Last summer my sister completed a Sprint Triathlon and I was there to watch. It was so cool. I was inspired but never thought it would be something I would do. But as my physical being improved...I knew that I would have to find out a way to challenge my body. I knew that I wouldn't be able to "just" lift weights and go home and be content...nope! I also know that running a marathon is not my thing...that is a long way to go and do only one thing...run! The thought of training for that made me very weary! So it finally clicked that I could/should do a sprint triathlon. I committed myself to do them by mentioning it to a couple key people in my life...and then I panicked...
I don't know how to swim effectively. I can stay afloat....I can probably make it from one end of the pool to another but that is about it...I do think I have the other two aspects of a TRI down pat...biking...and running...Well biking...maybe not...I need to learn how to use the gears correctly and lengthen my distance...I am doing a Spinning Class starting this week.
Anyway...just today I registered for some swim lessons...I am hoping to do a few private lessons to learn a good basic stroke/method...and then I will start my training.
My immediate plan is to alternate between swim, bike, run...until I can do each segment smoothly.
Then I plan on combining /transitioning between two segments.
I am getting really excited to start training. It should be a lot of fun!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Joy -fully it has been a Year!
We have all heard that joy comes from within...when you encounter joy your body reacts...either with that shiver...or your mind becomes so full ...or your break out in a smile...
This year has been a year of joy for me.
Last April 23rd the last thing I wanted to do was show up for my scheduled Personal Training session and I remember driving he 2 miles as slow as possible. The closer I got the more that little voice was saying turn around...forget it...don't do it...you will make a fool of yourself...
I didn't listen...
I am finding this really hard to put into words.
All along I knew there was an athlete waiting to escape. As a child I was active and was pretty competent on any field...in HS and in college I participated in sports...and I ran...I loved to run...but then life happened...I collapsed emotionally and physically. In the span of 2 years I became a wife, a mother and was a teacher...all roles that served others...
And like many of us women out there we put ourselves...mind body and soul second...third...fourth...
I have no regrets...I love my husband...children and my profession...but I don't really think I loved myself...
I didn't love myself enough to take care of me...
Then one day as I was laying on my bed...drinking a DC...and probably eating chips...and watching TV...I said enough...This is suppose to be your year and you are blowing it! (I had determined 2012 to be my year...but didn't have specific plans)
It took me about a week to find someone that could tolerate me...I guess what I mean someone with enough patience to work with middle aged way out of shape person...
The rest is history...
Now I know most people think that we shouldn't put so much value on how you look...but dang it...it does matter...weight...and body composition and healthy bones and muscles do matter...A LOT...but the joy I have gained ranks high up there too...really high!
I look in the mirror and I like what I see...I like the fact that my face is thinner...and not jiggly...I like the fact that I am more willing to wear colors...I like the fact that I don't try to blend into the background...I like the fact that my life has taken on a new purpose...
A new purpose?
Inspiration....
People ask and I tell them...I encourage them and I share what I know works...
Joy!
This year has been a year of joy for me.
Last April 23rd the last thing I wanted to do was show up for my scheduled Personal Training session and I remember driving he 2 miles as slow as possible. The closer I got the more that little voice was saying turn around...forget it...don't do it...you will make a fool of yourself...
I didn't listen...
I am finding this really hard to put into words.
All along I knew there was an athlete waiting to escape. As a child I was active and was pretty competent on any field...in HS and in college I participated in sports...and I ran...I loved to run...but then life happened...I collapsed emotionally and physically. In the span of 2 years I became a wife, a mother and was a teacher...all roles that served others...
And like many of us women out there we put ourselves...mind body and soul second...third...fourth...
I have no regrets...I love my husband...children and my profession...but I don't really think I loved myself...
I didn't love myself enough to take care of me...
Then one day as I was laying on my bed...drinking a DC...and probably eating chips...and watching TV...I said enough...This is suppose to be your year and you are blowing it! (I had determined 2012 to be my year...but didn't have specific plans)
It took me about a week to find someone that could tolerate me...I guess what I mean someone with enough patience to work with middle aged way out of shape person...
The rest is history...
Now I know most people think that we shouldn't put so much value on how you look...but dang it...it does matter...weight...and body composition and healthy bones and muscles do matter...A LOT...but the joy I have gained ranks high up there too...really high!
I look in the mirror and I like what I see...I like the fact that my face is thinner...and not jiggly...I like the fact that I am more willing to wear colors...I like the fact that I don't try to blend into the background...I like the fact that my life has taken on a new purpose...
A new purpose?
Inspiration....
People ask and I tell them...I encourage them and I share what I know works...
