Who Is Ready To Tackle 2016???

It's been a LLOONNGG time!  

I am back and ready to go!  Looking forward to 2016 and all it has to offer. The year will be filled spending time with those that are important to me, doing things I love and am passionate about personally and professionally.  Declaring 2016 the year of EPIC ADVENTURES.  

I am stoked to say that I am doing THREE 70.3 distance triathlons this coming season ... Haven't been this excited about fitness and racing in over a year (using my dad and a dear friend as my inspiration), so am definitely ready to tackle life, the season, my fitness and have an absolute blast!!!  The season will be filled with fun and friends, which is awesome. I'll be racing for Effcansah again which really is incredible and I love the founder so that makes it that more meaningful. If you don't know what they are about, below is a link to their website. 

www.effcansah.com 

Professionally, I am enjoying my job at Sub-Zero. Low stress, fun talking and working with all of the customers  and it's about 100 steps from my kitchen. Three wins in my book. 

I am still researching health coaching and triathlon coaching certifications. The goal is to tackle both by the end of 2016 so that in 2017, I can officially share that knowledge and help others achieve their goals and make their dreams a reality.  

Last thing to tackle is my weight. I am thicker than I want to be and the pants aren't fitting well. Time to take the bull by the horns and get it done. B is on board so it's awesome to have the support. One can only blame the hysterectomy for so long, but my body still isn't finished with menopause and the lack of any kind of estrogen makes the weight loss more challenging. Doing my best to work thru that and persevere.  Logging my food, whole foods and the right mix of strength, interval work, and steady cardio will get me there. The contract that I have signed is below. 

So, CHEERS to an amazing 2016! Looking forward to fun and quality time with my family and with friends, time at the cabin and living life to the fullest. 

May 2016 be a year of good health, happiness, fitness, fulfilling dreams, reaching your goals and having EPIC adventures of your own!!  Hope you will join me for the ride. 

Enjoy your night and I'll be back next week. Until then, remember that life is short. Live it, love it and be kind to one another. 

Lost ....

 I have come to this conclusion ...

To put it simply, I am lost. Not sure where to find "me" again. I am not the same since my hysterectomy 18 months ago and I am definitely not the same since my daddy passed 15 months ago. 

I'd love to feel "lighter" both mentally and physically. These will all take time. How much time, I have no idea. I will never "get over" the death of my father, but am looking forward to the day when it doesn't hurt so much. Not rushing time as it will happen when the time is right. 

The total hysterectomy has changed me in so many ways. There isn't a "formula" that one can use as to what happens to a woman after and how it affects people is completely different for everyone. I will say, I am over the hot flashes. Looking forward to those being done. The extra "love" I have in my frame will change. I have finally realized that it will take longer to do so. And that is OK. 

The focus right now is to have fun, not put so much pressure on myself, but keep moving, find me again, live in the moment and to continue spending time with those that I love and make life better.  I am also enjoying not being so "busy" anymore. Not sure why we all glorify the busy, but cramming 25 hours into a 24 hour day has lost its appeal. Enjoying my slower pace. 

I have pulled out of my half ironman this year. I have a feeling that 2016 will be the year for triathlon.  Just not feeling it in 2015, but loving exercising for fun with friends. 

Looking forward to making memories at the Stoned Loon Lodge with the family. I know it's been a while since I have been around the blog, and after today, it may be a while again. Thanks for checking in. I'll be back ... 

Until I return remember, life is short, live it, love it and be kind to one another. 

No News Is Good News ...

Life has been pretty status quo lately, which I always enjoy, so haven't written much ... 

Training has been going pretty well besides the lack of biking. Running 3-4 times a week, swimming twice a week and getting 2-3 strength sessions in each week as well. Need to get 3 in for sure to see the changes I am looking for. The bike will happen ... The trainer tire is off, so that's a step in the right direction. :-)

The big events for the upcoming week are first, my baby, turns 13 on Tuesday!!! Can't believe I will have a second teenager in the house!!!  Second, Jack has his first official job training meeting!  He is really is excited to be a part of the Kona Ice Krew and can't wait for summer!  Third, Sparky has her conference track meet.  Love to watch her run and enjoy watching her with the serious "in the zone" face while she is competing. Fourth, we hit the cabin!!!!  Looking forward to a long weekend at the Stoned Loon Lodge with boating, bonfires, good food and time with our lake friends. 

