March marks one year that I have been in remission from Chronic Lyme Disease. I cannot tell you how happy this makes me, how grateful I am for my Dr. Made-of-Win, for a drug that works, for the people who stood by me...last winter I thought I might never run again. I was very afraid I might be a *sick person* for the rest of my life. To say I was depressed is an understatement. And here I am today, living a *normal* life, doing things with my kids, working in the yard and RUNNING. You have NO idea how huge this is, and how happy this makes me. There have been a couple blips here and there that scared me, made me think I was possibly falling off the wagon, but they turned out to be blips, or my body again adjusting to the medication. I have an appt. next month with my Dr. and I am anxious to see what my *numbers* will be. In order to be considered in remission, a key number has to be over 60. To be considered *cured* I would need to be over 200. Though I am certianly hopeful that I get the *cured* result, I know that those of us with Chronic Lyme, cure is not a word that is often used. But, a high remission number would be just as good. I just need to keep on doing what I am doing, and fine tune as I go.
So on to my rant.
Its actually a funny rant...sort of. See, I follow a few of these obstacle race pages. I won't mention names, but there are one or 2 in particular that really twist my shorts. I have a few friends and a family member that have or continue to participate in these races. Originally, they were set up to challenge people physically and mentally. Though I had absolutely NO desire to participate in this craziness, I went as support and crew a few times. I used to be impressed. Now...not so much. As far as I can tell, of all the original races/series that were started ONE has stuck to their original plan/MO. The rest....yeah. What a joke. Now it is a contest about how they can MOST mess with your mind while having you do rediculous things that not only put you in danger, but are just, well, stupud. Its a huge mind-f*ck and in my opinion, belittles and negates the effort and dedication that the *serious* athletes put into training.
I say serious, because not all of them are. Yes, anyone who participates in this activity must put in HOURS and hours of training. This is not a joke. These aren't some weekend-warrior 5k deal, we are talking 10+ miles, hours/days of mind numbing and body breaking activities. The thing is, SOME of these races have now gone commercial. Its ALL about the money and fame, and now the increase in participants includes those looking for their 5mins of fame and bragging rights. Yes, I am sure some of the original true athletes who started doing this type of activity to challenge themselves, competing only with themselves, are still participating, but the more *mainstream* this sport goes, the more of a circus it will become.
Having witnessed these competitions, I *know* you need to seriously train to participate. This is not the kind of thing you can wake up one morning and say "Hey, I think I will go run in one of those obstacle races!" Uh, no. You will be destroyed in the first hour. I think I am in fairly good shape, and I would be lucky to make it through the first challenge. (chances are, I wouldn't, to be completely honest...) That being said....
The way these races have been commercialized makes me stabby. Obviously, I am all for the underground sports. Ultrarunning is definitely one of those. Its not very popular, and its a small community and though we have some of the same kinds of commercialising of some of the big races, there are still many groups and clubs keeping things on the down-low, old skool, they way it *should* be. Now I see these races becoming money making cash cows, completely distracting from their original intent. This then attracts people of that bend, imo making things very dangerous for those original *serious* athletes. The claim-to-fame is a huge draw for some, people who may be of a more insecure bend, needing that fame to feel important or like they *matter*...eh, at what cost? What are you trying to prove and to whom? Will being on a reality shoe REALLY improve your life? Look at the people who have...I know ONE person who has been on a reality show who has truly used that in a positive way. ONE person. Yeah...
My other issue is the websites. I am constantly bombarded(by choice, I could delete these sites)with images of these incredibly buff women who apparently do these races. Well...yeah, no. I'm sorry but pushing these images is no better in my opinion than pushing images of super-skinny model girls. It is a VERY difficult to attain body type. These women spend HOURS and hours at the gym, are on a very strict and limitted diet, and present a very unrealistic body type. I do not feel, personally, that it is a positive thing at all. I am not trying to knock what they do, as I am sure it takes an extreme amount of detication to look that buff, but to say it is inspiring...eh, not so much. I think it is going to foster a new set of eating disorders and body image disorders aimed at slightly older women.
I am all for fitness, obviously. I think everyone should exercise and work out at least a few times a week. Y'all know how I feel about diet...but to continue to present unrealistic standards to the public is not helpful or inspiring to anyone. I am in the best shape of my life. I STILL do not have a flat stomach, as the remnants of 3 kids in 5 years will be with me always...as I am not going to invest time(or money) in a *solution* that will take me away from LIVING my life. I do not want to spend hours upon hours in the gym. I think that showing people a way to be fit and healthy that fits into your life while allowing you to still enjoy said life...far more practical, no? That is what I hope to teach people once I become a trainer. :) I wonder just how much living some of these women do outside of working and going to the gym...based on some of their blogs...not much. That sounds more like an obsession than a lifestye. And really, how sustainable is it? DO you REALLY want to spend the rest of your life in the gym? That is a VERY hard physique to maintain. Would you really rather be in the gym than with your family/friends? Eh, maybe there is a balance in there somewhere....but I am not sure I see it. Sounds to me like a HUGE amount of time is focused on ones body(what to eat, workouts, etc) as opposed to LIVING in said body...
Just one more reason I love MY sport. In looking through the pictures of runners from last weekend's race, I see ALL body types. ALL different sized women AND men, not your typical skinny-minny marathoner bodies, but people with a SHAPE and healthy muscles, people who run and go to the gym AND live their lives. People who eat chocolate and cookies :) and are ok with that. THAT inspires me. HEALTHY people, happy people, people living and enjoying their lives in a balanced way...THAT is inspiring. (though, many will argue ultra-running is neither healthy or balanced, lol, but I digress...)All of this really puts a fire under my but to get my PT cert. chop-chop so I can get out there and help REAL people with REAL goals. I am not saying doing those obstacle races isn't a REAL goal, it certianly is...as long as you are clear within yourself as to WHY you are doing it. I know of 2 peope who I greatly admire who do it for the reason it was intended. I am very proud of both of them, as they train, and do what they need to do to do this for themselves. THAT is what its all about. If you aren't doing ot for yourself, and if you aren't having fun doing it...ya might want to find another sport.
Do what you love, and love what you do.When you are no longer having fun, stop. Find something else. I run until it isn't fun anymore, then I stop. No guilt. I also eat chocolate :) and I hate burpees and never do sit-ups. Hah. :)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Time..
I am killing time as to maximize my running-in-the-warmth ;) So I figure an update is in order.
