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

A Dog Story: Not so EVIL after all!

Not so EVIL after all. 

Everyone that knows me knows I love all animals and dogs are at the top of my list. Although I can be very reserved and unsure when I can't read them.  I've had my fair share of dog bites- some from my own doing when I was a kid and didn't know better and others just from a dog that is timid and unsure themselves. So when what has transpired the last few days I thought I'd share. 

My moms dog is older (8 yrs) and very set in her ways.  She also came to live with my mom only a couple years ago so we don't know all what she has been through in her earlier life to feel she can't trust everyone.  

She can get pretty moody, growls and snippy so everyone in the family keeps their distance. Her actual name is Duchess but we  jokingly nicknamed her "Evil Dog". 

I've seen her first hand be pleasant and get excited and playful with my mom but for anyone else she is very non social and won't even give much eye contact.  She usually hides when the family arrives for a visit. 

    Since my stay at my moms for 5 days so far for my recovery she has not only joined me in the same room and stayed at a distance but now has welcomed my lap as a safe and comfy place to be too. Yesterday was her first hop in my lap and I attributed it to my mom having to leave and run to the store and maybe she was lonely and I would have to do. But today my mom is here and Duchess is very content in my lap once again. Go figure! 

Duchess on the couch across from me. 

    My mom says she NEVER hops in her lap so I guess I should feel very special. So today she stays and sleeps on my lap and if she gets down for any reason she eventually finds herself back in my lap, and with no coaxing from me. 

    Maybe she senses I miss my own pup Bentley or that I'm not feeling well. Or maybe she actually is learning to trust others.  Either way I enjoy her company and she seems to be ok with mine too.  

Resting well on my lap. 

A good reminder: 

All animals need love and will graciously give it back too,  they just need time. 🐶🐾💕

Well Wishes, ((Hugs)) & Prayers 

Janine

Ready, Set, Goals! Walking~Refelection~New Month Ahead

A new month is here and it's that time again to set new goals. I can not stress enough the importance of setting goals. It's important as it gets your mind and a plan set in motion for the next 30 days. Also, its important for accountability and to see how far you have come once you look back.  Looking back on what you have accomplished I think is good for you. I'm not talking about dwelling on what you didn't do, but what you have done. Making commitments to yourself and keeping them will not only show result but give you a "feel good" feeling of yourself and that to me is just as important. 

I'll start by showing you my up coming goals but will further explain in more detail further in post. 

Mays Goals

Looking back! 

I welcomed spring and sprung forward like I said I would. 

I set out to get back into my walking with the hopes to get at least 60 miles done. Happily I can say I did a total of 90.50 miles for the month of April. Those 90.50 miles were achieved with 27 walks and burned about 15k calories. I couldn't have done all those miles without my fantastic, fun, and encouraging walking partner Debbie. She has a great spirit about her and has become a great friend too. 

Just for fun lets look back a little further to when I first started this app. Since starting the Mapmywalk app I have walked 487.0 miles, 135 logged walks, 140.45 hrs and 78,031 calories burned. To me that's pretty impressive! Yes it could have been much more if I didn't slack off during some months but I still feel good of what I've accomplished thus far.  

Most of our walks consists of walking the bridge and onto the beach.  Most days we had great weather but we enjoyed the not so great weathered ones too, even getting caught in the pouring rain. Here are some pics from our walks over the past month. The sunrise alone is just amazing! Debbie and I both agree it's so inviting you almost want to keep walking to reach it. 

Our bridge walkway over the river. 

A stunning morning sunrise during our beach walks. 

Hard to not enjoy this view each morning. We look forward to seeing a new master piece each time. 

Morning beach walk. 

The view from the east side of the river of one of the bridges we did in April. 

The view from top of one of the bridges we walk. 

 Did I mention we tackle the stairs sometimes too that are on each end of the bridge.  

Back to my goals. 

My goals are a little different from most months as you can see.  I'm still focusing on my exercise and meals but my main objective and focus is recovery.  This coming Monday Im scheduled for surgery that will require several weeks of recovery.  I'm a bit bummed I'll be missing out on some serious walking time and hanging out with my walking partner Debbie but sometimes life has other plans and you just have to make the best of it.  I plan to start small in my walks to not over do it but plan to increase my steps/distance as soon as Im up for it.  If all goes well as planned I'll be back walking my 6-8 miles daily in no time and hoping to be feeling even better than before. I do plan to blog during my recovery about my progress. 

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

Janine