Wednesday, September 28, 2011

It's a sign

So R-day (race day) is coming fast.... 5 days! Since I had school late we ordered Chinese food and my fortune cookie read:

"Inch by Inch life's a cinch. Yard by Yard life is hard"

For the first time ever I really thought my fortune was right on. Now to mentally prepare for my first half!

Until next time Cheers and Happy Trails!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

And it begins

Well here it is, my first blog. I am so excited that I have finally taken the steps to begin chronicling my journey through this life changing experience. Yep, that's right, I said life changing. I have only really been running for the last 8 months... and officially didn't call myself a true runner until I completed my first half marathon (more to come about that in a later blog). The truth is I never thought I could be this person, one who is refreshed and active.

It all began when I was pregnant with my son. I had gained almost 80lbs during my pregnancy due to not exercising and eating extremely large portions of food. There was never a problem with the pregnancy, but the delivery is another story. During delivery we almost lost my little guy, his heart rate dropped to almost nothing and the doctors were hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. I had to have an emergency c-section to deliver my son. When Michael was born, he was healthy and happy.

Going through the experience of almost losing my baby and the pain after my c-section (I have a low pain threshold) I started to experience some postpartum depression.The depression was crippling, especially when it came to being active and healthy. After a while, I just started using food to feel better. After I overcame the depression, I didn't stop supplementing with food. At one point after pregnancy I gained almost all my weight back. I felt horrible on the inside and out.

It wasn't until 11 months after Michael's birth that I decided to make a huge life change. I was eating takeout with my husband and half way through the meal, I stopped eating, put on my shoes and walked out the door. I knew if I didn't turn my life around that my genetics (I have horrible genes) and environment would kill me before I could see my own grand-kids. I walked down to the gym a few blocks away and signed up for a membership and training sessions. From there the rest is history.

Not only am I more physically active but I have changed my whole house around. My husband has always been supportive. Now for almost 8 months my family eats good food in healthy moderation (if we want cake we can have it, but a piece is more than enough). We don't have red meat in the house, just because of the family risks of heart disease. We eat chicken (farm raised organic) and fish (not farm raised). Organic eggs come from local Long Island or upstate NY farms and we only drink organic milk. Very rarely do veggies come from a can. We DO NOT have soda or juice (occasionally orange for a treat). No white or wheat bread - only whole grain. And Michael NEVER eats anything with Red 40. Very rarely does that stuff come into our house.

Everything has changed and I would not go back to the previous way! I still have a way to go when it comes to being a better runner, but the first step is always the hardest and the day I left that hamburger was the best decision I ever made.

I am so happy you have decided to follow me on my journey. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Until next time.