PVNS = Persevering Victoriously Never Stopping

When I received the MRI results of my ankle two weeks ago and I tried to interpret some of the words like; significant distention, heterogeneous mass, degenerative changes, cystic changes, effusion and bone erosion it was pretty freaky. I knew the results weren't good when I received the initial call from my sports doctor and he said I needed to see a surgeon to get the junk in my ankle cleaned out.

From that day two weeks ago until I actually had my appointment with orthopedic surgeon on Tuesday, have been difficult. I think the "not knowing" the next steps caused me a lot of anxiety.  I felt as though my life was on hold.  I tried to remain positive and encouraging, but deep inside I was met with a lot of mixed emotions, specifically anger and sadness. So two days before my appointment, I went against my sports medicine doctors suggestion to not run.  To my surprise, I actually had a pleasant and not so painful 6 mile run.  Completed in a little over one hour, I finished my first "Santa Cruz - Wharf to Wharf" 10K Race.

Santa Cruz 2013 - Wharf to Wharf

On Tuesday I met with the surgeon and he confirmed that I do have Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS).  A rare joint disease characterized by inflammation and overgrowth of the joint lining. His recommendation is to remove the mass surgically.  In my case the doctor is leaning toward open surgery over arthroscopic.  He's unsure if he would be able to remove the entire mass arthoscpically.  The mass is on the front and backside of my ankle, along with a couple cysts on my ankle bone. The good news was regardless of the type of surgery, he sounded optimistic that the recovery time would be the same; 4-6 weeks followed by physical therapy. I should be back to normal within three months total.

Top Left: The arrow is pointing to the PVNS mass.  Top Right: The arrow is pointing to the bony cysts on the ankle.  Bottom Right & Bottom Left: Additional views of MRI

Of course I have concerns based off what I read online about PVNS recurring in many cases and he did say there is a chance it could.  If it did, when and if necessary the PVNS could be removed again. The mass that will be removed will be biopsied to ensure my PVNS isn't an extremely rare case of cancer called Synovial cell sarcoma.  PVNS is rare that statistics show that only 2 in 1 million people get it a year.  I feel pretty confident that although I am a unique (*wink*wink*), the probability that the PVNS is malignant is pretty rare.

I see this as another journey, something I will be able to share with others.  My faith that God will be with me through this makes it possible to find comfort in knowing there is a reason this is occurring.  Maybe it's a season to slow down. And because I have difficulty doing it on my own, perhaps during this time I will be given the tools to learn how to do that.

For now, I've been given the okay to do what my ankle can tolerate. Today marks  60 days to my surgery date. And what it also marks is 60 days of challenging myself.  Between Sunday, August 4th and Friday, October 4th I have several goals to attain - Physically and Spiritually. 

I've made my physical workout schedule and YES this includes a RE-DO of INSANITY, a few more runs as well as preparing my legs for my 175 mile - MS:Waves to Wine Bike Ride near the end of September. 

I commit to train smart and not push myself to injury.  I'm reminded when I feel the aches in my leg and ankle, that my body is a blessing and I have to care for it, not abuse it. In order to learn this it has taken self-discipline (to stop working out when I need to) and self-control (not to push to hard).  This has been something that took practice and quite some time to understand.  Although I can be driven and determined, if I'm not careful this can point me in the wrong direction. Additionally, caring for my body means reverting back to healthier eating habits as well as filling my mind with God's word and developing a plan to help me achieve goals that will help me grow closer to Christ. 

- REMEMBER - 

Staying FIT for Christ isn't just about your physical fitness but also about developing your mental fitness!

As for my PNVS, I plan on sharing this experience thourhg my blogs.  As I've researched PNVS, I didn't find a whole lot of information of others experiences, particularly those with PNVS in the ankle. 

So let me start with a quick background about the history of my ankle.

In 2005, weighing approximately 205+ pounds I sprained my ankle during a soccer game.   I didn't roll it the normal way, weight bearing on the outside, but with the weight being toward the inside. I went to the ER and was told it was broken.  Three days later, with X-ray in hand saw an orthopedic surgeon. He told me it was not broken.  I was put in a walking boot for 8 weeks.  No follow up care and no physical therapy on this ankle. After healing, I began playing soccer about 3-5x a week.

