Another Piece To The Puzzle

One little flower left this fall.

 Yes - It's Tuesday, which means its group weigh in day.   Course yesterday, I also had my Phase 2 provider appointment.  Personally, I felt like the provider visit was a little too soon.  Its only week 3 of the group meetings, and I would have preferred something more half-way through the program.   My little angel, little devil and I will later realize that it was a great thing for this to be earlier during the 12 weeks, than it was during Phase 1. 

 



Bailey catching up with me!

Before I get into the visits, I want to tell you about what a great weekend I had.   Saturday, Bailey and I made it out to the Kankakee River State Park again.  We missed the fall colors, but the weather was just prefect for both of us.   Now, because I was in such better shape, my little angel's natural girl side was doing her own happy dance when my little devil encouraged me over come some of my fears and climb up and down paths to get closer to the water.   When Bailey and I were there last time, I was still very hesitant to go on any of them.   Before, my knee was still a little painful going up and downstairs, and not having anyone with to "rescue me", I stayed away from the steeper paths.  But not this time!  I was climbing over and under fallen trees, along with up and down some steeper paths that were slick from the recent rain.  And I loved every minute of it!!! 

Sunday was a great day too!  Not only was the weather even more beautiful, but I got to spend some quality time with my great friend, Kerrie, power walking around Centennial Park in Orland.  We finished in just under an hour.  And since Kerrie is such better shape then me, I was naturally pushing myself to stay at her same pace.   Only once did I need to slow down.  Plus usually when I'm walking, its been on a pretty flat path.  So it was great that  her route pushed me to go on some hills and a set of stairs.  I was a little winded going back up the stairs, but not enough to quit.   I also noticed I could talk and keep up again.  In the past I talking slowed me down so much, I didn't want to talk at all.   Being able to talk and keep up was another little happy moment for my little angel and I.   Plus, it was so great just being able to have a great friend to catch up with.

I also told Kerrie how I really want to be able to run a 5K one day.  She told me about this great training app.   C25K -  Couch to 5K.   It gives you tips to go at your own pace, but you technically can go from doing nothing, (aka sitting on the couch) to running a 5K in at little as 8 weeks!!!  I have downloaded the app and tried it Monday.   If anyone is considering training to run I highly recommend it. Just make sure you get the one marked as "free".  

OK, OK...on to my measurement updates.  As with all visits with the health coach, nurse and provider appointments, it started out with a weigh in and measurements.  I did shed a little more weight from the week before, but my little angel has decided to just give you the total update later, as I had another weigh in today as part of the group.   My measurements, which was not too surprising, showed I lost more inches in both my waist and hips, which also helped show improvement in my BMI score again.  

I've decided to consider my measurements from mid-September as my starting date for Phase 2.   Last time, I didn't show much of a loss in my waist.  In fact, I didn't show any loss during the first measurement of Phase 1, and it took until the end of Phase 1 to show a 1 inch loss.   I wasn't too discouraged as my waist has always been unproportionately smaller.  Course, now that people, who I haven't seen since I started, mention how they can see a difference, my little angel and I are always hoping for good numbers.  Especially since I know I've really increased my exercise this last month.   My little angel and I held our breath as Melissa wrapped the tape measure around my waist.   She always does the measurement in centimeters, so I have to wait till I get back to my desk to translate.  But I knew the number went down, and more than I expected.  When I used my converter, I did a little happy dance.   I lost 1.25 inches in only 4 weeks.   More than it took me to shed in the entire 12 weeks prior! 

Next were my hip measurements.   Here I was hoping for a good number, especially since my little angel knew it my hips were the main factor determining what size jeans I can wear.   Although I was finally wearing "The Jeans" and other dress slacks in the same size, there were still others I wasn't quite yet ready to wear.   Once again, I was happily surprised when I did the calculations to see that in 4 weeks, I lost a little bit more than 1.5 inches in my hips too!  

Because of the similar loss in both my waist and hips, my waist/hip ratio stayed the same, which is still in the healthy range.

My BMI dropped 1 full point again.  Bringing it to being a totally of being down 12.5 points from July!!!!

After Melissa took my measurements, it was time to wait for the doctor.  But it ended up being the physician's assistant.   This time, we talked a lot more about my family history.  Which brought up the discussion of my cholesterol level (LDL) again.

