Another Step Forward!

I couldn't write this in my regular status post on FACEBOOK but I wanted to jot this here.

I've been exercising and eating "mostly vegan" for a while now.  I have had many medical issues pertaining to hormone and endocrine issues. PCOS, Hypothyroid, Type II diabetes, hyper-prolactinemia, fertility issues, etc. etc. etc.

The past two months I've been getting my menstrual cycle. Something I haven't had since it stopped when I was about 16 years old. I was told I'd had PCOS, but at the time it was such a new diagnosis that Dr.'s didn't really know what to do with it. So he put me on The Pill to regulate the menstrual cycle and when I got off it because I felt awful 2 years later, I found myself with full blown type II diabetes and hypothyroid disease. It masked the cause but covered the symptoms.

Like clockwork I got my menstrual cycle yet again.  I don't remember EVER having a regular menstrual cycle that came when predicted. I was told we could never conceive for YEARS because I never had an actual period. The Dr.'s just assumed if I didn't have one, I couldn't ovulate to get pregnant. BOY were they ever wrong! In 2009 without fertility meds we conceived Jackson on a mini vacation. I thought I had rectal cancer (no joke, later I found I had a tipped uterus and my left ovary was literally somewhere close to the sphincter)! Most close to us know that our son later passed at 22 weeks gestations just 25 minutes after he was born prematurely to what I later researched was an Incompetent Cervix. 2 years later after we conceived through IUI fertility treatment we had our little rainbow baby.

I'm sure you must be laughing by now. It is funny, but I can assure you that it's NO LAUGHING MATTER for my husband.  I get lower back cramps and I'm worse than a witch to deal with! I have been sick to my stomach, have had the munchies which is abnormal for me and just undoubtedly off emotionally and physically then...SURPRISE!  Holy Cats!  I knew I was hormonal and figured it "could" be but counting the days between the last cycle it was literally shall I say predictable?!

I'd imagine some of you ladies are wondering what all the big deal is but when you go for YEARS without any cycle at all and then have two predictable cycles though I will say I should be quarantined so not to raise hell with those around me for being too forward and too moody.  One gets excited that maybe all the hard work has been paying off.

I WILL say this though.  I am bloated. I wore typical cotton pants, I hated walking out in public feeling bloated but I didn't give a hoot! I feel a ton and it doesn't feel all that great.   Whoa Nelly! Someone help my cranky mood swings and don't look at me the wrong way or my evil looks will haunt you for months!

So, I'm guessing this is a sign that the hard work of eating healthy and exercising is working. Right now however, I am moody, I'm tired, I'm bloated and get the heck outa my way if your on the roads or look at me wrong! Hahaha

Happy Weekend Everyone! Go have some peace and joy. I'm going to find my happy place!

It's Happening!

Iron Girl Syracuse

I cannot believe how close we are. I'm excited and freaked out at the same time. I'm REALLY excited!

Iron Girl Syracuse

Using The Side Stroke

I am NOT confident with the swim part of the triathlon. The only time I've ever swam has been on vacation. Nothing to save my life and nothing more than a nice breezy vacation kind of stroke. The last swim/bike/run training I had two weeks ago, it was AGAINST the current. Everything I learned in swim class at the YMCA was null and void in the open water swim against the current.

Today I'm not sure what the water will be like until I get in. What I noticed last time is that I did not like my face in the filthy water with my eyes open. I didn't care that I had my goggles on. The water has been known to have bacteria in it. I also had a tough time measuring where the buoy was when my face was in the water. How exactly can you tell?!

To add to the problem. I put anti fog on my goggles and instead of washing with water and letting them dry, I used my hands and a towel and dried the anti fog off. I couldn't see.  It was AWFUL!  THIS is the time to learn what the mistakes are so I can correct them before race day.

What one of the assistant coaches thought, was that it would be better for me to learn the side stroke in these conditions. I'm going to try it today and see if it will make me faster, more accurate to the buoy and back so that it doesn't mess with my bike time and my run time. I NEED to be faster.

A Muggy But Overall Successful Ride

60 laps (20 miles) on the bike today. No brick thank God Almighty! Here's how it felt. Muggy, REALLY muggy, A gust of flipping wind to make it harder. Just when I kept getting to the reach of another lap, a sweet older man left his sprinkler on JUST out of reach while saying, "you know 3 laps is a mile right?". I laughed a little when I told him it didn't matter because I had to get 60 laps in. He told me before I left he didn't want to get me wet. Hahaha Little did he know I was dying. Pavlov's Dog seems to ring a bell at that moment.