In he past few weeks, I have had a bit of a breakthrough, making time to meditate each day and seeing the results with better sleep, a more positive attitude and just feeling happier in general. I've been making sure to take care of me and writing what I am grateful for at the end of each day, so that is a plus. Just need to tweak the diet a bit more ... Have to continually make the effort to prep for the week ahead and not wing it. 

Today was a success on the Food planning front with grocery shopping done (date with the hubcap at Woody's), meals planned, my favorite Vega One shakes on deck and workouts scheduled and planned in the calendar ... I am ready!!!  

Hope you all had a fantastic week and enjoy your week ahead. May you be grateful for something everyday and take time to smile. Always remember, life is short, love it, live it and be kind to one another. Be back next week! 

Mistake ...

So here is a funny ... I apparently am not prediabetic. Did a blood test that checked my glucose levels for the last 10 weeks ... Not prediabetic ... WHOO HOO me!  Couldn't really explain that except maybe the first wasn't truly a fasting glucose test. I was so excited to get that news!!!  I am still on a great path and am really happy with the direction my fitness is going. 

Overall, these past two weeks have been  good. I am really enjoying my job as a whole and the extra bonus of having the time to get my workouts in, get things taken care of around the house, spend time with friends and to be able to be a hands-on parent makes me smile, plus I am able to talk with interesting people all day. 

In the past couple of weeks, I have been able to attend two INCREDIBLE events. I went with a friend to a THRIVE Connections luncheon where a friend of mine, Christi was the keynote speaker. First, I have to say that she did an incredible job and can tell that she LOVES what she does. She was authentic, funny, honest and very inspiring. There were so many things she said that resonated with me that it would take too long to write them all out. Brilliant and I am so happy that I attended. 

The second was a Mastering Meditation workshop at a friends yoga studio in town. I have been talking about and wanting to get into meditation more and more (right now it is a simple bedtime routine that I do, but would like to continue to learn about it and implement it into my life on a daily basis).  The workshop was incredible and gave some wonderful guidance. Have been meditating daily since then and it has done wonders. Continuing on that path as well. 

Hope the week has been a good one for all of you. If not, remember Monday is just around the corner for a fresh start!  I am ready to go with my food prepped for the week, my new fave, Vega One protein shakes all set and dinners planned. Looking forward to some family time this evening ...  Hope you all have a fantastic week and remember, live life, love it, enjoy it and always be kind to one another.  Be back next week :)

 

Progress ...

Well, this has been a great week both food and workout-wise ... The pre-planning and prepping of meals and general food on Sunday's is so beneficial for me. Makes the choices and the balance of nutrition so much easier.  The L-B's are coming off I am already feeling better and stronger. We will see what the doc and test results say in 6 weeks!!!!  

I am still working on carving out time for regular yoga and daily meditation. Fortunately Sparky wants to start practicing yoga so we are going to start going together in the next few weeks and am also attending to a meditation workshop next weekend.  All is a process but am looking forward to both as well as dedicating the time to reap the benefits that both offer. 

Half ironman training officially starts tomorrow ... Ack!  We will see if the mojo and urge to do a full ironman happens in the process.  As of now I am excited for the training and for the event, so that is a good thing.  If so, great ... If not all good and shorter distances it will be.  Decision will be made on August 23rd, just after the race is over.  

Looking forward to next week week and all that is coming. I have Thursday off so I'm able to attend a luncheon with a friend to see professional motivational speaker and one of my friends from HS, Christi Andringa. So looking

 forward to seeing her in her element as well soaking up some of the energy that she will give to the room!!!  

Well, Off to eat dinner, then get this little missy to bed. I am beat. I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend and make the most of the week ahead and as always remember, life is short, live it, love it and be kind to one another. I'll be back next week!  

I do have to give a special shout out to two people ... One of my dearest friends in the whole world, Terri,  had a birthday yesterday! She is a remarkable, giving and beautiful person both inside and out and I am lucky to have her in my life!  Here is a photo from our first half ironman that we participated in together. Love this photo ...