If you remember, although it was on the high end of normal, both my doctor and nurse were a little concerned for my age.   However, after dropping about 20 points and I'm still losing weight, my doctor was not worried about my cholesterol and was OK with just waiting for my next blood work results at the end of Phase 2.  However, it was still a concern for my physician's assistant, especially after learning there is some family history of heart problems on my mom's side.   So she really wanted me to start taking medication to help lower my cholesterol at a faster rate.   Before I could go the medication, I would need to do another blood test to make sure I didn't have any liver issues. 

Needless to say, I was not thrilled and really wanted to wait until the end of this phase as my doctor originally planned.  But the blood test was free, and so would the medication, so I agreed to having the blood test done.  As my mom and I discussed later, I could always go back to the doctor and see what her thoughts were before going on the medication.

This bring us all to today. 

My weigh in and group meeting was first.   I think I mentioned before that  I've decided to start the count over from the beginning of each Phase.   Between last week and today, I shed a total of 3.2 pounds!  A great relief for my little angel and I, as I was a little discouraged last week after not showing a loss because I had to weigh in later in the day. Now, being back on track,  since the beginning of Phase 2, I've shed a total of another 6.8lbs!!!

Shortly after the meeting, I received the news about my new blood work.   Good news, the test for liver showed up normal.  Again, I was happy, because having had my gall bladder removed years ago, I know my liver has to work extra.  Even though I felt fine, I wasn't  going to be 100% sure until the test results confirmed it.  So this was great news for my little angel and I.  But that wasn't all my test results showed.

Apparently, I have an underactive thyroid, known as Hypothyroidism, and need to start taking a thyroid treatment medication.   For some people, being diagnosed with a condition is a bad or scary thing.  While I am a little concerned, a sense of relief came over me.  It seemed like another piece to the puzzle for why I struggle with losing weight, not to mention lifting the curtain to help explain some other issues I thought were just a normal part of not being in my 20's any more. 

For those who aren't famillar with a hypothyroid, basically its a condition where your body doesn't produce enough of important horomones.  This leads to upsetting the normal balance of chemical reactions in your body.  All of this can lead to weight gain and high cholestrol, but also fatigue, dry skin, muscle aches/stiffness, swelling in joints, heavier periods, depression, senstivity to cold, trouble concentrating/ focusing, and a few other things. 

Having experienced many of these since I turned 40, I had assumed it was all apart of aging and no real cure.   So having this diagnosis, I am so looking forward to having is treated.  The thought of getting rid some, if not all, of these symptoms, plus gaining energy again and helping me further my weight loss goals, while lowering my cholestrol, I'm very pleased and encouraged more so than before. 



Bailey keeping an eye on me as I climbed back up.



So my advice to all of you, is what I've been saying all along.  If you attempting to lose more then just a few pounds, or want to lose weight for more than a week or two, PLEASE GO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!   Don't be like me and assume things are all a part of getting older.  Let your doctor know.  I'm not saying you will have the same thing as me, but let your doctor help you rule out any other underlying issues that could be preventing you or be making it harder for you to reach your goal.  For me, it was like finding that piece I didn't even know was missing yet.  But so happy I found it and am one step closer to seeing what the finished puzzle will finally look like. 



Thanks again for reading and all your support.  I know I say this every time, but I really do appreciate all of you!!!

BECAUSE I CAN

 This past week was very interesting.   Lots of ups and downs.   Like part of anyone’s life, Tuesday morning started off on a happily anticipating note, as I started my phase 2 group.   However, my happy mood was shattered by 8am, when a mis-communication at work caused me great distress.  One area of my life that my little angel has always been the strongest to the point that my little devil is non-existent is my work life.  Blame it on my upbringing, but I’ve always worked hard, not only to do a good job, but to provide & posses above average work qualities.   So when my senior director erroneously assumed I was “breaking the work from home rules”, when in reality, my intent to was provide better then average service, it felt like I was being told that  I not was only not working to the best of my ability, but I was being accused of breaking the rules.  I huge blow to both character and little angel.  

Then, I attended the new group program, which was now combined with people from my original group, the Thursday group and new people.   I was originally very excited about this new change, thinking it was more people I could learn and be inspired by.   However, as they replaced our original health coach with the one from the Thursday group’s, I soon realized how this wasn’t going to be as upbeat and energetic as my old group sessions were.   Our old coach was a bit more energetic, but also gave me information from a concessive scientific factually standpoint.  But this new health coach, who I liked outside the program, was more indecisive and I could tell, she seems to let her former team decide how the program would go week to week.    Because of my emotional below earlier in the day, my little devil seemed to squirm uncomfortably.   Fortunately, my little angel was able to speak louder.  She reminded me that it was probably because of my emotional morning, that I was starting to feel pessimistic to this new platform.  I would be allowing my emotions and my little devil’s fear of changing what was working, to be another self-sabotage trigger.   So quickly, my little angel reminded me that life was full of unexpected changes that would always flow my best thought out plans for a loop.   So instead of being afraid and shying away, embrace the change and the new challenges it presented.   