Joy!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Diet Coke--less...It has been a year!
A year ago life as I knew it changed..yep changed...the first being that I cold turkey quit Diet Coke..well I guess that wasn't the first thing that happened...
A year ago this past week I was at a physical therapy appointment. At this appointment I had asked my therapist if he knew of any personal trainers... the rest is history...
I met with the trainer he recommended on a Saturday morning (April 21) It was an interesting meeting where I was asked what my goals would be...huh? What? To lose weight, duh! But as I was soon to learn that wasn't clear enough...
The next day...Sunday...I drank my last Diet Coke...yep the last one...I was walking into Sunday School toting my last Diet Coke...at the time I didn't realize that it was going to be my last one but it was...
Later in the day I was thinking about my first session of training...scared to death...like sick to my stomach scared...and it was then that I decided that "IT" was going to be an all or nothing deal...I was going to cut out all the "bad" in my life to make "THIS" work...So I decided that come Monday morning I was NOT going to drink a Diet COKE on my way to work or at all...NOW..anyone that knows me...knows that I went to MCDONALDS every single solitary day to buy a LARGE Diet Coke..and that it didn't stop there...usually 2-3 cans more...So you can imagine how distraught my mind and body was that Monday!
I made it through the day, went home, and finally told my family that I was going to a training session. My first one was like at 4pm. So...off I went...
This was on April 23rd...
Like I stated above I was scared but maybe intimidated is a better word. What was I thinking? Well whatever it was ended up being okay because I haven't looked back since.
Here are some memories ...I remember not knowing how to do anything Chris was asking me to do...lunges...ball curls etc....I did recognize things like crunches and push ups...oh and you know those big ole fireman ropes? Eh...nasty!
I remember coming home after the first many sessions and passing out on the couch literally not being able to move! I remember being so sick the first the second week but didn't let it stop me....I mean I was barely able to talk...
I remember when something clicked and I started thinking about changing some of my eating habits...I think it was eating yogurt and protein shakes....still two of my favorite things..
I remember when I got on the scale and weighing more...thought I was going to die! But I also remember when I lost that first 5...I was jumping for joy inside and out! I also remember Chris handing me the 5 pound weight so I could actually feel what I lost!
I remember the time going on and my students seeing changes.. They were so sweet. I remember clearing out all the junk food in my desk and giving it to them!
I remember and still have this big bad ugly blister from walking ...and having to switch to biking because of it..
I remember once school was over and training in the morning and feeling super energized on those days.
I remember going to the Farmers Market and really getting excited about all the new foods I wanted to try...
Slowly my life was changing ...
Other memories include Boot Camp and Ultimate Frisbee and shopping for summer clothes sizes smaller ...my family noticing...restructuring my life...
My trip to NYC....only willing to stay at hotels that had fitness rooms and hot yoga...
I remember sending Laura off to AZ and her coming home shocked at how I was changing...
Going to the State Fair and sharing some old favorites and searching out healthier options...
And then going back to work and seeing the reactions of my co-workers...
I could go on and on...and as I write this I remember more things...this has truly been a journey that has changed me inside and out...
Tomorrow ....more reflections!
A year ago this past week I was at a physical therapy appointment. At this appointment I had asked my therapist if he knew of any personal trainers... the rest is history...
I met with the trainer he recommended on a Saturday morning (April 21) It was an interesting meeting where I was asked what my goals would be...huh? What? To lose weight, duh! But as I was soon to learn that wasn't clear enough...
The next day...Sunday...I drank my last Diet Coke...yep the last one...I was walking into Sunday School toting my last Diet Coke...at the time I didn't realize that it was going to be my last one but it was...
Later in the day I was thinking about my first session of training...scared to death...like sick to my stomach scared...and it was then that I decided that "IT" was going to be an all or nothing deal...I was going to cut out all the "bad" in my life to make "THIS" work...So I decided that come Monday morning I was NOT going to drink a Diet COKE on my way to work or at all...NOW..anyone that knows me...knows that I went to MCDONALDS every single solitary day to buy a LARGE Diet Coke..and that it didn't stop there...usually 2-3 cans more...So you can imagine how distraught my mind and body was that Monday!
I made it through the day, went home, and finally told my family that I was going to a training session. My first one was like at 4pm. So...off I went...
This was on April 23rd...
Like I stated above I was scared but maybe intimidated is a better word. What was I thinking? Well whatever it was ended up being okay because I haven't looked back since.
Here are some memories ...I remember not knowing how to do anything Chris was asking me to do...lunges...ball curls etc....I did recognize things like crunches and push ups...oh and you know those big ole fireman ropes? Eh...nasty!
