I saw an elderly woman with a cane in the gym yesterday.She seemed to be struggling a little and it caught my attention.Me, being me, talked to her for just a second.I told her a little bit of what I’d gone through and told her that if she would stay with this, I guaranteed it would get easier.
Her trainer came up to me later and said she is over 85, had suffered a stroke, and relied more and more on her cane.She was frustrated and seemed to be tired of trying.However, after talking to me she seemed to have a new fire and was going to try a little harder.
Now to me, I felt a little silly.I mean I was comparing apples to oranges!But she heard something else.She heard that you can overcome your circumstances by hard work and consistency.
While thinking about some things that have happened recently a saying that has served me well came to me " "it isn't what happens to you. It is how you REACT to what happens to you. Sometimes a door must close in order for another one to open. Don't lose the blessing."
All I know is that the door to the past is closed, and there is a wonderful door ahead. It may not be the door I THOUGHT that it would be, but that makes it more exciting. Sometimes it may be a door which leads you to a struggling 85 year old woman.
So keep preaching even when it seems it is falling on deaf ears. I know I will.And all it takes is one person to make it all worthwhile.She made today worthwhile for me.I wonder who it will be tomorrow.
A few years ago while on a mission’s trip doing disaster relief I found a wooden heart embedded in the ground. It was completely covered with mud and all kinds of nasty things. We have no idea where it came from or how far the tornado carried it. But as I was cleaning debris I found it, covered it in my bandana and stuck it in my pocket. Later when I came home and unpacked everything I found it, cleaned it as best I could and kept it in my living room as a reminder. Sometimes our hearts become so encrusted with the dirt of life, it almost seems hopeless. But all you need to do is clean off the crud, and a beautiful new heart is revealed.
It’s the same with people. Sometimes we get so sucked into bad habits and bad choices that it doesn’t seem we’ll ever become “clean” again. But if we slowly start making changes, we can watch the old layers slowly start to be removed. And soon, just like with my wooden heart, a new person will be revealed. Better than before because you’ve weathered the storm and survived.
So in this season of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for family and friends, but also thankful for the choices I am making towards my new life. A cleaner life.
This morning as I drove to work I thought about why I wore purple. It isn’t to make a statement about anyone’s sexual preference. It is for the same reason that I stood with friends last night for an hour and half while waiting for a St. Charles graduate return home. He was 18, had been in Iraq for 4 days when he lost his life. The funeral home he was on his way to was about a mile from where I stood with my friends. We were not there for anything personal. I had never met the man. My friend knew both he and his family, and when she asked me to stand with her, I hesitated briefly. I mean I had JUST walked in the door; Dom had been in the kitchen all day. Then I thought about the sacrifice this man had just made for ME, gave myself a mental kick in the butt and started getting ready to go.
So we stood in the cold last night. People pulled over and asked what we were doing. When we told them, some stopped and joined us. No one left even though it was an hour and half longer than we anticipated. As the motorcycle riders, police and military escorts passed, I thought about the other young lives we’ve recently lost.
So I wore purple today. Because EVERY life counts. When we lose one, a part of all of us dies. Maybe people will ask why I am wearing it, and when I tell them , will stand with me symbolically. And when I work out this week, it will be with a feeling of gratitude. For the blessing of this thing called life, and being able to participate in it. And MAYBE help one person along the way find THEIR way.
You know people tell me I shouldn’t be so open about my MS because people who don’t know me will prejudge me. But I’ve had a few wonderful things happen that had I been quiet (those who know me are laughing now) just wouldn’t have happened. I’ve had the opportunity to speak to so many people – some face-to-face, some just in the cyber world, about this journey. Wonderful people have shared their journey with me and we’ve been able to inspire each other. One thing that happened the other day made me laugh. Jake the Great has a new client who was upset because of heart challenges she didn’t have as much strength as she used to. Jake shared my story to tell her there is hope. It makes me laugh because I imagine, “You think YOU have it bad? Let me tell you a story…..” Now it didn’t happen that way but in my head it did.
Recently a national organization has agreed to pay for my training because of my “success”. Originally they were going to pay for 2 months – now they said they will continue paying as long as they are able. Had wonderful is THAT? But I know it isn’t being done so I will sit quietly by and just receive the gift. It is so I will pay it forward. So if you know of ANYONE who is struggling physically, please put us in touch with each other. Contact DFM or the Director of your gym and say you want to set up a meeting. Or contact Billy at St. Charles DFM and he will get the message to me. Anytime, anywhere. Sometimes I’ve met people and didn’t “feel” like anything happened – but it isn’t about that. It’s about knowing there is someone who has been where they are, and will let them know, hey if I can do, ANYONE can. And I CAN, and WILL.
And to those who want me to be quiet…..LOL…….sorry I couldn’t even finish that sentence.
What will that buy you? A cup of Fivebucks (as my friend calls it). A “Meal Deal”. A gallon or 2 of gas? Or training. I added up what I’ve spent on training thus far and that is about what I’ve spent. And what have I GAINED? Well, let’s look at what I’ve LOST first The following prescriptions: Novac, Atenol, Lipitor, Amantadine (energy for M.S. symtoms - usually used for Parkinson's disease), Avonex and Celexa
Other things such as walking with a cane, 70 something pounds, and a “poor me” attitude. . As far as what I’ve GAINED – well, life! Everyone who has known me for years comments on the fact that I look years younger. You know, having the weight of the world lifted off your shoulders tends to do that to you. When you are used to waking up every morning crying because you just honestly don’t know how you’re going to get through the day and now you wake up laughing to a smiling puppy (yes, he really smiles) ready for the first morning walk BEFORE coffee, how can you put a price on that? Well in my case I can. $5 a day.
Training may not be for everyone. But for some of us, it is literally a lifeline. I am a very spiritual woman, and my “inside” was very strong; however my outside was falling apart. It took me a long time to realize that I am responsible for this vessel called a body. As I told a friend, eventually you have to get up off your knees and do what you’ve been told to do or you will just end up with bloody knees. I can cry and complain about “it isn’t fair”, but something my Dad told me after my divorce is still true today. “Whoever told you that like was fair was a liar.” But you know what? It is what we make of it. Don’t like your life? CHANGE IT. Some people only need training for a brief time to get the basics and find out what they need to better themselves. Some of us have NO IDEA what to do, and need the tools you give us. ALL of us need to get off our duffs and DO something.
