My entire life I have liked running about as much as my mother likes the St. Louis Cardinals.....there is true hatred there :). I've always tried to avoid long distance running (or even jogging) as much I could throughout my whole life. When I played basketball in highschool and college, my biggest fear was pre-season long distance running. I would get nauseated just at the thought of it. In my prime give me sprints upon sprints and I was fine, but throw that mileage at me and I cringed!
Then as I became older and went through two knee surgeries, I had myself a good excuse not to become a runner. That pounding on my already degenerative knee..."I can't do that". In the past two years, I have lost 30 pounds, but mostly by doing my favorite type of fitness training...lifting weights. I 'm an avid believer in weight training to build leaner, larger muscles and burn fat. It is a great way to boost one's metabolism. I have even done some aerobic excercise consisting of the elliptical and bike. I have majorly avoided the running...even on the treadmill.
Recently I have had an epiphany. In the past two weeks, I have had friends talk to me about running, I have read about running in every book and magazine I have picked up, I have had co-workers suggest running in fundraisers. The signs are everywhere! I chose to ignore them for a bit, and give my normal "I'm not a runner" line. But it is not in my nature to ignore something that keeps popping up and grabbing my attention. Many times I see this (especially if it is something of good virtue and good for me) as a sign.....as God directing me in a certain way. Another life lesson. Another goal.
The dreaded "running" word just kept popping up. Then last Saturday at a cookout, a friend of mine asked myself and several of my friends, if they wanted to run in the Abes Amble. This is a 10k (or 6.2 mile) run in August. My initial reaction was, "I don't know about that. I can't run!". Then the talk of training and preparing pursued throughout the night. I went to bed that night with this really weighing on my mind.
I woke up the next day and literally started talking to myself. For a good 10 minutes I became my own "life coach". I told myself how I need to start practicing what I preach. I am studying to be a fitness trainer. If I'm going to train others in all aspects of fitness (anaerobic and aerobic), I must be able to do it myself. I'm constantly telling others to face their fears and to step up to the plate and do things they don't like to do....because in the end a wonderful feeling of love for yourself awaits. At that moment, I realized I needed to stop the excuses. I needed to face up to it. I needed to burrow through the pain and fear of training and set this goal. God has even put friends and loved ones around me for support and motivation. How can I say no? The signs are everywhere....I can't ignore them any longer.
So I have started training. I have already made improvement in my distance. I need to stay focused and compare myself to no one else and take it one day at a time. I'm extremely sore right now and yes my joints (including my knee) do hurt. But it is not a debilitating pain. I'm not going to lie and say I feel great as I'm running or even when I've completed my jogging jaunt, but I will say the thought of reaching this goal and facing this fear is exhilarating!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
My surroundings
Almost every morning I read a passage from a devotional book. The current one I am reading is based on and written by the same author of "90 Minutes in Heaven". I have truly enjoyed this book and it has become quite the inspiration to me giving me thoughts to ponder and re-direct my thoughts and emotions. Yesterday when reading my passage, I realized that even though I have faltered several times, I have been making great steps towards healing and bringing light into my life.
Anyone that truly knows me right now can without a doubt know I have been struggling for quite some time. I'm in what the author of this book would call a "new normal". Unfortunately, this "new normal" is something I prayed would never come about....it was one of my biggest fears. See, on January 1, 2008 the love of my life decided to leave me, our house, and what had been our life for over 5 years. Details are not necessary to put forth here, but the impact on my heart is. I was devesated and to this day...going on 5 months later...I still hurt every single day.
Although I have allowed this hurt to sometimes overpower me, my strong stubborn side of me has also made some steps in the right direction to at least heal a part of this broken heart. The passage I read yesterday was based on a Bible verse (Philippians 4:8) that contained a quote of "whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are ure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report......think on these". In translation, the author went onto explain the importance of surrounding yourself with those things that are lovely and pure. Those things that just ooze God's greatest works and passion.
I began to think about this. Am I doing this? It didn't take me long to realize I could pat myself on the back. I looked around and thought of my daily activities and latest ventur. I then realized I was doing my best to trudge through my darkness by surrounding myself and trying to surround myself with good, pure, lovely things and projects.
The books I'm reading consist of motivational, Christian, uplifting, prayerful thoughts. On one hand, I try and wake up with my devotional book I've already mentioned. On the other, there are many nights I go to bed with a book by Joyce Meyers called "I Dare You" which consists of wonderful thoughts and suggestions on how to live and see life with passion. I consider these my "honest and just" surroundings.
One of the activities I am diving into lately is planting beautiful flowers in my backyard. I have found a love for gardening which I am sure was instilled in me over 20 years ago by my father. I love sitting on my deck in June and July just looking at the simple beauty of nature. I believe it takes looking at just one bloom or one spurt of growth to be in admiration and thankfulness of life and God's works. I consider this one of my "lovely" surroundings.
Another activity I am in the begining stages of is becoming a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters. I have passion for children and helping others. I saw this program as a great opportunity to bring the two together. I get to meet my "Little Brother" next week. I truly can't wait. I consider this one of my "pure" surroundings.