In 2008 I sprained the other ankle.  A different orthopedic surgeon put me in a walking boot for 6 weeks and then began physical therapy for 6 weeks. At that time the physical therapist noticed my other ankle had a lump.  I had told her it's been that way for some time.  I had a few therapy sessions on that ankle but the main focus was on the recent sprained ankle. Once released from physical therapy I began playing soccer again (indoor and outdoor) about 3-5x a week.  During that time I noticed my lumped ankle becoming sore and would swell more frequently.  I didn't think anything of it.  I figured I was compensating for my recent sprain. 

Fast forward to 2010....I began running, attending boot camps, hired a personal training and continued to play soccer.  During this time, the ankle with PVNS was always sore and swollen after extensive workouts.  I would tape it to keep it stable.  In 2011, I began incorporating cycling and triathlons to my workout regimens.  I began to limit how much soccer I played because the pain that would result after each game began to really effect me for days to follow.  By the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012 I was fully engaged in personal training, boot camps and began training for a full distance (140.6) triathlon. In early January 2012 I began seeing a chiropractor due to a cycling accident.  In addition to him working on my neck and spine due to my injury, he also began work on my ankle.  His therapy greatly helped me in my Ironman training recovery and although I continued to have pain in my ankle, his tissue massage seemed to help reduce the amount of it and swelling and pain. 

The pain and swelling had become part of my life. I was fully aware that anytime I overused it, especially in plyometrics, soccer, or long runs, it really became sore and swollen, especially if I didn't ice, elevate and rest it days following. 

Moving forwarding to July 18th.  I met with a Sports Medicine doctor in Santa Clara a good friend introduced me to.  I gave him the same rundown and history of my ankle.  Right off from the start before any test were ordered, based off what my ankle looked like and the pain I was feeling when he applied pressure on it he was certain there was something wrong with my ankle.  The x-ray would be done first.  As we reviewed my x-ray there were no sign of breaks but there were signs of my joint effusion and mild osteoarthritis.   

He said the only way we were going to get to the bottom of the problem was to order an MRI, which would take place the following morning.  My appointment was first thing in the morning on July 19th.  The doctor called me later that afternoon with the results.  The MRI showed a mass and floating "junk." The doctor said this needed to be cleaned out and he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon to confirm what he thought may be PVNS.  July 30th, I met with the surgeon who confirmed I do have PVNS and surgery is set for October 4th.   

I'm relieved and nervous as I begin a new journey....My 60 day challenge for myself to get FIT for surgery, FIT to recover and continue to be FIT for Christ.  I know it will be difficult for me to not have the ability to physically work out during recovery.  Now is the time to mentally prepare myself for that.  The only way that will happen is to strengthen my mind, in God's word, be thankful for what I have in life today and seek how God will use me today.  

Today I was blessed to share another 10k race with my loved ones.  We all had a great time together as a family and my daughter even enjoyed her first ever chiropractic experience.  

60 Days to FIT - Aug 4th, 2013

Life is good.  I am alive.  I have no reason to complain.  I have experiences to share with others.  I have love to offer everyone. I have a God who loves me exactly as I am.  All I need is to change the way I think and BELIEVE in Gods promises.  That is truly when I will breakthrough and change will occur.  Stepping out in faith. Surrendering it all to Him! Persevering Victoriously Never Stopping!

FINAL UPDATE - 30 Day Challenge - Week 6

I would love to say I finished off this challenge with a BANG, but I can only say that I finished it trying to encourage others to press forward and not give up!

 I was not physically able to finish my insanity program.  This left me with feelings of frustration, discouragement, sadness and anger. I allowed all those feelings to process and when I had enough strength to stop feeling sorry for myself, I dusted myself off, took a deep breath and told myself, "Tyza, God has a plan for you.  You must remain faithful and trust in Him."

After my half marathon on July 14th, I had extreme pain and swelling of my left ankle the next day and days to follow. This wasn't anything new for me.  It had been something I've lived with for years by sucking up the pain, taking anti inflammatory and pain medication, icing and elevating my ankle.  After chatting with a friend she recommended  a sports medicine doctor she used in the past.  I had procrastinated getting my ankle checked out for some time.  I had originally told myself I would have the large lump on my ankle looked at after my Ironman last year.  But, I let life keep me busy and because I thought my workouts had not been as intense, the pain didn't feel unbearable and I dreaded the financial burden it would put on me, I kept putting it off.