I am fully recovered from my head injury, I believe. I have had numerous good runs, no headaches and back to my normal energy level. I am not sure if my green smoothie/juicing *feast* did me any good, but it didn't do any harm, lol. But, time to get back to what works, and consuming enough calories definitely works. :) I am back to my oatmeal in the morning as it seems to me I run FAR better when I have had a good breakfast and just a green smoothie doesn't cut it. Green smoothies are a better recovery drink for me, as I am TOTALLY craving one when I get back from a run(and sometimes it makes me run faster at the end knowing there is one waiting for me, lol) Eating my largest meal in the middle of the day is good for several reasons...one, I eat it fairly soon after my replacing what I used and my body is most receptive to the nutrition and 2, eating a large meal late in the day isn't good for anyone, but particularly someone with less than stellar digestion(waves hand wildly) as you do not want to go to bed while still digesting your last meal. So, ginormous salad mid-day it is. I have been eating the best salads lately! My current trend is lots of greens, a cuke, tomatoes, an appe, some dried cranberries, an avocado, and chia seeds. Sometimes I will throw in some olives or nuts, but I don't always have those around and I prefer to get my fat from avocado. No dressing, as I never do...sometimes I will sprinkle a little lemon juice on but not lately. I have some sprouts going to soon I can add those to my salads as well :) Mmmmm....
Now that I am back on track training-wise I am getting excited. I really want to be in top form for all my pacing duties this summer, and I have been VERY much enjoying more time on the trails. As the weather continues to improve, I plan to incorporate even more trail time, and more mountain time. I definitely notice my ability and confidence improving with the time I have been spending on the trails. I have been a tenative trail runner these last few years and I would like to change that. I know how much it slows me down. I CERTIANLY do not want to slow down my runners I am pacing with my pussy-footing during their race!
I am also contemplating another increase in daily mileage. I am doing 9.5m fairly regularly, but I may try and bump that up in a month and see if I can't get in a few 12m during the week as well, then look at doing 20-30 on the trails over the weekend...maybe a long and short day? I have plans to do a route that would cover all 4 *state parks* in my area as they all do connect, I just have never run them all together. I think it would be close to 30m...I need to get another map and maybe recruit a few less directionally challenged friends and try it some weekend. :) Then it could be my go-to long run. There is water access and bathrooms in 2 places(seasonally) so its actually a great route despite having to cross the roads a few times. Might even become a good FA course... ;)
I am officially on my way to becoming a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist! My textbooks/workbooks/practice tests have arrived and I am very excited! Its been a LONG time since I have done any studying and I am rusty! I am trying to fit 3 courses into 8mo instead of one so I need to buckly down! I also need to get re-certified in CPR and AED which I will try and get done sooner as opposed to later. Unfortunately, the one convention they are going to have here is too soon for me to get in, so that may have to wait until next year unless I want to travel...eh, I am already away quite a few weekends between now and the end of the year with races/pacing so I may just wait. It doesn't affect my graduating so...maybe for CEU's for next year. :)
Sunny, no wind, 55 degrees...yep. Going to get my run on! SPRING!!!!
I am fully recovered from my head injury, I believe. I have had numerous good runs, no headaches and back to my normal energy level. I am not sure if my green smoothie/juicing *feast* did me any good, but it didn't do any harm, lol. But, time to get back to what works, and consuming enough calories definitely works. :) I am back to my oatmeal in the morning as it seems to me I run FAR better when I have had a good breakfast and just a green smoothie doesn't cut it. Green smoothies are a better recovery drink for me, as I am TOTALLY craving one when I get back from a run(and sometimes it makes me run faster at the end knowing there is one waiting for me, lol) Eating my largest meal in the middle of the day is good for several reasons...one, I eat it fairly soon after my replacing what I used and my body is most receptive to the nutrition and 2, eating a large meal late in the day isn't good for anyone, but particularly someone with less than stellar digestion(waves hand wildly) as you do not want to go to bed while still digesting your last meal. So, ginormous salad mid-day it is. I have been eating the best salads lately! My current trend is lots of greens, a cuke, tomatoes, an appe, some dried cranberries, an avocado, and chia seeds. Sometimes I will throw in some olives or nuts, but I don't always have those around and I prefer to get my fat from avocado. No dressing, as I never do...sometimes I will sprinkle a little lemon juice on but not lately. I have some sprouts going to soon I can add those to my salads as well :) Mmmmm....
Now that I am back on track training-wise I am getting excited. I really want to be in top form for all my pacing duties this summer, and I have been VERY much enjoying more time on the trails. As the weather continues to improve, I plan to incorporate even more trail time, and more mountain time. I definitely notice my ability and confidence improving with the time I have been spending on the trails. I have been a tenative trail runner these last few years and I would like to change that. I know how much it slows me down. I CERTIANLY do not want to slow down my runners I am pacing with my pussy-footing during their race!
I am also contemplating another increase in daily mileage. I am doing 9.5m fairly regularly, but I may try and bump that up in a month and see if I can't get in a few 12m during the week as well, then look at doing 20-30 on the trails over the weekend...maybe a long and short day? I have plans to do a route that would cover all 4 *state parks* in my area as they all do connect, I just have never run them all together. I think it would be close to 30m...I need to get another map and maybe recruit a few less directionally challenged friends and try it some weekend. :) Then it could be my go-to long run. There is water access and bathrooms in 2 places(seasonally) so its actually a great route despite having to cross the roads a few times. Might even become a good FA course... ;)
I am officially on my way to becoming a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist! My textbooks/workbooks/practice tests have arrived and I am very excited! Its been a LONG time since I have done any studying and I am rusty! I am trying to fit 3 courses into 8mo instead of one so I need to buckly down! I also need to get re-certified in CPR and AED which I will try and get done sooner as opposed to later. Unfortunately, the one convention they are going to have here is too soon for me to get in, so that may have to wait until next year unless I want to travel...eh, I am already away quite a few weekends between now and the end of the year with races/pacing so I may just wait. It doesn't affect my graduating so...maybe for CEU's for next year. :)
Sunny, no wind, 55 degrees...yep. Going to get my run on! SPRING!!!!
Friday, February 24, 2012
The Healing Continues...
I am behaving. I am not a good patient. Never have been. I am of the bend whereby I will give myself a few days to heal/rest/whatever if I am sick then I want to soldier on. I have a wee bit of PTSD from being sick for so long with Lyme (though I know there are many who are still sick, and were worse for longer...)so any *down time* makes me very edgy. I am REALLY trying to be good, doing only what I have to, though in the back of my mind I am having a bit of anxiety about the lack of *doing*...
