Declare It Day 2016

After reading "Rising Strong" and starting (and since finishing) "Year of Yes", I knew I needed to think a bit more about what my goals really are for the year. Only one of them is even semi-fitness related, and there's no measurement attached to it. 

On purpose.

I didn't want this year to be about measuring fitness goals so much as getting back to myself. Being what I know I can be. Reminding myself that I am worth the effort, worth accepting, worth fighting for. 

New Challenges

In light of everything that's been going on, I've decided to take on a 31 day challenge to try to jump start getting back into working out.

I'm using an app called Active from PopSugar. They have a few different challenges, so I decided to start with the 31 day challenge. All of the workouts are 5-20 minutes. They're a mix of strength training, cardio, and yoga. The workouts start out "easy" and increase in intensity as the days go on. There are 2 built in rest days per week, which is nice.

Today's workout was a 10 minute ab/arm workout - all on the ground. Easy enough to get back into it, hard enough to remind me that I haven't been doing much.

Hopefully I can keep up with this! I'll have to do tomorrow & Sunday's workouts at the Brave, so I'm really hoping this motivates me to start getting active.

Another Cyst/Mass Update

I got the MRI radiology report yesterday. What my doctor told me ("Everything looks normal, there's no cyst. Go to your primary care to see if you have GI issues going on.") and what I read were two very different things.

The report had two "impressions" on it:

1) No concerning solid right ovarian mass identified. There is a partially collapsed corpus luteum and a small hemorrhagic cyst within the right ovary. The ovaries also have an appearance which may be seen with polycystic ovary syndrome.

2) Findings consistent with mild adenomyosis.

In the rest of the report, the hemorrhagic cyst is likely the same one as was on the sonogram. They can simulate a solid mass, so it wouldn't surprise me if it's the same one.

On the left side, there was free fluid in the cul-de-sac (which apparently is consistent with a cyst that has ruptured). Also of note, the left ovary was double the size it was during the ultrasound a month earlier. There were no cysts/masses found on the left side, but that's not too surprising.

Adenomyosis is a condition in which epotopic tissue is found in the muscle wall of the uterus. The only known full cure for this is hysterectomy. There are a couple of other treatments that could lessen the effects of the adenomyosis, but they may or may not work.

I'm wrapping my head around a lot of things right now. Looking forward to my second opinion next Monday.

Ahhh, the Mass/Cyst

Since my GYN was on vacation last week, I tried not to think about everything too much. That being said, I gave the office some time on Monday and called mid-day. I heard back from the doctor around 4pm and she said the radiology report says there was NOTHING found.

I should be happy about this. Except...

Saturday, while we were in Luray, I had a really bad pain episode. Probably the worst I've had since June 2015. My husband "threatened" to take me to the ER. I probably should've let him. Anyhow, during the episode (which lasted the better part of an hour), I had to stop walking several times to breathe through the pain.

When I told my doctor about this, she asked if I took anything for the pain. I hadn't. Mostly because I didn't have anything with me, but also because I really hate taking medication for the sake of taking medication. Yes, I know it can help. I find that pain medication doesn't help all that much for this particular problem. By the time the medication gets into my system, the pain has naturally died down anyhow.

My doctor was quick to dismiss the pain episode and wants me to see my primary care to rule out GI issues.

I'd like a second opinion about the mass/cyst.

So, that's what I'm going to do - get a second opinion. If the second opinion also thinks I should rule out GI issues, then I will.

More waiting and testing to come.

Small Update about the Mass/Cyst

There's not a whole lot more information I have about the mass/cyst in my ovary. It's still bothering me (which never happened until the ultrasound), so I'm looking forward to more information about it and hopefully getting it removed.

I had an MRI last week and was hoping to hear the results before the weekend. My doctor wasn't able to get to them before she left for vacation. Her office says she'll be working on her inbox this week and they may call with results/to schedule an appointment this week.

So, for now, more waiting.

