased pain and swelling in my tendon upon removal of the cast. His prescription for limited activity and PT continued with a recheck in 6 weeks. 

 

No running.

 

I got in to my normal PT. She had been out of the office when I started this journey. She knows me and my diagnosis of CMT.  After discussion and assessment we made a plan a slow return to activity.

 

No running.

 

She broke the news that she is concerned that running may not be the best way for me to get cardio. Due to my leg problems from CMT it just might cause further injury.

 

No running.

 

That afternoon as the news sunk in. I mourned a bit, whined to my friends. I was shopping at costco. That was my Tuesday cardio. I ran into a co worker. She was post surgery. She had battled the same tendonitis with two rounds of casting and eventually surgery.

 

No running.

 

So no running. Time to focus on therapy, getting cardio in on the elliptical and the bike. Getting back to piyo as soon as my PT lets me. but for now...no running. 









January 12, 2017

This year started out with many great intentions and although there were some successes there were also some failures.

On December 30 after battling posterior tibial tendonitis for two months my orthopedist decided on a treatment that will hopefully help although seems a bit drastic. A cast for three months. I'm relieved that the MRI didn't show more than just lots of inflammation however this is not how I intended to spend my new year.

Luckily I was prepared with a fresh pedicure!

Now that is my driving foot something I hadn't really anticipated, but this was going to make life much more difficult, having the hub drive my and my littles everywhere. On January 2nd I started a round of Whole30 determined to not let this set me back, no weight gain of pity party eating. I even made some trips to the gym thank goodness my hub was there to drive me. That will be the subject of another blog.... going to the gym with a cast. 

Next came this lovely little bout of snow. Kids off school and more time at home. Meetings cancelled and the hub off work too, meant we weren't going anywhere. 

We forged through made the best of things and finally the Friday after winter break the kids went back to school, I was home getting stuff done excited for a weekend full of outings. I could finally return stuff from christmas, get some groceries, maybe another trip to the gym. Then this happened. 

Another crazy round of snow. I was even ready for the gym when flakes the size of silver dollars started falling. This is not our thing this shuts down our world, we do rain lots of rain, not snow! Another two days in the house, our supply of fresh food dwindling and being on Whole30 having fresh fruit and veggies on hand is essential. Saturday the start of it I was torn, I wanted to quit whole30 so badly but not be a failure. It was day 6 and we had done well. I had eliminated my evening snacking and had stayed compliant even facing the rolls at Texas roadhouse. I wasn't going to let the weather be my excuse to quit. The whole day was hard, I was torn with keeping it going and diving head first into a loaf of bread. I made it through Saturday binge watching Netflix and making a new and wonderful dinner. 

Sunday day 7 the snow was still around and now thick with a crust of ice. We weren't going anywhere. I had the urge to bake I didn't want another day of being so anxious about food, but here it was again. I spent a lot of time thinking about it that morning over my black coffee and boiled eggs. Finally I decided it was over. I would come back to it, and continue my journey of food freedom. I've spent so many diets fighting this anxiety and worry about "cheating" I didn't want to spend another minute obsessing about food. That is not part of my food freedom plan. I gave my family permission to bake and I let them know that we are done with our January Whole30 but that I am continuing on my journey to food freedom but that I needed this snowy Sunday to not obsess about food. I spent the day relaxed. My hub took the time to make a family recipe that he was holding off on due to the whole30. 

Cardamom Bread

While I'd like to say I hopped right back on to whole30 as the snow melted but that wouldn't be the truth. I have been eating many whole30 meals and cooking from my new cookbook. I felt as though I should continue on you know "do it for the people" but really this is only about me. Hoping to incorporate more whole7's in my life and continue with my food freedom.