This is why, partly, I decided to do the cleansing along with my head recouperation. I want to feel proactive. The fact that my physical body is fine, yet I still can't do anything is a mind f&ck for me so this way at least I feel like I am accomplishing something. I would not willingly take the time to rest, and do a cleanse...too busy. I have a schedule to keep, ya know. This was a win-win...sorta. :)
So far...so good. As good as can be expected, I suppose. I have actually enjoyed juicing, which I never did before, I am LOVING it actually! I will most likely continue on some level indefinitely, as Hubby also enjoys it and even JD has been drinking a *shot* of juice a day. I have been using a lot of beets/apples/carrots/greens, rotating my greens, plus doing my green smoothies. I am thrilled to say that I am officially OFF of coffee! I have wanted to quit coffee forever, but just couldn't give it up. Well, I had thoughts of weaning off this week but by my second day on juice, I could not bring myself to drink it! I was actually queased out by it! :) Joy. That was my one last vice I wanted to be rid of (sans my occasional indulgence in chocolate...which is not a huge issue, imo)
I was in a bit of a panic last night. I was at the end of another painful day and whining a bit to Hubby about the crappiness of my current state when he lovingly pointed out that part of my feeling bad could very well be from detoxing. Typically, the first 3-4 days of a fast/cleanse you DO feel awful- headaches, fatigue, body aches, etc...sound familiar? Yep. Well, interestingly, while I was soaking in my hot salt bath last night I definitely felt a *shift*...I slept well last night, and woke up this morning feeling better...sorta. I didn't have a headache, and it didn't come on until later in the afternoon. So, we have some progress here. I am still going to go slow, rest, etc but I finally feel like I may be on the other side. I have BIG plans to do nothing over the weekend, and actually spend one day entirely in bed while my family is away...complete brain rest. It might suck, lol, but I am going to try. I figure if my brain spends an entire day doing absolutely nothing, think of the healing it can do! :)
I am commited to continuing this juicing/smoothie *feast* for another week, along with all my brain supplements regardless of what the outcome is on Monday when I see the Dr. again. I figure it can ony help, AND it will help keep me from going back into *life* too quickly. I have decided that since I have been really being pulled back to raw, and more like 100% raw, I am going to go back to the 80-10-10 fruititarian *way* of eating. I had been leaning that way anyways, but I am going to be more concious about it. I have pretty big plans for my running, etc over the next 2 years and I need to be at the top of my game health/nutrition-wise. That is what feels right for me now...
OK...back to resting my brain... :)
This is why, partly, I decided to do the cleansing along with my head recouperation. I want to feel proactive. The fact that my physical body is fine, yet I still can't do anything is a mind f&ck for me so this way at least I feel like I am accomplishing something. I would not willingly take the time to rest, and do a cleanse...too busy. I have a schedule to keep, ya know. This was a win-win...sorta. :)
So far...so good. As good as can be expected, I suppose. I have actually enjoyed juicing, which I never did before, I am LOVING it actually! I will most likely continue on some level indefinitely, as Hubby also enjoys it and even JD has been drinking a *shot* of juice a day. I have been using a lot of beets/apples/carrots/greens, rotating my greens, plus doing my green smoothies. I am thrilled to say that I am officially OFF of coffee! I have wanted to quit coffee forever, but just couldn't give it up. Well, I had thoughts of weaning off this week but by my second day on juice, I could not bring myself to drink it! I was actually queased out by it! :) Joy. That was my one last vice I wanted to be rid of (sans my occasional indulgence in chocolate...which is not a huge issue, imo)
I was in a bit of a panic last night. I was at the end of another painful day and whining a bit to Hubby about the crappiness of my current state when he lovingly pointed out that part of my feeling bad could very well be from detoxing. Typically, the first 3-4 days of a fast/cleanse you DO feel awful- headaches, fatigue, body aches, etc...sound familiar? Yep. Well, interestingly, while I was soaking in my hot salt bath last night I definitely felt a *shift*...I slept well last night, and woke up this morning feeling better...sorta. I didn't have a headache, and it didn't come on until later in the afternoon. So, we have some progress here. I am still going to go slow, rest, etc but I finally feel like I may be on the other side. I have BIG plans to do nothing over the weekend, and actually spend one day entirely in bed while my family is away...complete brain rest. It might suck, lol, but I am going to try. I figure if my brain spends an entire day doing absolutely nothing, think of the healing it can do! :)
I am commited to continuing this juicing/smoothie *feast* for another week, along with all my brain supplements regardless of what the outcome is on Monday when I see the Dr. again. I figure it can ony help, AND it will help keep me from going back into *life* too quickly. I have decided that since I have been really being pulled back to raw, and more like 100% raw, I am going to go back to the 80-10-10 fruititarian *way* of eating. I had been leaning that way anyways, but I am going to be more concious about it. I have pretty big plans for my running, etc over the next 2 years and I need to be at the top of my game health/nutrition-wise. That is what feels right for me now...
OK...back to resting my brain... :)
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A Blow to the Noggin...or, Why I will be hiding from the world for a week.
Apparently, head injuries are nothing to scoff at...despite the fact I did. But I scoff at everything, lol.
Last Monday as I was enjoying my usual run around the hood, I slipped on some cleverly disguised ice. Just like in the cartoons, my feet went right out from uinder me before I could recover, and down I went. Hard. On my back, smacking the back of my head on the ice. (It bounced, actually, which is a really sick sound...~shudder~) Took me a minute or 3 to collect myself and get up,then I ran home(of course...duh)By that afternoon, my head was not in a good way, so I went to the Dr's...concussion. "Take it easy, and rest, no exercise, no mentally taxing activities, blah, blah, blah." Well, I am a type-A, OCD, somewhat driven, homeschooling mom to 3 kids who have 2 speeds- full throttle and sleep. Take it easy, is not part of my vocabulary. So, I spent 2 days *resting* and had had enough so I simply went back to my daily routine. Yeah....not the best choice apparently.
By Sunday I was exhausted. I was hit with a WALL of tired that nearly had me asleep standing up. My head was vacilating between stabbing pain and throbbing, waves of nausea would come and go, my eyes had a headache(you know what I mean, the eye-headache...) and I could not think straight. So, off to the Dr I go again. Lucky for me, I get to see the same PA that was with my Dr last time so she is fully aware of my brand of crazy. She was not too surprised to see me either, lol. Anyways, I am now dx'd with Post Consussion Syndrome, a happy little condition whereby you have the pleasure of lingering symptoms of your brain injury for upwards of 3 mo because you did not behave. Please. I have no one to blame but myself, I know this. Sigh...sometimes I am too darn stubborn for my own good.
So, I am on strict orders to REST. Absolutely NO running, exercise, exessive tv watching, computer useage, mentally taxing activities, loud music, bright lights, overly emotional situations...nothing. Nada.Zip. For a whole WEEK. I'm sorry, what? Ugh. She does not trust me, lol, so I have to go back in a week to be re-checked. She told me if I do not do this NOW, I am asking for trouble, and it could seriously take months to recover. Ok, ok...I will be good.
I talked to hubby (while he was packing a suitcase to leave for the week...kidding) and he very sweetly was trying to come up with things I could do so I stay *busy* without being taxed. Knitting, etc...he knows me too well. Sitting around and doing nothing for a week isn't going to fly, but I COULD knit... as that is right up my ocd alley and it will keep me sitting still and out of trouble :)
The other thing I decided, being that I am a proactive kind of gal, is to look into what I could do to aid the healing process. I never gave the juicing/smoothie week I put hubby on a go, because I could not eat so little and still run. Well, guess what? Since I can't run for a week, its my turn. I decided this would be my week of smoothie/juicing/cleansing. My own at home Panchakarma, if you will :) Lots of rest, juicing, salt baths, healing...I don't know that I have ever done that for myself for a week...well maybe I have but not in a loooong time. I looked up what veggies/fruits are good for your brain, and beets and greens are on top so I will use those, pineapple is good for the enzymes, and I am going to get some ginko and CoQ10 for the old noggin as well. I will probably throw some coconut oil in my smoothies for good EFA's for my brain too...plus that should help me from feeling hungry, which I don't normally feel, but might this week...who knows. Then, come next Monday if I am *healed* I can start working back up to running again.