Among other surroundings I believe this verse is speaking of is simply the company one keeps. I have come to realize lately how huge this is. Surrounding myself with those that believe in these type of surroundings is key as well.
It was just in the very near past that I found myself being enclosed in more of the negative surroundings then the positive. Although I knew what was right, I allowed myself to stay in the darkness the majority of the time. I couldn't get myself to take that first step to the light...to the pure. By no means am I completely in the light. By no means am I saying I will not take steps backwards. I am human. I will falter and I know there will be many times the sadness and anger will overtake me. But I am truly happy to look around myself and see many of my surroundings. It makes me smile.
Anyone that truly knows me right now can without a doubt know I have been struggling for quite some time. I'm in what the author of this book would call a "new normal". Unfortunately, this "new normal" is something I prayed would never come about....it was one of my biggest fears. See, on January 1, 2008 the love of my life decided to leave me, our house, and what had been our life for over 5 years. Details are not necessary to put forth here, but the impact on my heart is. I was devesated and to this day...going on 5 months later...I still hurt every single day.
Although I have allowed this hurt to sometimes overpower me, my strong stubborn side of me has also made some steps in the right direction to at least heal a part of this broken heart. The passage I read yesterday was based on a Bible verse (Philippians 4:8) that contained a quote of "whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are ure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report......think on these". In translation, the author went onto explain the importance of surrounding yourself with those things that are lovely and pure. Those things that just ooze God's greatest works and passion.
I began to think about this. Am I doing this? It didn't take me long to realize I could pat myself on the back. I looked around and thought of my daily activities and latest ventur. I then realized I was doing my best to trudge through my darkness by surrounding myself and trying to surround myself with good, pure, lovely things and projects.
The books I'm reading consist of motivational, Christian, uplifting, prayerful thoughts. On one hand, I try and wake up with my devotional book I've already mentioned. On the other, there are many nights I go to bed with a book by Joyce Meyers called "I Dare You" which consists of wonderful thoughts and suggestions on how to live and see life with passion. I consider these my "honest and just" surroundings.
One of the activities I am diving into lately is planting beautiful flowers in my backyard. I have found a love for gardening which I am sure was instilled in me over 20 years ago by my father. I love sitting on my deck in June and July just looking at the simple beauty of nature. I believe it takes looking at just one bloom or one spurt of growth to be in admiration and thankfulness of life and God's works. I consider this one of my "lovely" surroundings.
Another activity I am in the begining stages of is becoming a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters. I have passion for children and helping others. I saw this program as a great opportunity to bring the two together. I get to meet my "Little Brother" next week. I truly can't wait. I consider this one of my "pure" surroundings.
Among other surroundings I believe this verse is speaking of is simply the company one keeps. I have come to realize lately how huge this is. Surrounding myself with those that believe in these type of surroundings is key as well.
It was just in the very near past that I found myself being enclosed in more of the negative surroundings then the positive. Although I knew what was right, I allowed myself to stay in the darkness the majority of the time. I couldn't get myself to take that first step to the light...to the pure. By no means am I completely in the light. By no means am I saying I will not take steps backwards. I am human. I will falter and I know there will be many times the sadness and anger will overtake me. But I am truly happy to look around myself and see many of my surroundings. It makes me smile.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Nutrition...its all about education and discipline.
It never ceases to amaze me how little the average American understands simple nutrition. Not only do they not understand the ramifications of what they put in their mouths, but they do not even try to educate themselves even though there are resources upon resources at their fingertips!
The other day, I simply explained to an acquaintance the importance of iron in her diet in order to raise her blood count and prevent her chronic anemia. Why a doctor hasn't explained this to her, I am unsure. Maybe a doctor has. I dont know?? But she seemed amazed to learn that iron was essential to help her hemoglobin levels increase and in turn give her more energy due to the amount of oxygen that could be delivered to her organs. When I asked her what her diet consisted of, it was evident that she wasn't eating near enough iron. I explaind to her how leafy greens, red meat, and some beans and nuts are great sources of iron. I went on to tell her that simply taking a multi-vitamin with iron would help as well. She looked at me and smiled and thanked me with true gratitude for sharing this knowledge with her. When she walked away, I felt great that I could help and could only hope she would improve her diet and start taking supplements. Yet, I was amazed that this simple information was never explained to her before. I sometimes take it for granted that the average person understands all of this.
Now don't get me wrong, I was once one of the millions who didn't educate myself or care to either. I possess a Bachelors Degree in Biology and Medical Technology, but yet didn't bring my brain to the basics of nutrition and how it was affecting my health and fitness. I was young! I was invincible! I could eat whatever and be fine. I had great metabolism! It wasn't until that "great metabolism" slowed down that I started looking into strategies to lose weight. I will be honest, I was looking into this at first in order to just lose weight. I did my own version of the low carb thing for an easy fix. I paid very little attention to the nutritional and health aspects of it.
I then noticed the quick detioration of my mother's health due to her late onset of diabetes. I remembered my father's painful death from colon cancer. I looked around me at the numerous overweight, sickly individuals that surrounded me in my healthcare field. I didn't want that to happen to me. Although, I understnad genetics has a huge impact on many diseases I knew I could change my lifestyle for the better to improve my chances of not suffering. Even suffering from simple things that were already affecting me...i.e. constant heartburn. So what did I do? I do what I do best, I did research . I then proceeded to change my lifestyle with nutrition and exercise.