I will admit that by the time I got home that evening, I did feel very drained.  So instead of working out, I pretty much opted for a nap.   My little devil would have liked to have called that a win for her side.  But in the old days, a day like today would have allowed myself to stop in the bakery section or nearest drive thru for some comfort food.   So by not doing either and sticking to my healthier eating, I still considered the day a win for my little angel and me.   

Later Tuesday night and Wednesday morning brought on some new emotionally challenges.   Fortunately not for me, but gave me a chance to help 2 other friends of mine.   Sadly nothing seems to but life into perspective but to learn that someone else’s family member has either just been diagnosed with prostrate cancer, or will need heart surgery to remove a blockage. Strangely enough, both of these people were there the day before, calming my emotions, and providing me support and smiles, so get over my issues.   Now, both of them and their family members were facing things out of their control, and will understandable fear and anxiety.   So by being able listen to them both, offer hugs and try to provide some positive outcome thoughts, they were still unknowingly helping me realize how lucky I am.  While Tuesday morning “felt” devastating, I was still healthy and still controlled my destiny.   My little devil could completely let go of my worries, so my little angel and I could just focus on being there for my friends.

The rest of the week was pretty good for my own personal healthier journey.  During Friday’s lunchtime workout, my little angel convinced me to tackle the elliptical trainer.   The FUSE health coach told me to just try to do 5-10 minutes on it, and then go back to the bike.  I would place money on any bet, that when God is having a bad day and just needs a little laughter, He comes up with creative ways to make me trip and fall over things normal adults don’t.  Fortunately, He is nice to me and make sure I have never broken a bone.   My lack of coordination and previous lack of energy has made me stay away from the elliptical trainer.  But not on Friday.   Friday, I not only did it, but I said I would just start with 5 minutes.   Surprisingly, I actually felt coordinated and opted to do the whole 10 minutes even using the arm bars.   I was a bit afraid to go more than the recommended 10 minutes, but very happy I did more than 5.  I finished up my cardio on the bike and then did my weights.  

All week I was watching the weather, and getting updates from my friend, who follows the weather as part of his job.   When I met with Melissa through my independent Health Coaching sessions, she recommended that I sign up for a 5K before the end of the year.   Shortly after that I noticed that the New Lenox Park District had their “Because I Can 6 Mile Charity Walk”.   I had missed the cut off date for pre-registration but could sign up the day off.   It had the option of doing a 2, 4 or 6 mile walk.  When I mentioned it to Melissa, she cautioned me not to attempt to do the 6 mile, as a 5K was only 3.2.   But this one was more in my budget and thought if I felt tired, I could always just do the 4 mile walk.   Course, as Saturday was getting closer and closer, it was starting to look like only in the 40s and raining most of the day.   My little devil kept telling me I hadn’t signed up yet, so I didn’t have to do it. But my little angel kept reminding me how great it would be to say that you not only did it, but you did all 6 miles!   6 miles that your health coach wasn’t sure you had done enough to train for.   Not to mention being able to show all those who haven’t been all that supportive of my journey, that look what could do, when just less than 4 months ago, my knee was still painfully sore going up and down stairs.

  

Then came Saturday.  I had set my alarm to wake up at 7.  The forecast was still in the 40s, and rain was predicted to start around 10.  The walk didn’t start until 9am, and based on my current power-walking speed, if I could keep it up, I’d be lucky to finish 6 miles in 2 hours.  Before I could even think about allowing my little devil to talk myself out of it, my little angel just mentioned the name of the walk….”Because I Can”, and that the money was for the Children’s Memorial Hospital.  Thinking about my 2 friends, and what they and their family members were going through, was all the motivation I needed.  I am doing this “because I can”, when so many others aren’t as lucky as me to be able to say the same.   I put on my weather-proof armor shirt, my Beth’s Running Llama’s T-shirt, my weather-proof jacket, pink Bears baseball cap, and socks and gym shoes, and headed out the door for the 8am registration.      