Really, I know its only a week. In the grand scheme of things, this is a blip on my radar, I have been *down* for MUCH longer and have bounced back, this really is nothing. To risk further injury to my BRAIN, would indeed be stupid. So I am going to be good, take care of myself and come back when its time to come back.
Everything happens for a reason, and interestingly, I have been wanting to slow down and take stock for a while now, I just...couldn't. There was always *something* going on, to be done, etc. Once again, Spirit has stepped in and given me a bitch slap to the back of the head(literally) and I have my down time to reflect and *be*. Funny how that works... :)
Last Monday as I was enjoying my usual run around the hood, I slipped on some cleverly disguised ice. Just like in the cartoons, my feet went right out from uinder me before I could recover, and down I went. Hard. On my back, smacking the back of my head on the ice. (It bounced, actually, which is a really sick sound...~shudder~) Took me a minute or 3 to collect myself and get up,then I ran home(of course...duh)By that afternoon, my head was not in a good way, so I went to the Dr's...concussion. "Take it easy, and rest, no exercise, no mentally taxing activities, blah, blah, blah." Well, I am a type-A, OCD, somewhat driven, homeschooling mom to 3 kids who have 2 speeds- full throttle and sleep. Take it easy, is not part of my vocabulary. So, I spent 2 days *resting* and had had enough so I simply went back to my daily routine. Yeah....not the best choice apparently.
By Sunday I was exhausted. I was hit with a WALL of tired that nearly had me asleep standing up. My head was vacilating between stabbing pain and throbbing, waves of nausea would come and go, my eyes had a headache(you know what I mean, the eye-headache...) and I could not think straight. So, off to the Dr I go again. Lucky for me, I get to see the same PA that was with my Dr last time so she is fully aware of my brand of crazy. She was not too surprised to see me either, lol. Anyways, I am now dx'd with Post Consussion Syndrome, a happy little condition whereby you have the pleasure of lingering symptoms of your brain injury for upwards of 3 mo because you did not behave. Please. I have no one to blame but myself, I know this. Sigh...sometimes I am too darn stubborn for my own good.
So, I am on strict orders to REST. Absolutely NO running, exercise, exessive tv watching, computer useage, mentally taxing activities, loud music, bright lights, overly emotional situations...nothing. Nada.Zip. For a whole WEEK. I'm sorry, what? Ugh. She does not trust me, lol, so I have to go back in a week to be re-checked. She told me if I do not do this NOW, I am asking for trouble, and it could seriously take months to recover. Ok, ok...I will be good.
I talked to hubby (while he was packing a suitcase to leave for the week...kidding) and he very sweetly was trying to come up with things I could do so I stay *busy* without being taxed. Knitting, etc...he knows me too well. Sitting around and doing nothing for a week isn't going to fly, but I COULD knit... as that is right up my ocd alley and it will keep me sitting still and out of trouble :)
The other thing I decided, being that I am a proactive kind of gal, is to look into what I could do to aid the healing process. I never gave the juicing/smoothie week I put hubby on a go, because I could not eat so little and still run. Well, guess what? Since I can't run for a week, its my turn. I decided this would be my week of smoothie/juicing/cleansing. My own at home Panchakarma, if you will :) Lots of rest, juicing, salt baths, healing...I don't know that I have ever done that for myself for a week...well maybe I have but not in a loooong time. I looked up what veggies/fruits are good for your brain, and beets and greens are on top so I will use those, pineapple is good for the enzymes, and I am going to get some ginko and CoQ10 for the old noggin as well. I will probably throw some coconut oil in my smoothies for good EFA's for my brain too...plus that should help me from feeling hungry, which I don't normally feel, but might this week...who knows. Then, come next Monday if I am *healed* I can start working back up to running again.
Really, I know its only a week. In the grand scheme of things, this is a blip on my radar, I have been *down* for MUCH longer and have bounced back, this really is nothing. To risk further injury to my BRAIN, would indeed be stupid. So I am going to be good, take care of myself and come back when its time to come back.
Everything happens for a reason, and interestingly, I have been wanting to slow down and take stock for a while now, I just...couldn't. There was always *something* going on, to be done, etc. Once again, Spirit has stepped in and given me a bitch slap to the back of the head(literally) and I have my down time to reflect and *be*. Funny how that works... :)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Disclosure...
...or, Why I Think I Will Be a Good PT.
I realize I go on and on about the diet industry, food quality, etc. I have written many a post on how to be heathy and lose weight as of late, and in the history of this blog. I am sure SOMEwhere in the bowels of this blog I have given my own history of weight loss *issues* but less y'all think I am one of *those* people who has no idea what I am talking about...let me school ya. :)
I absolutely *get* what it is like to be overweight in a thin world. I was a normal, *sturdy* kid, for the most part though I remember being in about 3rd grade and thinking I needed to go on a diet and exercise. I have NO idea why, or where that came from. I know my mom exercised (and probably dieted too) but she never talked about it, or made me feel like it was something I needed to do. I was made fun of, called chubby and fat in school, though at THAT time I was not. I was a normal sized kid. But that did not last...
I became an emotional eater at a very young age. Food was my friend, I could eat(particulary sweets) and squash out all those other feelings I was having. My home life was FAR from warm and fuzzy(though the details are not what is important here) and I ate to compensate. By middle school I was WELL on my way to being overweight. I started running around that time, sometimes with a friend in my neighborhood, sometimes alone. But I still ate. I think at my highest weight, I was 180 or more. I was always told I *carried the weight well* and was *athletic looking* ...oh, please. I was overweight. I ran most days, or did some sort of workout but my -sweet tooth- always ruled supreme.
It was around that time, over the summer before my Jr. year of high school that I decided to become a vegetarian. I also started running more. A LOT more. Biking too. I ate small portions, and actually was doing pretty well for a while. I lost 45+ lbs in a 5mo period of time and was thrilled. FINALLY I thought I was normal. But, then things started to get a bit hairy...
