Susan's Quest for Good Health After a Celiac Diagnosis (comments greatly appreciated)

[ScoJo15]

Did W3D1 of the C25K program this morning. It was HARD to jog for 2 minutes, but I did it! It was a R-E-A-L-L-Y S-L-O-W jog, but it was a jog! I find it interesting, though - when I first started the program on W1, I would be jogging for 60 seconds and look at my stopwatch when it was at about the 30 seconds mark and think "I'm only half way through - I'll never make it another 30 seconds!" But I did it anyway. Then I went to W2 and would be jogging for 90 seconds, look at my stopwatch when it was at about the 45 seconds mark and think "I'll never make it another 45 seconds!" But I did it anyway. And then today as I did the 2-minute jogging increments, I would look at my stopwatch at about the 1 minute mark and think - yep, you guessed it - "I'll never make it another minute!" But I did it anyway. I think it is really true what Stacie told me when she started training for the 5K she just ran - it really is a mind game. It's all about where your head is. And continuing to challenge myself physically and rise to that challenge is pretty awesome, especially coming from where I have come from. So I am beginning to think that I can do the longer increments of jogging - I just have to believe I can!!

I agree with you guys here regarding running being a big mental game. Two years ago, running for a couple minutes seemed a daunting task. I would do the exact same thing, start running for a few minutes...look down at the watch halfway through (all out of breath) and wonder how I'd ever make it 'til the next walk break. It seemed that my biggest obstacle was being out of breath, huffing and puffing away...which is why I tried to put emphasis on the cross-training cardio...try to train my body to not get so out of breath when I was moving faster than a walk pace.

I also realized somewhere along the line that I was running with my head down & not allowing air to properly enter and escape through my mouth/nose the way that it should...running with my head up (and back straight) really helped with that problem.

Anyway...weather it's 1 mile or 26 miles...it's definitely a mental game. The more things you can do IMO to distract yourself from running and watching that clock, the better. You'll be surprised at how much you can really accomplish once you get going with your training and get the mental game on your side

Great job again with everything! So glad to see the awesome progress :

 

[AmyBeth68]

I have to reiterate what Scott says....running is such a mental game. Your awesome attitude is going to help you get through those tough times running. I just love to see your tenacity...you are just such an inspiration!!!

The best news is that you can really see the difference your diet is making on how you FEEL!!! That is incredible! I'm sooo happy for you . It's really a joy watching your progress!!!

 

[larry's girl]

Feeling pretty good today. Did WATP tape this morning. Larry came home from work about the time I was getting into the workout and he said "Walk away those pounds, baby!" and I replied "I'm giving it my best shot!" I think he is proud of me. He went to the grocery store yesterday and bought all the stuff I didn't buy that he wants: canned soup, Ritz crackers, graham crackers, cereal, milk, cheese, regular Coke (that one really hurt - I love Coke!) - you get the idea. I guess he figured he better stock up since I wasn't bringing in what he wanted! Anyway, I'm okay with it. I feel so much better and I lost really well this week - I am #7 on the biggest loser top ten list on the WISH board this week. How cool is that? I have no desire to eat junk and mess that up. Well, actually, I guess the desire is still there, but I am motivated to rise above it! I actually looked at a dark chocolate candy bar in the drugstore last night to see what was in it and how many calories it had. I think I am PMS'ing and I was wanting chocolate, so I decided to check it out. I thought just maybe I could have a little bit if the calories weren't too bad. WRONG!!! I only found one brand (Ghirardelli, for those who are interested) that did not have any milk in it. It was a little candy bar, not quite as big as a Hershey's bar with almonds. Guess how many calories that sucker had in it? 500!!! I almost died when I saw that - and I put it down so quickly you would have thought it burned me. All I could think was "Do you know how long it would take you to burn off that many calories?" Even half of it would have been way too much. Nope, not going to go there - just not worth it.

