I'm not a Rabbit! I just eat like one. Maybe...?

You gotta admit...Rabbits are freaking cute. Well except for the fact that they can be a little high maintenance. They require attention, eat tons of lettuce and carrots, then poop a lot. Like really. A lot. I don't wanna be like that! So friends, take note...please stop telling me I'm eating like a rabbit!

I've had to change my whole diet thanks to this whole 'auto-immune thyroid god only knows whatever else' thing that's happening to me...and I mean completely change. Total 180. Or is it 360? I never was good at math! That's what my husband is for! But back to my point...

I've been talking the good talk about being 'Fit and Happy' but I really haven't been walking that walk. Yes, I've done a bunch of races, had some triumphs, and am overall way better then I used to be, but am I the best that I can be? My recent Wake Up Call has pretty much answered that...

Apparently Gluten and Processed or Enriched foods can severely affect your thyroid. If you've been reading my previous posts, you know that I've been battling some ridiculous hives, heart palpitations, and a bunch of other mess. The doctors' best theories point to all of this being related, and my body and my thyroid are basically at war. Isn't that crazy? If someone tells me that a better diet can help any of this get better, heck YES I'm gonna listen! I'm at wits end, and about ready to try anything!

I've been on this 'diet' for about 3 weeks now. I've cut gluten out as much as possible (still learning what's what with that) and pretty much don't touch processed or enriched food. A health coach that I've come to trust through all of this, put it into words I could easily understand...I'm pretty much on my way to what's commonly known as clean eating. If it has roamed on the ground (meaning Lean Meats) falls from a tree (meaning Fruits) or grows from the ground in natural ways (meaning Veggies and Naturally Gluten Free 'Grains' like Quinoa or Buckwheat) I can eat it. Or at least give it a try and see how I feel. I do also allow myself some dairy and nuts, but both in limited quantities.

I'm happy to report that I'm about 90% hive free at this point. Some of the other problems are still sticking around, but I'm seeing a Rheumatologist about this whole mess tomorrow. I will continue to remain positive and move forward.

There will always be strength in my smile... 

So...basically...if you happen to know me personally, and notice that I'm eating quite a bit differently then I used to; please know that it's not a fad. There's actually a reason for it.

If you don't personally know me, but have facebook... feel free to check out my daily adventures over at www.facebook.com/TheContraryAthlete

Until next time friends...stay healthy, and don't do anything I wouldn't do! 

The Perils of Unknown Origin and Other Medical Mysteries...

Have you ever just been having a great day, and then suddenly BAM! Something insane happens and changes everything?

Yep...that's pretty much today for me.

I've been on a healthy, balanced diet for almost 2 weeks now. My hives have almost completely gone away, and my itching is all but minimal. I've been so happy and couldn't help but feel relieved that whatever mess caused this, may finally be working it's way out of my system.

Ha. So much for Hope and Change...guess those only work for the President.

I was sitting at my desk this afternoon, when I suddenly started feeling funny. The only way to describe it was like butterflies or nerves before you go on stage. This feeling was quickly followed by a cycle of episodes in which my heart would slow down, hiccup, cause me to take a deep breath, then beat extremely fast to catch up with itself. I'm talking a jump from 70 to over 130 in a matter of seconds (or so said the EMT, but we'll get to that...) This was also followed by the sudden onset of terrible headaches.

I was a good girl. I called my doctor right away. I work in healthcare, and the thing that gets stuck in your brain is that when it's cardiac, you don't wait. I gave the triage nurse all my symptoms and she took a message and told me to stay by the phone. She called back within a few minutes and instructed me to call 911.

Well at this point I became terrified, which of course didn't help the situation. I had my awesome co-worker accompany me down to the parking lot because there was no way in hell I was having a stretcher come all the way upstairs and make a spectacle out of me. I know...wrong time to be modest or worry about being embarrassed, but oh well.

Within minutes the fire company arrived on scene and asked me a bunch of questions until the ambulance arrived, then they handed me over. (lemme tell ya... a bunch of fireman doting over me was kinda hot, but we'll just keep that enjoyment between us, shall we? LOL) Anyways, they put me on the stretcher, got me in the rig, and started with the evaluation. Took a reading of my heart, gave me oxygen, put in an IV, checked my sugar...I gave them all kinds of weird readings at first, but by the time we arrived at the hospital, things were already starting to calm down.