I became obsessed with running and exercising and contoling what I ate. I kept all of this a secret, though I am sure some people suspected something. I ran twice a day, 7 days a week and would exercise whenever I could: weights, situps, pushups...whatever I could do in my room, etc. I doubt I was consuming more than 800cal. a day. By the time I hit my senior year I was running 60m a week and was about 118lbs...when I see pics of myself from then...yikes. That is not an *anorexic* weight by any means, but for *me* I was clearly living that life. It took its toll, and I ended up with not one but 2 stress fractures inside a year. One took me out of track my Sr year and the other took me off the CC team my freshman year at college. I continued with my *lifestyle* throughout my freshman year, and then I transfered to another school. I was ok for about a year, still not eating the best, but I had put some weight back on and was running less, (partying more) but then the weight really started to creep on. Someone along the line introduced me to bulemia...I can't remember specifically who it was, but in my sick mind at the time I was all *ooh the answer to my problem*...that is how bad things were. And they were pretty bad. Between the partying, eating disorder, and the general crappy state of my life...I was the furthest thing from a picture of health you'd ever want to see. (Side note: it was also during this time that I was bitten by a tick and got Lyme...which may/may not have added to my problems)
This went on for years. My weight fluctuated probably 20+ lbs up and down during this time. I even dabbled with diet pills, back when ephedra/ma huang was legal, thinking that would help...(omg, did NOT help and was AWFUL!)Believe it or not, I was still running during this time off and on(and smoking, ugh)and though I tried to be *healthy* I could not get away from the disordered eating. I finally hit rock bottom, on all levels in my life, spent many years in therapy and well, here I am. :)
(I am oversimplifying things here...I spent YEARS in therapy, dealing with my life and the things that triggered the eating disorders to begin with along with why I ate in the first place. It was a LOT of work and not easy at all. But, I wanted to get better, and I am not one to do things half-assed...)
The weight *issues* were not over...I have had 3 kids ya know :) After my first, I lost the weight easily. The next 2 were not as easy. The second babe was a preemie, and I don't think I sept much for the first 5 mo or so. I tried to exercise and eat right but I was sick all the time and probably did not get back to my pp weight until I got pg. with my third. After he was born, it took me 2 YEARS to lose the 15-20lbs of baby weight I was left with. Added to that was the fact my Lyme was in full swing, my thyroid was completely shot, I was sick all the time, allergic to everything....yeah.
It took me a LONG time to get where I am now(like, 7 years long.)At 40, I believe I am the most healthy I have been in my life, and in the best shape of my life. I am easily maintaining my weight, eating well, able to run the way I want to and thoroughly enjoy it, not feel like I have to in order to lose weight as that is no longer my goal. In the grand scheme if things I may not be *perfect*...as I said, 3 kids, in 5 years plus 4 years of nursing...things aren't the way they used to be, lol but I don't care. BUT this was a LONG process of figuring out my health stuff, figuring out my diet, building up an exercise program that I enjoy...NONE of this happened over night. But, it CAN be done. Things CAN be sorted out, you CAN fix health stuff, heal, be fit and healthy...even if it means adjusting your vision of what fit/healthy is for *you*. We are all not meant to be a size 2 ya know...
So, I really feel that since I HAVE run the gamut of weight issues, on both ends of the spectrum, not only do I *get it* I HAVE indeed been there, done that. There isn't much someone could come and tell me that would shock me. I am also proof that you CAN get to the place you want to be through good old fashioned diet, exercise, and time...Lifestyle change.
This is not to say I am some beacon of perfection. I still drink coffee every day. I still have a sweet tooth that I induge in(though not to the extent I used to, if I want something I make sure I REALLY want it and it better be something good, lol) I do eat quality foods for the most part but have been known to sneak some of hubby's potato chips if I am craving salt, and will steal a french cry or 4 of the kids...I am the opposite of an emo eater now in that if I get stressed or uspet I don't eat, which isn't good of course, and if I am super busy I will actually forget to eat, also not good...so I still have things I need to work on and be aware of.
Basically I am a real person. I have always had a hard time with trainers or diet guru's who come on to spout their wisdom who have NEVER had a weight problem in their life. Really? How can you sell me something and *coach* me? You have NO idea what I am going through. I can say, *I actually DO know what you are going through*...and mean it. I know how it feels, and I also know how it feels to break out of that and truly be fit and healthy. That is the most important thing to me, and why I am leaning towards this career choice. I know how it is and really want to help people who are struggling, get to a better place. I want to teach a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.
So, there you go. Full disclosure. :)
I realize I go on and on about the diet industry, food quality, etc. I have written many a post on how to be heathy and lose weight as of late, and in the history of this blog. I am sure SOMEwhere in the bowels of this blog I have given my own history of weight loss *issues* but less y'all think I am one of *those* people who has no idea what I am talking about...let me school ya. :)
I absolutely *get* what it is like to be overweight in a thin world. I was a normal, *sturdy* kid, for the most part though I remember being in about 3rd grade and thinking I needed to go on a diet and exercise. I have NO idea why, or where that came from. I know my mom exercised (and probably dieted too) but she never talked about it, or made me feel like it was something I needed to do. I was made fun of, called chubby and fat in school, though at THAT time I was not. I was a normal sized kid. But that did not last...
I became an emotional eater at a very young age. Food was my friend, I could eat(particulary sweets) and squash out all those other feelings I was having. My home life was FAR from warm and fuzzy(though the details are not what is important here) and I ate to compensate. By middle school I was WELL on my way to being overweight. I started running around that time, sometimes with a friend in my neighborhood, sometimes alone. But I still ate. I think at my highest weight, I was 180 or more. I was always told I *carried the weight well* and was *athletic looking* ...oh, please. I was overweight. I ran most days, or did some sort of workout but my -sweet tooth- always ruled supreme.
It was around that time, over the summer before my Jr. year of high school that I decided to become a vegetarian. I also started running more. A LOT more. Biking too. I ate small portions, and actually was doing pretty well for a while. I lost 45+ lbs in a 5mo period of time and was thrilled. FINALLY I thought I was normal. But, then things started to get a bit hairy...
I became obsessed with running and exercising and contoling what I ate. I kept all of this a secret, though I am sure some people suspected something. I ran twice a day, 7 days a week and would exercise whenever I could: weights, situps, pushups...whatever I could do in my room, etc. I doubt I was consuming more than 800cal. a day. By the time I hit my senior year I was running 60m a week and was about 118lbs...when I see pics of myself from then...yikes. That is not an *anorexic* weight by any means, but for *me* I was clearly living that life. It took its toll, and I ended up with not one but 2 stress fractures inside a year. One took me out of track my Sr year and the other took me off the CC team my freshman year at college. I continued with my *lifestyle* throughout my freshman year, and then I transfered to another school. I was ok for about a year, still not eating the best, but I had put some weight back on and was running less, (partying more) but then the weight really started to creep on. Someone along the line introduced me to bulemia...I can't remember specifically who it was, but in my sick mind at the time I was all *ooh the answer to my problem*...that is how bad things were. And they were pretty bad. Between the partying, eating disorder, and the general crappy state of my life...I was the furthest thing from a picture of health you'd ever want to see. (Side note: it was also during this time that I was bitten by a tick and got Lyme...which may/may not have added to my problems)
This went on for years. My weight fluctuated probably 20+ lbs up and down during this time. I even dabbled with diet pills, back when ephedra/ma huang was legal, thinking that would help...(omg, did NOT help and was AWFUL!)Believe it or not, I was still running during this time off and on(and smoking, ugh)and though I tried to be *healthy* I could not get away from the disordered eating. I finally hit rock bottom, on all levels in my life, spent many years in therapy and well, here I am. :)
(I am oversimplifying things here...I spent YEARS in therapy, dealing with my life and the things that triggered the eating disorders to begin with along with why I ate in the first place. It was a LOT of work and not easy at all. But, I wanted to get better, and I am not one to do things half-assed...)