Still, I can't even BEGIN to comprehend what the athletes went through yesterday in the heat when it was hard enough with my 60 laps. I'm EXHAUSTED!

My coach makes it look like a dip in the pool, a short bike ride up a hill and a stroll through the park. I had respect for him before, but a whole lot more now that I've seen first hand how EXTREME the conditions were. These people pay big bucks to endure pain! Hahaha

Physical Therapy Session Brings Good News!

Physical Therapy finished! The PT said he was impressed with the progress. Especially with the IT band stretch which I could barely do weeks prior. He used a couple other types of IT band stretches after yesterdays training and after an hour of lactic acid buildup (that's no joke let me tell you)again, I am now feeling great! YAY for progress!

The Inch Worm...Go!

A certain coach has added the Inchworm to my regimen. The pushup wasn't asked for but I may just "try" it. I would rather do the "watermelon crawl" though. 

Surpassing Milestones And Overcoming My Own Standards

I don't even know where to start. Maybe I'll start with the fact that I finished. I finished something I never imagined I could do. I left a whole lot of baggage physically and emotionally on the course today. I broke down twice, prayed a whole lot, met new friends and bonded with the two most amazing triathletes who helped me and encouraged me from the beginning. 

I made it through a little less than half a mile swimming toward rocky waves and managed not to be the last one out. Transition was slower than I would have liked but I got to the bike and finished 6 miles instead of my hoped-for 12. I ran a 15 minute mile and finished with 2 miles of the 3 miles I'll have to go which is MORE than I thought I could do even yesterday.

I cried twice because of the mental determination I had and also because of the debilitating fears I hope to overcome. The ones that have led me here on this journey. Of lost hopes and dreams of a child I held and had to let go, of blame and anger which led to more fear and anger. It all just came to a standstill on the road running. Overcoming standards. MY standards! Pushing past the emotional pain which I hold more than any physical scars I could endure.

Still through it all, I had my friends...new and old, by my side while my husband and Little Bear cheered me on, left and cheered me through the door again.

Guilt, shame, fear, failure, lost dreams. They are not what builds the strength to overcome victoriously! God holds no prison with which to keep us. Rather, He builds us up with a new sense of HOPE. With His strength we gain courage. Setting the baggage aside is giving me a whole new life. One that I hope will flourish and become a new way of life for my marriage and our daughter.

Today has been a hard day physically and emotionally, but I did it! I conquered the unknown, left the emotional pain behind and am hopeful for a better future.

Thank you to my coach Jamie for believing in me and opening your heart and expertise to someone you never met that day you saw my post. Thank you to Lance and his wife for what you've done for me, Farah from Syracuse Woman's Magazine and her mom for the blessing you've been, for Kellie and Joslyn for being present with me today...for pushing me and encouraging me. For redirecting my fears and anxieties. Thank you to the slew of athletes who have blessed my life with your friendships, your wisdom and resources. Bless you all for the kind hearts you have!

To the family who supports me everyday and to my friend Patti for praying with me and for talking with me when all I wanted to do was die from the heartache and pain. For standing on Gods word for our Little Bear who is our rainbow baby. To Deanna who shares a similar heartache. I can't imagine my life without you. This journey would have been SO DIFFERENT. I wouldn't have met any of these people without Gods hand over our friendship. 

Finally to the husband Doug with whom God hand-picked to be mine. Nobody would have stood the obstacles we've had together. I'm not even sure anyone would have stuck with me for the attitudes I've had. You love me. ALL of me! You are loving, thoughtful, compassionate, patient, kind, gentle, encouraging and supportive. You allow me this time so I can be who God made me to be. So I can be there for the two of you! Thank you so much!

It sounds like an award right now, I'm just on an emotional high. A year ago, I had my will typed up and thought I was heading toward death. Today I'm feeling great and facing with the things I couldn't change so that I could LIVE without fear.

Panic Before The Practice Run

I'm panicking the night before my first participation in swim/bike/run (or walk/run) practice at CNY Tri Club. If I'm this nervous about a training day, I'd imagine I'm going to need a stiff drink or a sock in the head the night before the actual event to help me sleep. Lord, save me from my own thoughts!

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8

May's Edition Of My Story. Check out Pages 18 & 19 Of Syracuse Woman's Magazine.

