Running with a Purpose

Getting into running was probably one of my biggest physical obstacles/accomplishments I had in years. Due to my history of neck/back issues - herniated discs, etc - docs always seemed against this activity for me. Not until a few years ago, did I start hearing from other body workers that running actually may do me good. Since my back and neck muscles were so weak, maybe running would help build the strength I needed? Last year I joined Team in Training and decided to run my first half-marathon.  Training definitely did not come without its hitches but overall I felt great both mentally and physically. It helped me lose the weight I was hoping to for my wedding and it also allowed me an outlet during the wedding planning.  That quickly came to an end when I was told I would need spinal surgery last fall.

After the surgery, I didn't exercise for 6 weeks. When allowed, I jumped back into yoga privates with Gina Norman from Kaia Yoga.  At 8 weeks, I bought a 10-pack of personal training sessions, and at 10 weeks, I decided to start running.  Wrong!  My body didn't like this idea at all.  My hips and legs immediately revolted but still I continued to try to run through the pain.  That didn't last very long. One of my best attributes is my intuitiveness with my body. I tried not listening, but when it let out a scream to stop I did.  I rested, did my daily walks, and now feeling like I'm up for the challenge again.

This time I will start out slow and really listen to what my body is telling me.  I had my first group run on Saturday and felt great during and after.  I actually cannot wait for the rain to stop so I can get back out there again today.  Running with Team in Training, helps me to stay on course.  I may not have someone in my life battling cancer at the present moment, but that can quickly change with a blink of an eye.  Just knowing that there are others out there needing support is motivation enough for me. If you'd like to donate to this cause, please do so at my fundraising page.

I’d like to wrap this up with one of my favorite after running breakfasts. Easy, quick and just hits the spot. Try it! I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I do.

Cinnamon & Raisin Ezekial Muffin with PB&J

 

 

• 1 toasted Ezekial Muffin

• 1 tbs of natural peanut or almond butter

• 1 tsp of jam or half banana (cut into thin slices)

New Year, Same Me!

I couldn't believe how many emails I've received over the past week with the subject line "New Year, New You". Of course, I was intrigued by the first one but after the last one this morning, I really became annoyed. What's wrong with the old me? And why do these newsletters/companies insist on playing on the same old theme that each year we need to change something about ourselves? So the positive of this all is I'm now writing which I've avoided the past year.

To say 2010 was a little hectic is an understatement. I continued to try and grow my counseling practice, teach more yoga classes, work full-time as an Online Marketing Consultant and plan a wedding. Throw in training and running a half marathon, actually get married and then have a spinal discectomy with fusion and I become a little dizzy thinking about it. Of course, as I live and breathe my day to day life, I would continue to put pressure on myself that I wasn't doing enough. Everyone has their "thing" and mine is probably being too hard on myself. As long as I could remember I would over commit. Always too quick to say "I'll do it!" and then when the time came to do all the things I committed to, I would feel exhausted and hold resentment. I do take pride in myself and the drastic improvements this past year in this area. I'm more comfortable saying no and I don't regret it when I do. What a relief! It's literally the feeling of having a thousand pound weight being lifted from your chest. Being able to breathe normally, wake up each morning without a feeling a dread, and be excited about what lies ahead is amazing.

Taking time to reflect on the previous year is the best part of the "New Year" for me. I'm not completely against resolutions, but we all know they are forgotten by Feb 1st. I truly believe it's because we over emphasize on what we want to change about ourselves. How about loving or being content with who we are and taking time to reflect on all the positives we've done throughout the year? Maybe we can build upon the positives instead of making resolutions to do what we really don't enjoy anyway. Was there something you did that is out of your ordinary that you really enjoyed? Give yourself a few hours to sit with a pen and paper and write down all the events, activities, situations that made you happy this past year. You may find a glimpse into your true self that you didn't know was there. Enjoy this New Year with the Same You!

Running the Fairfield Half Marathon

Wedding Day

Adrenal Fatigue

Ever find yourself racing around the house, late for an appointment, wondering where you put your car keys? Ever get to the bottom of a page and wonder what it was you just read? Most likely you are not a victim of TBF (temporary-brain-freeze) but rather a sufferer of adrenal fatigue.

Constant stress, especially when combined with poor nutrition, can deplete the adrenal glands, resulting in adrenal fatigue. Financial pressures, busy schedules and relationship problems all take their toll on the adrenals. Caffeine and sugar also tend to deplete the adrenal glands by over-stimulating them. Not surprisingly, adrenal weakness is very common in modern society.The adrenals are part of the endocrine or glandular system. These glands sit on top of the kidneys and produce of variety of hormones that regulate energy production, fluid balance, immune functions, and other important processes.

The adrenals also help the body deal with stressful situations by adjusting one's internal biology in response to external pressures. They create what is called the fight-or-flight response. Adrenal hormones provide the energy we need to meet life's challenges. They also reduce inflammation and regulate fluid balance.

Severely depleted adrenals cause a person to feel tired, tense, and exhausted, creating a "burned out" sensation. Specific symptoms of adrenal exhaustion include severe fatigue, difficulty relaxing or feeling peaceful, disturbing dreams and restless sleep patterns, nervousness, anxiety, heart palpitations, and a sensation of pressure in the chest that is often interpreted as a cardiac problem. Other symptoms include dryness, blood sugar imbalances, inflammation, difficulty breathing, tension headaches, and excessive allergic reactions.

Adrenal glands are extremely important to your immune function and they also help the thyroid to function properly. If you suspect you might have tired adrenals, contact me today and we can come up with a plan for you!