I remember coming home after the first many sessions and passing out on the couch literally not being able to move! I remember being so sick the first the second week but didn't let it stop me....I mean I was barely able to talk...
I remember when something clicked and I started thinking about changing some of my eating habits...I think it was eating yogurt and protein shakes....still two of my favorite things..
I remember when I got on the scale and weighing more...thought I was going to die! But I also remember when I lost that first 5...I was jumping for joy inside and out! I also remember Chris handing me the 5 pound weight so I could actually feel what I lost!
I remember the time going on and my students seeing changes.. They were so sweet. I remember clearing out all the junk food in my desk and giving it to them!
I remember and still have this big bad ugly blister from walking ...and having to switch to biking because of it..
I remember once school was over and training in the morning and feeling super energized on those days.
I remember going to the Farmers Market and really getting excited about all the new foods I wanted to try...
Slowly my life was changing ...
Other memories include Boot Camp and Ultimate Frisbee and shopping for summer clothes sizes smaller ...my family noticing...restructuring my life...
My trip to NYC....only willing to stay at hotels that had fitness rooms and hot yoga...
I remember sending Laura off to AZ and her coming home shocked at how I was changing...
Going to the State Fair and sharing some old favorites and searching out healthier options...
And then going back to work and seeing the reactions of my co-workers...
I could go on and on...and as I write this I remember more things...this has truly been a journey that has changed me inside and out...
Tomorrow ....more reflections!
Friday, April 12, 2013
Friday's Fave Five!
Susanne @ Living to Tell The Story continues this fun meme...I use to participate under my old blog and have thought about it a lot...so I am back under a new blog...So...I have to tell you about my five favorites from this week...(I might stretch this to this month ...)
2. Right before Easter...we got to spend Spring Break in Arizona with my daughter and boyfriend. I have never been in Arizona and it was such a fun fun break.
4. Another favorite is surgery related! My husband and daughter have been so supportive and patient with me. I am so thankful.
5. Today is Friday! Woot! I have some decent plans for the weekend...so am looking forward to that...that can be a favorite, right?
Because this is my newer blog...I am hoping some of you will stick around!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Celebrating Two Things in One WAY...RAOK...Go...
Back in 2010...I turned 50! In my attempt to minimize my attitude toward the big birthday I decided to do some Random Acts of Kindness....
You can read about here.... http://walkamile-beth.blogspot.com/2010/04/its-no-lie.html
So today I was thinking about all those fun things I did I decided to do it again...Obviously I have fewer days to do them...but I have two reasons to celebrate...
My birthday...May 3rd and the anniversary of changing my life April 23rd...
Starting today and working toward 4/23 and 5/3 I am vowing to do as many RAOKs that I can...
Some will be simple and automatic and some will be more thought out...
I love watching peoples reaction when they are my victims...hehe...and I love spending time planning and prepping!
When I turned 50 I did 50 Random Acts...I know I won't be able to do that many but will try to do as many as possible!
Do you want to join in? If so...you can post them on my timeline on Facebook!
Super Excited!
GO!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Snow in Minnesota??? Whatever...surgery update and this and that...
Okay so all over facebook and blogland there is talk of the BIG snowfall about to happen...PEOPLE...we can't control the weather...just roll with it!
Surgery went well...and I am recovering...each day I feel better but am still tired and achy. I am so amazed at the service provided at Woodwinds Hospital...I think most of them like there jobs or they are good fakers!
So...it has been a week since I last worked out...so far I am realizing that I can't but that doesn't stop me from wanting...and needing...so far my pants still fit!
I have some good things happening this month and things I am working on and towards.
Eating/Nutrition
Oh man...since our trip to AZ and Easter it has been really hard for me to stay eating clean and healthy. This has been the first time that I have cheated on myself. And have been really down about it. I purposely flowed with whatever in AZ...thankfully my family there are eating healthy most of the time...but we all easily talked each other into pizza and sandwiches. Oh and bags of chocolate...But we had so much fun and relaxed and worked out that it balanced out...My point being is I wanted to keep eating those things when I got home...It wasn't like I planned it or didn't plan it...it just happened. That dang inner voice...the one I trained myself to ignore kept yacking...and truthly I didn't care...YES I really did but I also think the anxiety of surgery played a bigger part...Since being back at work I am doing much better...
A Story or two or Five..
I finally ordered the workbook a Storyline by Donald Miller. It takes you thru the process of your life so far and helps you to develop roles and ambitions...well a story for the rest of your life... Anyway...while I was laid up in bed I worked thru about half of it. It has been a great process...AND the cool thing is while working on it I came up with an IDEA...and tonight I am going to start working on the IDEA...I am excited to see what comes of it...
