Hello my friends! YES it has been a long time since I've written, and I do sincerely apologize. I did drop off the face of the planet for a time, but I am back!
What's more, I want to share with you my friend's fun and amazing new blog! Go check out www.discoveryourhappy.com
They have some fantastic recipes, along with fun races to hit in 2013, some great giveaways and just some all around fun things to look into!
So, head over there and check them out!
Then, stay tuned as I update my blog and share more with you!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Road to Recovery
My dear friends! It is so good to be back!
I know I have been absent, and once again, I do apologize. I had such high hopes for 2012, but things have not gone quite as I had planned. In fact, I have found myself in some unfamiliar territory.
A little over two months ago, I broke my foot. It's the first broken bone I have ever experienced in my 40 years, and needless to say, it has not been pleasant. I have dealt with IT issues, sprains, blisters and bruises-NO PROBLEM! But a broken bone? Not only that, but a broken foot? WTH? Why not a finger, or something that doesn't have a huge impact on my running............ (all thoughts running through my head at the time).
How did this happen, you ask? Well, I wish I had some fantastic story about how I landed wrong after an aerial while snowboarding (haha), or that I did it while training for my latest race. But, no such adventure happened.
Plain and simple: I tripped, landed on the top of my foot and snapped the bone that attaches my pinkie toe to the rest of my foot. It was a good one too-almost 3" long. What was supposed to be 4-6 weeks in a walking boot, turned into 11 weeks, with the threat of surgery (Yikes). Long-story-short, with a lot of prayers and me finally doing as the doctor directed, the walking boot was officially removed yesterday! YAY!!!!
However, looking back over the past 11 weeks, I have to admit that this has been a difficult time for me, and it has also been a time of growth. During the first 4 weeks, I tried to stay positive. I still did some strength training, but quickly found that I was getting bored and going stir crazy. Just when I started going crazy, I ended up in Houston during the Olympic Trials Marathon and the Houston Marathon......AMAZING! That is another story in which I will surely share soon. It was such an inspiring and overwhelming experience! I also made some new friends that week, as well as on the plane ride home (Hi Louie), all of whom I learned something from. While I started to feel sorry for myself, hearing some of their stories about recovering from their injuries and setbacks made me realize that I had it pretty good and that I had no reason to complain or feel sorry for myself. Through their stories, I learned of a deeper, inner strength that we all have and are able to draw from when we feel we have hit rock bottom. This inner strength is what would pull me through to today, as the day after I returned from Houston, I received the news that my foot was not healing and that I was to be in the boot, and out of commission, for at least another 4-6 weeks- with the possibility of surgery. As I began to feel my race season slipping away, I broke down and cried. And cried. Then, I did something even worse: I went to the store and bought everything bad for me, and I sat and cried and ate until I felt numb. Then, I felt sick and began to regret my decision to wallow in my sorrows. It was at that point that I realized I had two choices: I could sit and wallow in my sorrows for the next 4-6 weeks and totally fall off the wagon (and end up in a padded room), or I could suck it up and do the best I could until I could resume with my "normal" life.
I chose the latter.
The next morning, I woke up with new determination and motivation. I was not going to let this dumb injury consume me. Every morning since then, I have gotten up and done some form of exercise; whether it's strength training, or some very low impact cardio-just as long as I found myself moving. The mild winter weather wasn't helping my longing to hit the pavement, but I didn't give up. I have stayed as busy as possible, focusing on my family and on work. Amazingly, I actually learned to relax a little (maybe too much) and enjoy some things that I haven't taken the time for in a few years. I have reflected on my goals, ditched some and added new ones, and I have learned to appreciate life in a whole new way. Yes, it took me breaking my foot to do these things :)
Yesterday was one of the best days I've ever had. Now, my foot is not completely healed-I was told that it may take up to 1 year before the bone is completely solid again, but I have been cleared to resume with my activities (just taking it slow). To celebrate, I spent the day with some of the people I love dearly, just enjoying my time with them.