The weight *issues* were not over...I have had 3 kids ya know :) After my first, I lost the weight easily. The next 2 were not as easy. The second babe was a preemie, and I don't think I sept much for the first 5 mo or so. I tried to exercise and eat right but I was sick all the time and probably did not get back to my pp weight until I got pg. with my third. After he was born, it took me 2 YEARS to lose the 15-20lbs of baby weight I was left with. Added to that was the fact my Lyme was in full swing, my thyroid was completely shot, I was sick all the time, allergic to everything....yeah.
It took me a LONG time to get where I am now(like, 7 years long.)At 40, I believe I am the most healthy I have been in my life, and in the best shape of my life. I am easily maintaining my weight, eating well, able to run the way I want to and thoroughly enjoy it, not feel like I have to in order to lose weight as that is no longer my goal. In the grand scheme if things I may not be *perfect*...as I said, 3 kids, in 5 years plus 4 years of nursing...things aren't the way they used to be, lol but I don't care. BUT this was a LONG process of figuring out my health stuff, figuring out my diet, building up an exercise program that I enjoy...NONE of this happened over night. But, it CAN be done. Things CAN be sorted out, you CAN fix health stuff, heal, be fit and healthy...even if it means adjusting your vision of what fit/healthy is for *you*. We are all not meant to be a size 2 ya know...
So, I really feel that since I HAVE run the gamut of weight issues, on both ends of the spectrum, not only do I *get it* I HAVE indeed been there, done that. There isn't much someone could come and tell me that would shock me. I am also proof that you CAN get to the place you want to be through good old fashioned diet, exercise, and time...Lifestyle change.
This is not to say I am some beacon of perfection. I still drink coffee every day. I still have a sweet tooth that I induge in(though not to the extent I used to, if I want something I make sure I REALLY want it and it better be something good, lol) I do eat quality foods for the most part but have been known to sneak some of hubby's potato chips if I am craving salt, and will steal a french cry or 4 of the kids...I am the opposite of an emo eater now in that if I get stressed or uspet I don't eat, which isn't good of course, and if I am super busy I will actually forget to eat, also not good...so I still have things I need to work on and be aware of.
Basically I am a real person. I have always had a hard time with trainers or diet guru's who come on to spout their wisdom who have NEVER had a weight problem in their life. Really? How can you sell me something and *coach* me? You have NO idea what I am going through. I can say, *I actually DO know what you are going through*...and mean it. I know how it feels, and I also know how it feels to break out of that and truly be fit and healthy. That is the most important thing to me, and why I am leaning towards this career choice. I know how it is and really want to help people who are struggling, get to a better place. I want to teach a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.
So, there you go. Full disclosure. :)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Me. Saving the internet...
lol. Not really but I once again am all riled up about what I read. I have since deleted this *feed* of crap from my FB as to lessen my daily dose of irritation, since any time I try to post a response it gets deleted since I am not a sheeple.
Here we go again....diet pills/shakes/wraps.
People, please. First off, know that these companies PREY on people they believe are desperate and willing to do almost anything to lose weight. I spread the blame around, though...I believe our society is getting far to out-of-shape and overweight, BUT I also know that HEALTHY bodies come in ALL shapes and sizes. This depends on your choice of exercise, diet, and lifestyle. You stand me next to a deticated female cyclist who is my height and I bet she has 20lbs on me of SOLID muscle (and she could probably kick my ass any day of the week, lol) You could also line up 10 women who all weigh the same as I do, all around my height and we would all look different.
Not everyone is supposed to look the same. There is this cool thing called genetics that kind of dictates how your body is going to be, for the most part. I could run twice what I run now and I will never have thin legs. Not going to happen. Not in my genes(litterally and figuratively, lol). One of the reasons I am not big into lifting weights, even though I know I probably should is I get big fast and I do not want to be big and burly...its not a good look for me. I can do light weights at best. If you don't believe me, all you'd need to do is take a gander at my brother...he is a big dude :). I come from a long line of *sturdy* women. Nothing wrong with that at all, but we are not a thin group. Doesn't mean you can't be healthy though.
So, take a gander at your family. What do all the other members that are of the ame sex look like? If everyone is overweight, go back a generation or 2 and look at those people. What they look like is what you will probably look like. This can obviously be changed with diet and exercise within reason. And, with how much time and commitment you are willing to put into it.
So, the quick fix. Oh, how we wish we could simply take a magic pill and make everything better. Guess what? Not going to happen. Anything in life worth having requires effort. Getting fit is no different.
Like I have said before, the people who are most successful are the people who make a LIFESTYLE change and stick with it. You simply cannot expect to do some crazy diet, etc for a week or 2 and think it will work or that the weight you lose will stay off. A lifestyle change requires you to clean up and fix your diet, find an exercise program you enjoy and will do 5 days a week and then do that stuff FOREVER. Not saying you can't indulge once in a while, but ONCE A WEEK is once in a while, or better yet, once a month if you are really wanting things to change quickly.
I find that people who lean towards these *quick fixes* are simply not ready to make the commitment of a lifestyle change. They don't want to be active/exercise, don't want to change their diet and this would solve everything! Not. The other problem is people often times are not even honest with themself about how much and what they are eating!
When I worked with a MD at a Health Spa years ago, one of the things he told me that stuck with me and I have told many people, is that your stomach is only meant to hold the amount of food that you can comfordably hold in your cupped hands(making a bowl with your hands) Any more than that in one sitting and you are overeating and stretching your stomach. Think about the size of your stomach! It really ISN'T very big! You were not to eat again, acording to him, until that meal was digested. I took that to heart and though I do eat my salads in a mixing bowl, I feel that his advice was more for the general population(based on the food and portions we served there...all were that size :)) He said if you stuck to that *rule* you would never be overweight. I believe it, though I think that is slightly oversimplified...your food choices matter too, imo, but if that is all you are eating then allowing your body to actually DIGEST that food before you eat again, you are on a good track. In my house, we eat out of bowls that are about that size, and off of saucer sized plates. Always. We have dinner plates, but RARELY use them unless we have company. I do not limit fruits or veggies at all, so those do not fall into the *cupped hands* rule, but I have explained this to my kids too, hoping to teach them to eat for nutrition and fuel sake, not for any other reason.
The other obstacle(s) people face is WHY they eat. Emotional eating is a VERY hard habit to break. If you are serious, expect it to take minimum of 30 days to get over that habit, but more like 90 days before you don't feel like you *need* it. When people hear that, they say f*ck it, and look for the quick fix again. Sigh...