Another shout out to my friend Molly that celebrated her birthday yesterday as well!  She has been my inspiration and has been close to my heart since we have met ... Love this photo too. 

Nite all and I'll be back next week!! 

Harsh Reality ...

So, here is the scoop.  I am pre-diabetic.  I have work to do and I am up for the challenge and am hoping in 8-12 weeks, I can reverse this.  With the aftermath of the hysterectomy, my body has been retaliating and my "loose" training schedule hasn't been working with my now non-existent metabolism. On the bright side, my life stressors have decreased dramatically and am happier in many ways than I ever have been (still need more yoga and meditation, but am working on making both of them a priority).  

The funniest thing was the note I got from my doctor after all of the tests came back  ... "This is definitely reverseable if you lose a little weight" ... Ummm, yes, I am aware of that as that was one of the reasons why I scheduled the appointment in the first place. ;-) 

I need to do the work, I need to make sure I am getting my training in (I am excited about doing that again ... The passion is finally back). I am fueling my body in the best way possible and am truly finding enjoyment in all of those things that were lost for a little while. 

Now that the weather that is getting nicer, I have been able to reconnect with my running buds, gotten my booty back in the pool, am back at traditional strength training (I have forgotten HOW much I have missed it - more on that component next week, but I am SUPER excited!!). The last piece of the puzzle is to add cycling back in too (if anyone can find my mojo for that, please let me know). 

Sorry I have been MIA for a bit. Was just in a funky place ... We are all there at times and again, thanks for staying with me for the ride. 

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend! We were able to take advantage of the nice weather and spend some time outside. Enjoy the week ahead and remember: Life is short, live it, love it and be kind to one another. 

Learning ... AND possibly getting wiser??

This is what I have learned from working at home in these last few weeks:

1) I love being home and being close to my family.

2) My "commute" is wonderful.

3) I love my job and am looking forward to expanding my knowledge base to be able to assist customers further.

4) It is imperative that get out and do some form of training/exercise every morning, whether it be at a fitness facility or outdoors.  I love seeing friends, trainers and workout buddies as they help make the start to the day that much better and definitely makes my heart happy.  I am lucky enough that my work schedule allows me to accomplish this so there isn't ANY reason why this can't happen. 

I began working on my half ironman training plan that will officially begin after spring break and I can't wait. Changing things up a bit and adding some new elements into the mix that I haven't always made an effort to include. I'm looking forward to incorporating them now. 

5) I have also made a point in these last few weeks to carve out time for myself to just "be".  It's been the best decision I have made, helping me to be a better wife, mother, friend and person in general. Defintiely a work in progress, but forward progress is a good thing. 

With this time I have made a few decisions: getting my USAT triathlon coaching certification is going to be put on hold for a bit and I am going to wait to do any coaching or teaching until 2016. Right now, with my new schedule, I am enjoying having the ability to explore new and different classes, trainings and reading books that inspire. This opportunity allows me to process and figure out what I am passionate about in regards to wellness, health and fitness and where I would like to go with it in the future. I'm excited to see where this will all take me and where and how I will land! 

As I said to one of my friends the other day, maybe I am ACTUALLY getting wiser as I get older ... :-) 

Looking forward to a week of good health, fun and fitness. I hope you have all had a wonderful week and I'll be checking in next week!  Remember, life is short, love it and live it as fully as possible  and always remember to be kind to one another. 

Something As Simple As A Jacket ...

Well, the first anniversary of my Dad's death is approaching soon.  I always remember my Dad, being so sad and upset and sort of lost on the anniversary of his mom's death. I never fully understood until now, because that same feeling has come over me. 

My grandmother died on Valentine's Day when I was in 3rd grade. I remember this because it was her favorite holiday. I remember this because my brother Michael and I were on a ski trip that day and came home to hear the news and how sad my brother and I were to hear this news. 

With this date coming up in just a little under 4 weeks, I now COMPLETELY understand how sad he was. She was his everything, and he was my everything.  How that will ever get better, I have no clue. I'm sure with time it will ... Please tell me it will. 