Check out my story in Syracuse Woman's Magazine!  

Photo's For April Are In! 30 lbs down.

January Start of Training & April To Date.  30lbs lost.

Front Profile. I can now fit into my Izumi Pants I bought!

Side Profile. I do believe my belly is leaving! Get outa here fat!

From this point on, I'm not going to be weighing myself anymore. I'm going to measure.  I have started weight training. Since muscle weighs more than fat, I'm DEFINITELY NOT getting on that scale for fear of sabotage!  

One thing to learn is that while muscle weighs MORE than fat, It also MELTS fat.  Momma likey! Hahaha  I'd like to get into proper nutrition for pre and post workouts but that will have to come another day.  

I am quite proud of my progress! This did NOT happen quickly folks.  It's been hard work, plant-based and if you've read any of my posts at all, comes with tears and sweat.   Hard work pays off!  If you want to lose weight or reverse disease, THIS is the way to do it. Make it work! MAKE THE TIME! 

One Swim Class Down, Onto The Next!

Finished first phase of proper swim lessons for Triathlon prep. Next session will kick it up a notch and then Wednesday night trainings. It's been such a blessing to have met so many new friends in the class. Even a fellow Iron Girl! This has been one of the best experiences of my life besides my wedding day to my best friend and the births of our two children.

Thank you everyone who made this possible and all those who've been following my journey!♥

Iron Girl, here I come!

It's Official...

I'm Registered For Iron Girl! YAY!!!

Disappointments Happen, But You MUST Listen To Your Body!

A disappointing training is one that never happened.  ((sigh)) 

As I wait for the team of Dr.'s to change things, I had to recover from the last 3 days worth of lows and heart palpitations from what I'm guessing is thyroid medication that needs to be lowered. 

I'm a numbers person however, and I have in my head a time I'd like to reach for my ride in the race in August. I don't want just the numbers but the quality. It means I need to be consistent on the bike and these setbacks make me pretty frustrated and emotional. Not to mention that my coach, husband, and daughter have put a lot of time and support in along with me. Nobody is pressuring me, but I certainly feel the need to do my absolute best. Not just for myself, but all those who have put their love, support and resources into helping me.

I see changes in my body as well as in my overall health, I just want to be sure I keep the right pace.

Bike Training Brought A New Workout.

What came after my hour bike training. A Monster Walk. (only my bands were lower) It burned. It REALLY burned.

My bike training was at the easiest gear straight away with no real resistance. Or was there Coach? Come to think of it, I was on a different trainer and the lowest gear didn't feel as easy as the other trainer so maybe there was "hidden" resistance I didn't know about?! Hahaha Needless to say, I felt like hurling ON the bike and doing The Monster Walk a couple times with two different bands made me feel the burn.

I didn't like either today, but afterwards I felt great and I'm quite aware of the fact that doing Monster "squats" will burn the heck out of this fat. BURN baby BURN! Get that fat off!! Get outa here FAT! lol

If your looking for me, I'll be the one crashed out on the couch icing my knees. I'm tired. I'm not sure how people do mega marathons or 70.3's. Your all pretty awesome! 

Fill Your Life With Greens!

My favorite Plant-Based Dietitian shares her wealth of information and recipes for fresh leafy greens. I always love her quote, "Let thy leafy greens be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy leafy greens." Take a look at the nutrition packed in greens. Check out her links below!


Leafy green vegetables are extraordinary superfoods loaded with calcium, iron, plant protein, omega-3 fatty acids, eye health-boosting lutein and zeaxanthin, and other potent, disease-fighting phytochemicals, such as indoles, found in the cruciferous class of vegetables (e.g., Brussels sprouts, broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, and kale). Another phytochemical found in leafy greens is chlorophyll, the pigment that makes the plants green. This compound oxygenates and alkalizes the blood and is a powerful antioxidant.  Eat leafy greens both cooked and raw, in salads, green juices, green smoothies, stews, casseroles, and/or use them as a bed for whatever else you are serving/eating. Include them in your diet everyday for optimal health...

 *Resources: 
5 Tips for Making a Super Salad from the Veria Living Live segment taped last week 

Good Morning Green Juice on Veria's What Would Julieanna Do? 