While I may not do this forever (unless I win the lottery – wait, is that $5?) I have learned the tools to continue the journey on my own. And that I WILL do. I look forward to not only taking, but LEADING classes while in my 80s. Get ready, because a lot of you will want to take that class.
March to the Arch September 11, 2010. I was fortunate enough to meet up with the group of people at the end of the March to the Arch. My friend and I parked near the Arch, and then walked to Union Station where we were able to join the walkers, and walk BACK to the Arch with them. It was such a humbling day. As I was stumbling while walking I was beginning to have a pity party. Then I thought of the huge sacrifice made on that day and WHY we were walking, and I decided I didn’t care if I only walked one block, I would do so with me head held high.
I met up with a new friend on the walk - a woman I began emailing at the suggestion of her trainer. She is a Lymphoma survivor, and had never worked out a day in her life. She is doing FANTASTIC. I told her soon we will be making the Cougar Rounds together. ;)
I was able to wear my Superman tee-shirt in honor of my favorite Marine, Jared McGowen – a DFM trainer, and walk with him a bit. When you see him, ask him the meaning of the Superman shirt. (Look, up in the air!)
The friend who went with me on the walk just recently mentioned needing to start working out again – so we have been meeting up on Saturdays at the gym closer to her. It is wonderful for both of us because it gives me a change of pace, and makes BOTH of us get up on Saturday morning and go (thanks Linda). :)
At the end of the walk I met a wonderful woman in a wheelchair who also has MS. We were able to talk a bit and I was able to share part of my journey. We are going to become cyber buddies first, and then I said next year I don’t care if it is 100 ft.; we are going to do part of the walk together. I KNOW it.
I’ve said all of this to show that there is someone next to you who just needs some encouragement. Sometimes it’s just a friend wanting to regain her health. Sometimes it is a new friend who is desperately looking for hope. But look around today and find someone who needs what you have. And give it to them. You will never regret it. And as you walk today, remember what a blessing the simple act of walking is.
Labor Day is over, so it's Fall, right? Ok, maybe not officially, but I'm so ready for Fall. The changing of the leaves. The crisp early morning walks with Dom watching him chase leaves for the first time in his life. :) And the fall foods mmmmmmmmmm.........
But I am still into my summer salads. And that's the good thing about foods being shipped in - while I love to eat what is grown locally it is nice to have foods from other regions too. When you eat "clean" as I do it can take a little bit of creativity (and time) to not get bored with the same old same old. Here are a few of the things that I do.
Arrrrrrrrrrrugala
Sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it? Now imagine it in an Ertha Kitt voice. Purr it with me….arrrrrrrrrrugggggggggala.
The days of the boring iceberg lettuce salads I grew up with are gone. I eat a large salad with chicken at lunch most days and have learned to mix it up a lot. These days I am on an arugula kick, with spinach and romain as the base. Then the sky is the limit. If I’m really hungry I’ve been known to add boiled (cooled) potatoes. Or leftover barbeque. Tofu. Strawberries. ANY berry. I tried watermelon one day but that didn’t cut it for me.
But now it is getting to be soup weather. I have large soup pots, and can take all day to make a pot of soup. The wonderful about soup is you can freeze all the leftovers and by adding new ingredients make it a completely new meal. I love adding Curry to soup, hot sauce, sour cream, or whatever is around to make it a new and different. I usually start by boiling my chicken in onion, celery, garlic, carrots and spices. Then let it cool, drain veggies out, and retain liquid as stock. I shred the chicken, add it back to the to stock, then start layering veggies. Whatever floats my boat or looks good at the farmer’s market. Like I said, it can take HOURS to make, but it is so relaxing and a wonderful way to spend a fall afternoon. Besides, it’s not like you have to be standing over it all day. Just let it do its thing while you do yours. Serve it with some cheese, crusty bread and it just doesn’t get much better.
Last night I was feeling bored with the same old same old, so I started looking at what I had. Hmmm…leftover chucky pasta sauce I’d made, chicken breast, cauliflower. VIOLA! I boiled the cauliflower really well. Drained it – then mashed it like you would mashed potatoes. Some people add chicken stock and spices. Others add butter and sour cream. When it was well mashed I added some parmesean cheese and set it aside.
I baked the chicken breasts with the pasta sauce on top (WELL coated) and more parmesean cheese on top. When the chicken was baked, I let it cool a while. Then I placed it on TOP of the mashed cauliflower. Oh my goodness…. was that ever good.
So share with me some of your favorite recipes. It’s fall, I’m ready to cook!
Sometimes my life cracks me up. I was walking my puppy the other day and heard a dog barking. Now I thought maybe it was one of Dom’s friends, so I stopped to say hi. Before me was a 60 lb. Collie I’d never seen before – and let me tell you he did NOT sound like Lassie! Not only was Timmy NOT in the well, but if he were, my money was on the fact that this dog pushed him in! I asked the owner if he was friendly, and she said yes, so Dom went up to him (I know, I know). The next thing you know I hear her say “Oh no, this isn’t good!” and there is a Collie with no leash charging my puppy. Well, my puppy (all 7.5 lbs of him) was on a leash and scared to death barking like I’ve never heard. I swear I heard him scream.
I finally got him pulled up to me, and the next thing you know I’m on the ground. Apparently “Buddy” (yes, that’s his real name) broke his choke chain and rammed me trying to get my puppy. People are coming around because I’m bloody, can’t move, and am screaming “Get my puppy – someone get my puppy!!”.
Once Dom was safe and the mean dog was gone there were people trying to help me get up. But with a left hand swollen to twice its size, and cuts on right knee, elbow and a pulled shoulder, there was no way they could help me up. So I said wait a minute – and guess what??? After a few tries I GOT UP ON MY OWN. I think they thought I’d hit my head when I said “Whoa that’s kind of cool!”