We got me to a room, made me comfy, hooked me up to the heart monitor, ran some bloodwork...and a few hours later I was on my way. I felt fine. Tests showed nothing of concern. Nothing. Zip. Nadda.

While, of course I'm happy that my heart is fine; I can't help but wonder why the heck all of these weird medical anomalies keep happening to me. I'm seriously contemplating changing my middle name to 'of unknown origin...'

So...at some point in the near future, I get to wear a halter monitor for three days. Then I also get to see a Rheumatologist next week about the rash and auto immune symptoms. (mentioned in my last blog entry) I'm supposed to also mention this episode to him, as it may or may not be involved.

I'm a bit discouraged and wondering if trying to get healthy is bad for my health! Ok...not really, but I gotta keep a sense of humor, right? I'd like for this whole mess to stop. I feel like I'm losing the light that helps me shine...

So Ugh...just quadruple Ugh with some Grrrr mixed in. 

That is all. 

Please keep me in your thoughts. 

Until Next time...

Sincerely, Contrary Athlete of Unknown Origin. 

This Girl is On Fire

Hey there friends…It sure has been a while!

You think I’d come here to write about my recent accomplishments. Like fact that I’m still racing. Or that I’m ‘almost’ back under 300lbs. Perhaps you’d think I’d write about my attempting to mentor this year’s class of triathletes, or that I’ve completed both a 10K and ‘almost’ a half marathon since I last wrote.

Nah…I’m here for a bit of therapeutic venting. Let’s talk about Hives; shall we?

That’s right. HIVES. You’ve all had them. Those red, splotchy, evil, itchy, nasty beasts from hell. Be it from a bug bite, or perhaps a heat rash. Some even get them from stress. Not me. When I get them, I’ve got to go above and beyond any of the usual suspects. I get to have them ALL OVER my body! With no apparent cause! Could you imagine!?!?!?!

But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves…

Around this time last year I was training hard for my first triathlon. It was feeling good, but I got a strange, itchy, slightly painful reaction the day after swimming in one of the ‘warmer’ pools. We chalked it up to chemicals. A Doctor’s visit, some steroids, some oatmeal baths, and a few tubes of hydrocortisone later, all was right with the world. I started showering before and after swimming, and never thought another thing about it.

Until last month…

I signed up to be a mentor for the triathlon program this year. The first ‘real’ swim session was on April 14^th. I was so excited for these new women, and hopeful to instill some of my knowledge and experience in them. It was a great day! I felt amazing. I showered immediately after getting out of the pool. The usual…and again, didn’t think anything of it.

Until the Next Day…

I started getting those itchy splotches on my belly again. Even a little on my thighs. I did exactly what I did for them last year, except this time; it didn’t seem to be working. I gave it a few days to see if maybe it would calm down. Ha Ha. Nope. It started to burn and feel worse. By the end of that week, I knew it was time to see the doctor. I made an appointment with the PA at my Primary Care office. She looked at it and thought it was either an allergic reaction, or perhaps poison ivy (which I am highly allergic to.) She gave me a steroid shot, a prescription for cream to rub on it, told me to take an antihistamine, and said to give it a few days.

Well…a few days went by and I was feeling even worse. I sent her an email asking what else I could do. She replied saying she didn’t want to give me more steroids, but requested that I have some blood work, and referred me immediately to a Dermatologist. The Dermatologist then saw me a day or so later, took one look at my ‘rash’ and was positive this was hives from some type of allergic reaction. She prescribed another antihistamine (this now makes two) and a different type of gel to rub on the rash. She also seemed surprised that the steroid shot didn’t help relieve any of my symptoms.