Other obstacles can include health issues, and I would encourage anyone who is up for making a lifestyle change to get a COMPLETE physical including lots of bloodwork. Discuss EVERYTHING with your Dr. If you don't like your Dr. get a new one. This is serious stuff. You should have a nutrition profile, metabolic profile, and COMPLETE thyroid screen at the very minimum. Look to see if there are any underlying health issues that are causing your weight problem. Depression is a big one. I could do a whole post on this as well...but suffice it to say, if you are dealing with depression, TREATING it could help you tremendously on the road to becoming more healthy overall! Depressed people often sleep more than non-depressed people. This slows down your metabolism even more! Healthy adults need 8 hours of sleep a night. PERIOD. (oh, what I wouldn't give...but that is another post...)If you are sleeping more or can't get through the day without a nap, something is wrong. Either you need to stop sleeping so much or look at WHY you think you need that much sleep. When I was in my active Lyme stage, I could have slept 20 our of 24 hrs a day. I didn't, but oh how I wanted to. CLEARLY that was a problem, and there was a medical explanation. I knew, though, that I couldn't sleep that much as I have kids, etc, so on I went. My point being, unless you are truly ill, sleep at night for 8 hours then get on with things. I know I am oversimpifying this, but sometimes you need to *fake it 'til you make it* and force yourself to be *ok* until you are. Be proactive...its so worth it.
The bottom line is, you have to truly WANT to change. It is work and effort and it is for the rest of your life. You deserve to feel and be the best you that you can. It IS worth the effort. When you feel good, eat clean and healthy, are active and enjoying life, its ALL worth it.
Here we go again....diet pills/shakes/wraps.
People, please. First off, know that these companies PREY on people they believe are desperate and willing to do almost anything to lose weight. I spread the blame around, though...I believe our society is getting far to out-of-shape and overweight, BUT I also know that HEALTHY bodies come in ALL shapes and sizes. This depends on your choice of exercise, diet, and lifestyle. You stand me next to a deticated female cyclist who is my height and I bet she has 20lbs on me of SOLID muscle (and she could probably kick my ass any day of the week, lol) You could also line up 10 women who all weigh the same as I do, all around my height and we would all look different.
Not everyone is supposed to look the same. There is this cool thing called genetics that kind of dictates how your body is going to be, for the most part. I could run twice what I run now and I will never have thin legs. Not going to happen. Not in my genes(litterally and figuratively, lol). One of the reasons I am not big into lifting weights, even though I know I probably should is I get big fast and I do not want to be big and burly...its not a good look for me. I can do light weights at best. If you don't believe me, all you'd need to do is take a gander at my brother...he is a big dude :). I come from a long line of *sturdy* women. Nothing wrong with that at all, but we are not a thin group. Doesn't mean you can't be healthy though.
So, take a gander at your family. What do all the other members that are of the ame sex look like? If everyone is overweight, go back a generation or 2 and look at those people. What they look like is what you will probably look like. This can obviously be changed with diet and exercise within reason. And, with how much time and commitment you are willing to put into it.
So, the quick fix. Oh, how we wish we could simply take a magic pill and make everything better. Guess what? Not going to happen. Anything in life worth having requires effort. Getting fit is no different.
Like I have said before, the people who are most successful are the people who make a LIFESTYLE change and stick with it. You simply cannot expect to do some crazy diet, etc for a week or 2 and think it will work or that the weight you lose will stay off. A lifestyle change requires you to clean up and fix your diet, find an exercise program you enjoy and will do 5 days a week and then do that stuff FOREVER. Not saying you can't indulge once in a while, but ONCE A WEEK is once in a while, or better yet, once a month if you are really wanting things to change quickly.
I find that people who lean towards these *quick fixes* are simply not ready to make the commitment of a lifestyle change. They don't want to be active/exercise, don't want to change their diet and this would solve everything! Not. The other problem is people often times are not even honest with themself about how much and what they are eating!
When I worked with a MD at a Health Spa years ago, one of the things he told me that stuck with me and I have told many people, is that your stomach is only meant to hold the amount of food that you can comfordably hold in your cupped hands(making a bowl with your hands) Any more than that in one sitting and you are overeating and stretching your stomach. Think about the size of your stomach! It really ISN'T very big! You were not to eat again, acording to him, until that meal was digested. I took that to heart and though I do eat my salads in a mixing bowl, I feel that his advice was more for the general population(based on the food and portions we served there...all were that size :)) He said if you stuck to that *rule* you would never be overweight. I believe it, though I think that is slightly oversimplified...your food choices matter too, imo, but if that is all you are eating then allowing your body to actually DIGEST that food before you eat again, you are on a good track. In my house, we eat out of bowls that are about that size, and off of saucer sized plates. Always. We have dinner plates, but RARELY use them unless we have company. I do not limit fruits or veggies at all, so those do not fall into the *cupped hands* rule, but I have explained this to my kids too, hoping to teach them to eat for nutrition and fuel sake, not for any other reason.
The other obstacle(s) people face is WHY they eat. Emotional eating is a VERY hard habit to break. If you are serious, expect it to take minimum of 30 days to get over that habit, but more like 90 days before you don't feel like you *need* it. When people hear that, they say f*ck it, and look for the quick fix again. Sigh...
Other obstacles can include health issues, and I would encourage anyone who is up for making a lifestyle change to get a COMPLETE physical including lots of bloodwork. Discuss EVERYTHING with your Dr. If you don't like your Dr. get a new one. This is serious stuff. You should have a nutrition profile, metabolic profile, and COMPLETE thyroid screen at the very minimum. Look to see if there are any underlying health issues that are causing your weight problem. Depression is a big one. I could do a whole post on this as well...but suffice it to say, if you are dealing with depression, TREATING it could help you tremendously on the road to becoming more healthy overall! Depressed people often sleep more than non-depressed people. This slows down your metabolism even more! Healthy adults need 8 hours of sleep a night. PERIOD. (oh, what I wouldn't give...but that is another post...)If you are sleeping more or can't get through the day without a nap, something is wrong. Either you need to stop sleeping so much or look at WHY you think you need that much sleep. When I was in my active Lyme stage, I could have slept 20 our of 24 hrs a day. I didn't, but oh how I wanted to. CLEARLY that was a problem, and there was a medical explanation. I knew, though, that I couldn't sleep that much as I have kids, etc, so on I went. My point being, unless you are truly ill, sleep at night for 8 hours then get on with things. I know I am oversimpifying this, but sometimes you need to *fake it 'til you make it* and force yourself to be *ok* until you are. Be proactive...its so worth it.
The bottom line is, you have to truly WANT to change. It is work and effort and it is for the rest of your life. You deserve to feel and be the best you that you can. It IS worth the effort. When you feel good, eat clean and healthy, are active and enjoying life, its ALL worth it.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Me. Unabridged.