It was pointed out to me recently that my diet is not particularly exciting or appetizing, in the sense that I eat pretty much the same things each day and don't have anything to relieve the monotony of meat and vegetables. While this is true to some extent, there are reasons for this. During the week my time and energy are severely limited when it comes to making breakfasts and lunches, so I tend to make whatever I can grab quickly and head out the door with. Lots of times that means I cook a large batch of something on the weekend (turkey sausage, for instance) and eat it for breakfast all week. I portion it out, cook it, package it up and then I just grab one on my way out the door each morning and heat it up in the microwave at work. Unfortunately, I LOVE to eat and I am always going to love to eat. Loving to eat is part of what got me to this condition to begin with. I have been told I am a great cook, and I have always enjoyed trying new things - the richer, the better! But I am working hard to change my attitude about food. It is not comfort, it is not recreation, it is not love, it is not acceptance - it is fuel. That's all, just fuel. And when I look at it like that, it doesn't really matter what I'm consuming as long as it meets my dietary restrictions. I will say it again - NO FOOD IN THIS WORLD IS WORTH BEING AS SICK AS I HAVE BEEN AND FEELING AS BAD AS I HAVE FELT. And I refuse to go back to that place again unless it is beyond my control. So for me, control is the key (that and sugar free popsicles - they really save me when I feel like I have to have something sweet or else there will be negative consequences to those around me ). So that's my totally out of nowhere soapbox lecture for today! I'm getting off, now - you're welcome.

Tomorrow I do W3D2 of the C25K workout. In a weird kind of way, I'm almost looking forward to it. I still don't like the process (out of breath, legs feeling shaky, wishing it was over) but when I'm done, I feel so ELATED that I did it! It's like I still can't quite believe that I am out there doing this instead of still laying in bed feeling like something you scrape off the bottom of your shoe. And here, I must say this - Scott and Amy, I do appreciate your input in my journal. It still awes and humbles me that people who are so accomplished in these endurance events would take the time to not only read my ramblings, but post encouragement, support and constructive suggestions. And I am also grateful for everyone who feels that I am an inspiration and has told me so. That's quite a heady feeling for me, and I keep hearing it. I was discussing my training schedule and how rewarding it is in the vanpool a couple of mornings ago, and one of the other ladies who rides said "After listening to you, I know I need to get moving. You have inspired me to make the effort!" That's pretty cool, folks.

Hope everybody has a good day!

Susan

Food for Yesterday:

Breakfast: Two boiled eggs, 4 oz. turkey sausage

Lunch: 3 oz. tuna with mayo and mustard over lettuce with fat-free Italian dressing

Snack: One boiled egg, 1 cup cucumber slices

Dinner: 4 oz. salmon, 2 oz. turkey, 1 cup mixed vegetables

Water for yesterday:

170 oz.

Exercise for yesterday:

W3D1 of C25K

 

[toystoryduo]

You are doing a wonderful job, Susan! I love your positive attitude!!! Keep up the good work!

 

[momof2minnies]

Susan,
I am so glad everything has turned around for you. You sound great.Good job on your husbands part-it does help when they care to notice.

Have a great one,
Linda

 

[larry's girl]

Thanks for the encouragement, Tracey and Linda. It is a struggle, but I am doing it one day at a time - the results are worth the effort!

This morning I did W3D2 of the C25K program - in the cold and rain. I was pretty proud of myself, because running in the rain is not something I would have envisioned myself doing just a few weeks ago! And it was difficult, but it was doable. I am planning to do the third day this weekend and go back to the mall to try to do 1 1/2 laps at my fastest pace. My intention is to build up to 3 laps around in 45 minutes, hoping that will be a close enough approximation of the race in May. So I should get in a good amount of exercise over the weekend!

Hope everybody has a good one!

Susan

Food for Yesterday:

Breakfast: Two boiled eggs, 4 oz. turkey sausage

Lunch: 3 oz. tuna with mayo and mustard over lettuce with fat-free Italian dressing

Snack: One boiled egg, 1 cup green peppers

Dinner: 6 oz. ham, 1 cup broccoli, 1 cup green beans

Water for yesterday:

170 oz.