In the last few weeks I fielded some not meant to be mean comments but I took them as annoying mean comments...both of which were about my weight...It took me awhile to blow them off...and really I haven't blown them off...otherwise I wouldn't be mentioning them here...
So onward and upward...
Surgery went well...and I am recovering...each day I feel better but am still tired and achy. I am so amazed at the service provided at Woodwinds Hospital...I think most of them like there jobs or they are good fakers!
So...it has been a week since I last worked out...so far I am realizing that I can't but that doesn't stop me from wanting...and needing...so far my pants still fit!
I have some good things happening this month and things I am working on and towards.
Eating/Nutrition
Oh man...since our trip to AZ and Easter it has been really hard for me to stay eating clean and healthy. This has been the first time that I have cheated on myself. And have been really down about it. I purposely flowed with whatever in AZ...thankfully my family there are eating healthy most of the time...but we all easily talked each other into pizza and sandwiches. Oh and bags of chocolate...But we had so much fun and relaxed and worked out that it balanced out...My point being is I wanted to keep eating those things when I got home...It wasn't like I planned it or didn't plan it...it just happened. That dang inner voice...the one I trained myself to ignore kept yacking...and truthly I didn't care...YES I really did but I also think the anxiety of surgery played a bigger part...Since being back at work I am doing much better...
A Story or two or Five..
I finally ordered the workbook a Storyline by Donald Miller. It takes you thru the process of your life so far and helps you to develop roles and ambitions...well a story for the rest of your life... Anyway...while I was laid up in bed I worked thru about half of it. It has been a great process...AND the cool thing is while working on it I came up with an IDEA...and tonight I am going to start working on the IDEA...I am excited to see what comes of it...
In the last few weeks I fielded some not meant to be mean comments but I took them as annoying mean comments...both of which were about my weight...It took me awhile to blow them off...and really I haven't blown them off...otherwise I wouldn't be mentioning them here...
So onward and upward...
Monday, April 1, 2013
Surgery and beyond...
On Wednesday I will be having surgery. I am having a herniated disc removed in my neck! I could give you all the medical terminology but to be honest I don't get it at all..the short of it is the doctor will be making a small incision in my neck and then take out the disc...tah dah! No I am not really nervous...but I am anxious...I will explain that later...
I will be going to the hospital by 5:45 and prep for surgery...I am thinking that it will start around 7? At least that is my plan! I have complete confidence in Dr Barti of St Croix Orthopedic....He comes highly regarded.
I am still not sure if I will be home Wednesday afternoon or spending the night. The doc says outpatient and the nurse says overnight...I guess time will tell...
Anxiety...
It is no secret that nearly a year ago I started training with a Personal Trainer...it has been amazing. I have dedicated myself to this adventure and it has paid off a million fold...it has been my focus for 11 months plus...
This is where surgery and healing come in. My doctor briefly mentioned that I won't be able to lift much for a month .....a MONTH...that is like 30 days...lol...As in May 3rd (ahem my birthday) before I can possibly work out again!
Since January I have been working out most everyday...5 days a week with maybe 2-3 days plus Spring Break off...so not getting to workout is really stressful! Stop rolling your eyes!
I have been advised to really listen to the doctors warnings about activity otherwise the healing process can get messed up!
Because of this surgery I have placed my focus and energy into planning some training this spring...
More to come later about that!
I will be going to the hospital by 5:45 and prep for surgery...I am thinking that it will start around 7? At least that is my plan! I have complete confidence in Dr Barti of St Croix Orthopedic....He comes highly regarded.
I am still not sure if I will be home Wednesday afternoon or spending the night. The doc says outpatient and the nurse says overnight...I guess time will tell...
Anxiety...It is no secret that nearly a year ago I started training with a Personal Trainer...it has been amazing. I have dedicated myself to this adventure and it has paid off a million fold...it has been my focus for 11 months plus...
This is where surgery and healing come in. My doctor briefly mentioned that I won't be able to lift much for a month .....a MONTH...that is like 30 days...lol...As in May 3rd (ahem my birthday) before I can possibly work out again!
Since January I have been working out most everyday...5 days a week with maybe 2-3 days plus Spring Break off...so not getting to workout is really stressful! Stop rolling your eyes!
I have been advised to really listen to the doctors warnings about activity otherwise the healing process can get messed up!
Because of this surgery I have placed my focus and energy into planning some training this spring...
More to come later about that!
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