Forever, I have been a *fixer*. Even when I was a kid, I wanted to fix. I can remember in school, I was the person people wanted to tell their problems to. Even to this day, people I don't even know that well, will tell me their life story. Its cool, actually, as I used to want to be a psychologist(and a hair dresser, but that's a tale for another day) I really enjoyed the fact people felt they could trust me, and felt comfortable enough with me to tell me their tales, stories, and *brain dump* as it were. I have always tried to listen and offer advice, support, and empathy. I am a fixer though, and mostly if someone comes to me with a *problem* I want to offer a solution, to fix whatever is wrong. Not always possible, as really the only person that can fix a problem in your life is *you* but sometimes simply having someone as a sounding board is as important as having a solution.( I have WONDERFUL sounding boards, and y'all know who you are, and you ROCK) I am what I call a verbal thinker. I *HAVE* to hear my thoughts. I cannot process things in my head, I need to talk through whatever is going on, to make it real, so to speak, so I can come up with a solution. I am not one to collect dust, if I have an issue no matter what it is, I allow for a set period of wallowing, then I get proactive. I am not one to sit in my own sh*t, I simply don't see the benefit in that. Though I know we all have free will, it annoys they hell out of me to see someone do that. If you are going to complain about it, you darn well better act on it. Sort of why I get so soap-box-y about GM foods, et al...I am trying to get the word out there, its something that deeply bothers me and I am trying to do anything and everything I can as one person to *fix* it.
In my life, I have been a Jane-of-all-trades. I have had many jobs, none have even been close to connected, lol, and in fact I am surprised I got one job to the next as I tended to go into a job with NO experience, and people just gave me a chance. I am SO grateful for all those *chances* as I have had some awesome experiences, learned a lot, and had many experiences I would not have otherwise had. I have always felt the *knowing* that I needed to be in some sort of helping profession, and have done a helping sort of job several times(including now, as I am a part time PCA) I know this is my Path, as I keep getting pulled back to it no matter how far I stray...
Part of this is what is going on now. I am very much being pulled in a direction to help again. I have had people contact me about diet, exercise, training...having thought before about doing some sort of coaching, etc I feel like I am coming full circle. I also have 2 books in various stages on my laptop that need finishing...so after some thought and prayer I came to the realization that the best step for me at this point would be to get my PT certification, along with my Sports/Fitness Nutrition Cert. I am certified as a Raw Food Coach, which means I can teach the diet, cooking, etc but that is very specific, and really I do not believe that a raw vegan diet is for everyone...it is a lifestyle you have to choose and feel committed to. That, and people are obsessed with the letters that follow your name...
I feel VERY strongly about helping people achieve health. There is so much knowledge out there and the fact of the matter is, it is totally overwhelming and time consuming to look into everything. It has been my life mission, so to speak, for the last 10 years and I know where to look and how to filter through the BS, I can read medical websites easily, locate what I need and I enjoy that stuff. It isn't for everyone, not everyone has the time or desire to educate them self in that way...but they still need the knowledge...enter ME ;) My desire is to be a PT, etc to be able to help people achieve HEALTH. I am not about going to a gym and getting people all buff on weights and pills, or *coaching* people through some creepy weight loss scheme, its about TOTAL health, addressing the WHOLE person, physical, mental, emotional...what is keeping them from reaching their desired outcome, an then helping them find a way to get there. I don't want to be someone's crutch, I want to simply be a tool in that person finding their OWN way, and living the healthy life they desire AND deserve. I believe I can do this. I am very passionate about this, and hope to spread that passion to to others. Time will tell, I guess... :)
In the mean time, people will have to continue to put up with my soap box, or you can block me, lol. I don't plan on getting off of it any time soon. :)
In other news...I am pretty happy with my training, running has been pretty great, mileage is steady and the lack of real winter weather has been kind of cool as I can run decent mileage every week. I am hoping that since I have increased my base mileage, that my ability to race/run 50k/50m will and finish quicker and easier will improve. I do not have any official races until April so time will tell. I am not planning on doing any *real* long runs until March, but more continuing with my increased base building and strength training. Hopefully the lack of winter here means I can start riding my bike sooner, as I definitely want to incorporate biking in as my cross training. Hoping that between my increased miles and then adding biking to the mix , my endurance will increase and I will be able to run longer without *feeling* it as early :) We'll see...I am an experiment of one, as are all us crazy Ultra-runners, lol.
Speaking of running... ;)
In my life, I have been a Jane-of-all-trades. I have had many jobs, none have even been close to connected, lol, and in fact I am surprised I got one job to the next as I tended to go into a job with NO experience, and people just gave me a chance. I am SO grateful for all those *chances* as I have had some awesome experiences, learned a lot, and had many experiences I would not have otherwise had. I have always felt the *knowing* that I needed to be in some sort of helping profession, and have done a helping sort of job several times(including now, as I am a part time PCA) I know this is my Path, as I keep getting pulled back to it no matter how far I stray...
Part of this is what is going on now. I am very much being pulled in a direction to help again. I have had people contact me about diet, exercise, training...having thought before about doing some sort of coaching, etc I feel like I am coming full circle. I also have 2 books in various stages on my laptop that need finishing...so after some thought and prayer I came to the realization that the best step for me at this point would be to get my PT certification, along with my Sports/Fitness Nutrition Cert. I am certified as a Raw Food Coach, which means I can teach the diet, cooking, etc but that is very specific, and really I do not believe that a raw vegan diet is for everyone...it is a lifestyle you have to choose and feel committed to. That, and people are obsessed with the letters that follow your name...
I feel VERY strongly about helping people achieve health. There is so much knowledge out there and the fact of the matter is, it is totally overwhelming and time consuming to look into everything. It has been my life mission, so to speak, for the last 10 years and I know where to look and how to filter through the BS, I can read medical websites easily, locate what I need and I enjoy that stuff. It isn't for everyone, not everyone has the time or desire to educate them self in that way...but they still need the knowledge...enter ME ;) My desire is to be a PT, etc to be able to help people achieve HEALTH. I am not about going to a gym and getting people all buff on weights and pills, or *coaching* people through some creepy weight loss scheme, its about TOTAL health, addressing the WHOLE person, physical, mental, emotional...what is keeping them from reaching their desired outcome, an then helping them find a way to get there. I don't want to be someone's crutch, I want to simply be a tool in that person finding their OWN way, and living the healthy life they desire AND deserve. I believe I can do this. I am very passionate about this, and hope to spread that passion to to others. Time will tell, I guess... :)
In the mean time, people will have to continue to put up with my soap box, or you can block me, lol. I don't plan on getting off of it any time soon. :)
In other news...I am pretty happy with my training, running has been pretty great, mileage is steady and the lack of real winter weather has been kind of cool as I can run decent mileage every week. I am hoping that since I have increased my base mileage, that my ability to race/run 50k/50m will and finish quicker and easier will improve. I do not have any official races until April so time will tell. I am not planning on doing any *real* long runs until March, but more continuing with my increased base building and strength training. Hopefully the lack of winter here means I can start riding my bike sooner, as I definitely want to incorporate biking in as my cross training. Hoping that between my increased miles and then adding biking to the mix , my endurance will increase and I will be able to run longer without *feeling* it as early :) We'll see...I am an experiment of one, as are all us crazy Ultra-runners, lol.
Speaking of running... ;)
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