I was fortunate enough to get an appointment on Thursday . After Dr. Jeffrey Blue of PTR Sports looked at my ankle, an x-ray was ordered.  There were no signs of fractures but thinning in one area.  The doctor said the only way to be certain what was going on with my ankle was to have an MRI, so it was scheduled for the next morning.  Until then, NO INSANITY and NO RUNNING, doctor's orders! Man Oh man, was that difficult. This was the fourth day of no insanity after already completing three weeks!  Even though I often had pain, I've always been able to work out after allowing the my ankle to rest up for a few days.

Feeling pretty bummed, I knew I needed to release some of my negative energy.  The words of my personal trainer came to mind..."We can modify your workout."  I often went to him with my sore ankle and he always found a way for me to get a great cardio workout in without putting stress on it.  So that evening, I hit communication hill stairs.

The remainder of the week was met with highs and lows.  Highs of thinking I can still encourage those to work toward their goals and lows of not being able to participate in a few upcoming races, especially this weekend's Wharf to Wharf. I will still attend the race, but I will not finish it with a PR as I had hoped.  I continued to press forward by getting a couple workouts in when my ankle felt strong.  I did communication hill stairs a second time last week as well as hiked Mission Peak. I may have restrictions, but I'm not totally out of the game.

The results from my Friday morning MRI didn't sound so good as my doctor called me later that afternoon with words like, "Synovium, PNVS, Arthritis and you need to see a surgeon to clean out the junk".  After doing a little "goggling" and reading the write up on the MRI it appears there is a possibly I could have a rare and uncommon tissue disease. I'm not going to elaborate too much at this point, but hopefully I will be able to share this new journey with others once I see the orthopedic surgeon on Tuesday.

I did allow myself a cheat day on Saturday night, as I enjoyed a much needed dinner date with my daughter. She always is good company, we always have a good laugh and she always brings a smile to my face. 

I slightly fell off the nutrition wagon as I struggled maintaining a healthy eating pattern this last week.  Feeling lousy was a big contributor and it's something I need to work on so that I don't give in to emotional eating going forward.  I am more than ever determined to get back on track.

However any of you finished this challenge, remember if you began it, you are that much farther than you were a month ago!  Every step counts in your progress.  The challenge is TO NOT GIVE UP! We will always be faced with obstacles but they don't have to be the end to it all.

I will be back to take on Insanity again!  It is definitely a goal of mine!  And once I have a better understanding of what my future looks like in terms of workouts, I'm sure I will come up with another challenge.  I'm already brainstorming on low impact workouts.

Thank you to those who challenged themselves to get out of their comfort zone.  Be proud of the step forward you took.  It's scary.  It's hard. But it is totally worth it!

To Be Continued...........

Update #7 - 30 Day Challenge - Week 5

Jungle Run 2013 - Always Finish with a SMILE!

It was a painful 13.1 miles yet peaceful  That is how I can describe my first 1/2 Marathon of 2013.

The nagging ankle injuries I've sustained from years of soccer was the only barrier I faced on Sunday. Even though most of the race I felt pain, there was also peace in my run. When I reached the 10k mark I knew I still had another six miles to go so I decided not push to hard because at one point when I tried to run faster, as my heel hit the pavement the pain became to great.  Besides, this race wasn't about a PR on my time, but about finishing.  It was about meditating, prayer and feeling the presence of Christ. 

Two days later my ankle is still quite sore, swollen and warm to touch.  Plyometric type exercises have always put a an enormous amount of stress on my ankle and I knew that running on it, already feeling sore and tender could possibly result in what I'm dealing with these last few days.

The course was awesome.  I loved the variety of scenery.  From the city streets, to a park setting as we traveled on the path of Vasona Park, to a dirt roads on Los Gatos Creek Trail. To my surprise there were several small elevation climbs that went unnoticeable until it was time to begin running down them.  Overall, it was an awesome run, mostly because the time seemed to fly by.  I kept my focus on the beauty of my surroundings and my ability to keep moving through the pain.

With one week of insanity to go in this 30 Day Challenge, I'm excited to share that I have completed several goals over these last few weeks.

1. I've completed three weeks of insanity.  I opted to skip my Sunday workout because I had the half marathon run.  I also chose to skip Monday and Tuesday's workout to give my ankle additional rest and am hoping it will feel good enough to do a workout today.

2.  I completed a 3-Day Media Fast.  This gave me time to reflect and grow closer to Christ.

3.  I completed my 14-Day morning and evening readings with God.

4.   I continue to read my S.H.A.P.E. book and am finding how to narrow down my gifts so that I can better serve my creator and others!