Exercise for yesterday:

WATP 2-mile tape

 

[AmyBeth68]

Wow Susan!!! I'm so proud of you...I can't believe you got out there in the cold and rain! Very impressive girly!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Just take good care of yourself and allow yourself to rest as needed. You've worked hard this week and I'm sure you're feeling it a bit. I'm just incredibly excited for you!

 

[MIdanceMom]

Go Susan!!

Wow, you sure are determined. I would probably take the rain as an omen, and skipped the run. I am so proud of you. How was the mall walking?

Take care,
Beth

 

[larry's girl]

Thanks, Amy and Beth, for the cheers. The weekend went very well - busy but a happy busy. I am so glad to feel well enough to actually get out and DO something on the weekends instead of staying in bed trying to get enough strength back to start the work week again. It is something I will never take for granted again.

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses, so Saturday morning I went out in our door-to-door work. This work is very dear to my heart, as I have met many people over the years who have needed and appreciated the comforting and positive message that I was able to share with them. It has been a long time since I have felt well enough to have a meaningful share in doing this, so being out again on Saturday morning was very special to me. In fact, I was close to tears (happy tears) to finally be out again doing a work that I love. Saturday afternoon was consumed by grocery shopping (at three places, no less - Wal-Mart for the basics, Dekalb Farmers Market for produce and Kroger for gluten-free and dairy-free items). Then I made dinner and, afterwards, we played the new Disney Scene It II game (which we all really enjoyed - it was a lot of fun).

Sunday I got up early and did W3D3 of the C25K program. It was difficult, but I did it! Went to our Bible study meeting, came home and then went back out to Discover Mills Mall to try for 1 1/2 laps around at as fast a pace as I could muster. As it turned out, this was a little much for one day. My legs tired very quickly, plus there were lots more people there than there was the last time I walked it, so I kept having to dodge people and slow down to get around them. So the 1 1/2 lap time was 24 1/2 minutes - a little too slow, but I am hoping to get better as I go along!

Had to recuperate at home for a bit - my legs were really hurting from so much exertion in one day! Then I did the laundry/taking out garbage/catch up on dishes/make dinner/prepare food for the week stuff I do every Sunday evening. And when I went to bed, I realized that I had a very full weekend - and I never felt like I was going to collapse! I was tired at the end of each day, but not horribly exhausted like I used to be just from existing all day. I know this is getting old by now, but I am SO GLAD to feel SO MUCH BETTER!!

There is an event very close to my house called Run the Reagan. They close down a long street every President's Day weekend and have a half marathon, 10K, 5K and 1 mile fun run. I saw a flyer for it while I was grocery shopping on Saturday, and I am toying with the idea of trying to do the 5K just to see how long it takes me and what the event is like. I touched base with Scott and Stacie, both of whom were very enthusiastic that I should give it a try! Then I mentioned it in vanpool this morning, and it turns out one of the ladies who rides with me has attempted this race before with her daughter and granddaughter. She said the course is almost all uphill for the first half of the 5K and that it was very steep! She said she couldn't finish it and had to turn around and go back before she reached the half-way point. Someone else chimed in and agreed with her, stating that it would be extremely challenging to do this race. So since I have only been training for a few weeks and have no experience with doing any walking uphill to speak of, I am now thinking maybe it isn't such a good idea. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew and then be disappointed. I don't really know what to do - I guess the worst thing that can happen is that I have to quit before I finish. But I don't think I want to spend $25 to do the event if I don't have at least a decent chance of finishing it in a reasonable time frame. I looked at the stats for last year's race and there were three people who finished in an hour. I was thinking I could probably do this in an hour, but I don't know if that's true if all of the first half is uphill! I will decide between now and the 15th (when I was planning on registering). I'll let you know what I end up doing.

Well, I was busy all weekend so didn't journal my food, water or exercise. I didn't get all the water in on Saturday because I wasn't home enough to drink it, plus I made gluten-free onion rings Saturday night (and they were awesome!!) and I probably ate too many of those. But I think I made up for it with the extra exercise on Sunday! AND, here's the big news - MY BLOOD SUGAR WAS DOWN ANOTHER 10 POINTS THIS MORNING!!! 20 more points and it is normal. Woo-hoo!!

