My first 5K and the Unexpected

I've taken a bit of a hiatus from things the past few days.  

First off I have come to realize that not having a solid plan in place is setting oneself up to fall down a slippery slope to nothing good.  I usually plan ahead but this time things kind of went whacky for me.  

My 5K was on Saturday so on Thursday I had plan on getting in a good run and taking Friday off to rest up for the event. Well it was raining on Thursday so no run happened. When Friday arrived I got a bit stir crazy in the house and got a bright idea to go for a walk/run just to loosen up a bit. Well lo and behold I FELL! Yup, I went flying like superman right to the ground, arms straight out and fell 1/2 on the sidewalk and 1/2 on the grass.  A rush of stupidness came on suddenly and then a jolt of pain in my right shoulder/upper arm area.  I picked myself up, brushed of the dirt and walked home with a little less enthusiasm than I had when I left the house.  Actually I was crushed & mad at myself, I'm always so careful and that particular day I just rushed off with no plan in play except to just go. 

I ran my race the next day with caution and with some discomfort.  I started that day feeling nervous, excited and a fear of falling again with only this time a crowd to see. Thankfully I didn't.  The race wasn't my best run but I finish and I'm proud of that.  A few times in the beginning of my run I even wondered if I could even do it.  The mind can play evil tricks on you and I knew that all too well so I pushed through the doubts and repeatedly told myself "I can do this"!

And I DID! 

Since the race I've kind of taken it easy. Yes I did some walking at Epcot on Sunday but since then I pretty much have stayed quiet treating/babying my shoulder until today and I went to the gym. My shoulder is better than it was but not fully healed yet. There still is pain when using it in full rotation but hoping in a couple more days it will be good as new.  

September still has a little over a week left and I'm ready to give it my all. It's back to the gym, walking  and running the beach for me.  

Well that's it for now. 

Well Wishes, ((Hugs)) & Prayers, 

Janine

Taking Control of My Health: Dr Update

   Most of us can tell if your coming down with a cold but can you tell if your lab levels are off? 

  I stress a bunch on being in tune with my body for many reasons. 

# 1 I can catch changes quickly before things get too out of control. 

# 2 I can be very clear with my doctor and know how to proceed 

# 3 I know to get a call in quickly to my dr as well to get my lab levels checked if need be. 

  Today I finally got to see the dr after what I already suspected what was happening, my thyroid levels going up and my symptoms showing themselves once again. My symptoms can come on slowly and then can be full blown over night.  A few weeks ago I could tell I wasn't at my best that I had been.  Gradually my symptoms started to present themselves more and more (decrease in energy, needing naps after a workout, low mood and easily unmotivated, heart palpitations, occasional joint pain). I had my TSH checked right away and was correct of what I suspected, unfortunately dr couldn't see me for another 2 weeks to talk over a plan of action which was today. 

   We talked a bunch of what I'm doing daily with my diet & exercise and what I want in general- OPTIMAL HEALTH. He loves my dietary changes and my proactive health routine I have created for myself. He says it's not an easy task to stay so disciplined like I have been. 

  With my Hashimoto I will always need thyroid meds at this point but like I told him, I refuse to need prescriptions to mask anything I can find the root cause for and deal with it that way. No need for unnecessary prescriptions!   It's up to me to rid my pain from inflammation , control my cholesterol, sugars levels, BP  and anything else that I can control within my doing of diet and exercise.  

   He was very pleased with my previous lab results of my RA inflammation and having zero chronic pain from my back and joint issues- labs shows no inflammation at all which has been controlled by avoiding foods that cause inflammation. 

  My BP is excellent compared to last year I was borderline hypertension and dr wanted me to consider meds at that time. 

  My weight is down 30 lbs (would have been down 35 if my levels didn't go crazy the past few weeks but that's what I get to deal with and I have to accept the process on how my body functions and not give up either way) 

I have lots of labs ordered for the end of October to not only recheck the thyroid levels but to make sure what I am doing, taking or eliminating has continued to change things for the better like: my autoimmune & anemia, vit D & B 12, cholesterol, liver functions & A1C.  Dr is confident that my hard work is paying off and I will be pleased with the results. 