This past weekend, I was telling my friend Jacque how much I missed him and shared some stories about him.  Right now, sharing them makes me miss him more. I just REALLY wish he were still here ... I know he is here in spirit, but selfishly, I would love to still be able to give him another hug, get one last kiss and hear those words, "I love you tooooooo" ... Yes, it was a long too ;-). 

There were many sad, frustrating and upsetting things that have happened this past year but SO MANY INCREDIBLY wonderful things that have happened too that I REALLY wish I could share with him. He would always smile and listen even towards the end I don't know if he really understood, but there was that unconditional love and support that I felt that made me believe that he did. 

I MISS that. I am lucky to have a pretty incredible family and some pretty amazing friends but there is nothing like the support of your father to keep one going. 

It's so funny (and not ha ha funny) how all of these feelings stirred. B brought my Dad's leather jacket out of the front hall closet and asked how it could be cleaned as he was wanting to wear it. When I saw it, I immediately cried. Not because I didn't want him to wear it (I am really happy that he has it and wants to wear it), but because I was with my father when he bought the jacket (and those memories flooded back of the healthy man he was).  We spent so much time together when I was an adult and this was just one of those times that we were out shopping. He had looked at the jacket before and had taken me back to see what I had thought about it. He was so excited to buy this jacket. One of the best purchases he ever made.  He looked so handsome in it and wore it at EVERY opportunity that he could for the rest of his life ... It was an Al (Daddy's name) staple. 

It may sound like a silly story, but it is one that I will cherish and will remember every time B wears it. 

Big sigh .... I will get through this and will continue to live life to the fullest, embracing the opportunities that life gives along the way :-). 

I'll be back next week with hopefully some fun fitness and life adventures, but this is where my head is at right now. A lot of tears but a lot of smiles too, remembering the Daddy that I miss so much. 

Back At It and Being UN-Busy ...

Well, I have been hard at work fitness wise this week, shown by all of the ever-present Headsweats visors that that are in the laundry! A staple to my training wardrobe. It's funny, most don't recognize me without one on my head!!  

It has felt great to be consistent, incredible to be getting stronger already and I am a much happier person when fitness is a part of my life. Bring on spring and summer outdoor training!!!  The half marathon training has begun (I have missed running, so it has been wonderful) and the half ironman training officially begins in April but have been building that swim and bike base enough to be ready when full training ensues.  Can't wait!!  

These past couple of months I have been lucky enough to connect and reconnect with some wonderful friends and trainers who are all here for the same reason ... Motivation, support and the desire to really help each other succeed, so it makes this journey into the 2015 so much fun!!  

With my new work schedule (week one at home a success), it has been so refreshing to have that family, work, life and fitness balance that I had been missing. For a long time, I felt like I was rushing around to get EVERYTHING done ALL of the time. Now life is MUCH more relaxed and frankly, enjoyable (It all really started falling into place when I began working at Subzero).  Loving a calmer life.  Being busy isn't always better.  So many glorify the busy  ... Such an unproductive mindset for me ... I know I was exhausted when I was busy all of the time. I felt like a hamster on a never-ending wheel.  Life is simply TOO short to live life like that. 

One area I am working on that goes along with the above theme is unplugging  more ... Putting the phone away and leaving it there. Needs to be done for so many reasons and I am looking forward to the challenge (as it will be a challenge). 

This weekend has been really fun ... Seeing old friends, spending time with my friend Alison and her new puppy that she is training to become a service companion (this is number 15).  Such a gift she selflessly gives to others. I made spaghetti and heart shaped meatballs last night and spent the day relaxing with the Hubcap and Sparky as she was feeling a little under the weather.  At 2:30 this morning, I was able to pick up my Jack from school after a show choir competition in Indiana and give him a hug (always miss him when he is gone).  Today, a date with the hubcap at Costco. If you know anything about me, I LOVE Costco, so definitely fun. A little laundry, cleanup, time on the couch in front of the fire reading a book possibly with a glass of wine ... The heart is happy. 

My priorities for the week ahead, get the training in, get the work done and make time for the activities and people you love ... It is definitely worth it. 

I hope you have all had a wonderful week. I'll be back next week with some fun adventures, fitness adventures and cabin stories! Enjoy and remember, life is short, live it, love it and be kind to one another. 

Winning ...