So I am going to try to recreate the last three days for journaling purposes. Hope everyone has a great Monday!

Susan

Food for Friday:

Breakfast: Two boiled eggs, 4 oz. turkey sausage

Lunch: 6 oz. turkey over lettuce with fat-free Italian dressing

Dinner: 6 oz. turkey, 1/2 cup collard greens, 1 cup green beans

Water for Friday:

170 oz.

Exercise for Friday:

W3D2 of the C25K program

Food for Saturday:

Breakfast: Two eggs fried in Pam, one can Vienna sausages

Lunch: 6 oz. turkey, 1/2 cup collard greens, 1/2 cup green beans

Dinner: 12 oz. shrimp, 2 cups gluten-free onion rings with reduced sugar ketchup

Water for Saturday:

32 oz.

Exercise for Saturday:

Rest day

Food for Sunday:

Breakfast: 1/2 cup gluten-free onion rings with reduced sugar ketchup, 4 oz. turkey sausage

Lunch: 12 oz. corned beef, 1 jalapeno pepper

Dinner: 10 oz. sirloin steak, 1 cup squash and onions

Water for Sunday:

170 oz.

Exercise for Sunday:

W3D3 of the C25K program, 1 1/2 laps around mall

 

[postesf]

Hi there! Just checking in! You walked in the rain??? You go girl!!! Look at that dedication!

Very proud of you!

Stacie

 

[toystoryduo]

Susan,

I am so proud of you! You are doing such a great job and I absolutely love your positive attitude! Keep up the good work and you will make your goals!

 

[larry's girl]

I am posting from home today. I woke up this morning aching all over, headachy, nauseous and feeling very unwell, so I called in sick. Larry had something similar that started Sunday evening and he had to call in sick then, so I guess it is my turn. I just got up a few minutes ago and thought I would post briefly to journal my food, water and exercise from yesterday.

Oh, I weighed for BL and am only down .2 - guess I didn't work off all those onion rings after all! Oh, well, I'll try to do better this week.

Probably won't do journals today - going to go lay on the couch and watch DVD's. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow and can pick up with W4D1 in the morning. Hope everybody has a good day!

Susan

Food for Yesterday:

Breakfast: 4 oz. turkey sausage, two scrambled eggs

Lunch: 6 oz. ham over lettuce with fat-free Italian dressing

Snack: 3 oz. roast beef, 1 dill pickle spear

Dinner: 6 oz. turkey, 1 cup green beans, 1 cup cauliflower

Snack (after Bible study meeting): 5 gluten-free, dairy-free ginger snaps

Water for Yesterday:

170 oz.

Exercise for Yesterday:

30 minutes of The Firm Cardio Dance DVD (just to do something different)

 

[MIdanceMom]

Susan,

I hope you are feeling better. Lots of rest and fluids, sweetie.

Take care,
Beth

 

[postesf]

Hey there...How ya feeling??? Hopefully better and back to training!

I wanted to tell you that Matt's granny and grandad got invited on Stage at Beauty and the Beast show at Hollywood Studios and the pre-show sang to them!!! How cool!

Stacie

 

[AmyBeth68]

Susan! I'm so sorry you aren't feeling well. Definitely take care of yourself girl...sounds like a nasty virus for sure . Please let us know how you are doing...don't push yourself until you're feeling back to normal!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Susan,

Hope you're feeling better. Please be sure and take it easy and get plenty of rest.

 

[MIdanceMom]

Hi Susan,

I am just checking on you. How are you feeling?

Take care,
Beth

 

[momof2minnies]

Hi Susan,
Sorry to hear you are down and out again.There is so much going around here too.Take care of yourself
Linda

 

[MIdanceMom]

Hey Susan,

I hope you are feeling better.

Take care,
Beth

 

[ScoJo15]

Hey Susan....

I hope you are feeling better!

Have you seen that there is a 5k at the Mall of Georgia on Feb. 23rd?? Thought you might be interested in that one (should be less hilly than the Run the Reagan...are you doing that one by the way?)

Anyway..hope all is well :