Since we're waiting and waiting and waiting, I decided it's time to get back to eating at home more often. We'd gotten into a bad habit of going out when I just don't want to cook. I have to get over that feeling! We subscribed to PlateJoy, kind of like eMeals, but better. PlateJoy allows you to put in likes/dislikes, allergens, things you want to avoid in recipes, how many of each type of meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) you want, etc. Also, in the first couple of weeks, both the owner & my personal chef contacted me via email. So far, we've liked everything we've made from PlateJoy. (Side note: if you want a free 10 day trial, let me know & I can send you information on it. Not sure how their trials work since I found them & subscribed on my own.)

We figure we'll plan out the week using the PlateJoy meals as Whole 30 meals (that's how I have my PJ account set up) and then everything else will be either Paleo or gluten free. It gives us some flexibility to have non-W30 meals, while keeping the majority of our diet in line with W30. I'm not claiming we're doing a W30, by any means, but we needed to clean it up, so that's what we're doing.

And Then There Was a Mass (or Cyst?)

Note: In the interest of this blog becoming more about my everyday health, I'm posting this. It's very personal, but it's part of life these days.

Since the Fuck It List post, I've learned that I have a mass/cyst on my right ovary.

Long story short, my periods have been getting worse (than they were - which still wasn't a walk in the park) since June 2015. I've always had pain that feels like it's in the bone when I get cramps, but they were getting so bad that I couldn't function the first couple of days of my period.

Doctors tend to ignore you... until you find the right doctor.

I finally found a doctor who listened to me. She did a pap smear, pelvic exam, blood work, and ordered an ultrasound. During the pelvic exam, I had some pain on my right side - which is where my bad cramps always are.

I had the ultrasound done on Monday; which was my first ever - since I don't have kids, I've never had the pleasure of having an ultrasound done. The technician did the transabdominal ultrasound & then the transvaginal ones. During the transvaginal one, the radiologist was in the room. He told me that there was a solid mass on my right ovary, that it had blood flow to it, and I needed to talk with my GYN as soon as possible - but to give them 1-2 days to get the results to my doctor. He also said that if I didn't hear from her by Wednesday afternoon, I should call her. Thankfully, I was going to see her on Wednesday morning specifically to go over results, so I didn't have to worry about that.

Later that day, I got a call from the GYN's office saying my pap smear and blood work came back and was normal. At least that was good news!

On Wednesday, Jon & I went to my follow-up appointment. Basically, she gave me options for birth control to control the heavy period. Then we got into the radiology report. She got a little more serious & we went over "next steps". Basically, I need to get an MRI done - as soon as possible. They don't know what kind of cyst it is and they need to get a better look. With the pain I described to her, she thinks it may be sitting on a nerve, but can't be 100% sure.

Our guess, which has not been confirmed yet, is that I'll end up needing surgery to have the mass/cyst removed.

I threw a pity party all week last week - complete with junk food & doing nothing. It was just what I needed. This week, I've got workouts planned, to include boxing (I need to hit something in a healthy way!), and I have meals planned. It will be a better week.

Stay tuned!

The F*** It List (note, there's profanity in this one)

Several months ago, there was a post on one of the Facebook groups I'm in about The F*** It List. The list came from a TED Talk given by Scott Jones.

In it, he says that he's fortunate he 1) does something he loves and 2) works with people he loves. I appreciate this because 3.5 years ago, when I left my corporate job, I left people I loved, but a job I didn't love. I had loved it, but had fallen out of love with it. Starting my own business has been hard, trying to grow it has been harder, but I do really enjoy it.

Like Scott, life changed for me when diagnosed with an illness. For him, it was a stroke. For me, it's hypothyroidism, Hashimotos, and adrenal fatigue. It's been a rough road. Really rough. I'm incredibly thankful that it hasn't landed me in the hospital.

After getting out of the hospital, everyone kept telling him it was time to start a bucket list.  He said it felt too showy, too melodramatic. So, he started a list, but it turned out to be a list of things he doesn't want to do moving forward, things he doesn't need in his life.

"Where to begin? What are we going to let go of? What are the things I don't want to do any more?"

