Making progress. One day at a time.

Confession time. I ate a lot of cookies over the holidays. I also made and ate A LOT of my very favorite chocolate/peanut butter bars (not the "healthy" granola kind either, in case you were wondering). The kind made with butter and powdered sugar, and other not-so-great things. I couldn't stop myself. They just teased me sitting on my counter, or in my fridge, and even later when I moved them to my freezer. Who was I kidding with that move anyway? 

Am I the only person who thinks it's better to eat all the crap themselves than, God forbid, throw it away and (gasp!) waste perfectly good food? I know I'm not alone here. Please, tell me I'm not.

Ironically, I watched the documentary "Fed Up" last night which discussed the growing obesity rate in America, Diabetes in children, and the general overuse and addiction of sugar. One thing that struck me was a study which showed lab mice being given a choice between cocaine and sugar water, and they chose the sugar water...every time. All of a sudden I realized I am the little white mouse and instead of sugar water it's kettle corn. (Not the microwave kind. This junk food junkie has her standards after all. The pre-made variety as if it came from the county fair. If only. At least then the indulgence would be but once a year.) I had to stop buying it or I'd eat the entire bag...every time. It's not surprising to hear sugar can be considered as harmful as a drug. As it turns out I, too, am fed up. With myself. 

So why am I telling you this? Well, for one, if you say a goal out loud or write it down then you are more likely to stick to it. Also, I need to admit to myself, I have a problem. I am addicted to unhealthy sweets. There, I said it. 

Am I obese? No.  Far from it some would say. But can I say with 100% certainty I am healthy on the inside though I appear so on the outside? I cannot. 

Therefore, starting now, I will not eat the crap just because it's there. 

I have will power and WILL resist the temptations that come my way. Damn. I just remembered I have Bunco in two days and there is always a treat within reach, but no matter...

I will stay strong. 

Will I be perfect? Probably not. And that's okay.

I will make better choices.

I will become a healthier eater. 

Because I am worth it. 

And so are you. xo

My Fitness Journey

When I turned 40 I joined a gym and was committed to getting back in shape after 2 kids and a lot of excuses. I was good for a year, signed up again, and slowly lost my motivation to keep it up. I cursed myself for letting my monthly gym fees go to waste. 

The following year, just as I was debating whether to rejoin the gym scene or not, I discovered P90X. I decided in the time it would take me to travel to and from the gym, I could be halfway through a workout at home so I went for it. 

I won't kid you. It was hard. And at the start of the program I truly struggled to get through a lot of the moves, but by the end I was proudly keeping up with Tony Horton and his gang. I completed the full 90 days of the P90x program and felt AWESOME. 

After recently turning 45 (gasp!) I've re-committed myself into getting into shape once more. I love that the newest Beachbody programs push me in only 30 minutes and I can go about my day knowing I've started it off on the right track. Incorporating delicious, nutrient-packed shakes into my routine has been the easiest and best part of it. Chocolate for breakfast is crazy good!! 

But what can I say, I'm practical. Actually, that's code for cheap. I will gladly spend money on my husband and family, but not myself for some bizarre reason. In order to (self-) justify my new hobby, I became a coach for a discount on the shakes and all my future workout programs. As a coach I didn't need to be a fitness professional, or a sales person (which I'm definitely not) just have a love of the products which I definitely had...and still have.

With the help of a friend and fellow coach, we created our first joint challenge group. This was a group of amazing women who all had their own fitness and health goals. We supported each other every day with online check-ins. Many of us picked a brand new program that incorporated daily 30-minute home workouts with clean eating for 21 days. After the first week on the program I was shocked to see I'd lost 2 inches in my waist! I kept it off and completed the program having lost 2.7 pounds and 4-1/4 inches overall! Everyone in the challenge group was so excited by their results we all decided to go another round! 

This month we'll be starting a new challenge group and look forward to seeing more great feedback and success stories from the challengers. Everybody has their own goal. Whether it's to lose 50 lbs or 5, to tone up and see muscle definition, or simply to like who you see staring back at you in the mirror each day. 