A neighbor took me to the ER and the nurse there thought I’d hit my head because I kept laughing. Then I said “Come on you HAVE to see the humor. I’ve been so worried and scared about falling because of MS and a flying Collie takes me out!” And the thought of that just made me laugh all the more. The nurse just had me lay down and got the doctor. Now this made me laugh even MORE. At least the doctor saw the humor. :) (hmmm, but that iS when he prescribed the Vicodin)
The lesson I choose to learn is that worry is a huge waste of time – because while you are worried about the everyday problems, look over your shoulder. There might be a flying Collie that will land on you when you least expect it. But if it does, don’t forget to laugh. The ER needs to hear people laugh sometimes.
Kind of a dramatic title, isn’t it? What a rollercoaster ride the past week has been. Physically it has probably been the toughest since I started this journey. Which kind of messed with me because I thought all that nonsense was over. I can attribute the medical attack to a few things: a very energetic puppy, the heat (heat exacerbates problems with M.S. Think it’s been hot???), life stress, and honestly because the sky was blue. In other words, there is no reason.
I knew that my energy as waning, and I just didn’t feel “good”, but I was determined “it” wouldn’t win so I didn’t stop. However, when I worked out with a friend on Saturday, I ended up having a bad fall. Now the GOOD thing is it wasn’t my gym so people didn’t know me or what was up. The people around me laughed when I fell – until I didn’t get up. The lady next to me was so good. She didn’t miss a beat with her workout, but said under her breath “Are you ok?” I mentioned I had MS and that it takes me a while to get up sometimes. She slowed down and asked me “Do you need help, or would you rather do it yourself?” I thanked her and said I’d rather do it myself, and she let me. Although I did notice the sideway glances to make sure I was ok. :) This was the PERFECT response. Caring, and yet letting me do it my way. Because let’s face it – as much as I’d LOVE to think it will never happen again, it might so I have to figure out for myself what to do in case no one is around.
When I went to work out with Jake Monday I was a MESS. Because MS is a neurological disease it can really mess with your emotions. I was crying, thinking I was regressing, that I was going to have to give my puppy up (which just caused me to cry more). My knee (which is permanently swollen and disfigured from past falls) was even MORE swollen, to the point I couldn’t bend it. And it HURT. Jake just stopped me and said, let’s not work out. Let’s just talk. He told me to take a deep breath. Relax. He’s been through attacks before with me, so he knew what to do. You’d think I would too, but sometimes you don’t always think clearly during these times.
Then Jake did something that is so far above and beyond. I was his last client – he said he’d follow me home and walk my dog so I could ice my knee. Then afterwards he just talked to me for a bit before leaving. Now do you see why I refer to him as Jake the Great?
Yesterday (aside from the still swollen knee) I was feeling MUCH better. I got a call that I will tell you more about later. Let’s just say a national organization is granting me a scholarship for additional training. By helping me, they have not only agreed to pay for additional training for ME, but set a national precedent to help others down the road. (The client must first pay for initial training themselves and be able to show the benefit of the training.) This is something I worked for MONTHS on, not just for ME, but for others. And it could not have come at a better time.
So what have I learned from all this? Well, MS is a monster that will occasionally rear its ugly head. BUT because I am in better shape, I am better able to bounce back (no pun intended). And honestly (and this is strange) because I work out so much, I have learned how to fall so it lessens the impact. And when I DO fall, even though I look awkward as heck, I CAN get up on my own now. This used to be impossible. Even though it was the middle of the floor with nothing to climb up on, rather than drawing MORE attention to me by having to ask for help, I was able to just get up myself. This may not seem like much to you, but it is something Jake and I have been working on - how to get up off the floor when there isn’t anything around. And MAYBE I should learn that there are times it is ok to just chillax. The puppy will not always be a puppy (or Lord, PLEASE). But also, I’m learning to continue to enjoy the journey. ALL of it. And NOT look for an excuse to NOT work out – rather appreciate what it has done for me. But also I’ve learned that I am not in this journey alone. Whatever I am doing is for me, but it is also for others And NEVER EVER EVER STOP. NEVER. But it is ok to sometimes ask for or accept help.
So see why I say it was the best of times, it was the worst of time? What trainers do is so much more than just spend an hour or so helping us get fit. Many of you become counselors, confessors, therapists and friends. And sometimes help us to get up off the floor. On behalf of all the clients out there I say a very heartfelt, “THANK YOU!”
By Marshall Ray – Specialist in Sports Nutrition - ISSA
So you want to drop a few pounds, or just stay lean. You’ve heard conflicting reports on what you should eat before and after your workout, so you’ve tried various foods and supplements. Today, your guess work will end. Today, you will learn the most effective nutritional strategies for fueling your fat burning workout and maximizing the benefit long after you leave the gym.
So when do I need to eat before my workout? The answer: it depends on what you eat. If you eat a simple carb, then you need to put the banana down and start running! The more muscle you have, or wish to attain, the higher your carbohydrate intake will be. If you want to look like a men’s health model, then you need some slow burning carbs such as oatmeal, beans, sweet potatoes or brown rice to provide optimal glycogen for muscular energy. One hour before is ideal. Even if you are a woman seeking a solid foundation of functional muscle, some quality carbs pre workout will boost muscular performance.
What about fruit? The answer: Absolutely NOT!
Why? Because fruit’s molecular structure is comprised of fructose, which does not have the ability to be converted into muscular glycogen directly. It must go in to the liver first, which is generally full already. This greatly increases the chances of fat storage or inefficient fat burning during the workout.
For those of you living a lower carb lifestyle, which should be 90% of America, minimal carbs pre-workout are recommended. For those of who have been identified with poor Insulin Sensitivity, which is the body’s ability to handle carbohydrates, you should avoid carbs completely.
Regardless of your age, experience or goal, there is one thing that EVERYBODY should eat pre-workout: Whey Protein with high amounts of Branch Chain Amino Acids.
What are those? First, a quick recap on the function of protein: Every gram of protein is actually a collection of 22 amino acids that affect every function in your body.
Inadequate intake of high quality protein = poor bodily function
All 22 aminos are very important, but if you’re trying to fuel a workout, the most important ones are the Branch Chain Amino Acids. They are called: Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine. You can immediately forget that now. Just remember that there are 3 aminos that are essential for fueling muscular function and they are called Branch Chain Amino Acids, or BCAA’s. Look for at least 3 grams per serving from your whey. Six is the highest I’ve seen, in the CytoSport version of 100% Whey. On top of BCAAs, Whey will provide the other 19 aminos in adequate amounts as well, preventing muscle loss.