I've been thinking on these questions. I've started my list. Since it's kind of personal, I'm not going to share it here. I will share that I keep my list in my Evernote, so that I can keep it with me at all times. This way, I can add to it or remind myself of what's on it at any time.

One thing Scott says that really struck me was:

"Don't do anything that you don't REALLY want to do."

Think about that. REALLY think. Why are you doing things you don't want to?

I struggle with this. I feel a sense of obligation about certain things (especially family things). How do you stop doing those things? How do you set boundaries with people who will be affected by you not doing those things? Going forward, I'll be working on that.

On the same topic, but by a different person, there's a book that was recently published that's going on my to-read list on this subject: How to declutter your life by not giving a fuck. Looking forward to reading it and probably adding more to my Fuck It List.

What will you add to your Fuck It List?

Getting Back on Track

With all of the thyroid & adrenal fatigue problems literally getting me down, it's been a rough road. I'm not shy about it and quite frankly, it needs to be talked about. I know I'm not the only one suffering, so it's good to get it out there.

I'm *finally* starting to feel a bit better. In an attempt to get myself (and Jon) back on track, we're doing the Fitness Blender 4 weeks for busy people workout plan.

Now, you may be asking "Why is a personal trainer following someone else's plan?" The answer is simple. While I could design and do my own workouts, designing and essentially training your husband isn't always a smart idea. He is much better off if it's someone else's workout and I correct form if needed.

Jon hasn't been doing all of the workouts, so I finally said "I'm doing them with or without you. Join me or don't, up to you." I'm finding this solution is working for ME. I also figure if he sees me doing the workouts, he'll eventually either do them on his own or join me.

After the blizzard last week, the boxing gym was shut down for a few days. Hopefully I'll be able to get over there next Monday/Wednesday.

We're also discussing doing another Whole30 starting February 7. Why not start it next week? Because, quite frankly, there are a few things I want to make that aren't W30 approved. So, I'm giving myself a week to do it. If they get made, great. If not, oh well. After Whole30, I think it'll be a bit easier to switch to the nutrition plan my naturopath wants me on. Finally. After kind of doing "whatever" since October.

It will all fall into place.

One step at a time. One day at a time. One workout at a time. One meal at a time.

Ringing in Hope Race Report; December 31, 2014

Wow - so I never did this race report! Basically, I ran the 5k and it was relatively uneventful this year! Just ran it kind of "slow" at 36:58.

(Shortest race report ever!)

What's in store for 2016?

2015 was a bittersweet year. We traveled to 5 countries (Singapore, Switzerland, Germany, France, and Netherlands), 9 states (MI, TX, NC, SC, FL, MA, NY, OH, and CO), sold our house (YAY!), moved into our apartment, sold the travel trailer, bought our motorhome, and attended 4 funerals - including both of my remaining grandmas. Like I said, bittersweet.

I finished Rising Strong just before the new year (I started it in September). I also watched the Scott C Jones Ted Talk about F*** It Lists recently. I think I'll write a post on Rising Strong soon.

We celebrated NYE with dear friends of ours at a campground in SC. It was a great way to celebrate new friendships and passing into a new year.

So, what's in store for 2016?

• Practice the Rising Strong lessons learned. 
• Work on my F*** It List.
• Set 2-3 goals and work towards them - both personally and professionally.
• Read Art of Possibility and put lessons learned into action.
• Read Year of Yes and put lessons learned into action.
• Work on my overall health, to include getting back to more of a Paleo eating style. 
• Use the Passion Planner and get a bit more organized!

Notice something missing?

I'm not setting any specific race goals or workout goals. At all. It's a conscious decision. The past couple of years have been rough on my health; this thyroid thing has turned my world upside down.


(Note: I'm not affiliated with Amazon.com or YouTube, they're just where I've consumed these books/videos.)

Long Time, No Post

I had these grand plans to get my ass back in gear. We started going to Title Boxing & really enjoy it. We've somehow managed to let life take over again & haven't been in there in a couple of months.

Jon & I are committing to a Whole 30 starting January 1. We're also working on figuring out a schedule to get ourselves moving again. Stay tuned...