A few more days went by, and I just wasn’t getting better. I emailed the PA at my Primary Care office again, and begged for a referral to an allergist. She happily obliged. She’s cool like that. The allergist was thankfully able to fit me in the next morning. I was thrilled to think that this might actually get resolved. Ha Ha…positivity. Isn’t that just special…

The Allergist was a super nice, awesome man who talked to me like a human being and said we were gonna figure this out. Obviously the antihistamines, creams, gels, and steroids were not working for me at this point, so he decided to do a skin test. More then a few scratches and several needles later, he had some working idea of what was going on. Turns out, I’m not really allergic to much besides grass and dust. Things were sounding hopeful at this point, until he told me those wouldn’t be enough to cause a reaction like this. He wrote a bunch of things out for me, and then mentioned that this may be auto immune related. I gave him a quizzical look at this point, and he assured me that because I have a low functioning thyroid, that I should definitely mention this to my endocrinologist. So, while he couldn’t actually tell me what WAS causing this, he knew what WASN’T, and that made me feel a little better. He also upped my dose of antihistamines. Hallelujah to that! Here’s what just one of my legs looks like…

Well, as luck would have it, I was also seeing my Endocrinologist that afternoon. We chatted a bit, I mentioned the hives to her, and I told her what the Allergist said. Well…she all but told me that he and I were both crazy for thinking my thyroid could be the issue. She assured me that my thyroid hormone levels were fine, told me the Allergist should not have worried me like that, and said that I really should go back to see my Dermatologist at this point. Well, imagine my devastation. The Allergist seemed to be the ONLY one who actually had some clue as to what was happening. I left her office feeling defeated, and still itching like hell.

What the Allergist said about this potentially being auto-immune related was still in my head that evening, so I did a little investigating. I found several case studies involving females with normal thyroid ranges, but whose antibodies were WAY off, and who also had severe hives. I then sent my Endocrinologist an email with these links and begged her to please test my antibodies in the off chance that this was the cause. Really, I’d rather be safe and let her believe I’m crazy, then to end up sorry and missing a diagnosis. She obliged, if anything to humor me and get me off her back.

This brings us to yesterday. 22 gosh dang days from when this started. I got a phone call from the endocrinologist with my final test results. She was shocked. It appears that this indeed may be auto-immune related. My thyroid antibodies are through the freaking roof, and I’m also what’s considered ANA positive. That’s apparently the ‘stepping stone’ test to indicate an auto immune issue. So, between that and the thyroid readings, she is referring me to a Rheumatologist. It was also suggested that I change my diet completely, and consider going gluten free. Boy, is that an adventure in itself. We’ll save that for another day…

I’m happy, and sad all at the same time.

I want this over with, or at the very least managed. It’s taking a toll on me. My usual sparkle and positivity are quite dim at the moment. I can barely do any of the things I’ve come to love. Running hurts, because even with body glide; the sweat and rub of clothing is almost too much to bear…and although we’re positive the pool did not do this to me; it kinda seems like a trigger.   

So there you have it, 4 doctors, steroids, several antihistamines, some gel, some cream, and a helluva lot of itching later, and we just barely have a diagnosis.

If you’ve made it this far into my saga, I thank you for tagging along. I’m pretty much running on empty at this point, and there isn’t a gas station in site. Forgive the pessimism, but I fear that the light at the end of the tunnel is just another freight train waiting to plow me over.

Keep me in your thoughts would you.

23 Days with this mess and counting…Ugh. Just Ugh. 

Join my many other fitness adventures at www.facebook.com/TheContraryAthlete

Setbacks are Whack!

So this athlete has had to have a bit of minor surgery. I've had a lump in my lower abdominal area for quite some time. It was never really a problem, but became a concern when I started to work out. The more I did, the bigger it got, so it was finally time for it to go.

I'm not gonna lie...I have mixed feelings. I'm super happy that this thing is gone. I can't tell you how NOT FUN it was trying to ride long distances on my bike with this thing, but I'm just a little worried about recovery.

Those who know me well, know that I'm not the most patient person in the world. I'm seeing all of my friends out there running and enjoying this cooler weather...and here I am layed up on the couch for a few days. Heck, this is only day two and I'm already getting antsy.

I wish there some magic pill that would move you straight from surgery to post recovery healing. I know this is a lot of me being whiny, but hey...we all have our moments. I ask that you guys keep me in your thoughts. This really is something simple. I think I'm just easily bummed when my routines get interrupted.