Why is this so important again? Because this is like taking a fat burning supplement while fueling your workout! Below, Alwyn Cosgrove, a pioneer in our industry, discusses a double-blind study where one group took a protein supplement and the other took a carb supplement before their workout. After taking the supplement:
“Both groups then completed a heavy resistance training workout (4 sets of 9 exercises at 70-75% of max weight)
Both groups showed a significant increase in resting energy expenditure for up to 48 hours post workout (as we would expect from the afterburn effect of weight training), however the protein group had a significantly higher increase than the carbohydrate group for up to 24 hours.
The researchers concluded that timing a protein supplement prior to weight training may be a simple and effective strategy to increase energy expenditure by elevating the post workout “afterburn effect” which in turn could facilitate reductions in body fat mass and improve body
composition if nutritional intake is stable.”
Well said.
So the most effective pre-workout meal?
A Whey protein shake mixed with water. If your daily carbohydrate intake is low, then some fat pre-workout with it (ex: almonds) will be plenty to maximize fat burning and fuel a good workout.
What about post-workout? There are thousands of studies that show that you need to take a whey protein supplement (preferably Whey-Iso) immediately after workouts to repair the muscle fiber you just burned up.
So all I do is Whey protein before and after my workout? The answer: Yes!
Ancient wisdom has told us to ingest simple carbs post workout because of the Insulin spike post workout. While this is very beneficial, it may come at a price: Decimated HGH levels.
Why is this hormones so important? Because it is the hormones responsible to repairing and muscles and maintaining a healthy, lean body!. Having high HGH levels benefit every cell in your body, and greatly increase metabolism! It is known as the “fountain of youth” for its ability to improve every function in your body. It’s importance is symbolized by the steroid abuse of this hormones!
One of the secrets of having a healthy, lean body is optimizing natural hormonal function. Here, the world renowned Dr. Mercola talked about post workout nutrition on your hormones. A recent study he found documented the following points:
1)“Eating a low-carbohydrate meal after aerobic exercise enhances your insulin sensitivity.”
2)Eating fructose, fruit or any fruit juice, post-workout will decimate your natural HGH production.
HGH magazine had this to say about consuming fructose post workout:
"A high sugar meal after working out, or even a recovery drink (containing high sugar) after working out, will stop the benefits of exercise induced HGH. You can work out for hours, then eat a high sugar candy bar or have a high sugar energy drink, and this will shut down the synergistic benefits of HGH.
… If you miss reaching HGH release during working out, you will still receive the calorie burning benefit from the workout. However, you'll miss the HGH "synergy bonus" of enhanced fat burning for two hours after working out.
This is an extremely important fact to remember if you want to cut body fat and shed a few pounds.
The University of Virginia research team demonstrated that carbohydrates are burned during exercise in direct proportion to the intensity of training. Fat burning is also correlated with intensity. However, the actual fat burning takes place after the workout, during the recovery.
This makes the "Synergy Window," the 2 hour period after a workout, very important in maximizing HGH, once it's released during exercise.”
Not a good combination…
So if you want to restore muscular glycogen, consume one of the non-fructose containing foods along with a protein immediately after your training session.
For the population who seeks fat loss or lean body maintenance, Whey protein immediately after your workout is essential. About an hour after your workout, a meal with fat and protein can help restore blood sugar levels and optimize your fat burning.
So in short, for the average gym member who seeks fat loss, this is your cheat sheet:
Pre-workout: Whey protein with high amounts a BCAA’s. Some fat is recommended, for those with good Insulin Sensitivity quality carbs as well. Amounts depend on body type, activity levels and your goal.
Post-workout: Whey protein immediately after exercise, followed by a meal about 1 hour later comprised of protein and fat.
A funny thing happened at the gym last week. I was doing my regular Sat. routine as set up by Jake the Great, which included 4 sets each of 25 rows at the rowing machine, 25 squats, .25 mile on elliptical, 25 push-ups, all in rotation – 4 sets. Followed with either 25 over the head throws with a 15 pound ball, or 25 on the back extension. I stopped for a second while doing the rowing machine and a man came over and said “can I get my set in while you’re resting?” I’d only stopped for a second, but it was a different gym, and I wanted to “blend” so I said sure. Got up. He condescendingly said “I’ll probably have to move the weights”. I said go for it and did more squats. Then he looked at the weights.. Paused. Said “Do you realize these are on 60 lbs?” I said yes, that’s why I stopped a second. He said “how many are you doing?” 4 sets of 25.
More silence.
Then he said, “well, I guess I’ll put it at 70”. He did 10 and said he was done.
I moved it back to 60 and did the rest of mine.
Jake said it’s not cool to make fun of people, even if they’ve made fun of you. So I just finished my set.
With a smile. :)
Girls rule!
Oh, and I told Jake I wanted a spit bucket. But could it please be pink and bedazzled??
Sometimes it takes a traumatic event to make us realize what is important. It’s shouldn’t be that way, but many time is. My cousin lost his father earlier this year to complications from MS. He was able to take care of his father his last year, and restore his dignity. He was fortunate enough to make the first floor of his home into a nursing facility for his father with 24/7 nursing care. But in the end Uncle Jack lost his battle. I remember my cousin (a man of deep faith) saying it bothered him to hear that his father was in a better place – because he liked this place a lot. And if he had his choice, he’d still be here. A few weeks after he lost his father, his mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. So rather than going through the grieving process he had to automatically go into doctor mode taking care of his mother. She lost her battle a few brief months later. This hit my family hard, since it is my mother’s sister, to whom she was very close to. We also lost her to the same disease that we lost my father.
But rather than this being a depressing sad thread I choose to make it a learning thread. I was able to spend time with Aunt Barb in the end, and encourage her. I remember her saying that she believed what I was saying, because I have validation. I have been through the fire, and come out. A little singed, but basically smoke free. She said our time together made her believe she COULD overcome anything and also the importance of faith. Now you might think she did NOT overcome, but you’d be wrong. Once Aunt Barb was a very depressed and angry woman. But not at the end – she never gave up the fight. And she had joy in the journey. When we talked she said she always left if a better mood – because sometimes going through things makes you have a deeper appreciation for life.