I signed back on with #FFCrew this year. I feel like I need the motivation & support the ladies can offer.

I'm now on thyroid medication, so hopefully that will help with getting everything check.

Space Coast Half Marathon - November 29, 2015

"Quickest race report ever"

Pre-race:

Flew down, went to WDW

Race:

This was by far my slowest year so far. We didn't train & that's on me. It wasn't a horrible race, by any means. We kept up with the 3 hr group until about mile 12 and then slowed down a bit that last mile. Our goal was to finish before the first marathoner - we *just barely* did. Whew! Year 3 down.

Post-race:
We showered, checked out of the hotel, and headed to WDW for a night.

A big change

We've spent all year making changes. None of them had to do with positive changes to our diet and workouts. I've tried a couple of times to go back to Whole 30, but it hasn't happened.

Recently, there was an article in Simply Gluten Free magazine about Hashimotos and gluten. The quick and dirty is that the gluten protein and thyroid cells are very similar and when the body attacks the gluten protein to get rid of it, the thyroid cells get attacked too. This makes for a really bad cycle, and a really serious one. No more gluten for me. I've been horrible about it this year and it's time to make my change again.

Change #1: No more gluten. 

We took measurements on July 13. They're bad. I mean, technically measurements can't be good or bad, but I didn't love the results. We did "before" pictures last night. Yes, I realize that they were almost a month apart. July was ridiculous. While I did manage to lose 2 lbs and 1/2" here or there, it wasn't a focused effort.

Change #2: Focused effort on managing our weight.

We've been running the Space Coast Half Marathon the weekend after Thanksgiving the past couple of years as part of their Big Bang Series. Last year, we didn't train at all. It showed. So, we're training this year. Guess what started yesterday?! That's right - training. Our first 30 minute walk/run in the books!

Change #3: Train for what you signed up for.

Now that we've sold the house & moved, the kitchen is fully available. One of my "daily chores" is to cook. Jon's taking a knife skills class this month, so hopefully he'll be able to help in the kitchen with prep work every once in a while. Last night's dinner was this. So easy & delicious.

Change #4: Use the kitchen more often.

We'll see what happens!

Greatest 4th in the North 5k, Michigan

We recently took a trip to Michigan to visit with my grandma. We were there over July 4th and it seems that many towns across the USA have races on the 4th. There was one in a nearby town, so a bunch of the family decided to do either the fun run, 5k, or 10k. We had several people in our group that placed in the age groups - or even won the races the entered. Grandma was so happy to be able to see so many of her grandkids race.

I started out wearing my Fellow Flowers long sleeve shirt. Just after half way, I decided I was hot, so I took off the jacket & rocked out my Team Tough Chik jersey. I also decided I would wait for Jon since he wasn't too far behind me. I underestimated how far behind me he was. Ah well. It was nice to run in to the finish with him. Considering it was our first run since December, I was pleased with how it went.

Pre-race

Pre-race

Pre-race

A small group of those of us who raced 

A few of the "fun run" finishers (my nephew did NOT think it was "fun")

My 2nd cousin, who won the 10k

YAY! Finished!

Jon & I after the race

My lil brother got 1st in his age group - 4th overall - for the 10k

Whole 30 update

I figured it was time to come in and give an update about how things are going on Whole 30. The first week went pretty well. I had a couple of "off plan" but gluten free meals. I lost 3 lbs.

And then our pre-scheduled trip happened. I tried to prepare as much as I could. It wasn't meant to be. I knew that it probably wouldn't be though. 

And then last week happened. We'll just leave it at "it wasn't the best week". It definitely wasn't the worst week, but it wasn't good either. 

This weekend had promise, but it wasn't perfect either. So, with Jon on board, we restart (again) this week. I'm not beating myself up about the past couple of weeks, just moving on.

I have a couple of more difficult eating situations coming up, but I'll figure them out as we go. One trip I'll have a kitchen at my disposal. The other trip I'll at least have a mini fridge & probably microwave. *hopefully*