This may not be the cutest or the best story I have ever written, but it is true. I am sharing my story hoping that it will help someone else along their journey.
This last year and a half has been a challenge health wise. I went from an active runner in great shape preparing to run my first 10K, to a couch potato sedentary with an extra 20 pounds to lose. Now, I am starting my fitness journey from the beginning.
I knew that you never stop working out once you start. Once you get a routine you keep going, because starting and stopping makes this process harder. But, a freak accident left me with a sidelining hip injury, and several blood clots in my lungs and leg made moving a bit too much, and probably scared me a bit. Talk about obstacles and setbacks…
My beautiful healthy diet went from juices, raw greens, and plenty of fruits and vegetables to mostly meats and NONE of that was by choice. I had to follow the doctors orders, and cut back on my veggies and anything with Vitamin K or risk being on the medications longer, and having to add more meds to counteract my diet…No thanks…
I guess I learned first hand what they mean when they say your food or your life.
The medications I had to take to save my life and rid my body of the blood clots required a MAJOR changes to my diet. Talk about a bummer… I think I am the only person in the history of life to feel like crying because I couldn’t have Kale salad, string beans, salad and broccoli as often as I wanted. I was not a happy camper! Sure in some ways, depression creeped in and my resolve was damaged but it was never killed.
So here is to starting over…and getting back on track.
Free and clear from the blood clots, and finally cleared from my injury, I went shopping bought some new running shoes and got to the business of starting over. Although, I could do it alone, I don’t want to. I think it would be more fun with friends, so I invite all of you to join me by getting active, and starting this whole health and fitness journey one step at a time.
With a new resolve and a new goal..
I am training for another run, I think I am going to do my 10K again this time with some training, and I am going to be preparing for the Susan G. Komen – 3 Day, a mighty important cause with lots of history. Find out more about the Susan G. Komen 3 Day here
Although, I have never personally been diagnosed with breast cancer, I’ve had several scares. I had my first mammogram in my early 30’s and I’ve had at least 4 more over the last 10 years. Our breast cancer family history is strong on both sides of my family. My grandmother died when my mom was only 13 years old, her twin sister (my aunt) died when she was 40, and my paternal aunt is a breast cancer survivor, not to mention the death of my stepmom a few years ago. Breast health is important and so is finding a cure for breast cancer and raising money to fight it is a great reason to get moving for a cause.
So I’m training and preparing with a purpose… I will be writing as I go on this journey because I am hoping it will inspire you to move into action, to change your life, to get in shape, to join the walk, and most importantly to take care of you… Sharing these reminders will help us all stay on track and will also give us a chance to cheer each other on as we move into the right direction.
I hope you will consider taking this road back to health with me, not just as a reader, but as an active participant. Your health is one of the most important things you will ever be responsible for, and I want US both to be as healthy as possible.
I am hoping that you will choose to shake off a few pounds with me and choose to become active, as well. Then we can have a huge celebration about all that we have accomplished together
Health is something that you have to guard with your life even when you don’t see “the benefits” right away. The scale may not move right away, the clothes may still feel tight and you may not look like a supermodel, what is important is your actions and that you are improving your health with every step and sacrifice you make.
So I have laced up my sneakers… and I am training, and moving… please join me.. everyday at Girlfriends With Goals Facebook page we do a #WorkoutCheckIn
If you worked out let us know by checking in and sharing what you have done, it doesn’t matter if all you did was walk.. it’s a start and we want to support you.
This is a journey and yes I have my “scale number” goal and you may have one too, but I also have my health number goals because it’s about health as much as it is about weight. So set some goals for yourself and join us on this journey to health. We are cheering for you….
It’s not easy to get back on track. I applaud your efforts! As someone who is also working on regaining a healthy life, I’m right there with you. We can DO this, girl!
Thanks so much Lisa I really appreciate it. Yes we can 😎
Oh, that experience doesn’t sound fun at all! But now you’re on your way. Keep those shoes laced!
I am doing my best Beth thanks… 😎
Yes, starting over is a difficult hurdle to attack. I admire your resolve and plan to get back on the healthy road. Thanks for the invitation to join you.
Thanks Patty… I appreciate all the encouragement that I can get on this journey…
Inspiring story, Aida. Thanks so much for sharing it. With your positive attitude, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before you take off that weight and get back to where you want to be. Good luck!
Thank you so much Jackie… I hope so… it’s a bummer not being back, but it is a process and a challenge and I am up for it.
That sounds like quite the journey that you went through. I’m glad that you were able to get back onto a healthier diet and that most importantly, you’re healthy, fit, and continuing to move forward!
Thanks Edmund so am I… 😎
Hey! Good for you! Glad you are doing better! Here’s to health 🙂
Thanks Michael and yes… thank God for health and getting back on track
Wow, that is great Sonya. I eat healthy already thankfully but getting back to my norm is a major celebration on my part.
I went through a bad hamstring injury and menopause last summer and for the first time in my life had no motivation to workout on my own so I made the commitment to use a trainer a few times a week and got back on track. I know not everyone can afford one but I knew I couldn’t afford not to so it was a matter of changing some financial priorities for a few months and I think that investment definitely paid off. I realized as I’ve gotten older I don’t want to “go it alone” anymore so I cancelled my traditional gym membership and instead rely on yoga, Pilates and Pure Barre classes around town. Good luck to you as you redefine what you need to do too!
Beth wow… I can only imagine what that must of been like. I am really thinking about getting a running coach as I think I want to do a 13.1 run. I am real proponent on investing in what I need and making sure that I spend on the things that are going to be long term in health is definitely one of them. I love Pilates so we should compare notes.. have you ever tried any of the Pilates videos instead of actually taking classes in your city. Pure Barre classes are new I will have to check those out… hmmmm
Pure Barre is tough. I can’t do all of the movements but I definitely see great results. I actually have a Pilates machine at home, however, the videos I have seen online aren’t really engaging or motivating. I really like being in a class I guess 🙂
Aida, I admire your resolve. We all have our own challenges and journeys, that’s for sure, and I wish you the best on yours! You’re definitely the one to get it done and I hope you are an inspiration to others and they join you. Accountability certainly helps when it comes to achieving goals!
Yeah you are definitely alone depressed over not eating kale or broccoli! I recently started to change my eating habits. I am following a plan that I make changes weekly to my diet and in a month all the new changes are in effect. Once that is done I am going to start working out again. Let’s do this!