It's just a minor setback in the grand scheme of things...but it's still whack YO!

Athlete's ESP

Wow...It's been a while! But things sure have been busy in the life of this fat chick!

It's time to work on my Athlete's ESP.

What's that you ask? Lemme explain:

E = Endurance

S = Speed

P = Perseverance

I think I've got things in the 'P' pretty much taken care of.

Remember the goals from my last post?

I am proud to report that I finished all THREE of those races!

This was a big accomplishment for me. It meant that since July, I've completed two 5K's, two sprint triathlons, AND a five mile mini marathon. Just a few months prior to that, I was basically sitting my butt on the couch and watching television every night. (Thank God for DVR's!) LOL!

It took a new runner friend to put things into perspective for me. I hadn't realized how far I've come. Everyone sees me smile, but what they don't hear is me constantly fighting the 'I Can't Monster' in my brain. I think that too often we are all clouded with self-negativity. We then lose sight of what we've accomplished along the way on the journey toward our goals. 

Working on the 'E' and the 'S' will just have to come with time and patience...

What's next you ask?

Guess who's gonna start training for a half marathon?

Hee Hee...Stay tuned! 

What's Next?

After the triathlon I took some time off...I remembered that I shouldn't really do that! It's just way too easy to slip back into the couch, and I felt myself starting to slide again. I joined the training group for the Triathlon because I needed a BIG goal to focus on. So, copying the page from that book, I've made some big plans to keep myself going:

Event #1
Greek Festival 5K - 08/18/12

This race is actually tomorrow! I've not been completely slacking, but definitely not running as much as I should. My previous running shoes 'died' during the triathlon and needed to retire. I waited, like the true procrastinator I am, before buying a new pair. But I'm digging down and finding my mojo again.


Event #2
Ramblin' Rose Charlotte Triathlon - 09/23/12

This race has distances that are just slightly longer then the one I completed last month, so that's a GREAT reason to keep training. After finding out that I have an allergy to certain pool chemicals, I will definitely need to get my butt back in the pool. My bike has also been out of commission since the last race. I've been so self involved, that I just haven't had to the chance to get it out to the shop and have it looked at. I have techniques to tweak, and endurance to build, but I WILL be ready!

Event #3
Ramblin' Rose Charlotte 5 Miler - 09/29/12

Because it's the week after the triathlon, I'm probably gonna draw upon the crazy card for this race, but upon completion it will be my longest foot race! My new shoes will surely be racking up the miles in the coming weeks!

Self motivation is key for me, and I will have to dig down deep and keep going. Even on those days when no one else will be out there with me, I have to keep this going!

I AM a TRIATHLETE! - Warning: Long Post!

It's been a while, but life has calmed down, pictures have been uploaded, and now I'm ready to write about my experience. It was a long and hard road, but crossing that finish line has to be one of the most amazing moments in my life. I got to share it with my Husband, Family, and Friends, but now I'm ready to share it here:

It happened! As of July 15th, I AM a TRIATHLETE!

Day One - Packet Pick-Up / Prep Day

As with most races, you have to pick up your packet the day before. We piled the family into the car, and set out to go grab mine. Let me tell you, once that race number was in my hand, I almost cried. Things were starting to feel VERY real! The rest of the day, I was a bundle of nerves, I even got my husband lost on the way home. I was what the southerners call a 'Hot Mess!'

That evening, after my Husband made me a most delicious and healthy dinner, I sat down with my instructions and organized my transition equipment. I was so terrified I'd forget something, I think I repeated this process about five times until my brain was satisfied.

My Brain Never did Settle down that evening...I had to get up at 4am, and I don't think I fell asleep until almost 2am.



Day Two - RACE DAY!

After barely sleeping, I woke up before my alarm. I had a quiet breakfast by myself while the rest of the house grumbled at having to wake up before the sun. Before I knew it, the caravan was ready, and we were on our way.

