challenges are what it's all about....

With January coming to a close, I wanted to share with you a few of my challenges this past month.

After I started with my new exercise routine, I sprained my left wrist. ugh. I knew it was more than just "tendonitis," like I had in my right wrist over four years ago. The pain was stabbing when I bent my wrist and/or when I put pressure on it. But if I held it in neutral, it was fine. I couldn't even pick up a gallon of milk or a full coffee pot with it!!

It turned out that not only was it sprained, but I have a ganglion cyst in the joint. double ugh. no worries though...it's just fluid-filled and will most likely go away on it's own...without intervention! yay! But it could take up to 6 months. boo!

The challenge was trying not to give up exercising while it was healing. I wore a wrist splint and modified any exercise that caused any pain or discomfort. My trainer, Jodi, was super with giving me alternate exercises to do. I can now do push ups and planks without my splint on! yay!

Along with my left wrist, my left heel was killing me! I would get out of bed in the morning and as soon as I stepped on the floor, the pain would already be intense and almost burning. This has been going on since before Thanksgiving. I just kept putting off going to the podiatrist. But with my new routine, once again, the pain was getting worse...especially with all the pounding on the foot. So off I went.

It turns out that I have plantar fasciitis caused by a heel spur in my left heel. ugh again. It's just a small spur, but it hurt like there was a boulder in there! I decided, along with the professional advice from my foot surgeon, that I would try a cortisone shot to relieve the pain/burning. MAN! that hurt worse than the spur! yikes! but then my foot went numb and I was good for the rest of the day.

That evening, it was very tender, but come the next morning, I had no pain! woohooo! I am still pain free, and really praying that I stay that way. However, the spur is still there and I imagine that one day, the tendon that the spur is rubbing on will become inflamed once again. ho-hum.

But even with all that, I remained committed in getting my work-out in 4x/wk. I feel stronger. In fact, the results of my fit test proved to me that I am stronger! When I started this program, this is what I could do in one minute:

1. Star Jumps (this is where you squat down, touch your toes, then jump up into an X) = 12 in one minute

2. Push ups on knees = 13 (in one minute)

3. in/outs (plank position, yoga mat out in front of you going side to side, jump your feet in towards your hands, don't touch the mat with your feet or it doesn't count!) = 5 in one minute (those were tough).

4. Heisman Run (high knees, pumping arms, elbows bent, fingers spread, one rep is counted when the right knee comes up) = 24/one minute (but i could not sustain a "run." I had to march it. blah) 

After just four short weeks, this is what I can do today:

1. star jumps = 29 in one minute!
2. push ups (on knees) = 29!!
3. in/outs = 11 (compared to just 5 my first time!)
4. Heisman run = 81 ????? holy cow! I did have to march it out the last 20 sec.

The proof is in the pudding =) ... well, only if I make it myself! LOL!

Another challenge this past two weeks has been to eat whole foods...nothing pre-packaged (except for dairy, because I don't own a cow!). It's been rough. I think I am doing ok with it. Thinking and cooking "outside the box" for every meal can get pretty exhausting. But I know I am feeling more energetic and putting things into my body that are good for me.

I no longer reach for a cookie or a cereal bar or crackers and cheese to snack on. Now I reach for carrots and hummus, or Greek yogurt, or fruit and nuts. And who knew how long it would take me to LOVE brown rice? It's so nutty and yummy...and you can spice it and flavor it with just about anything. I made some with sauteed shallots and baby portobella mushrooms, parsley, cumin, ginger, garlic, and a splash of white wine. It was surprisingly delish!

So my challenges for this month are over. Who knows what waits for me in February. I say, "bring it!"

Comments

  1. Girl, you are my hero :)
    I'm so proud of you! I love brown rice.
    It took my kids a while to like it but they do now. I use it in place of white for everything.
    I haven't tried greek yogurt yet, not a big fan of yogurt. Have you tried almond milk? We love the silk vanilla brand, its all natural and very good. More calcium and less calories.

    ReplyDelete
  2. thanks Sherry! and i will have to try the almond milk. does it actually taste like almonds? i love almonds!

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  3. Oh Mare! I'm so sorry to hear about your pain and struggles, especially when you are so determined to work on your goals. Amazing job pressing on!!
    And I LOVE your fit test results!!!! Way to bring it, Mama!!!!
    So proud of you...keep it up! What an inspiration :)

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