If you have something you'd like to work on, be sure to let me know. I'd be happy to help find a program that can fit your goals and fitness level. I may be 45, but I'm a happier, stronger person than I ever was in my 20s. And you can be too. The hardest part is deciding, and saying, " today's the day I'm going to start making it happen!" xo, A

When did everything become such a problem?

I'm not sure when it happened exactly, but seemingly overnight an overwhelming majority of people (under the age of thirty mostly, but don't hold me to it) have swapped the polite and simple phrase of "you're welcome" for a new turn of phrase: 

"No problem." 

If you've not yet experienced this phenomenon, well, you need to get out more. 

It's everywhere.

Give it a try the next time you're at the deli counter in your local supermarket. 

Order your half pound of what have you and say "thank you" as it's passed to you over the counter. I guarantee nine out of ten times the response you will hear will be, "no problem." 

Hearing this in retail is where it irks me the most. 

No problem? Really? You're doing your job. One for which you are being paid. 

So, I ask you, where exactly is the problem? 

Why add a negative connotation to something where there shouldn't be one? 

Perhaps it's the English major in me. But it's maddening, I tell you, MADDENING!

Recently I was at the doctor's office and the nurse asked me if I was taking any medications. I told her and she said, "no problem." 

Huh? 

Are we so ingrained all of a sudden with using this particular word choice we are now applying it everywhere, even when it makes no sense? 

Or was that her way of thanking me for answering a simple question? 

The worst part is I've actually caught myself using it too! 

After doing a favor for a friend, instead of just saying, "you're welcome," I heard myself uttering those dreaded two words. 

As soon as they brushed past my lips, I cringed. 

I wanted to call them back in, but it was too late. 

And, for me, that was a problem.

Newport and The Cheer Squad

Last month, in Newport, RI, I completed my second half marathon (within the same year I'll add: Toot, Toot!) As I only had the Disney Princess Half for comparison, I was nonetheless amazed by a few of the differences.

Disney, as one might expect, runs a finely tuned event. At each water and fuel station one could easily spot a medical tent equipped with various pain relief items and trained personnel. Such personnel were virtually absent in Newport, with the exception of an occasional ambulance sighting. On more than one occasion in Newport I passed distressed runners, on the ground at the side of the road, often with a stranger and a cell phone calling for assistance. No doubt Disney would have had smiling, if not singing, staff on hand to come to your aid before you could spell out, "M-I-C-K-E-Y." Okay, I may be exaggerating, but you get the idea. Plus one for Disney.

As far as scenery goes, the Newport race lived up to it's claim of being among the "Top 5 Half Marathons on the East Coast." In fact, it greatly surpassed my experience at Disney. Though there are numerous Disney characters to be found along the course for photo opps, I was there to run. Through Disney. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the Princess Half Marathon course took me past the largest Hess gas station I've seen to date. Not exactly the picturesque Disney landmark or refueling station I needed to keep me going.

After rounding the Epcot globe in the final home stretch, we were directed though a back alley with trash receptacles. (That's Disneyspeak for dumpsters.) This is Disney, for crying out loud...the most magical place on Earth! Doesn't trash simply disappear with a wave of Mickey's wand? I've just run 13 miles...shouldn't scents of cotton candy, pancakes, or cinnamon rolls be piped in for all us sunrise runners? Humidity laden, ripe garbage was hardly in my olfactory race plans.

Newport, on the other hand, revealed breathtaking scenery at every mile. It had been many years since I'd visited this beautiful and historic city and I was delighted to be able to run through the streets and gaze upon areas I had either forgotten with time or never traversed. Historic forts, college campuses, multi-million-dollar estates, and ocean views were aplenty. When you need distractions at every step, salty air and rich history outweighs stinky garbage and gas stations EVERY time! Plus one for Newport.

Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the overall Disney experience as a half marathon first timer. In case you missed it, here's a glimpse of my Disney run: I Ran Like a Princess...Sort of. It's only now that I've doubled my half marathon experience that I can confidently nit pick. :-)

At Disney they have something called the "ChEAR Squad" where your friends and loved ones can fork over upwards of $100 per person to cheer you on in comfort and style. (Mickey Ears sold separately.) I'm not sure how popular this is since my already uber-stylish friends were running with me and my family was in the comfort of our family room back in CT. Yet it's a magical place indeed that can convince spectators to pay money to join a team to watch a race..... 'Nuf said. In Newport we had our own special cheer squad, no registration required, who even brought us pre-race gifts (we are princesses after all!) along with all the encouragement we could ask for, and then some! Plus one for Newport and the CT Princesses!

If I have to be honest I should mention package pick up in Newport was far worse than at Disney. The lines were very long unless you were running the marathon, in which case you were allowed to bypass the line altogether. However, long lines make for some interesting conversations and opportunities to make new friends, including Guinness World Record Holder 1,000-Marathon Larry! Plus one more for Larry!

Though I'd personally love my next half marathon (did I really just say next?) to be at a new location, Newport is certainly one to put on any runner's race list. Wherever you go, be sure to bring your own cheer squad.

Because there's nothing more magical than accomplishing a goal with great friends by your side!

Poison Ivy Should Be a Four Letter Word.

Last week I discovered a little poison ivy. Of all places on my lip. Within a couple hours it spread to my chin. Wanting to nip this potential problem in the bud, I called my doctor's office and made an appointment for the next day. My mission was to get on Prednisone STAT because though I don't get poison ivy often, when I do it's B-A-D.

Each year I vow to put away my weeding gloves once and for all so as never to feel this silent form of torture again. Although it's possible I acquired this from yard work, given my history, I am pretty careful about avoiding the dreaded leaves of three. Plus, while out biking last week, I specifically remember riding past someone who was weed whacking and didn't feel the need, or the kindness, to turn off his weed whacker as we rode straight through his flying debris. Note to self (and my fellow biking companion): next time, let's cross to the other side of the road. I'd rather risk oncoming cars than deal with this again!

I guess it makes no difference how I acquired poison ivy. All that matters is how to get rid of it now that it's gotten a chokehold over me and won't let go.

So there I am, one day after seeing the first signs of itch, at the doctors office with new patches on my neck to offer as evidence of my predicament. I am given two choices. I can either take Prednisone for the next 10 days, or be given a one-time shot. Both, I'm assured work equally well. Um, hello? No brainer. Give me the shot. 

A few hours go by. I'm back at home and itchy as all hell. In fact, this might be what Hell is like; having eternal poison ivy and a counter full of products that offer little to no relief. I've purchased and tried nearly every product on the market, including a suggested poison ivy wash (sold OTC for, get this, 35 bucks!). What can I say, I was desperate and hoping beyond hope 'you get what you pay for.' Sadly, it offered only brief relief until I used it all up...after only two showers.

Somehow I made it through the weekend, only slightly distracted by my daughter's birthday and a mild Benadryl haze. But first thing this morning I called my doctor's office again and was given another appointment.

I tell my doctor I felt no comfort after the first shot she gave me. With a sympathetic ear she informs me I'm her very first patient to ever return for a second shot. Lucky me. A poison ivy magnet. So I receive another shot and a much-begged-for prescription for topical cortisone. God help me. Let this work! 

Even now as I write this, five days after the first shot and nine hours after the second, I am gouging my skin like I have an army of ants picnicking just under the surface. I sit here and wonder a) if I was given a placebo in first shot, b) how much longer will it take for this itching to call a cease fire on my limbs, and c) if I hadn't gotten the shots at all, how much worse would I be feeling? 

Strangely there is always some comfort in knowing it could be worse. And all it takes is once visit to the world wide web to see how much worse it could actually be. So, as I peruse pictures and tales of woe way worse than mine, I'll quit my _itching. For now. 