Arriving at the race site, my friend and I made our way to the transition area to set up while everyone else settled in to find a good spot in the shade. With our transition area set up, it was time to grab our timing chips and get marked up for the race. There's nothing like the smell of a black marker first thing in the morning while your nerves are getting the best of you! Yuck! I was happy to see that a familiar face was marking everyone. Since she was one of the people that convinced me to do this, I asked her to write something special on my leg so that I could have her with me during the race: 

Before I knew it, we were lined up and ready to go. I remember hearing the Nation Anthem, and then from that point, I was pretty much running on automatic. I did not try to think, I just did it. I let everything I learned fall naturally into place, and all I had to do was push! I knew that if I stopped to think, my brain would get the best of me, and I might freak out. I could not let myself down!

Here's some of what happened along the way:

Apparently this is my serious swim face

Halfway through my swim

My Hardest Event - Bike

Transitioning out into my Run

At this point in the race, two of my mentors jumped in to do the run with me. While I don't remember really running, I know their voices were in my ears the whole time and pushing me to keep going. At some point on the last straightaway before the finish, my husband even met up with us to run with me. I barely realized this because I was so focused on getting to the finish line.

I was doing what we gals call the 'Ugly Cry' at this point as I rounded to the finish chute. Apparently I also channeled some Philly spirit to get me across that finish line all kinds of 'Rocky' style. I couldn't believe I had done it!

I do remember my Husband at the finish line, because he was one of the first people I wanted to see. I even had him put my race medal on me. I felt so loved and accomplished in his arms at this point.

As things started to calm down, one of my friends noticed that my medal was different then hers. Apparently they had run out before I got to the finish line, and gave me one left over from a previous race. I was almost heart broken, because I wanted the medal from this race, my FIRST race! One of the mentors (who was also one of the ones that ran with me!) switched with me and gave me hers. I hope she doesn't mind me using her picture, but this was a pretty awesome moment for me as well!



I have gotten so much out of this experience, and there are just too many people to thank. To My Husband, Family, Friends, Mentors, and Cheerleaders...I couldn't have done this without all of you.

What's Next you ask...Stay Tuned!

Start Your Engines Race Fans!

So friends...it's about that time! Race weekend is upon me!

Friends are rallying. Family is arriving. There's a celebration dinner tonight...and my nerves are creeping up on me! I'm a bundle of emotions! Scared...Excited...and I'm practically bouncing.

Is there a little blue pill for this kind of performance anxiety?

I am really looking forward to crossing that finish line...and will be thinking of every single one of you who have encouraged me along the way.

Stay tuned!

Food Glorious Food!

Well...I'm not talking about Hot Sausage and Mustard, but I felt like writing about food today. It's been a while since I've shared some of the delicious things I'm discovering, so I thought it was about time for a strictly yummy post.

These are a Few of my Favorite Things...

Snacky type Discoveries:

Edamame -  It's not for everyone, but I love every salty delicious morsel. These little poppers are filling, and from what I understand, quite good for you. Warm, cool, doesn't matter...I don't even mind that I have to work a little bit for my food.

Smart Balance Peanut Butter - This is a new Fav. It tastes fresh roasted and is about a smooth and creamy as you can get. As I'm training for the Triathlon, a good ole' fashioned PB&J Sandwich has become quite the little savior for me. I usually eat it on whole wheat bread with sugar free Jelly. (I learned the hard way not to put it in the Fridge...gets too hard, too fast...learn from my mistake...LOL)

Deep Chocolate VitaTops - Oeey Gooey Delicious Healthy Goodness from the Gods. I've had them for a pre-training breakfast and as a desserty type snack after dinner. You really can't go wrong here. I also just learned from a friend that if you put low fat ice cream in between two of them and freeze it for a little while, it becomes a bit of an ice cream sandwich! Heck Yeah!  

Now for Some Fast Food Finds:

Wendy's Grilled Chicken 'Go' Wrap - This simple little thing is cheap and yummy. Grilled Chicken, Lettuce, and Honey Mustard wrapped up in a tortilla. I usually ask for no cheese. So good, and so low in calories I almost always get two of them with a side salad.

Thai Lettuce Wraps - These babies have pretty much become my favorite...anywhere that serves them...in particular Nothing But Noodles. So long as you don't over-do it on the Peanut and Soy Sauce they're fairly waist friendly. I usually ask for extra veggies. Who can go wrong with chicken and veggies wrapped up in Lettuce?