Today...........FANTASTIC! I spent two hours at the gym, and it felt wonderful! Then, I spent the day working and playing, and just enjoying life.
So, that's it: ENJOY LIFE!
Enjoy EVERY MOMENT, and live life to the fullest. I've always known that, and for the most part, I've tried to live by that. But, at some point, I actually forgot to do it. Until now.
This road to recovery wasn't just a physical one, but an emotional and mental one as well.
I hope that if any of you find yourself on the physically, emotionally or mentally "injured list", you will take the time to reflect, regroup and recover! You're worth it!
I know I have been absent, and once again, I do apologize. I had such high hopes for 2012, but things have not gone quite as I had planned. In fact, I have found myself in some unfamiliar territory.
A little over two months ago, I broke my foot. It's the first broken bone I have ever experienced in my 40 years, and needless to say, it has not been pleasant. I have dealt with IT issues, sprains, blisters and bruises-NO PROBLEM! But a broken bone? Not only that, but a broken foot? WTH? Why not a finger, or something that doesn't have a huge impact on my running............ (all thoughts running through my head at the time).
How did this happen, you ask? Well, I wish I had some fantastic story about how I landed wrong after an aerial while snowboarding (haha), or that I did it while training for my latest race. But, no such adventure happened.
Plain and simple: I tripped, landed on the top of my foot and snapped the bone that attaches my pinkie toe to the rest of my foot. It was a good one too-almost 3" long. What was supposed to be 4-6 weeks in a walking boot, turned into 11 weeks, with the threat of surgery (Yikes). Long-story-short, with a lot of prayers and me finally doing as the doctor directed, the walking boot was officially removed yesterday! YAY!!!!
However, looking back over the past 11 weeks, I have to admit that this has been a difficult time for me, and it has also been a time of growth. During the first 4 weeks, I tried to stay positive. I still did some strength training, but quickly found that I was getting bored and going stir crazy. Just when I started going crazy, I ended up in Houston during the Olympic Trials Marathon and the Houston Marathon......AMAZING! That is another story in which I will surely share soon. It was such an inspiring and overwhelming experience! I also made some new friends that week, as well as on the plane ride home (Hi Louie), all of whom I learned something from. While I started to feel sorry for myself, hearing some of their stories about recovering from their injuries and setbacks made me realize that I had it pretty good and that I had no reason to complain or feel sorry for myself. Through their stories, I learned of a deeper, inner strength that we all have and are able to draw from when we feel we have hit rock bottom. This inner strength is what would pull me through to today, as the day after I returned from Houston, I received the news that my foot was not healing and that I was to be in the boot, and out of commission, for at least another 4-6 weeks- with the possibility of surgery. As I began to feel my race season slipping away, I broke down and cried. And cried. Then, I did something even worse: I went to the store and bought everything bad for me, and I sat and cried and ate until I felt numb. Then, I felt sick and began to regret my decision to wallow in my sorrows. It was at that point that I realized I had two choices: I could sit and wallow in my sorrows for the next 4-6 weeks and totally fall off the wagon (and end up in a padded room), or I could suck it up and do the best I could until I could resume with my "normal" life.
I chose the latter.
The next morning, I woke up with new determination and motivation. I was not going to let this dumb injury consume me. Every morning since then, I have gotten up and done some form of exercise; whether it's strength training, or some very low impact cardio-just as long as I found myself moving. The mild winter weather wasn't helping my longing to hit the pavement, but I didn't give up. I have stayed as busy as possible, focusing on my family and on work. Amazingly, I actually learned to relax a little (maybe too much) and enjoy some things that I haven't taken the time for in a few years. I have reflected on my goals, ditched some and added new ones, and I have learned to appreciate life in a whole new way. Yes, it took me breaking my foot to do these things :)
Yesterday was one of the best days I've ever had. Now, my foot is not completely healed-I was told that it may take up to 1 year before the bone is completely solid again, but I have been cleared to resume with my activities (just taking it slow). To celebrate, I spent the day with some of the people I love dearly, just enjoying my time with them.