5.  I saw small results in my FIT Test and measurement analysis. I will do another FIT Test on 7/29 with results and photo's posted.  I will also continue the insanity program for another 5 weeks after this challenge is finished.

6.  I FINISHED a half marathon as I ran 98% of the way. I stopped once to use the restroom and walked on one part of a tanbark path that I found to be unstable for my ankle. It was a great course with a few hills and gradual climbs along a very scenic path.

I hope that during the last few days of this 30-Day Challenge - Nutrition & Workout Plan you will do something out of your comfort zone or be inspired to start something new.  It doesn't have to be anything radical, just take a step forward!


In the end, through it all, I continue to find myself smiling and with that I have a sense of fulfillment with God by my side.  In Him and through Him, I can do anything under any circumstance, smile and find joy in it.  He was my running partner and he never left my side.  That is where my peace came from on Sunday's run....In Him!♥

Smile....Always! ♥

Update #6 - 30 Day Challenge - Week 4

Bye Bye Belly?

As I completed week two of Insanity I have to say that I am feeling stronger. The exercises that I struggled with on day one are now doable.  I still have yet to complete an entire video without resting, but being able to do more push ups, suicide jumps along with all of Shaun T's other crazy moves, has been a real victory in my eyes!

And as promised I took new pictures, new measurements and new Fit Test results.  Every two weeks the Insanity program has you repeat the Fit Test to show your progress. It's exciting to see positive results (with the exception of one exercise). As for the my weight, I show that I gained a pound and my measurements mostly remained the same BUT I do see a small difference in the waist/belly area.

Day 1                   Day 14  

Day 1                   Day 14

Day 1                   Day 14

Day 1                   Day 14

If you don't enjoy what you are doing even through the pain and fatigue you won't get the results you seek.  Have a heart of thankfulness and gratitude.  We are blessed to have the opportunity to do what others can not.  INSPIRE others.  ENCOURAGE one another.  When the workout is over......
DON'T FORGET TO SMILE!

 
As I entered week two of insanity, I was able to continuously do the workout longer before I needed to rest and I did not feel as fatigue as I did after week one.  I can feel my core getting stronger and it is noticeable, not necessarily in appearance but, in my ability to stabilize during some of the stretches along with my ability to hold a steady position during some of the plank exercises and complete more repetitions that required you to really engage your core. 

As I continue this challenge, I felt it necessary to push myself outside of my mental and physical comfort zone. I added a day of stair work at "Communication Hill Stairs" in San Jose.  I was able to get in a total of 4 miles that included 6x up and down the stairs and two laps around the complex.

Additionally, I took the plunge to push myself even further and quit making excuses as to why I think I'm not capable of running anything over 6 miles. What was the best way to do this?  By signing up for my 1st Half Marathon race of 2013 with an "I CAN" attitude!

Sunday, July 14th whether I walk, run or do a walk/run combination, I will do this!  My hope is to inspire others to get out of their comfort zone and change the negative way of thinking that puts unrealistic limits on what we CAN do.  Unless we try, we will never know which only limits our abilities.  I initially set a time limit to finish this race within the 2 hour 30 minute mark but, the more I thought about placing the importance of "time" on this race, I realized the importance of this race was to enjoy my ability to run and finish this race with a heart of gratitude and thankfulness.  Often times things such as this we tend to take for granted.  We have been blessed to be given the freedom to make a choice to DO and take the opportunity to ACT upon it, something thousands of people do not.

So, what about you? What can you do this week to get your of your comfort zone?  How can you challenge yourself?  Eat healthier?  Show an act of kindness to someone?  Sign up for something you thought you would never do?  Give up something pleasurable for a few days?

Well, that brings me to the next challenge for this week.  After this week's blog is posted, I will be doing a 3 day fast from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Internet and Television.  I will only use the internet for work purposes, bible study and updating my nutrition & workout plan which can be be viewed on the below link:

30 Day CHALLENGE - Nutrition & Workout Plan

This 3 day fast will allow me time to renew my mind with things that are wholesome and helpful in my growth to transforming my mind and growing closer to God. I think it will also give me good insight on how I use my free time" and discover better ways to utilize it.

As I continue to read S.H.A.P.E and discovering my spiritual gifts I see how important it is to hone in on those gifts and share them with those I interact with.

"God's word says ALL the parts of the body of Christ depend on each other." 