  All in all I'm pretty happy with how things are going and proud of myself too. It's not easy day in and day out to stay committed but I've taken on the job to find wellness not add to a prescription list.  I will be glad when the new dosage kicks in and thyroid levels change again for the better and my unwanted symptoms dissipate. 

So it's a forward motion ahead: I'll continue to eat clean, avoid certain foods, stay active and continue to MAKE MYSELF A PRIORITY every day! 

Well Wishes, ((Hugs)) & Prayers, 

Janine

New Goals Set and Progress of Last Months Goals

It's that time again! 

Is it just me or are these months just flying by! 

RECAP OF AUGUST GOALS/CHALLENGES

😊 Completed C25K & Loved It!

☺️ Walked 100+ miles- 119.4 to be exact! 

😊 Increased veggie, fruit & water intake!

☺️ Lost 2.3lbs!

    ❌ I wasn't consistent on adding 30-60 minutes on the weekends, had a couple but not all. 

    ❌ The AB challenged fizzled out- as much as I want a more appealing stomached I think I just got bored with it. 

What I didn't plan for this month was my thyroid levels changing. I've had a great streak and so far I haven't gone into a full autoimmune flare up and if I can help it I don't.  I have an appointment already scheduled to discuss further labs to see if there is other things I can include (such as vitamins/mineral) that I also may be deficient in. 

What happens when my levels are off? 

1. My energy plummets fast! In the past week I've had to nap or rest for a couple hrs or so after my workouts. I hate that but I must listen to my body. 

2. My joints start to ache.  So far it's minimal.  

3. I easily get out of breath. My running non stop has been interrupted with a few walking intervals.  

4. Heart palpitations! These can be a bit unsettling. They are not constant but I try to stay rested and calm so they pass rather quickly 

5. My mood & motivation starts to dip low. Depression is a big symptom of Hashimoto and can come on quickly. I've been in some pretty dark places in the past but as of now I'm doing ok.  

The key to all of these is recognizing the symptoms as soon as possible so you can address what may be causing the sudden changes.  It could be food, environmental, stressers, medication and or deficiency related.  

SEPTEMBER please be good to me!

MY SEPTEMBER GOALS 

As you can see I kept it simple but added the gym. It's been forever since I've font to the gym regularly, I'm looking forward to something new.  

Why simple? Well with going into  this month with my thyroid levels off its important that I don't stress too much on certain things. As much as I would love to lose weight I chose not to add it as a goal this way I won't stress and focus on the wrong thing this month- the scale. As I've said before MY journey is more than just about losing weight, that's the little bonus I get along the way~Optimal Health is the real goal for me.  

A couple of things I've learned about me this month. 

1. I can run a 5K! And without stopping! 

2. I can stay accountable to myself even when my accountability partner is on vacation. 

Well Wishes, ((Hugs)) & Prayers,

Janine 

In a SLUMP but NOT for Long!

 

*pic from one of my walks this week

 I know I've been a little quieter lately with my posts but know Im still plugging along doing my thing. I'm in a slight slump with my mood but getting things under control. 

Here's  a recap of my activity this week.  

   3 days of running 5K : my times were not terrible but I've had better.  The last 2 runs I was feeling a little off and had
a few walking moments which is ok.  I know I'll have better runs coming.  

   2 days of walking the beach : an 8 miler and a 6 miler. The 8 miler was a bit brutal for one reason, by the time we turn back after 4 miles the sun is really beating down on the last 2 miles.  

   My meal plan has been off some but already working on a strategy to get things right again.  Why I get into a slump I don't know but it can be a real struggle.  I'm glad I can catch it quickly before things get out of control. 

Getting my goals/challenges lined up for September. Will post them in a few days.  