How many of us can say that? Maybe we will live to be 100 – but is it with JOY? Aunt Barb and Uncle Jack didn’t make it past their 70’s – but there was JOY in the end. I want that to be my legacy. And it will be, because I choose to make it so. And I’m a firm believer that joy is a decision as much as anything.
So I will do whatever I can to make this a better life; both for ME and those around me by working hard, playing hard, and loving hard. And always remember to have joy in the journey.
So I was surfing the web a few nights ago, and I came across the term "general physical preparedness" or GPP. I have read about it previously in some online journals and was intrigued because none of my classes, certifications, books, etc mentioned this novel and fairly obvious idea. I read up on it a bunch and here is the gist:GPP is the ability of an individual to do any physical activity required (voluntary or involuntary). The voluntary is fairly obvious, an athletic competition, exercise requirements, marathons, and things of that nature. An involuntary requirement would be something we hope probably never happens, like being chased by a bear, avoiding a car collision while running/walking, or being in a life or death situation...hey, it could happen right?The higher someone's GPP, the greater ability they have across the board in every measurable aspect of fitness, and the lower it is, the opposite is true. So think about someone who is an offensive lineman on a football team, you know the big guys who push other big mountains of men back a few yards and try to cream the defensive linemen to create a hole for the running back to run through, or protect the quarterback. These guys are very strong at their particular requirement, low speed strength. Think about it, they don't move very fast while pushing another 300lb guy, nor do they run for very long, so they can't sustain that effort for more than 20 seconds or the average time of a football play. So they would have a low GPP, unless they did some other non specific sport training. Is this a bad thing, or just a component of being very good at one thing?This is the question I asked myself. What if an elite football player, could also have great endurance, great jumping ability, and flexibility, even if it weren't a required trait of his position? This is of course one example, what if a marathoner had great strength and muscularity and sprint speed too, wouldn't that make them an even better athlete overall, without compromising their primary sport?The answer is yes. Through minimum non sport specific training, we can increase our overall GPP. Even better, is when we're not super elite athletes, and then everything should be GPP style training. We should strive for great endurance, great sprint speed, great jumping ability, great strength and muscularity, and great agility and flexibility. If we can attain great proficiency in all things fitness-wise, and we have no weakness, we are holistically in good shape, rather than having glaring weaknesses. This is where training and programming come in.Being a trainer is great, because I get to constantly vary my non athletic client's program in such a way to increase their proficiency at all things fitness related. People always ask for programs, like written down programs. And I've always said that a specific plan for workouts is a plan to fail. Coach Glassman confirmed this with this old quote of his:“Variances in effort, intensity, enthusiasm, and performance are an inescapable part of life. The belief that these natural variances can be planned for months in advance in order to optimize performance at a later date is hogwash.” - Greg GlassmanSo basically every time someone comes in, we're doing something different, whether the intensity, weight, duration, exercise, or interval changes, it's different, and that's how you get good at everything, or in other words your GPP increases.I would say increasing one's GPP should be the highest goal for anyone looking to achieve fitness across the board. Even if you are a competitive athlete, you should strive to be good at everything, so that in case the demands of your sport change suddenly, you are good to go. Think of a situation in which an offensive lineman has to chase down a defensive back who intercepted a ball. In most cases, the linemen are slow, and run out of steam quickly. However, if he had just spent a little time working on his GPP, he could probably accelerate fast enough to catch the DB and prevent the touchdown. And it's not like it’s that hard for an already athletic person to achieve this level of GPP. Just an extra session or modified training session per week that focuses on glaring weakness in a smart manner can yield great results in the long term, which is not even including the health benefits of having better heart and respiration, better oxidative capacity, and a reduced body fat.So the next time you think that just doing the stuff you're good at will get you to your goal whatever it may be (for instance, a runner running, or a cyclist cycling, or a bodybuilder lifting weights for size gains), think outside the box with your training and realize that something you stink at is good for you, and will help be a more well rounded person fitness wise, but probably also increase your proficiency at your main goal, which is something we're all striving for.
-Jordan Feigenbaum CSCS, HFS, USAW-Club Coach Assistant Director O'fallon South jfeigenbaum@dfmfit.com
Putting the cap on the toothpaste pays in the long run.
Never give up. Never give out. Never give in.
The best IS yet to come.
Respect doctors and their knowledge 100%. BUT the human spirit is able to do BEYOND what they have been taught. YOU have the final word in your destiny.
When working out, always do a little more than you think you can. The worst that will happen is that you keep the same goals. The BEST that will happen is that you will set NEW goals.
It isn’t the falling down that counts; it’s the STAYING down. Do what it takes to get up again. Then help someone next to you who has fallen.
SEE it and you can achieve it. Believe it with the heart, mind, and spirit first. The rest is a cake walk.
God is not a genie here to grant wishes. Work WITH Him. It’s why He made us. Just remember - HE is God. You are not.
Never give up on love. It is in the smile of a child, the kiss of a puppy, the grateful hug from a friend, and sometimes just in the glance of a stranger. Never think because you don’t have a significant other that you do not have love. It is all around you. Just open your eyes - and your heart. If you DO have a signficant other - remember why you fell in love with them. And let them know that you still do.
Cougars rule.
I AM my brother’s (and sister’s) keeper.
God bless America and those who protect her.
You must move or you will die. If nothing else, shut the shades and dance if nothing else matters. Dance like you did when you went to a Junior High School sock hop (do they still have those??) with your girlfriends. Before you really cared. Just DANCE for the sheer joy of the moment.
Laugh more than you cry.
Never ever ever pick up a teething puppy who was recently weaned when coming straight out of the shower. Get dressed first. Nuff said. That band aid is going to hurt like heck when I remove it.
A funny thing happened in Cancun that has become a catch phrase for me. I usually got up at the crack of dawn to see the sun rise over the ocean for prayer and reflection. One morning I felt the need to work out, so I went to a secluded area and did some Yoga stretching followed by 100 sit ups. I rested a few minutes and started walking on the beach. No small feat for me since as I’ve stated I just stopped walking without the cane a short while ago, and this was my first time on a beach, and walking in sand. By the time I was walking back I was flat out pooped. I passed this German couple, who assumed I was tipsy at 6:30 in the morning (which in Cancun, CAN happen). Anyway, as I stumbled past them the woman said to me, “Perhaps you should lie down”. Now for some reason this struck me as extremely funny, so I started laughing and stumbling even more. I heard “tsk tsk such a shame” as I went past which made me laugh so hard I almost fell.