As a child of God I've been given spiritual gifts.  After a short evaluation that the book offered, I've found that my strongest gifts show to be that of the gifts of Pastoring/Shepherding, Mercy, Encouraging and  Helps.  Now that I've narrowed down what my gifts are, it's my responsibility to put them into action. 

This blog and challenge is only the beginning in using those gifts.  I seek to encourage, inspire and show others that we have the ability to become confident, strong, and victorious in life.  For myself, this life is just the training ground for my life in God's Kingdom. ♥ Don't settle for anything less that what God has purposed your life for, and as a Facebook friend whom I've never met says quite often in her posts....ONWARD!! 

Update #5 - 30 Day Challenge - Week 3

Week 2 was a BUST. What I thought was fatigue from my weekend soccer tournament turned out to be a bug that kept me on the sidelines all week with a sight fever, stuffy sinuses and body aches.  Even though I felt better Friday, I decided to rest until my 10k race on Sunday.

The last time I laced up my running shoes to actually - RUN - was April 7th which was my last 10k (6.2 miles).  Sunday marked my second 10k of the year and to my surprise I didn't do so bad.  My official finish time was 1:02:19.  According to my Garmin I think the course was a bit short of 6.2 as it recorded a total distance of 5.92.  Regardless, this was an encouraging accomplishment for me as I ran non-stop for 62 minutes. Additionally, it was done pain free, cramp free and I found joy in every stride as I listened to my praise music, prayed and enjoyed my surroundings the entire way!

Running with my Loves at The SJ Sharks Fitness Faceoff 2013 ~ June 30, 2013

Listening to my body and allowing it to get the necessary rest it needed to recover and heal itself did me good.  The day after my race I had very little soreness.

During the past week I found myself frustrated.  I felt awful but also knew the commitment I had made not only to myself but others in this challenge. BUT - I didn't beat myself up.  I resigned to the fact that this week went as it should.  I found a very encouraging post on Facebook Saturday night from Fitness Coach,  Angela Zapien of Pink Ladies Boot Camp, who didn't meet her running goal for the month of June and she had such a positive attitde about it and that attitude helped me get out of the mental rut I put myself in.  After reading her post, I dusted myself off and started fresh!

As we enter week three of this challenge, week two will be a RE-DO for me.  I didn't workout Monday and started week two of insanity yesterday.  I will post results, measurements and pictures on next week's blog. Week two's nutrition and workout log has been updated with nutrition results and as workouts are not completed I write the word "NONE" in those fields.  I will be adding an additional week on the log and it will go through week five. If you are interested in seeing the log, it can be located on the below link:

30 Day CHALLENGE - Nutrition & Workout Log

Stay Encouraged.  Don't lose Focus. Don't lose Hope. Remain Positive.

We all encounter obstacles and usually those obstacles make us want to give up more than keep going. Love yourself by moving forward. Don't fall back into old behaviors and habits.  When that little voice says quit, find someone to help you stay on track!  For me, this Blog has been my accountability partner.  Change is difficult and I'm still struggling.  Nutrition is probably harder than the workouts and although my nutrition isn't as strict as it has been in the past, it has improved greatly from what I had been eating over the last 6 months.  It's difficult to wean your body off foods that can be addictive.

Remember, give yourself grace.  Any challenge will be difficult but don't be so hard on yourself that you want to quit.

GOALS ~ As I begin week week three I've made a couple of goals. (1) To PR my 2013 race results on my next 10k race, which will be at the end of this month.  I'll be participating in my first Wharf to Wharf race on July 28th.  Time to Beat - 00:59:59.077.  This means in addition to my Insanity schedule, I need log in some running miles. (2) For the next two weeks (part of a commitment in my bible study), I will wake up 20 minutes earlier each day to spend one on one time with God. 

As I continue to transform my mind, I get a much different feeling of joy in my workouts.  Before my workouts were about ME which led to very prideful behavior. Today I'm studying on how to remove those prideful behaviors and feelings since it consumed me more than I wanted to admit. I look forward to the next week as God continues to work in my life and as I find a new purpose, joy and peace in sharing this journey with others.

Keep your eyes forward and don't look back at the past.  Let go of the old life and embrace the new you. 

Set Goals. Make Plans. JUST DO IT!

Update #4 - 30 Day Challenge - Week 2

Seven Days COMPLETE!

It's been a rough seven days. My first workout and diet change began on Monday, even though my public post challenge began Wednesday. I've completed the first week of Insanity and Monday began week two. 