I plan to hit the gym in the morning! It's been forever since I've gone to the gym, looking forward to it. 

Well Wishes, ((Hugs)) & Prayers,

Janine

I Did It!

A lot has been going on lately but wanted to post my latest from last week.  

I did it!! 

8 weeks of C25K training and I can officially run 3 miles non stop.  

Bring on the 5K events!!

Im so excited and proud of all my accomplishments. 

I set a goal and conquered it!  

No excuses!

No putting it off!

I stayed consistent and followed the program to the T.  

I still have plenty of room to improve and plan to do so. I'm looking forward to the next stage and see where it leads me. I'm eager to run my first 5K event in September.  

Oh and  I already downloaded the next app. Couch to 10k.  I won't start it for a while but its all ready for when I am.  

What have I gotten myself into! 

Some beautiful masterpiece on some of my morning runs

What a way to start my mornings. 

 More up dates to come soon.

Well wishes, ((Hugs)) & Prayers,

Janine

Running & Feeling Great

I just returned from my run. 

May I say I'm pretty proud of myself on today's run.  

I did not meet anyone this morning so it would have been easy to ignore the alarm and convince myself to take another day of rest and sleep in.  I'm So glad I didn't!! Today's run felt great!!! With the app you start off with a 5 min brisk warm up walk and then start running.  When I started running right off I felt it was going to be good.  My body felt awake and my breathing stayed pretty steady the entire way.  Through the entire run I never felt like I needed to stop.  I continued to run 3 minutes  longer than the scheduled 22 minutes for today's program.  

I ran 25 minutes NON STOP!! Wow! The girl who never thought she could, CAN! 

I can't believe the difference just 7 weeks makes. Why I never started this before I don't know but I'm sure glad I have now.  

Everything is Falling Into Place

One of the BEST decision I've made for me was making myself a priority. 

I've never felt more well and in control of my health.  I wake up each day ready to get my sweat on and push myself further than I possible think I can. Life is about making choices!  Really thinking of how to fuel my body with good food, how not to let negative thoughts clutter my mind to discourage me, and to invest in time for me whether is to exercise, relax or research healthy options for the future.  

I never imagined I could feel good, have energy, desire to push myself and love me.  

Life is interesting and you never know what will be next. With all my health issues (PCOS, bulged discs, Gastroparesis, Hashimoto & RA) I thought life was going to be a downward spiral into a very dark & miserable place.  Thankfully that thought only lasted but a bit and the pity party was over.  I had a choice to continue to let life take over me or to take control of my life.  

It's my life and I choose to be in control of it. 

Today I can say:

I'm a walker of many miles

Im a newbie runner 

I'm healthier than I have been in years

I'm losing weight 

I have energy to do things

I eat clean healthy foods that nourish my body

I am pain & symptom free

I'm not depressed or sad

We all make choices every single day, make sure the choices you make are the healthiest and best ones for you. 

Well Wishes, ((Hugs)) & Prayers,

Janine

New Month, New Goals and Recap

 

 I've never been so excited for a new month to start. I have been on a great roll the last two months (June & July). Not only are results happening on the scale finally 2 months in a row, WooHoooo, but I see actual changes in the mirror and my endurance has improved some too, especially with my running. 

First off, before I share my new goals here's a recap of the last 31 days and my accountability report of how I did. 

JULY TOTALS

137 Miles walked/run

5 weeks of C25K completed 

37.4 Active hours

22 Total walking/running session 

5.8 Pounds lost WooHooo! 

JULY RECAP 

of Goals I had set and how I did.  

✔️ Start Couch to 5K- 5⃣ weeks completed

✔️ Walk 6 miles M-F (100+) 1⃣3⃣7⃣ DONE!

❌ T & Th upper body w/wghts. 70% effort

✔️ Complete 13.1 mile walk. COMPLETED!

✔️ Lots of Veggies    💯

✔️ Hydrate more   💯

❌  Complete a Whole30 - did 2 weeks then felt best to transition into using GF shakes & bars for more of an on the go reasons. 