As some of my supporters on Facebook can attest, when the official time started, we were all very cold.   I marked making each of the first mile/turn around markers on Facebook, with a picture of each sign.   Probably the first time I will say that I was grateful to have inherited my dad’s ability to sweat and over-heat when using any above-average amount of energy.  But the 1^st mile, my coat was already wrapped around my waist.  

When I got to the 2^nd mile, which was the turn around for those doing the 4 miles, I felt really good.   Shockingly good, actually.  Expected to feel a little tired and drained, and thinking I might have to pull out a “Biggest Loser” memory, where they have to find that extra strength to push through it.  But I didn’t even need it.  So without even thinking much more, I decided I was going for all 6 miles!   

Rounding the 4^th mile, I was stating to feel parched and realized I left my water bottle.  But like 2 angels from heaven, my sister, Dianna and her other co-worker were in their golf cart and gave me a bottle of water.   It was prefect timing not only for my need for water, but also because a garbage can was right there.  So I stopped and chugged the whole bottle and continued on my pace.   I did manage to slow my pace a bit from my original pace, but as I was tracking my pace with each mile mark, I was still on target for finishing in 2 hours at my regular power walking pace.   Plus one of my friends was texting me updates on weather and other encouraging words to keep me motivated, along with the music pumping through my headphones.    

Rounding the 5^th mile, the trees weren’t able to protect me from the light drizzle that was starting to fall a bit heavier.  But I was still too hot to want to put my coat on, so the rain felt a little good, and I wasn’t getting soaked.   That only lasted until the start of my 6^th and final mile.   The rains really started to pick up then.   While my baseball cap kept my head dry, my shirt, pants, socks and shoes where another story. I decided it was best to put my coat back on.  Just because I felt hot, it was still only about 50 degrees, and I didn’t need to get sick.   Plus, frankly, both my little devil and angel told me it was stupid to allow myself to get completely soaked if I didn’t need to.   With about a ½ mile to go, I was starting to feel not just burning in my legs, but I was starting to develop a blister on the bottom of my one toe, from the moisture building in my shoe.    I knew my sister and the golf cart were not too far behind me.  So if it got really unbearable, I could ride back with her.  There would be no shame, as I did surpass my original 4 mile goal.  But there was a bigger part of me saying, don’t give up.   You came this far, but more importantly; you can do it – Because I Can.  My pace did slow down as I tried to find a comfortable pattern as not to cause more friction in my shoe.   At one point, I strongly considered taking my shoes off completely and just finishing barefoot.   (My sisters will confirm that if I could go barefoot for the rest of my life, I would).   But afraid that being exposed to the cold/rain and not knowing what I might step on, I just pushed that idea out of my head.    I went from the “Because I Can” motivation to a modified line from “Finding Nemo” – “just keep walking, just keep walking”.   I was very happy to finally see the Village Hall and Police Station.  Where my niece, Victoria was working.   I thought, if I couldn’t make it to the Village Hall, my wonderful niece would surely push me out of the way of on-coming traffic if need be.   But I made it past the Police Station and to the Village Hall.   I could soon see the finish table and got a second wind.   

When I got there, my cousin, Jean, who also works for the Park District and other volunteers congratulated me.   I graciously accepted everyone one of their congratulations and all my friends following me on Facebook and texting.  It was like crossing the finish line of Chicago Marathon for me.   4 months ago, I was having trouble walking up and down stairs.  People could out walk me on the way to the train, and Bailey and I would be both winded and tired after a little 30 minute walk.   And here, I just walked 2 HOURS straight for 6 MILES at a power-walking speed for me!   My little angel and little devil were all celebrating with another bottle of water and the best banana I had in a long time!!!   Happy Dancing all around J

On Sunday morning, I decided to weigh myself in.  And to my surprise, I shed 2 pounds between Saturday morning and then.  If only I had the time and energy to walk 2 hours every day.   But I have to say it has renewed a new spirit in me.  I even have a few more friends who have left me messages telling that they want to walk with me.   And upon telling my health coach of my newest achievement, she’s challenged me to train to actually RUN in a 5K.  I can still do walks for now, but I finally have the go ahead officially from a medical professional to try running again on the treadmill.    Another huge step since I haven’t been able to do that since last January.   

Thank you again for all your support.  It means so much to me and really motivates and inspires me each day.

Oh- before I forget, thanks to this 2 hour walk, I am now officially up to having shed 30.2 pounds :-)