I am a firm believer that excess sugar is the number one reason Americans are so overweight with so many health problems. Excess sugar in our diets keeps the pharmaceutical companies in business. It has even been shown to be a cause for depression and anxiety. Still, it is not only essential to know the excess of this addictive legal white substance causes the many issues humans fight, but it is just as important to understand the lack of the numerous nutrients our body needs. It's all about getting back to the basics. Back to the natural foods God has provided for us.
Don't get me wrong, I am far from perfect!! Anyone that knows me knows I still have my vices. I also still eat "the bad stuff". That will never go away. Our world today has too many temptations, and I have developed many bad habits that I may never completely shake. I believe you should still enjoy life. Still enjoy the gifts of taste, feelings, excitement, etc. that God has given us. Still, I believe it is all about balance. Making sure "the good" way outweighs "the bad".
Now if we could just get the average American to break the cycle. To step away from their addictions. Too look at their diet from the outside looking in, rather than listening to the brain who has been trained for years to want the quick, easy, convenient food. If more people would want to look at their hunger and cravings from a different perspective and re-train the brain.
I want to do my part to help others. I hope to do this in my future part-time career as a ceritified fitness trainer. The main issue, though, is that the people have to want to hear it. They have to want to change. When I can help others and they do make changes, it makes me feel so good. It can be as simple as telling someone how much their energy level can increase by just adding some more iron to their diet. It's all about basics. No rocket science. Basics of nutrition is what I want to share. I guess I will see if others are willing to listen....
The other day, I simply explained to an acquaintance the importance of iron in her diet in order to raise her blood count and prevent her chronic anemia. Why a doctor hasn't explained this to her, I am unsure. Maybe a doctor has. I dont know?? But she seemed amazed to learn that iron was essential to help her hemoglobin levels increase and in turn give her more energy due to the amount of oxygen that could be delivered to her organs. When I asked her what her diet consisted of, it was evident that she wasn't eating near enough iron. I explaind to her how leafy greens, red meat, and some beans and nuts are great sources of iron. I went on to tell her that simply taking a multi-vitamin with iron would help as well. She looked at me and smiled and thanked me with true gratitude for sharing this knowledge with her. When she walked away, I felt great that I could help and could only hope she would improve her diet and start taking supplements. Yet, I was amazed that this simple information was never explained to her before. I sometimes take it for granted that the average person understands all of this.
Now don't get me wrong, I was once one of the millions who didn't educate myself or care to either. I possess a Bachelors Degree in Biology and Medical Technology, but yet didn't bring my brain to the basics of nutrition and how it was affecting my health and fitness. I was young! I was invincible! I could eat whatever and be fine. I had great metabolism! It wasn't until that "great metabolism" slowed down that I started looking into strategies to lose weight. I will be honest, I was looking into this at first in order to just lose weight. I did my own version of the low carb thing for an easy fix. I paid very little attention to the nutritional and health aspects of it.
I then noticed the quick detioration of my mother's health due to her late onset of diabetes. I remembered my father's painful death from colon cancer. I looked around me at the numerous overweight, sickly individuals that surrounded me in my healthcare field. I didn't want that to happen to me. Although, I understnad genetics has a huge impact on many diseases I knew I could change my lifestyle for the better to improve my chances of not suffering. Even suffering from simple things that were already affecting me...i.e. constant heartburn. So what did I do? I do what I do best, I did research . I then proceeded to change my lifestyle with nutrition and exercise.
I am a firm believer that excess sugar is the number one reason Americans are so overweight with so many health problems. Excess sugar in our diets keeps the pharmaceutical companies in business. It has even been shown to be a cause for depression and anxiety. Still, it is not only essential to know the excess of this addictive legal white substance causes the many issues humans fight, but it is just as important to understand the lack of the numerous nutrients our body needs. It's all about getting back to the basics. Back to the natural foods God has provided for us.
Don't get me wrong, I am far from perfect!! Anyone that knows me knows I still have my vices. I also still eat "the bad stuff". That will never go away. Our world today has too many temptations, and I have developed many bad habits that I may never completely shake. I believe you should still enjoy life. Still enjoy the gifts of taste, feelings, excitement, etc. that God has given us. Still, I believe it is all about balance. Making sure "the good" way outweighs "the bad".
Now if we could just get the average American to break the cycle. To step away from their addictions. Too look at their diet from the outside looking in, rather than listening to the brain who has been trained for years to want the quick, easy, convenient food. If more people would want to look at their hunger and cravings from a different perspective and re-train the brain.
I want to do my part to help others. I hope to do this in my future part-time career as a ceritified fitness trainer. The main issue, though, is that the people have to want to hear it. They have to want to change. When I can help others and they do make changes, it makes me feel so good. It can be as simple as telling someone how much their energy level can increase by just adding some more iron to their diet. It's all about basics. No rocket science. Basics of nutrition is what I want to share. I guess I will see if others are willing to listen....
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