My body was ridiculously sore four days after starting my first workout!  I had initially planned to do AM workouts in addition to my PM workouts but, the little voice from my trainer echoed in my head, "Listen to your body", so I made the decision to allow my body to recover and repair by resting and getting the sleep I needed. The biggest struggle I've encountered as week one has ended have been the cravings for sweets (Frozen Yogurt with those yummy toppings) and the other foods I've allowed myself to indulge in over the last several months (bread, chips, french fries, burgers loaded with cheese, pancakes - you get the picture).

In addition to my Insanity workouts this past week, I've also logged in soccer time as I participated in a co-ed soccer tournament in Santa Cruz over the weekend. Soccer has always been my first love when it comes to sports, followed by Triathlons. Between 2011 and 2012 I've completed several different triathlon distance races (Half Iron, Olympic, Sprint). In 2012 I completed my first full distance Ironman triathlon with Team in Training.  You can read about that adventure on my "I am IronTy" blog. 

As week two begins you may find it easier planning/adjusting your meals and workouts if necessary.  If you need an extra rest day or two, TAKE IT! This was necessary for me as I took Monday and Tuesday off, especially after seven straight days of workouts. As the weeks progress you will know what does and does not work. Additionally, you will learn to know when your body needs rest. One day this past week I came home from work and slept for two hours before I did my workout. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!

Two adjustments I will make this week is (1) drink more water and (2) after workouts, have a protein shake.  Water helps your muscles recover and grow. Engaging muscles that have not been used in quite some time, lack of water and a the intake of a proper recovery drink after each workout I'm sure contributed to my extra soreness.

An additional hicup I encoutered this week was a similar feeling I encountered during my Ironman training. During Ironman training weekends workouts were extremely steneous and when Monday's rolled around I found myself insanely hungry which can lead to poor eating choices, overindulging with junk food or eating whatever you want because you think you deserve it. After all you worked your buns off, right? Wrong! That mentality is a sure way to defeat all your hard work.

This last weekend I played three soccer games on Saturday and one Sunday morning and then did an insanity workout Sunday evening.  So as Monday came around it seemed like no matter how much I ate, I was still hungry.  The obstacle I faced was just wanting to eat whatever I saw in front of me.  I consumed 400 more calories over my daily goal.  Because I've stayed below my goal all week I allowed myself to eat, not junk food, although I did treat myself to a couple caramel wafers. You have to be smart in your decisions and get right back on track if you slip up or allow yourself a cheat. Be kind to yourself and give yourself a little grace. 

As I continue this challenge I've also began reading, S.H.A.P.E. ~ Finding and fulfilling your unique purpose for life.  Working out my body and eating healthy will do me no good if I do not also workout my mind and heart, filling it with God's presence. Below are a couple passages from the book that stuck in my head ~

When we let trends guide our life, we simply are living to fit into the current styles of the world. When we let others tell us what we should be doing, we are living to please them and win their approval.  However, when we let God's truth define our Kingdom Purpose, submitting to his authority and desiring to please only him, we are able to lead a life of lasting significance, fulfillment and Kingdom impact.

You were not created to conform. You were not created to compare. You were not created to compete. You were not created to compromise. You were created to contribute to God's kingdom and make a significance difference with your life. You were created to JUST BE YOU!

Accepting who we are can be difficult, but if we can accept who we are in Christ it becomes easier.  He formed us to be exactly how we are, with the silly quirks and with the little imperfections we see in ourselves.  Through this challenge I only hope to inspire people to seek something outside of themselves and draw the strength of Christ toward them to give them the desire and will to become the SHAPE He intended you to be!

As we embark on week two, I  encourage you to do what is comfortable, but also challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone.  Don't push to the point of injury, but push yourself to feel a little pain.

Next week I will have an update of my progress which will include measurements and photos.  Monday will mark day 15 of Insanity and I will do the Fit Test again, comparing results.

You can view my 30 Day CHALLENGE - Nutrition & Workout Plan by clicking the link. 

As week one is completed, I'm excited to report that I logged 459 minutes of workout time and found mental and physical strength in the body God has blessed me with.  As I sweat, feel pain, breath hard I thank Him for my life and giving me another day to glorify Him! Onward Week Two! 

And if you haven't started ...... Start Today!  A week behind is better than another week not started!

Update #3 - 30 Day Challenge - Week 1

 READY. SET. GOAL! 

