Clean Slate

Yep, it's back to school time.  I am a teacher and started back today with some inservice time.  The students start next week.  While I have thoroughly enjoyed my summer I always look forward to the beginning of the new school year.  It's a clean slate and I look at all I did the year before and work to make it even better.  It's kind of like that with the healthy living- the eating and the exercising.  Each day has to be taken in the moment.  You need to plan but at the same time be flexible to adjust for life.  My big thing (besides the accountability- which I addressed earlier) will be the eating so I'm asking for you to share your favorite easy and healthy recipes.  They can be quick, slow cooker, breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc.  Whatever your favorite recipe is I want to hear it! 

Also- if there are any favorite exercise/workout apps that you enjoy?

The Difference a Year Makes...

This past week I have been doing a lot of reflecting.  A year ago I was in the midst of a miserable summer.  I hurt my back in early June and serious spasms.  You know that commercial with the older lady- the "help I've fallen and I can't get up" commercial?  THAT is exactly what happened.  I walked outside after some mini spasms throughout the day and my back/legs just gave out and I literally fell to the ground on my hands and knees.  I couldn't stand up- it was the worst experience.  I was finally able to get my phone out of my purse and called my friend Cindy to come help (she was nearby).  I went all summer with pain- I couldn't do normal activities.  I made it through church but couldn't stay for ABF because of the sitting; a 6 hour trip took me 8 hours; I relied a LOT on others.  I finally took it upon myself (after not having a good chiro experience) to go to an orthopedic doctor.  After physical therapy and no change he ordered an MRI.  Final diagnosis came in October- I had degenerative disks (I found that out in August), arthritis in my lower back (also found in August), bursitis in my hips (august) and finally in October I found out the source of all the pain was an enlarged (aka bulging) disc in my lower back.  The doctor wanted me to do a few things and keep away from a few things.  I stayed away from running for a few months and zumba for 6 before I decided to give it another shot.

This summer- I have had an amazing summer!  I have been able to hike, go on multiple extended car trips, exercise for more than 15-20 minutes at a time and zumba again.  And, as I mentioned earlier this month I discovered spin.  Cycling is one of the things that the doctor wanted me to try but I sort of put it off.  I finally decided to give spin a shot and found out that I LOVE it!

So, what have I learned?
1. Listen to your body.  Last summer I couldn't do anything- this summer I can.  However, I know when my body has hit the wall.  I have learned what works for me and what doesn't and how much effort I can give.  I have learned that when I have a bit of a spasm to back off and let it calm down instead of pushing through it.  I have learned that when it hurts- that's when you have pushed the body too far.

2. Encouragement is KEY!  Without the encouragement of others I know that I would have given up or eased up on my training.  But with others pushing me and supporting me I know that I have a support system in place that will keep me going when I want to quit.