If only she knew! But it was kind of cool that she DIDN’T know and rather than crawling on the ground I just looked drunk.
When I told Jake the story initially he laughed, then he said something pretty profound. “People have been telling you to lie down since you started this journey”. And you know what, he’s right. Doctors, family, well meaning friends all initially thought this was not a good idea for me. Rather than push myself, perhaps I should just accept my fate and lay down. Thank goodness I didn’t, and chose to listen to those people who believed in me. And more importantly, I listened to ME!!! And look where I am today! Had I just lain down I think the scenario would be different. Heck, I know it would.
So I will always remember the thick German accent telling me “perhaps you should lie down”. And I laugh, and say NO WAY. It makes me get up and do more. Now gotta run and take a walk before lunch is over. Have an above average day!!
Ok, I know I just posted yesterday, but something really cool happened last night. I was walking my puppy around the condo after my workout with Jake the Great. I was talking to one of the neighbors that I only saw in passing before, but actually have a chance to talk to now. She wanted to know what happened to the woman I bought the condo from. I said I bought it from a man. She said no, the older heavier woman that had a hard time walking.
I had to laugh and say that was me.
She didn't believe me at first. She looked at me more and more close until she just opened her mouth in shock.
She said she and the other neighbors had been talking at the pool wondering when I had moved in because they didn't see the moving trucks.
From her reaction I think they kind of think they thought I'd died. And you know what? The old Janet DID. Make way for the new Janimal.
I just had one of the most wonderful times of my life in Cancun.Thank you Chad, Lisa, Jeremy and the entire DFM team.It was great on so many levels - physically, mentally and spiritually.
Something happened early one morning (No, not “Perhaps you should lie down”.I’ll talk about that another time.)But a really big spiritual rev. (revelation) as my pastor calls them.
Early one morning I was looking out on the ocean.The water was calm and peaceful further out.Then the closer it got to shore the more choppy it became.Then, when it reached the shore it became calm again.But it didn’t stop there.No, after a brief time the water turned around and went back out to sea.
I saw a man on a surf board – but the waves were too rough to ride – so he sat on top of the board and just road the waves.
It made me think – isn’t this exactly how life is?Everything seems calm and peaceful – the out of seemingly no where you encounter the rough waves.They get higher and higher.Now during these times you can try and swim against the current, exhaust yourself, and maybe drown.OR you can learn to ride on TOP of the waves.Riding it out.Not giving into it.Not fighting it.But learning when you should just relax, and ride out the rough times.
Then – as you reach your destination, all becomes peaceful again.BUT it doesn’t stop there.Because if the water STOPPED there it would become stagnant and die.No, it swirls for a second then goes right back to the sea – to start the entire process over again.Ever changing, never changing.
I want to be the person on top of the waves – laughing with pure joy.Because the more choppy the weather, the better the ride.KNOWING that it will not always be choppy – there are calm days ahead.But for this moment in time – simply feel the sun on your face, the joy of life surrounding you – and learns to ride the wave.
When speaking to JC on the phone, he reminded me that it was around this time last year we first spoke. He had asked me to contribute an article to the DFM newsletter. So I searched and came up with out original correspondence of 6-30-09. Hope it makes you smile as much as me. Oh, and none of the 3 amigos are still in my gym. But I have a whole boatload of NEW Amigos. And of course, Jake the Great :)
My email to JC: Man has this been cathartic. I cried every time I rewrote below. And “verbose” is a wonderful way to describe me. As a matter of fact, when I looked it up in the dictionary it said “see Janet”.
Oh, and I’m much younger, thinner and prettier than the picture.
Hope this makes sense!
ARTICLE
Why am I so driven? Because last winter I felt myself slowly dying. Today I feel life inside me. My first medially diagnosed episode of Multiple Sclerosis was in 1994. Last winter I fell often, hurt, was in constant pain and after 15 years with this disease was just tired. In 15 years I have tried everything from weekly injections to acupuncture and crystals – all with little to no success. But I decided I would not go down without one last all-out effort. When I joined the gym in April I literally had to walk in using my cane. My 3 Amigos were waiting for me: my trainer extraordinaire and new friend-for-life Ryan, and the two Mikes. From Day One I was never treated like a 2nd class citizen. They told me they would be with me through my entire journey, and have been. It hasn’t always been easy. When I started, Ryan had to help me find where to place the cane within easy grasp because I needed it get on and off all the equipment, and around the gym. Today, 2 months later, I no longer even bring the cane with me. For the first time in YEARS I can stand up from a seated position without leaning on anything or anyone. It bears repeating because it is so significant: I feel life, not death, in my veins. My desire is for EVERYONE who has given up hope, to find it again. To know you are all here for them. To Ryan specifically, and to ALL of you, I say a heartfelt thank you – you are doing so much more than just helping people lose weight (which in and of itself is important). Every one of you has literally helped save my life. And one benefit I’ve discovered from working out – I’m too tired to be depressed. J
You know, in life you will always have roadblocks on your path.Sometimes it is disease, injury, financial, job loss, companion loss, death, or maybe just a plateau in your weight loss.This has been a tough week for me, and I was at a point I was REALLY having a pity party, until a very good friend said “stop being a drama queen and get on with your life”.Now maybe I wasn’t initially receptive to her, but the words began to set in.It is so easy to over-react to people and situations.But we all have to resolve in our hearts that the decisions we make in life are forever, regardless of outside influences.The primary focus in my life currently is faith, nutrition, exercise, and a continuing commitment to health.Everything else, get out of the way!
So what do we do when these events occur?Well, first of all own up to our personal responsibility, change what we can, and vow to never repeat the mistake.And then learn to just let go and go on.And it is easier said than done, I KNOW.But really, what is the alternative?Because the one thing I have personally learned is negativity CAN and WILL influence your health.Is it worth it?
So I vow to start anew (again) with a new attitude.(Why am I thinking of Patti Labelle right now?)Want to join me?