Holy Kale 

Long Live The Green Smoothie  

Dreena Burton's Let Them Eat Greens: 

Exercising With Restrictions And Added Weight

The last thing I should ever do is google ailments. lol I left the orthopedic surgeon feeling good. I left the Physical therapist wondering if I'll need a knee replacement for Patella Alta. He made Chondramalsia sound like it was serious stuff but it's a pretty diverse word and an issue that is quite common. Especially for people who are overweight. 

We're stretching and strengthening muscles to build up my knees. While Jamie gets me ready with the pool, aqua running and biking.

Today I did a 4 mile power walk with Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away The Pounds".

If you have exercise restrictions or need to start somewhere, Leslie's 1,2,3,4 or 5 mile workouts are GREAT for rainy or wintery days. They're pretty low impact, work with all levels and create a great sweat.

I did the 4 mile just under and hour with a 20 minute stretch. I feel like I got my exercise in and I know it's burning calories. ESPECIALLY using new muscles as well as the light resistance from the bands.

I encourage you to get out there and start somewhere. Even with restrictions exercise can still be done to aid in weight loss in conjunction with a healthy diet.

Inch By Inch

Pretty easy training on the computrainer today. I managed to do 9 miles on the bike in under an hour with a total of 10 miles straight and flat. My coach managed to tell me that it was the goal he had hoped for once I actually got there. I pushed the last few miles a little bit but I'm seeing pretty positive improvement each time. 

On a final note, I walked out of the place and twisted my ankle. I then proceeded to walk like a cool cat to the car when I let out a pretty loud OUCH! Guess who's icing her ankle along with her knees?! Good grief I'm accident/illness prone this year. Hahahaha

Finally Some Great News On What's Been An Uphill Battle. Hooray!

We've just come back from Syracuse Orthopedics where I have to give props to Dr. Battaglia who also is quite impressed with my coach Jamie Campbell. 

I got great news and only a small obstacle instead of a big one. It turns out I have some pretty bad inflammation behind both knees. He was pretty impressed with how far I've come and how much pain I pushed through. 

I got a cortisone shot (I feel like a real athlete now), a MONTHS worth of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory to help me get ahead of the pain and physical therapy to help me rebuild my knees to optimal standards.

I can ride for the most part but as far as running goes I'm back to just aqua jogging until my knees get a little bit stronger.

Before he left he said that my coach has been right on with using aqua jogging and he was pretty impressed with the fact that he cared more about overall health than just getting me to the finish line. Which really says a lot about my coach. He's always said he's not doing this just to help me lose the weight. It's a holistic approach to overall wellness that will not just help me lose weight but KEEP it off with lifestyle change. Thanks Jamie!

Finally, before I left the Dr. said "keep up the good work kiddo" for every 10 lbs you lose, your knees get more longevity of use to keep them healthy (I hope I said it right). He said he was proud of me for accomplishing what I set out to do.

Today is the first day I feel CONFIDENT that I will reach my goals. I was concerned about all the obstacles. This latest one is a minor obstacle and I can't WAIT to build these knees to reach a new type of potential that will change the rest of my and my families lives forever. Amazing!

Low Impact For 2-3 Weeks. Alternative Training Schedule To Come.

Well, it looks like the 3rd sinus infection I got two weeks ago has caused quite the ruckus. I have to keep in mind that as a Diabetic life is so much different from that of a healthy persons.

I have multiple infections in and around my mouth, esophagus and intestinal tract. Nothing that anyone can contract of course, but due to a combination of good stress on the body as well as the typical weakening of the immune system that comes with diabetics I have to wait it out and get aggressive.

As I was listening to the bad news, I refused to wallow in the frustration and figure out a new plan for low impact. This of course means I have to closely watch what I eat even on a plant based diet.

What gave me a new perspective was thinking of how much I want to kick this disease where it counts and look back come fall to see how far I've come without quitting. I'll see these moments where I worked hard physically but also fought hard to reverse disease and illness.

Please, if you learn ANYTHING from me let it be that eating what gives you instant gratification isn't always the healthiest choice for you nor will eating to soothe change anything that happens in your life.

We have to be our own advocates, eat healthy, be physical and take charge. I give God all the glory over my life and He has blessed me abundantly. It really is about balance physically, mentally and spiritually.

Hugs and blessings dear friends!

New Photos January/February/March 27 lbs down

Yes, I've heard the jokes that I look taller. Hahaha It's the photo. Though maybe my posture has gotten better. I have a terrible sinus infection and cold in this months but you can't seem to tell. That's great!  I'm looking healthier. What an encouragement!