Now on to my new goals I've set for August. You will see some are the same and some are new ones I've added.  

AUGUST GOALS/CHALLENGES

I chose this pic for my goal pic because in September I'm off to that very place for a girls weekend away with my sisters/cousin/friends. I Can't wait!! 

NSV (Non Scale Victories) 

One big NSV was I tried on 2 dresses recently I've had for a while hanging up. One was a silk printed dress that is a 14. In the way past I've tried it on and it wasn't just too small, I honesty couldn't get into it to even try it on. I had a purple one just like it once, HAD is the operative word here.  Over a year ago I was determined to see how much I'd really have to lose to fit into them both. Well I'm embarrassed to say, actually I can't believe I'm even going to say it... I literally got stuck in that purple dress and had to cut it off.  Yup, cut it off!! Who was I kidding thinking I'd even be able to squeeze into a size 14 anyways.  

Well the up side to this story is that I pulled that very dress in the printed pattern on and it slid on with ease.  I have room up top and the girls are not suffocating, and the bottom skirt area was roomy and... It came off without cutting it off. It's not as perfect as I like so I want to wait to get a better pic of me in it- the pockets pucker a little. 

Oh, and as for the second dress that I tried on its not an everyday kind, it's more on the sexy side black dinner dress that I picked out a long while back in hopes to wear it out one night with my hubby. ❤️ Back then it was WAY TOO TIGHT. Although it was an 18 my frame/figure was just too big in every way to wear it. Well when I tried it on just the other day it is starting to fit great in the fitted body area, however hence why I've added the AB CHALLENGE this month.  One surprising thing about the top part is I will need to have it altered in the straps & bust area.  The girls are shrinking!!

There was a time I was ready to give up on those dresses and me but that's not who I am.  If I need to work harder than some then that's what I will do. 

 I CAN DO THIS!

Here are a few pics from my month. 

Sunrises!

Embracing Me & My Accomplishments!

Lessons Learned:

🔸Don't listen to doubting thoughts!

🔸You are much more capable thank       you think. 

🔸If you stick with it result do finally happen

❤️Live❤️Love❤️Laugh❤️

~Embrace the Journey~

Well Wishes, (((Hugs))) & Prayers,

Janine

I ❤️ Running... NO I Don't... at least not yet.

  

I hope one day I can truly say I ❤️ Running but as for now I'm just glad it hasn't killed me yet.  This C25K (couch to 5K) app is kicking my butt.  

👟 At what point will I not feel like my calves won't split apart?

👟 At what point will I not feel like I'm going to die? 

👟 At what point will I get to run a full mile without needing or wanting to walk some to catch my breath? 

I'm enjoying the challenge and the process but it's not easy. I made a commitment to myself a while back and chose this to be my "hard" at this point in my journey.  We all have obstacles to face and this one I chose as mine. It's proven to be tough but Im determined to overcome it and reach my goal.  

When I was a kid I didn't have any athletic abilities what's so ever.  I wanted to be that girl who could play softball, basketball & soccer well but it just never happened, probably due to lack of exposure but never the less I never became that girl. After years of growing and desiring a healthier life I've hoped to one day learn to become a runner. I don't care how fast I can go, I just desire to be able to go.  Now is my time, no more waiting & wishing, it's all about doing.

 I started week 4 today so I'm well into my commitment. 

 Go Me!! 👟👟

Well wishes, ((hugs)) & prayers

Janine

JUNE: Week 1 Recap

Week 1 of June recap 

Walked 29.20 miles = 8 1/2 hrs total

80-90 min total of exercise down by the river

Lost 1.6 pounds YAY! So happy to have the scale move again.  

I'm very thrilled with the added workouts down by the river during the sunrise that my workout partner and I decided to start. What a way to start the day with such beauty! I know in the coming weeks we will tweak it to make it flow better and become even more challenging for us. 