I'm apologize for the loooooooooooooooong delay.

I had struggled with some very personal obstacles through the month of April and May.  It was necessary to focus my time and attention solely on my faith and trusting in my Lord to guide me.

During this time I was mentally broken and it effected me physically to the point of losing 10 pounds in a matter of two weeks.  This is very unhealthy.

Through prayer, faith and trust - I'm back on track and ready to begin this challenge.

Yesterday was the first time I've worked out in over a month. Ahhhhh!!  In those 24 minutes of Insanity's FIT TEST Shaun T,  kicked my booty!!  I'm already feeling the soreness. I've committed to the 60-Day Insanity workout with my 16 year old daughter.  Having a workout "buddy" is a great reminder that there is power in numbers! If you have a workout buddy, take full advantage of it because it's motivating and keeps you accountable.

So Let's REVIEW -

• Nutrition plan - Check!
• Weekly workout goals - Check!
• Eyes focused upon Christ - Double Check!

Remember, if you skip a workout or mess up on your nutrition - DO NOT GIVE UP!  Wipe the slate clean and start again!  Most challenges we are faced with we typically don't get it right the first time around.  So be gentle with yourself. Our failures do not define who we are.  They are placed in our life to BUILD character an endurance!

If you wish to view my nutrition and workout plan click on the link below. I've updated for the entire 4 weeks, but do plan on tweaking it during these 4 weeks.  I will also update the information daily to reflect "actual" calories and workout results.  Additionally, I will make necessary updates if I become aware of any conflicts/changes that may impact my nutrition or workout schedule (Dinner with friends, unexpected appointments, etc.)

30 Day CHALLENGE - Nutrition & Workout Plan 


REMEMBER:  This is what works for me. I have a lot of repetitive meals, because it makes preparation simple. My thought process is "Food is for fuel, not for pleasure." 


A few quotes that have been inspiring for me:

From my trainer ~

"What you eat in private, you wear in public."  - Isn't that the Truth!  

"Earn Your Body!" - Tommy Jones

My favorite's quote come's from the bible in Hebrews 12:1 ~

"And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." - Eyes focused on Him♥

And let us not forget some HARD truth ~

There is no growth without change - (Diet and exercise)

There is no change without loss - (Lose the bad habits and getting out of our comfort zone)

There is no loss without pain - (It may hurt physically and mentally, but YOU CAN DO IT!)  

These truths can be applied to everything in life.  Let this be the beginning of the transformation of your mind which will lead to the transformation of a new life.

I wasn't sure if I had the nerve to post these numbers and pictures, but what I remembered is that this challenge is not for ME.  This challenge is to Glorify God, encourage others, support and give hope to people who need it!  Learning to be comfortable in my own skin is very difficult, but I have to remind myself that God made me in HIS image.  I am perfect just as I am. 

June 17, 2013 (PM)

• Weight: 145
• Arms: 11"
• Chest: 36"
• Waist: 31.5' 
• Hips: 38"
• Thigh: 20.5"
• Calf: 14"

Update #2 - 30 Day Challenge

Update #2 - Postponed

Again, I have to postpone my start date due to personal challenges.  At this time can not give a firm date of when can begin.   

Again, if you are curious of what my nutrition & workout plan looks like you can use the link below.

30 Day CHALLENGE - Nutrition & Workout Plan 

Thank you for your understanding and patience and good luck to those who begin this challenge!

Update #1 - 30 Day Challenge

Update #1 - Plan & Preparation 

So did we take the time to set up a plan?  What about workout goals for the week?  Are you eyes set upon your destination?



If you are curious as to what my nutrition and workout plan looks like you can use the link below. 

30 Day CHALLENGE - Nutrition & Workout Plan 


This is what works for me. You will notice there are several repetitive meals.  I find that it makes preparation simple. I view food as fuel and not for pleasure. Use whatever tools you need to help motivate yourself. 


My start date will be April 17th.  You can start today, tomorrow, just START!

I've chosen to delay my start date because the last several days I've been challenged with some tough decisions in my life that have required me to place my energy on getting closer to Christ, which requires my free time to be spend in the Word, in community and in stillness. I need to renew my mind, assess my feelings, and seek God. So for the next 7 days, that is what I intend to do.
 
Look for my update next week Tuesday or Wednesday with measurements, weight, a before photo (maybe) and some encouraging words. One day at a time.  Be present in the NOW! If you are starting today remember that you can do this.