If it's not one thing, it's another...

I'm sure many of my friends - working, not working, moms or not - can relate to the fact that we are all just juggling balls and hoping to not drop too many of them all at once. If I'm being good at exercising, eating well, flossing my teeth, keeping up with the house, etc., then something else has to suffer. I'm either a horrible parent or spouse or the laundry is behind and everyone is wearing clothes twice before begging for clean laundry (or eventually just doing it themselves - just don't touch mine!!) If I'm being an awesome mom then I'm pretty sure I'm eating like crap or I've taken time off of exercise. Or I've stopped flossing until 2 weeks before my dentist appointment then I go crazy flossing twice a day so my gums don't bleed and the dentist knows I've been a slacker. But really, I don't do that. Ever. And, if I'm being an awesome spouse, well then it seems nothing gets done. :)

I've always had a problem with balance and I blame my OCD, anxiety, and procrastination disorder (is there such a thing?? I think there should be a name for it.) I'm working on it but it still seems there is not enough time to "get it all done."

And, if any of the above is all happening that means I haven't picked up a books in weeks and I'm probably in withdrawal.


~ with much love, always

Being healthy - why does it have to always be so hard?

I am pretty good about taking care of myself - get regular yearly physicals, mammograms, I eat decently (most of the time), I exercise at least 3 days a week, take my vitamins, etc. But sometimes it's just not enough. Sometimes age catches up with you and your body decides to do it's own thing despite all the hard work you put in.

I got my blood work back and when discussing the results with my doctor, it turns out that I have hypothyroidism, meaning my thyroid is under-active and not producing enough hormones. This explains so many things: sudden weight gain over the past year (despite boot camps 3 x week and a change in eating habits), complete exhaustion all the time (as in I can fall asleep anytime, anywhere), and a higher cholesterol level than I've ever had before. As much as I don't want to be on medications for the rest of my life, I'm happy to know that there is a reason for my symptoms and it's not fatal. :) I will gladly take them and look forward to feeling better and seeing results in 3 months when I do the re-check.

Speaking of mammograms, I'm doing my duty and having my boobies squished today!! Nothing like two metal plates mashing down your ta-ta's to perk you up. So, don't forget gals, save second base and get your boobies checked (and do a baseline check at 40 - or earlier if your doctor requests it.)

Here's to living healthy and solving the world's problems. Ok, maybe not but at least I can sleep well knowing I'll be ok. 

~with much love, always

Boot Camp Day 1

(as if I could actually stay away for very long :) ....)

I finally reached the breaking point where I am no longer comfortable in my own body and that is a very sucky feeling. So, I signed up for a 3-week intensive body fat burning boot camp at Pulse Fitness. I had done some training there a while back and I really enjoyed the people there. Their motto is "we train the athlete in you" and that really appealed to me when I was training for my half marathons so when the opportunity arose to join this BC, I couldn't resist - even though I know (and remember) the hard work required and pain doing boot camp put my body through. In the end though, the results will be worth it and I'm hoping that after 4 times a week for 3 weeks, it will become enough of a habit to continue. 

This lovely group of insane people and I ran on a treadmill at 5.0-7.0 mph, held plank, did mountaineers (lunges on each side and then a squat while holding hand weights), kettle bell swings, and up downs otherwise known as burpees (or pukies!) The pace was set by the group doing mountaineers so however long they took that's how long everyone else had to do whatever station they were in. And we did 2 rounds of all that.

Then it was core workout time. We paired up and one partner held onto the other's legs while bringing their legs up. The partner then had to throw their legs back down. 20 times. Then 20 push ups  And we did 2 rounds of those, too. Needless to say, I am already sore and it's only been 3 hours... tomorrow should be fun! 

But I did it! I completed my first BC workout with 20 more days of 4 times per week workouts and a strict meal plan. My new motto , "It's all good; I've got this!" 

~ with much love, always