Today...........FANTASTIC! I spent two hours at the gym, and it felt wonderful! Then, I spent the day working and playing, and just enjoying life.
So, that's it: ENJOY LIFE!
Enjoy EVERY MOMENT, and live life to the fullest. I've always known that, and for the most part, I've tried to live by that. But, at some point, I actually forgot to do it. Until now.
This road to recovery wasn't just a physical one, but an emotional and mental one as well.
I hope that if any of you find yourself on the physically, emotionally or mentally "injured list", you will take the time to reflect, regroup and recover! You're worth it!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Happy 2012!
Happy 2012 everyone!
Well, we are already three days into the new year-can you believe it?! My, how time flies. I hope you all had a great 2011, and are ready to jump start 2012 on the right track!
By now, most of us have hit the "winter blahs", and those goals we have set for ourselves-well, they have kind of gone out the window...........sound familiar?
Do you find that you were slowly sinking back into your unhealthy habits, but have since spiraled out of control? Have you been thinking to yourself "It's pointless, I've already undone what I worked for", or "Once the new year starts, I will start over."?
You're not alone! So many people fall into this same rut. But you know what? You're right- it is a new year, and it is time for a clean, fresh start. So, how do you do it? Here's how:
1-DESIRE
The first step is to have the desire to live a fuller, healthier life.
2-DECIDE
Next, make the decision to live a healthier life.
3-PLAN
Create a plan that will work for you. One person's workout and nutrition plan may not work for someone else. So, sit and write down specific goals and plans that will help you achieve maximum benefits, both physically and mentally. This includes exercise, nutrition, and mental relaxation. Make your plan challenging, but make it realistic. Writing it down and placing it where you can see your plan daily, will help you stick to your program. If you need help or suggestions, you can turn to a dietitian, your doctor, a personal trainer, or hit the Internet. :)
4-COMMIT
Once you have your plan down on paper, commit to it. Tell everyone you know about it, that way they will ask you about your progress-one way to keep you accountable for your actions. This also creates a support network, and success is more likely when you have a strong support network.
5-DO
Now that you have set aside a certain time each day for exercise, and you have created your nutritionally balanced menu........DO IT......yes, that means beginning NOW.
6-LOG IT
Keeping a daily log/journal is another way to hold yourself accountable. Don't just write down the date and what you ate and how much you exercised, but write down things like how you feel emotionally and mentally, how you felt before and after you exercised. Log your successes as well as your trials and/or failures; keep weekly logs of your measurements and weight; take before, during and after pictures. Keep all of this in your log/journal so that you can actually see your transformation before your eyes. Do this so that on your bad days, you can look back and see how much you have progressed. In the long run, you'll be glad you did this.
7-SUCCEED
YOU CAN DO IT! Now, go out there and succeed! Do not compare yourself to others; this is not a race. Everyone has different goals, and comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples and and bananas........just doesn't work. If you have a setback, then get up and move forward. This is YOUR life, and these are YOUR goals.....so, go out there and SUCCEED-for YOU!
Here's to a fantastic 2012! I look forward to hearing your stories throughout the year, and I am sitting here, in my little corner, cheering you on all the way! I know you can do this! :)
Well, we are already three days into the new year-can you believe it?! My, how time flies. I hope you all had a great 2011, and are ready to jump start 2012 on the right track!
By now, most of us have hit the "winter blahs", and those goals we have set for ourselves-well, they have kind of gone out the window...........sound familiar?
Do you find that you were slowly sinking back into your unhealthy habits, but have since spiraled out of control? Have you been thinking to yourself "It's pointless, I've already undone what I worked for", or "Once the new year starts, I will start over."?
You're not alone! So many people fall into this same rut. But you know what? You're right- it is a new year, and it is time for a clean, fresh start. So, how do you do it? Here's how:
1-DESIRE
The first step is to have the desire to live a fuller, healthier life.