I've been away from home since Friday in a hotel with no fridge, microwave etc. with family. I managed to do well with my meals considering.  I also did a mini workout in the room this morning- squats, leg raises, v ups, bridge, plank & skiing moves. I don't usually do workouts on the weekend but felt I needed to add some extra movement in today.  

Since I weighed myself on Fiday morning I'll will probably step on the scale in the morning just to see if my weekend was managed ok. Id like to see if there is something I need to do different next time I'm away for a few days so I can keep the scale moving in the right direction. 

Looking forward to Monday and another awesome week of sun, sweat & miles with my workout buddy. 

Well wishes, ((hugs)) & prayers, 

Janine

Reflections & June Goals

I still can't believe it's June already! 

The time just flies by regardless if I'm doing something or not.  I'm so glad Im still in the mind frame of making my health a priority and setting the time I need to do so.  I've had some ups and downs, some victories and even some set backs but my heart and mind are still dedicated and determined to live out this journey to health.  

Health to me does not equal a number on a scale.  I want to feel well, look well, have the ability to do things without limitations, sleep soundly, think clearly and have energy to live life out. 

The scale has had too much control over me in the past and little by little I have been giving up on the grips of the scale.  My weight now is undesirable (even with 26 lbs loss) but because I say it is and clearly the scale does too.  However the numerous charts out there give me a different number of what I should weigh for my height and build. I used to think that one certain number was golden.  I refuse to let a scale, chart or some calculator gadget tell me what I should weigh. Yes I understand the whole BMI, BF % and all the other things one uses to say if your at a healthy weight or not.  I may not feel or look well at 123lbs nor may I even want to desire to be that even if the charts say so.  I may be ok at 140 and have lots of energy.  So for now I have a high range and a mid range number Im shooting for.  I still have a ways to go regardless. Will I still weigh myself? Yes, but I refuse to let the number staring me down determine my level of joy for that day. 

Mays Reflection 

As you know it was my surgery month and my time to recovery.  I have to say I did pretty good considering I watched the scale fluctuate each week. I had 2 weeks of pretty much being stationary which drive me nuts.  During that time i made adjustments and I focused on my meals and ate lower calories due to my lack of movement. 

With all the up and down on the scale I still dropped 2.6 lbs from May 1st.  To me that's huge because there are months I can do all the right things and have ZERO  loss or even a gain. As for my walking I did 56.9 mile the entire month. Mind you there were 2 weeks of none what so ever so in that respect I think I ROCKED IT!  

I'm pretty pleased with my May results. 

Junespiration 

This month is my birthday month and I am focusing on all things positive. I'm alive & becoming more well day by day and all things are possible.  I have some fun things planned for the month ( mostly being with my family) and hope to add in some fun things with friends too. Nothing that needs to cost money, just living in the moment and loving life even sitting by the pool or walking my puppy Bentley.  Life is too short to dwell on or fuss about should of, would of, could of or if onlys.  

   My Goals & Challenges 

* I'm looking forward to all the new added routine my workout buddy and I have planned. I'm hoping for result in any shape or form. And let me just say it's day 2 of June and my muscles are on fire. 

* I enjoyed getting in a 10 miler last month and look forward to doing it again and even a 13.1 miler as well. Yes I was sweaty, sore and tired but it also was a good sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The kind of feeling that you would want more of to help encourage and push you along.  I can't do them too often but hope to see a couple this month. 

     My morning workout spot at 6:30 am. 

Well that's a wrap for now. 

I'll be back with up dates and maybe a few fun shares of my month. 

Well Wishes, ((Hugs)) & Prayers,

Janine

Surgery & Recovery Up Date

Some have wondered what kind of surgery did I have.  

I waited to give any details to see how I was going to be and what the full outcome of it would be as well. 

I had a hystorectomy. 

There I said it! I only told my family and a few closest friends.  