And Last, but Not Least...my ALL TIME favorite GO-TO Drink

Arnold Palmer Light - I have ALWAYS loved this type of drink. To me there's nothing more refreshing then the mix of cold sweet tea and tart lemonaide. But the regular kind is seriously high in the sugar department. Not this bad Boy. Low in calories, sodium, and sugar. Yumma-rific!

I hope you've enjoyed the randomosity of this post...I'm nervously anticipating the triathlon, but wanted to write about something different. For those who are actually reading these...hope you're all having a good summer!  Until next time, STAY COOL!

Smiles and Tears

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble" ~ Helen Keller


I am a very humble person. I rarely speak of myself, and it sometimes renders me cripplingly speechless when attention is given that I don't think I deserve. Well...this past weekend took me beyond any of that. I was moved to tears several times in one day, because the strength of those around me helped me find strength in myself.

I overcame a HUGE milestone, that I was quite honestly prepared to fail...

This triathlon has challenged me mentally and physically for months, and this past weekend was no different. My fellow athletes and I were to meet on Saturday morning for a simulated, non timed triathlon. The purpose of which was for you to see how far you've come, and know what you need to work on in the coming weeks leading to the race.

If you read my last blog entry, you know I was quite psyched out about this. The whole morning leading into it, I was almost silent, but internally struggling and on the verge of tears. Could I really do this? I calmed myself the best I could, and decided to take it one step at a time.

Step one - Swim

• I jumped in the pool, and hesitated at kick off. I took a deep breath, and away I went. Before I knew it, I was at the end of the pool, and didn't even realize I was done. It was the FIRST time I had completed my swim.

Step two - Bike

• I transitioned, regrouped, found my mentor, and on the road I went...and went...and went some more.  I started to feel like I was flying. Then came the hill. I let it get to me, but that's ok. I KEPT going. I even found gears on my bike that I previously didn't know how to use. I made it to the end!

Step three - Run

• I transitioned once more,  grabbed my gatoraide, and took off. My back was tight, my calves were screaming...but I could NOT stop moving. I tried to run, and the mobility was almost not there...but I had to keep going. I walked...and walked...and walked. Including two of my best girlfriends, there were so many encouraging faces offering support along the way. It was almost overwhelming. Before I knew it...I started hearing cowbells. I looked up and could SEE the finish line. I HAD to start jogging...their spirits were lifting me.  My team had stayed and was heading toward me to cheer me the rest of the way...and then it happened.

          I raised my hands, and I FINISHED.

I am overwhelmed. If this was just a practice, I cannot wait to see what the full event brings. I didn't think for a moment that I was ready to do this, but my flame has been lit from the inside and I want my light to shine.

I WILL do THIS!  

It has been truly amazing and my heart is full of joy.

Sink or Swim!

Please excuse the following rant, but I've been fairly positive up until this point!

As far as the triathlon is concerned, I am by no means the most amazing swimmer. I go to training, I learn a lot, I do my best. It's been kind of fun. Well, up until last night...I really don't know what it was, but I swam like crap! Maybe it was my first time in my new suit, or maybe it was the amazingly huge new pool and swim location...who knows?!?!?

No matter how hard I tried, I could not get a good rhythm going. I had floppy froggy legs, my arms didn't want to extend, I wasn't rolling enough to breathe AND I realized I've been holding my breath under water instead of breathing out. Ugh. It was seriously awkward.

I know I'm my own worst critic, and I really am too hard on myself sometimes, but last night, in the pool...I was one stroke away from quitting. Then I got mad at myself for thinking that, and it made me feel worse!

I stayed in the water at the edge of the pool and watched the other women swimming and cheering, and I silently wondered what in the heck made me think I could do this! Ugh. It was not one of my finest moments.

The smile and enthusiasm of one very patient mentor made my evening. She slowed me down, brought me back to the basics, and gave me a lot to think about. I really have come a long way.

Tomorrow is our 'mock triathlon.' It's the chance to put all of our training together. I'm not gonna lie, I'm more then a wee bit nervous about this. But I'm going to take tonight off, relax my achy body, and whatever happens tomorrow, happens. I've come this far, and I can't let one bad experience throw me off my game...