2-DECIDE
Next, make the decision to live a healthier life.
3-PLAN
Create a plan that will work for you. One person's workout and nutrition plan may not work for someone else. So, sit and write down specific goals and plans that will help you achieve maximum benefits, both physically and mentally. This includes exercise, nutrition, and mental relaxation. Make your plan challenging, but make it realistic. Writing it down and placing it where you can see your plan daily, will help you stick to your program. If you need help or suggestions, you can turn to a dietitian, your doctor, a personal trainer, or hit the Internet. :)
4-COMMIT
Once you have your plan down on paper, commit to it. Tell everyone you know about it, that way they will ask you about your progress-one way to keep you accountable for your actions. This also creates a support network, and success is more likely when you have a strong support network.
5-DO
Now that you have set aside a certain time each day for exercise, and you have created your nutritionally balanced menu........DO IT......yes, that means beginning NOW.
6-LOG IT
Keeping a daily log/journal is another way to hold yourself accountable. Don't just write down the date and what you ate and how much you exercised, but write down things like how you feel emotionally and mentally, how you felt before and after you exercised. Log your successes as well as your trials and/or failures; keep weekly logs of your measurements and weight; take before, during and after pictures. Keep all of this in your log/journal so that you can actually see your transformation before your eyes. Do this so that on your bad days, you can look back and see how much you have progressed. In the long run, you'll be glad you did this.
7-SUCCEED
YOU CAN DO IT! Now, go out there and succeed! Do not compare yourself to others; this is not a race. Everyone has different goals, and comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples and and bananas........just doesn't work. If you have a setback, then get up and move forward. This is YOUR life, and these are YOUR goals.....so, go out there and SUCCEED-for YOU!
Here's to a fantastic 2012! I look forward to hearing your stories throughout the year, and I am sitting here, in my little corner, cheering you on all the way! I know you can do this! :)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Where to Start...........
I have been sitting here for the past hour, wondering what to write. It's not because I have writer's block, it's simply because it has been forever since I've posted anything and I have so much to share. I could go back and continue from my last post and go forward chronologically, or I can start from more recent events and go back.......or, I can just go with whatever comes to mind and hope that you all will stay with me until I have you completely caught up. Oh, what to do...........
Well, I think that at this point, it will be easier to just go with whatever comes to my mind, and then along the way, we will get caught up-just hang with me. :)
So, given that the holidays are here, I am going to start with some tips on how to stay healthy without worrying about adding to your waistline. Fact: most people will gain between 5-10 lbs. during the holidays because they go overboard at the buffet table, and they "give up" their exercising because they are "on vacation" until the new year. Don't fall into these traps.
1-Eat Small Meals
By eating 4-6 small meals throughout the day instead of saving yourself for the big meal at the end of the day, you are less likely to go overboard and fill your plate with unwanted calories. Also, studies have shown that by eating smaller meals throughout the day, you keep your metablolism working, which means you burn more calories faster than by eating 2-3 larger meals.
Another good idea is to eat an apple and drink water before heading to those holiday meals. Doing this helps fill you up (with little calories) and keeps you from binging at the buffet table.
2-Plan a Workout Before an Event
By getting in a good, heart pumping, sweat inducing workout an hour or two before your holiday party, not only will you feel rejuvinated, your body will be in "burn mode" while you are enjoying your meal. Thus, if you should happen to consume a few extra calories, you know you'll be burning them off. Eating foods such as turkey, sweet potatoes and cranberries will help to replenish the nutrients needed after your workout.
3-Healthy Eats
Believe it or not, there are actually healthy & tasty choices among the buffet of temptations. Foods such as turkey, cranberries, sweet potatoes and pumpkin are packed with vitamins and nutrients that your body needs. So, go ahead and enjoy! Just remember, enjoy in smaller portions :) Also, it won't hurt to add a handful of veggies to your plate (minus the dip).