Why I had such reservations about it, Im not sure exactly.  I think one part is that it's a very personal thing to go through and like everything-everyone has an opinion.  I didn't want the stress, worry or anything added to what was already a huge decision I was needing to make for my health.  The bottom line is I had a ton of miserable and very unwanted symptoms that left me either in pain often or I was held captive at home for a few days in a row for ongoing months. I called my doctor after I thought long and hard and did my own research and a pelvic ultrasound was ordered.  Basically in a nut shell the ultrasound showed why I was having such problems daily and monthly.  I had already knew my ovaries had been full of cluster cysts from my PCOS diagnoses years ago.  What was new was a very enlarged uterus full of fybroids and bilateral cervical cysts that were causing most of my discomfort.  I was refered to a GYN specialist soon after.  

I saw the specialist and she listened fully to my complaints, symptoms and future plan ideas and then she presented me with my options.  There weren't many options after hearing my side and seeing the ultrasound results so surgery was agreed the way to go to regain my life back.  My biggest concern was I very much wanted to keep my ovaries and if not both then to save one.  She explained the uterus was too enlarged to go an easier route of surgery so another 7"-8" incision would join my already 2 c-section incisions.  It's a good thing I don't have a bikini body nor is it a reality in the future to have one.  The doctor proceeded to explain the Fallopian tubes and cervical canal would be removed but she could not guarantee saving any of my ovaries till she actually when in at the time of surgery to see if they were healthy or not. 

   

Surgery Day:

I was awake at 4 am and arrived at the hospital for 5:30 am.  Surgery was scheduled at 7:30 and was to take no longer than an 1 1/2 hrs. That time frame changed once in and my mom and husband were notified it will take much longer as doctor wanted to take her time removing from what she says was an extra long cervical canal.  I woke hours later and was very happy to have a pain pump machine as I was feeling the discomfort for sure.  Happily the doctor said considering my PCOS, both my ovaries were in good condition so they got to stay.  Yay, happy dance for sure!  I did not want to go right into menopause and now I won't and my natural clock will do that for me.  Hoping that happens much later than sooner.  

First time on my feet was a shocker! 

The next morning I was encouraged to get up and walk to the bathroom.  Oh My Goodness! Being able to walk miles upon miles as my daily activity I thought it would be a simple task.  Who was I kidding! I needed a walker. Yes a WALKER!! Also with my mom on one side and my eldest son on the other maneuvering the pain pump just to take a few wimpy steps.  This was a huge shocker to me and kind of upsetting knowing how far I had come in my daily activity and had such worries on how long it would take to get back to my normal routine again. 

My first week:

When I was discharged I went home to my moms house. I still was very shakey on walking and it proved to be a very challenging task for me.  I moved very slow and held a pillow in front of my abdomen when ever I walked or sat to aide in support.  My little pillow I received from the hospital became my essential accessory for the next few weeks.  My mom was a great caretaker and I can most certainly say I couldn't have recovered so well if I came straight home.  I know I would have not gotten the adequate kind of rest I needed nor the awesome yummy meals.  Lol 

Thank you mom, your awesome! 

    Just a few of my yummy meals. 

My tummy pillow the hospital gave me right after surgery & flowers & balloons from my dear sweet walking buddy.  

I went home week two, actually a couple days after Mothers Day and still took it easy. I gradually increased my movement around the house and in the yard walking each day.  I was itching to get back walking so later in the week I went out and did my thing.  😄 It wasn't easy, and I didn't go too far but it felt so good to be doing what I love.  

Week three & four:

Back to my walking routine and feeling great. I had one minor set back with incision area but since have taken care of and moving forward.  I have racked up the walking miles in these last two weeks and have enjoyed being back walking with my walking/exercise buddy and seeing the fantastice morning sun too.  

So now May is coming to an end and Im excited to start a new month. 

🙏 Praise Report:

Labs show all areas of concern are cancer free.  

Thank You Jesus! 

Thank you to those for you encouraging words, prayers and thoughtfulness this past month. 

Well Wishes, ((Hugs)) & Prayers,

Janine