I've had this pair of jean in my closet for 6 months now.They were really cute jeans that were WAY small when I bought them.Yesterday I wore them to work!I was so excited they fit.ESPECIALLY in light of the fact that I haven’t been losing much in pounds.Now I have been losing inches, just not pounds.Apparently because I get a bit of an “attitude” when I don’t see the scales go down much, Jake said I am 100% and permanently banned from the scales.Period.
So I came home kind of in a funk, and tried on the jeans as part of my pity party.Imagine how amazed I was that they fit!! The pity party went out the window and it made me realize that maybe there is a reason he is the trainer and I am the trainee.
It also made me think of goals, because I can’t believe these were my goal jeans.It is time to get another, and smaller, pair of new goal jeans.As I was talking to a good friend about this she started laughing.She said “do you remember what your goal was this time last year?”Then it hit me – it was to walk without my cane.Today walking is so second nature to me, that I forget that this was my goal for YEARS.So maybe I’m not the size I hoped I would be.Maybe I still get UBER tired after a challenging workout.Guess what?I’m tired because I’m DOING something and more importantly, am ABLE to do something.So my new goal isn’t to wear a smaller size, it is to figure out how I can reach as many people as possible and let them know that they too can set and OBTAIN new goals.Seemingly unobtainable goals.Seemingly……
I know I posted recently, and will probably soon again. But early this morning I caught the end of a movie with some of the most wonderful monologue - I just had to share it.
From The Big Kahuna
Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of '97... wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be IT.
The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
You are NOT as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't, maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't, maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself, either. Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else's. Enjoy your body, use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance. Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents, you never know when they'll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings; they are your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography in lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you'll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
There are a lot of people working out hard every day and rarely, if ever, saying anything to anyone (or so I’ve heard, I talk to walls). So today my challenge to you is to say an encouraging word or phrase to someone you don’t know, for no reason.
I don’t care if it’s “good effort” or “I can really tell you’re working hard today”, there is something you can say to EVERYONE.
By the way, have I told you all how nice you look today? ;)
What a ride! April 16th will mark the one year anniversary from when I first stepped into Club Fitness. I think I cancelled 5 appointments before I FINALLY got the guts to show up. And when I did come in I had a hard time walking on the tiled floors, even WITH my cane. But I KNEW that it was time to take back my life. Both for me and for others who need to know it can be done.
What a difference a year makes!!! Last night Jake the Great said I am just now really beginning to do the hard core stuff (ok, hardER stuff). He still has to be on his feet around me, occasionally steadying me, but I can now do the “little things”: like jumping on and off the Elliptical Machine. I remember when I fell the first time I tried to get on it; I thought I never would. Today I may only do increments of a quarter mile at a time; but hey, I’m doing them!!! Rather than doing strictly cardio bikes on the weekend,” J the G” has me on a whole routine of Elliptical, pull- ups, and push-ups of some type: 4 sets of 25 each. The first time I did them I thought I’d die, but today I LOVE it!!! I even met a lady at the gym who decided training wasn’t for her right now, so she meets with me on the weekend and we work out together. I laughed because I’m now the one going “come on, you can do it – 10 more. 5 more.” And count her down.
But my favorite thing at the gym - bar none – is the back extension. When I’m on it I feel as if I am flying. It was one of the first machines I could do that it didn’t matter if my legs were weak. I’ll just brace myself and fly! Whenever I’m having a tough night, Jake will say “Want to fly?” It ALWAYS makes me feel better.
Sometimes I get so incredibly physically tired, and discouraged about where I am and how hard the simplest things seem to be. Then I think about where I WAS, and the smile starts to form. I’ve also learned that self-pity is a luxury I no longer have. But really, do any of us? When I get really tired I tend to become more emotional. The other morning I started to tear up a little, then took a deep breath and said out loud (while looking in the mirror) KNOCK IT OFF. YOU WILL NOT GIVE IN TO THIS. THERE IS TOO MUCH FOR YOU TO DO!!! From the sounds in the condo upstairs I may have been a little louder than I intended. But that’s ok. :)
So I’m trying to adopt the same motto for life that I have when ”J the G” asks me if I want to try adding more weights. We always laugh because my answer is always the same “I ain’t skeered”.
You know, I didn’t realize how much a part fear played in a lot of areas of my life until it was brought to my attention recently. I think that one reason I had gained weight was because it protected me from so many things. And now that covering is disappearing, I kind of feel vulnerable. But I like the definition of insanity someone told me: doing things the same way you’ve always done them and yet expecting different results. One thing this journey has taught me is that if you want change, then YOU must change. Sounds simple, but it isn’t always.
Now some of the fear was/is founded. The fear of falling is valid because it HURTS to fall (and is embarrassing as heck). And the reality of my life is that occasionally I fall. But Jake the Great and I made an interesting discovery the other day. When I am doing a modified plank with one foot and arm up, it is very frightening to me and outside my comfort zone. But if he just lightly touched me on my back, all of a sudden I became steady and could do it. He wasn’t holding me up. He wasn’t steadying me. All he did was lightly touch me. Yet when he moved his hand away, I began to lose my balance. It took me a while to figure out it was because I knew as long as I knew he was there, he wouldn’t let me fall. Just the lightest touch gave me reassurance he was close by.
Isn’t that how it is in life? When we’re trying something new that is unfamiliar or scary and we’re alone, we tend to waiver. Yet when there is someone we trust close by, it gives us the courage to do new things. There are definitely spiritual lessons I’ve learned from this, but also practical ones. I want to be the woman I thought I’d be when I was a little girl. The one who tries new things: sometimes successfully, sometimes not. But I tend to think of life as a ladder. Sometimes we take a step up. Sometimes down. But we don’t ever go all the way to the top or the bottom unless we CHOOSE to. So today I choose to take a deep breath and take the lessons I’ve learned from this fitness journey into other areas of my life. If you see a woman alone tonight listening to one of her favorite jazz/blues singers because her friends had other plans, it might be me. Say hello and find out.
In this day of microwave ovens, cell phones, email, and other methods of immediate gratification it shouldn’t surprise me when people opt to do radical invasive surgery to lose weight as opposed to the old tried and true methods – but it still DOES. I realize there are exceptions but a lot of the people I’ve spoken with are looking for the “quick fix”. And maybe you WILL lose a lot of weight fast – but at what cost: both monetary and physically. Because if you lose weight rapidly without working out the skin is going to just hang there – then you’ll need ANOTHER surgery to cut and tone the skin. Now I’m not opposed to a little cosmetic fixer-upper: However, when you have to have POUNDS of skin removed I don’t consider that a minor procedure.