Stupid Brain...

I Sing the Body Electric...

I sing the body electric
I glory in the glow of rebirth
Creating my own tomorrow
When I shall embody the earth...

How beautiful that song is, and how appropriate the lyrics for my current presence in life. I feel my body changing. I feel myself changing. Little by little...it is kind of amazing how much this is affecting me. All of me, and so much for the positive!

Although I allow myself indulgences, my food choices are improving...I am more cheerful and playful. I feel a bit less self conscious. No matter how sore I am, I know it's because I'm awakening muscles that rarely get used. My clothes are fitting better. I'm smiling more, and it all feels so good!

I'm still quite a bit apprehensive, but I've had some breakthrough training moments here recently. My swimming is finding it's stride. My legs are more confident on my ride, and I walk a bit further and faster with each work out. I find myself needing less recovery time, which I know means I'm building endurance.

The support I'm receiving is overwhelming. So many people have confidence in me that I am only starting to find in myself....I'm beginning to feel the light again, and it warms my heart.

And in time, we will all be stars...

Divine Intervention and the Swim Cap.

I feel like I've been working my butt off! (Ha Ha...that could be considered a good thing; I guess?)

By the time this past Sunday rolled around, my muscles ached, my brain was tired, and I really just wanted to pull the covers up over my head and go back to sleep! Instead, I rolled out of bed, threw some clothes on and set about my Sunday chores.

The whole time I was working, I was arguing with myself about whether or not to skip my weekly swim. Quite frankly, I was in a foul mood and just wanted to be left alone. While waiting for one of my cleaners to set in, I decided to hop online and read a bit. I was searching for something to set me back on the right path, and it just wasn't hitting me.

So...I turned to prayer. But not just in my head...my head was too full of my to-do list for even me to hear, let alone some divine being. So I wrote it down. I even posted it on another social network. It started getting a few funny comments and likes. My spirits also started to lift (maybe breakfast was kicking in and giving me energy?) who knows, but whatever the reason, I decided to suck it up, change, grab my new swim cap, and head out to swim.

I usually jam on my way so I can psych myself up, but nothing was working so I started flipping through random local stations. As I was doing so, I heard the first few chords to a song, and instantly knew I needed to keep it on this station. I knew I was on the right path. I even had a little cry with myself, but when it was over, I felt refreshed, awake, and positive. The song was Amazing Grace. I needed it at that moment.

A Divine Intervention at it's best. I had a great swim that day. My cap stayed on, and one of the new girls even complimented me on my kicking...that made me feel REALLY good! The morning flew by before I knew it! I think I'm going to write my prayers down more often. Maybe someone can't hear what's in my head, but has a better time hearing me when I write. Either way...it ended up being a great day.

A Busy Me = A Better Me

A thought just hit me, and I'm totally smiling right now. I've completed FOUR weeks of training! A whole MONTH! This time last month, my favorite activity was sitting around on the couch watching television! Nowadays I'm training four times a week and alternating between walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling!

I've even taken a look back and have hit a few personal milestones that I want to share:

START: Walking around the block winded me.       

NOW: I am up to FOUR miles!

START: I could barely balance my bike.                 

NOW: I can bike more then THREE miles!

START: I could barely make a full lap in the pool.   

NOW: I can do between THREE and FIVE comfortably!

There's still so much to learn and do, but I'm working on it!

Today, I leave you with this thought:

You may now return to your originally scheduled procrastination. (LOL)

My Rant to the 'Proverbial' THEM!

**WARNING - The following post may be TMI!**
Don't Say I didn't warn you!

So THEY say that exercise is good for you. THEY tell you how wonderful and beneficial it is, and how happy you'll be with the results. THEY say 'You can do it' and 'No Pain, No Gain!' Well, I'm not here to dispute any of that. I'm here to tell you about a few things that the 'proverbial' THEY neglect to tell you when starting work out regimen at my size:

CHAFING: Yep. It's gonna happen. Those body parts that rub together on a normal day are amplified when you're exercising. Imagine rug burn in some not so nice places...and you don't even have a fun story to explain it. Sexy, I know! Right? Not. I quickly learned that body glide and blister block are going to become my best friends for a while.