As soon as I can stop rubbing my skin raw and I venture back outdoors, whether in my yard or on my bike, I'll surely be whispering, "Leaves of three, LET ME BE!!!!"

The Joy of Crutches - Part 2

Who knew so much fodder could come from being on a pair of crutches. In continuation with my previous post, here goes the list of what I've learned since being on crutches:

11. "Gimp," "Crip," "Invalid," and the like are not names those of us on crutches find endearing. In case you're unsure, stay on the safe side by refraining from anything other than, perhaps, "Hey, Girl! Look at you rockin' the crutches!" 

12. Rain + Crutches = A Recipe for Disaster. Or another trip to the doctor. There should be a warning label that comes on the crutches that states, "slippery when wet." Scratch that. "When wet, prepare for a fall" would be more apropos!

13. I don't know why, but I'm continually surprised when people say the stupidest things. Here's one such example. After witnessing me nearly wipe out from a rain + crutch incident, someone actually looked at me and remarked, "Do you really need those?" Seriously, lady?! Do these look like props? It took all my restraint not to find a new use for one of my crutches right then and there in the lobby of my children's school!  

14. Travelling up and down my stairs at my new with-crutches pace has made me realize just how badly the carpet needs a cleaning! Great. Another thing to add to my growing list of post-crutches chores!  

15. Strangers and casual aquaintances still hold doors and carry items more than my own beloved family. Hmmm.

16. When you're feeling a little down, it's always good to remember somewhere out there is probably someone worse off than you. Take the female from #13. I'll be off my crutches shortly, but she'll still be an ignoramous!

17. My doctor told me I could get off crutches the day I leave for vacation, but then suggested crutches or a cane would push me ahead in airport security lines. If a fractured hip was the universe's way of telling me to slow down the last six weeks, I'll gladly wait my turn with all the other able-bodied folks, thank you very much!

18. Imagine my dismay when I learned, in addition to a few of my heels, I'd have to set aside my favorite pairs of jeans until I can lose the crutches. Who'd a thunk knuckles could be so easily bloodied from rhinestones, rivets, and bling!

19. One trip to the mall with only ONE stop is equivalent to taking 30 laps around my house. Just when I thought I couldn't detest shopping any more...!

20. I finally met my match at my grandmother's 90th birthday party when I walked in beside a lady with a walker. Now THAT would have been a fun race!



See you soon...on two feet!

Crutches Are Only Fun When You're 16.

Quick update since my last post. It turns out I ran my half marathon in Disney with a stress fracture on my hip. This fun fact landed me on crutches for the next six weeks.

Here's what I've learned since being on crutches:

1. Going upstairs is far scarier than going downstairs because you can't see where you're going to land when you're falling backwards!

2. Crutches should come with kickstands. Or wriststraps. Or be padded in felt because no matter how carefully you place them, they inevitably fall to the ground!

3. When you realize you've forgotten to put on your deodorant for the day, it's easier to use your son's Right Guard from the downstairs bathroom and smell like a "cool breeze" than take another trip upstairs!

4. Strangers are more willing to help you (holding doors, picking up dropped items, etc) than your own family!

5. It's better to be on crutches in the winter when you can layer on the clothes for extra padding against your ribs/side, but even then it's good to remember, Body Glide is not just for runners!

6. "Wanna Race?" is only funny if the person asking you is also on crutches!

7. Being on crutches is only fun when you're sixteen and your friends carry your books for you!

8. Crutches should be paired with backpacks...or one of those As-Seen-on-TV grabber tools because holding onto anything extra other than a tissue is damn near impossible! (See #7.)

9. A 24-ounce container of water can be carried in a sports bra whenever necessary. (See #7.)

10. Anyone looking for a new product patent idea: A cupholder would be a great improvement to any set of crutches - think baby stroller or carseat options - because #9 is only appropriate in the privacy of your own home!

Considering all this was gleaned from only being on crutches for ten days, imagine how much I'll have to share after the full six weeks is up! God help us all!!