4-Bring Your Own Dish
When invited to any event that includes food, offer to bring something of your own. Fruit platters w/yogurt, veggie trays w/fat-free dip, fat-free chips and salsa are all good to add to a table, and they always go fast!
5-Modify a Recipe
Most people don't know how to modify a recipe, or they are afraid that by modifying, they are taking away from the flavor of a dish. In fact, usually the opposite is true. Simple and delicious modifications: use applesauce in place of oil for muffins; use low-fat yogurt in place of sour cream on sweet potatoes. For a list of ideas on recipe modifications, visit HeartHealthyRecipeModifcations.
6-Watch the Liquid Calories
It's easy to consume a lot of calories, and it's not by eating. Everything from soda to alcohol, empty calories are everywhere! If you choose to drink anything other than water, please be aware of how much you are drinking-better yet, if you must, just drink one and then fill up on water. Most 8-12 oz drinks contain anywhere from 160-300 calories-YIKES!
7-Social Eating
We're all guilty of it, especially at large functions. We gather around the appetizer table and "snack" while visiting; we load up our plates because everything looks so good, and we don't want to offend anyone for not choosing their dish. In the end, we end up feeling so full we think we're going to explode, and then we curse ourselves because we ruined all the hard work we've done over the year. By the time it's all said and done, we are ready to throw in the towel and give up on being healthy all together.
The answer: Fill a small plate with what you really want, walk away from the table and socialize elsewhere. When it comes to sitting down for the main meal, again-take only what you know you will eat, and take it in small portions. It's a much easier way to leave a function feeling not only fed and happy, but satisfied because you didn't ruin your year's worth of health and nutrition efforts.
Here's to a healthy and happy you! Happy Holidays!
Well, I think that at this point, it will be easier to just go with whatever comes to my mind, and then along the way, we will get caught up-just hang with me. :)
So, given that the holidays are here, I am going to start with some tips on how to stay healthy without worrying about adding to your waistline. Fact: most people will gain between 5-10 lbs. during the holidays because they go overboard at the buffet table, and they "give up" their exercising because they are "on vacation" until the new year. Don't fall into these traps.
1-Eat Small Meals
By eating 4-6 small meals throughout the day instead of saving yourself for the big meal at the end of the day, you are less likely to go overboard and fill your plate with unwanted calories. Also, studies have shown that by eating smaller meals throughout the day, you keep your metablolism working, which means you burn more calories faster than by eating 2-3 larger meals.
Another good idea is to eat an apple and drink water before heading to those holiday meals. Doing this helps fill you up (with little calories) and keeps you from binging at the buffet table.
2-Plan a Workout Before an Event
By getting in a good, heart pumping, sweat inducing workout an hour or two before your holiday party, not only will you feel rejuvinated, your body will be in "burn mode" while you are enjoying your meal. Thus, if you should happen to consume a few extra calories, you know you'll be burning them off. Eating foods such as turkey, sweet potatoes and cranberries will help to replenish the nutrients needed after your workout.
3-Healthy Eats
Believe it or not, there are actually healthy & tasty choices among the buffet of temptations. Foods such as turkey, cranberries, sweet potatoes and pumpkin are packed with vitamins and nutrients that your body needs. So, go ahead and enjoy! Just remember, enjoy in smaller portions :) Also, it won't hurt to add a handful of veggies to your plate (minus the dip).
4-Bring Your Own Dish
When invited to any event that includes food, offer to bring something of your own. Fruit platters w/yogurt, veggie trays w/fat-free dip, fat-free chips and salsa are all good to add to a table, and they always go fast!
5-Modify a Recipe
Most people don't know how to modify a recipe, or they are afraid that by modifying, they are taking away from the flavor of a dish. In fact, usually the opposite is true. Simple and delicious modifications: use applesauce in place of oil for muffins; use low-fat yogurt in place of sour cream on sweet potatoes. For a list of ideas on recipe modifications, visit HeartHealthyRecipeModifcations.