ACNE: You're working up a sweat. It's opening your pores and releasing toxins and oils. It's only natural that you're gonna break out...and I don't mean just your face. Just remember to keep at it, and work through it. Your body is going to get used to this. Mine is already starting to get better. The trick is keeping clean, but not overpowering your body with a lot of perfumes and lotions. Good old fashioned soap and a nice shower are working well for me.

ABNORMAL CYCLES: That's right. If you're my size, chances are you already have most of the typical 'female' problems. Starting to exercise the way I am can be shocking to your body. Especially the running. Gravity is putting a lot of stress on your abdominal area, so expect your cycles to be wonky for a while. Always call your doctor if you have questions. Mine is practically on speed dial.

HEADACHES / BODY ACHES / CRAMPS: Part of combating these little joys is learning what nutrients your body needs to compensate for all of this shockingly healthy behavior. I'm learning (and sometimes the hard way) what foods are good or not good for before and after exercise. Drinking your water definitely helps!

So...to the 'THEY' that neglected to tell me these things, I say screw you!
Y'all need to do a better job at keeping a sista informed.

Luckily these are all things that I know will even out with time!

PATIENCE. UGH.

H2-Oh-No!

Ok...so that picture pretty much sums things up. I have GOT to drink more water! But WOW...that is sooooooo much easier said then done!

I have never been a fan of drinking water. I grew up in Philadelphia. The water there is just plain nasty. (For my Northern peeps...does schuylkill punch ring a bell?) Ick. Things were then made worse when you visited the water treatment plant with your school. Can you say gross? Even with filters I feel like I can taste every mineral, additive, chemical...I mean it. Everything. Blah. Even with those convenient little powder packages, it still tastes funny to me.

But I'm forcing myself.

I sort of had a wake up call at a recent vocal seminar. My voice means the world to me. Apparently, if I don't hydrate enough and try to sing, I could potentially ruin my voice. I'm guessing the same thing goes for exercise...If I don't hydrate, I suppose that could do bad things to my body.

But let's discuss numbers. I rarely do this, but really. I'm a little concerned.

I'm supposed to drink HALF my body weight in ounces of water PER DAY? Even more after a hard work out? For me that's 160 ounces of water a day. That seems INSANE!?!?!? (and yes, I realize that you smarty pants who are good at math now know how much I weigh)

Today I've almost drank 96 ounces, and I already feel like I should be getting activity points for the amount of time I'm running back and forth to the bathroom! Eeek! Can someone out there tell me that it will get better!!!!

I'm having a hard time with this one folks. Ugh.
One Day at a time I suppose...

Bicycle! Bicycle!

Well folks, training is in full swing, and I am super excited! Except for maybe one thing...OH MY GOD! Who gets up before 7am on a SATURDAY???? That's just ghastly! Who cares about physical activity, getting my ass out of bed might prove to be the hardest part of all this! Wonder how bad it would be to fall asleep at the wheel of a bicycle? Isn't that what helmets are for? *winks*

Having a friend to share this with is pretty awesome. I currently don't have a bike rack, so she was nice enough to pick me up. We laughed a little, shared a few jokes, and it was a pretty good car ride. Once we arrived, we unloaded the bikes, strapped on our helmets, and waited for the mentors to arrive.

We were shown how to properly wear our helmets (which is probably important given how clumsy I am) taught how to check if our seats were at the right height, and then taught how to properly start and stop. Again...quite important for me (see previous reason!)

Once we got going it was one of the most relaxing things I've done in a long time. The wind was in my face, the sun was shining, before I knew it, we had done a full circle and were being asked if we wanted to go around again. Heck yeah!

All in all, it was a fabulous morning. I had one (hopefully) minor set back. In the midst of riding, my handlebars would not stay in position. I have to take it into the shop before I can ride again, but really, I can't wait to get back on. This may very well be my favorite of the three events.

Oh...and can I just tell you that I rocked my helmet!

There are good things to come people...I just need to stay motivated!