Strut My Stuff!

This morning I received the following e-mail from Hope, my wellness coach.

"Hi 6A group - facilitation for July will be on the 7th and for August will be on the 18th.
The celebration will be on August 20th from 8:30 to 11:30 am at the Civic Center in Augusta. If you are willing to "strut" your stuff and give us a little blip to be read about your year in Me First, we would love to have you do that. Please let me know.
Hope your day is a healthy one!
Hope


ME First Program - Wellness Coach"



When I first read the e-mail, I thought "yeah, right. Like I'm a good example (since I was in kind of a downward spiral over the past month or so". Then, I went to work out with Aaron (separate story to follow). When I got back, I sat down and thought "I have come so far in the past year and DAMN it...I want to strut my stuff!". I remember sitting at orientation and seeing the people on the screen and I actually told several people "next year that will be me". Well, it's time and I'm ready! SO...this is my reply to Hope:
 
 
"Oh, you know I’m more than willing!


Before I started ME First, I was in pretty bad shape health-wise. After giving birth to my twin daughters in 2006 I developed Cardiomyopathy & hypertension. My heart was enlarged, my resting heart rate was very high, my blood pressure was through the roof and I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes. I decided it was time for a lifestyle change. I wanted to be an example for my children to lead an active & healthy lifestyle.


Since joining ME First, I have lost roughly 25 pounds and over 25 inches! I was able to go off medication for the cardiomyopathy/hypertension, all of my bloodwork is now normal (no longer pre-diabetic), my heart rate is normal, and I actually enjoy (gasp!) exercise.


I have done things I never would have thought possible before-I jogged a 5K in 42 minutes (I could never understand before why anyone would want to torture themselves that way!),have tried many different fitness classes, taken up strength training (LOVE that it makes me feel strong), and work out with kettlebells (my current favorite!).
ME First has changed my life as well as the life of my family!
How’s that?!
Nicole"

 
So, back to the workout story, I was feeling great today. Last night my friend, Monika, came over with a TON of fresh herbs & some flowers. I was immediately inspired (separate post to follow!) and decided it was time to "step up to the plate". I am happy to report that today has been a great "food day". I had steel cut oats with almond milk, blueberries, half a banana & cinnamon for breakfast. For lunch, I had whole wheat couscous with tons of fresh veggies & herbs. I've had green tea, one of these after working out, and fresh veggies for snacks. I feel so great-energetic, light & just fabulous! So, back to the story (sorry for the rambling but that's me!). I go to the gym for my workout with Aaron. The receptionist calls him to let him know that I'm there, but he is on the phone. SO...I said, "hey, I'm feeling super motivated today. Think if I hop on the elliptical while I'm waiting I can get some brownie points"?! So, I did! I hopped on the elliptical and Aaron came out after 5 minutes (and a whole 37 calories burned-woo hoo!). I asked him about "brownie points" and he laughed. Then, he handed me my ass. Seriously. As in, the hardest workout I think I've ever had! In fact, when I finished he said "you just burned about 1000 calories". My reply? Jeez-you shouldn't have told me that because now I'll probably have to make a trip to Dairy Queen"! HA HA! (just kidding-kind of). Then, I proceeded to walk over to the receptionist and say: "um, next time I decide to earn some brownie points, don't! He worked me harder than ever!". She laughed and said she would remind me. Seriously, it was an awesome workout-exactly what I needed!