6-Watch the Liquid Calories
It's easy to consume a lot of calories, and it's not by eating. Everything from soda to alcohol, empty calories are everywhere! If you choose to drink anything other than water, please be aware of how much you are drinking-better yet, if you must, just drink one and then fill up on water. Most 8-12 oz drinks contain anywhere from 160-300 calories-YIKES!
7-Social Eating
We're all guilty of it, especially at large functions. We gather around the appetizer table and "snack" while visiting; we load up our plates because everything looks so good, and we don't want to offend anyone for not choosing their dish. In the end, we end up feeling so full we think we're going to explode, and then we curse ourselves because we ruined all the hard work we've done over the year. By the time it's all said and done, we are ready to throw in the towel and give up on being healthy all together.
The answer: Fill a small plate with what you really want, walk away from the table and socialize elsewhere. When it comes to sitting down for the main meal, again-take only what you know you will eat, and take it in small portions. It's a much easier way to leave a function feeling not only fed and happy, but satisfied because you didn't ruin your year's worth of health and nutrition efforts.
Here's to a healthy and happy you! Happy Holidays!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
What Can I Say........
I am sincerely sorry for the long absence. I know I apologized in my last post (2 months ago) for being absent, and I really thought I was back and able to write again. However, life threw me a few more curve balls and I have spent this time trying to recover.
Happily, I can say that I have been able to bounce back and can now resume posting again. I have so much to share- to start, check out some new recipes I've posted in the Recipe Corner. I have many training and race stories to share, along with obstacles and triumphs-and of course, I have pictures.
I want to thank those of you who have emailed me with your love and concern for my absence, along with those of you who have shared your fitness trials and triumphs, and those of you who have had questions and have asked for my help. You have all helped keep me going.
I am so grateful for all of you, and I wouldn't be able to do this blog without you. Congratulations to you for all that you have accomplished and for overcoming your obstacles. I am proud of you for not giving up, and for working so hard to become a healthier and happier YOU!
Friday, September 23, 2011
My Apologies.......
In my last post, I said that I would be returning to a "normal" blogging schedule within a few days. Boy was I wrong! I am so sorry that I have been away for so long. I will spare you the gory & boring details, but needless to say, more chaos happened after the move- However, a lot of really great things have happened as well.
It's been a summer of change, growth, learning, heartache and joy- some of which I will be sharing with you.
I am ready and able to attend to things in my life that have been neglected, such as this blog.
Again, please accept my apologies for being absent for so long. I have so much to write about, and I am happy to say that I can spend a good portion of this weekend doing it. I hope you are all ready to pull up a comfy chair and catch up on some "light" reading............ I'm Back.
HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE! :)
It's been a summer of change, growth, learning, heartache and joy- some of which I will be sharing with you.
I am ready and able to attend to things in my life that have been neglected, such as this blog.
Again, please accept my apologies for being absent for so long. I have so much to write about, and I am happy to say that I can spend a good portion of this weekend doing it. I hope you are all ready to pull up a comfy chair and catch up on some "light" reading............ I'm Back.
HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE! :)
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Pardon my absence........
I have been in the "middle" of moving........for almost two weeks now. That is one week and three days longer than I had planned on or wanted, but all sorts of chaos has happened which has caused this move to drag on forever. At last I am happy to say- I AM DONE. :)
With that said, I am able to resume the fun things in life, such as this blog. Stay tuned-I will post part 2 of "Avoiding Burnout", along with some great new end of summer recipes, within the next few days.
In the meantime, I hope you are all enjoying your summer. Take the time to enjoy the little moments-they pass by quickly. Go and have an adventure, and I will talk to you soon!
With that said, I am able to resume the fun things in life, such as this blog. Stay tuned-I will post part 2 of "Avoiding Burnout", along with some great new end of summer recipes, within the next few days.
In the meantime, I hope you are all enjoying your summer. Take the time to enjoy the little moments-they pass by quickly. Go and have an adventure, and I will talk to you soon!
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