Well, after a 2014 that was not the best whatsoever physically, professionally, mentally, and fitness wise, I am happy to say that I have made it through it and am better and stronger for it.

The loss of my uterus, ovaries and cervix was harder on me than I thought it would be. The positives being that I would not go down the path of cancer again in any of those areas, so the decision to have the surgery SO worth it.  However, my body was rocked with other unexpected issues that I didn't talk about with many. The weight gain, the hot flashes and the insomnia have been a big challenge for me as I no longer have any real metabolism nor do I have any estrogen flowing through my body. Combine that with all of the cancer treatments from, yes 5 years ago, made this chick a hot mess.  

After a long discussion with my Oncologist in September (prompted by a big nudge from one of my oldest friends Barbie), I am now on an estrogen patch (feel good about the decision) and the hot flashes are gone ... Weight loss has been a slow progression, but there is progress, so still consider the whole package win number one. 

The loss of my father also rocked my world in so many ways.  He was such an important part of my life and I miss him more than I could ever know.  He was one that embraced life and lived it to the fullest, making everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the world ... He was an extraordinary man. My goal is to carry on that legacy and enjoy and embrace life the same way that he did. So proud that he is my Daddy. 

Professionally, it was also a challenging year. Without getting into much detail as I still want to remain professional (and after this post, I'll be done writing about the club). Leaving the gym was the best move for me. They were moving in a direction that did not match with my own fitness philosophy and vision. I made the decison to leave the environment as it was affecting my health and happiness.  I do not miss it there, but do miss some of my favorite co-workers and the members. They were my heart and soul and kept me there longer than I should have stayed. I am lucky to still have some of those people in my life. 

I was fortunate of to get a job with Zoro (a subsidiary of Grainger) quickly after I left the club. What a gift to get my feet wet again in a traditional workplace. I am grateful for that opportunity, but it was not the right fit as I have always been an active parent with both of my kiddos and it did not work with the priorities that I have always worked so hard to maintain. I learned so much, had wonderful co-workers and came out with new friends to boot, so it was a good move.   

In December, I was lucky enough to find a "home" with Subzero-Wolf. They are a wonderful company to work for. I am blessed that I am able to work part-time from home and am so glad I have found my work happy place again. It was tough finishing up training and leaving such an incredible group of people that I have gotten to know over the last six weeks, but am happy to not have to white-knuckle it on the way to or from work anymore. It'll be a short 100 feet to the home office.  What a gift and I am looking forward to working there for a LONG time. I call that win number two.  

Mentally, with the challenges mentioned above, it was not the best year. There was a lot I needed to work through, a lot I needed to let go of and a lot that I needed to process.  Resolving and figuring out all of the above was a big roadblock and I am glad I am on the other side of that. Win number three. 

As far as fitness goes, again, the above mentioned defintiely were a obstacles as to what I could do, what I wanted to do and what I had the energy to do. I am happy to report that this is all moving in the right direction. I have a plan, I have some wonderful friends, trainers and family to support me and to help me get back to where I need and want to be. I almost have my race schedule completed and am truly looking forward to racing and having fun out there this season (I will not "win" per say, but will win when I cross the finish line of each race) ... So that is win number four. 

With all of that "winning" (I almost put a photo of Charie Sheen on here), I must say that it feels good to have "ME" back and to smile again. I knew it would be a long process, but as the signature reads on all of my emails, "Life is Curly, don't try to straighten it out", defines life perfectly. We may want to try to straighten everything out, but there is a plan and a reason for everything and everyone. We may just not always quite know what it is while it's happening ... We just have to roll with all of the many different size "curls" that come along.

SO, with this current "curl" ... Look out!  This chick will be on the move pounding the pavement around Milton, in classes at some of my new favorite fitness facilities, on two wheels exploring Wisconsin or swimming like a fishy in a pool or in the open water ... give a shout out if you happen so see me!!! 

I hope you have all had a great weekend and enjoy the week ahead. I've had a blast spending time with the kiddos watching them participate in things that bring them joy. That always warms my heart. 

I'll be back on a weekly basis with "exciting" life and fitness adventures :-). Thanks for being patient and hanging around. Let 2015 Rock and remember to be kind to one another.