Friends confide in me because they’ve seen such a change in me and talk about the change they want to make within themselves. And a lot of these friends are people with an excess of 150 pounds to lose ((side note: I’ve offered to put them in touch with Thea and Jan who both have FANTASTIC stories of losing over 100 lbsl!!)) tell me that their diet is fantastic and they work out. However, if we eat together these are the same people making fun of me when ordering a salad for either having dressing on the side, or just squeezing fresh lemon on it (“don’t I KNOW the dressing is what makes the salad?” ummmm ..no). And when I suggest going for a walk, or horror of horrors parking in the parking spot furthest away to get that extra walking time they act like I have two heads! ESPECIALLY when they know I have a handicap tag for my car and STILL park far away - it almost sends them over the edge. :)
I have a few friends who have asked me to help them in their efforts. I’ve started sending them encouraging calls and email while checking their progress. Recently I’ve heard “I only had one piece of cheese bread with my pizza.” “But everyone was having ice cream cake”. And my personal favorite, “You just don’t know how hard it is.”... I usually just sit in silence a few seconds on that one.
Everyone has their own journey, but the one thing I’ve learned is that AFTER you see the results people think it is easy, which totally cracks me up. It is probably one of (if not THE) hardest things I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding. But I’ve found personally it is a daily decision: what I’m going to eat, when I’m going to work out, etc. Sometimes I think it is easier for me because there simply is no other choice. If I go back to old patterns, I go back to walking with a cane and heading quickly towards a wheel chair. So it is not simply for vanity reasons, it is to keep myself mobile. I wonder if others knew their choice was to change their patterns or give up their mobility if that would make a difference? So even though I’ve been accused of being a gym rat, a pure food radical, and other things, I’m good with that. I just want EVERYONE to know that they CAN take back their life. I wish this blog allowed music, because I’d be playing STAND by Rascal Flatts
Cause when push comes to shove, You taste what you're made of. You might bend 'til you break, Cause it's all you can take. On your knees, you look up, Decide you've had enough. You get mad, you get strong, Wipe your head, shake it off, Then you stand.
I was driving thru Forest Park today with my sunroof open, Janis Joplin BLARING, and out of nowhere I just started crying, because I am so happy. It is incredible how my life has changed. As I drove past the Zoo, I thought "I can do that now! I can walk all over the Zoo this year" and started crying all over again. Life is SO incredibly good. The simple act of walking used to be such a challenge. Today one of the men stopped me in the office and was laughing saying “you are moving so fast I almost didn’t know who it was”. I think I hugged him. I’ve decided that this year I want to do one new physical thing a month – something I haven’t done before or in a LONG time. Like climbing a wall, taking a class. Or maybe I’ll just take a walk through a park without using my cane and not needing someone to hold me up. Last Spring I would walk down Euclid at lunch using my wooden carved “work cane” and had regular rest stops all marked off where I could stop and catch my breath before carrying on. Wow. Ok, time for a side funny story – I’m way too serious right now. I took a walk in the area a few years ago, and was on the street where one of the men I work with lives. Well he must have had the same idea because I saw him on the street. I stopped by a tree, leaned up against it and raised my wooden cane and said “Be afraid, I have my man-grabber with me!”. He just looked very startled and started walking very fast – in the opposite direction. It was then I realized two things: (1) I should always wear my glasses and (2) it wasn’t the man from my office. You KNOW he was telling people about the crazy lady with the “man-grabber” in the Central West End. :) Yep – that’s me. So if you see me with my cane, I’m not using it to walk, just looking for a man to grab. Carpe Diem!
For those of you that haven’t heard, I won the Cancun Client contest – so you’ll be looking at my mug in your gyms. Which give me MORE incentive to get in better shape – because this is just a halfway point!
I am so incredibly humbled by this, but excited for the possibilities too and the voice this gives me. I called my Neurologist to share the news. Her office was so excited – they pulled my chart so they could see the progression and are astonished. When the posters come out they want to display them in her Washington University and St. Luke’s hospital to show people going through challenges or just diagnosed with M.S, that they don’t have to accept it. Which has been my goal all along. Because my vision is so much bigger than just this honor (which is phenomenal!). I don’t want anyone to get to the place I was in before I came here.
Now it isn’t all roses today. I’ve fallen a few times recently. We don’t know if it’s because I’ve kicked my training up a notch, recent outside stresses, the weather changes (honestly effects it), or just because I changed my eye shadow. There is no rhyme or reason. All I know is that even when I’ve collapsed or fallen, I simply get up, dust myself off, and start all over again (as the song goes). Because stopping is NOT an option. Slowing down is not an option. Changing how I do things MAY be an option. :) As you can see, I’m a little hard-headed.
But through it all, I want to continue to have fun! To enjoy every second of this ride we call life. With the DFM team behind me, we can’t fail - because this is a GROUP effort. From Ryan, Jake the Great, Jeremy, Chad, Jason, Tj, Josh, JC, Diane, Nick and everyone else who has helped me so much, thank you. From a sincere heart, thank you. And on behalf all of the people out there you may never see – thank you. This is going to be an amazing year.
And to the "runner-ups", as far as I’m concerned we ALL won. Your stories are so inspiring. I am so proud to be in such wonderful company.
Oh, and I’m signing up for additional training this week – AND buying a bike. I told my friends that I fully intend to have streamers from the handle bars and maybe even baseball cards in the spokes - so you can’t miss me. Next goal – jogging. Anyone up for joining me in September for a jog through a park? :) Oh and the M.S. Bike Ride. Oh yeah, and I want to dance again. And Thai Chi. And I want to lift more weight (LOVE it). And yoga. And Zumba – really want to become steady enough to take classes. Oh yeah, kick boxing (be afraid – be VERY afraid). Oh yeah, spinning. OH, I want to climb a wall!! The possibilities are limitless. This time last year I couldn't IMAGINE this would be my life. Now I can't imagine it NOT. Thank you.
