How the 100 Day Heart Challenge made me the person I am today.

I just realized the other day that it had been two years since I was diagnosed with cancer. I was a contestant in the challenge during that time. I remember going to the gym at 4:30 in the morning and seeing Traci working out. I remember her asking me why I was there so early. I told her I was having some testing done later that morning and just couldn't sleep. I worked out that morning, pushing myself farther than ever before. Received the results from my test the next day. I thought it was a joke. My Dr. said it was stage 4 and the cancer was very aggressive. I decided right then I was going to apply all the skills that I had learned from the challenge at that point. I worked out hard, I think I shocked most everyone. I had two rounds of chemo and ran the 5k and came in second for my group. I wanted first, but I just couldn't do it. I fought to run that race and even though I had cancer I knew I was a survivor and was going to be very positive and fight, fight and fight to maintain my life. I decided from that point on that I was going to run a 5k for every chemo I had while I was having chemo. The last race I ran was in American Fork-kick cancer in the butt. It was the hardest I had just finished chemo and had had my mastectomy three weeks before the race. My husband told me it was okay not to run, he even told me that he would run it for me, but I was determined to do it myself. I ran the race and I did rather well. I am very proud of myself and my battle with cancer. I am so grateful I was part of the challenge and had learned how to take care of my body. Exercising while in treatment really helped me maintain my health and let me vent and let me maintain some sort of normalcy. Nutrition also played a big part in my recovery. I knew I need to eat healthy and right to rid my body of toxins and build up my strength. I am thankful for this program and excited for all of my team mates, especially my husband. I can honestly say that having cancer wasn't so bad, because I had the tools and attitude that allowed me to give cancer the boot!

Green smoothies

I love green smoothies. I drink them everyday.Green Smoothies... I use kale, it's so good for you and soaks up toxins in your body. Spinach, beat greens, flax oil, bananas, apples, pineapple, frozen mixed berries, carrots, beats. Everyday, I use about four cups of kale, 4 cups of spinach, two cups of spinach greens and then I just add what ever I feel like or have on hand. I have even thrown in a half of lemon with the peel on, avocado. I try and create new flavors. I don't use sugar or ice. Just all raw foods. My kids love green smoothies, but I mostly use spinach and a handful of kale. You can use other greens like mustard, or collard greens or arugula but I don't they are too spicy. Green smoothies are also really good for digestive system and colon. :)
After, I drink a quart or so of my magic potion, I feel really full and with in an hour I have so much energy!
If I skip my smoothie for some reason, my body let's me know with it's sluggish behavior and appetite for empty calorie foods.
I really enjoy the nutrition class today. It is fun to hear others comments and solutions they have found in trying to live a healthier life style. Today, my car was in the shop getting repaired, all day I wanted to go running. I have three- year old twins so I couldn't go today. I was looking forward to my husband coming home, but then remembered he was going  to a friends house to be Jimmerized. (We don't have T.V.) After, he returned home it was time for family time and then we put the kids to bed. After, that I had no desire or energy to go running. I guess it will have to wait until the morning. :)

Stuck in a rut-the story of my life

I just had surgery last Tuesday, removing scar tissue that was causing me a tremendous amount of pain. The plan was to wait until June to have the surgery, but my arm and hand and became very painful. I started this wellness journey two years ago. Just about a week out two years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Everything in my life came to a screeching halt. I finished the 100 days and came in second in our group at the 5k. But, I was not able to give it 100 percent. Now two years later I find myself just having surgery and having to take things easy. Well easy is not for me. Today I met with our trainer and biked for 35 mins. It felt good,but I could feel the iron calling to me. My arms wanted to curl and my shoulders wanted to do shrugs, my abs were also ready to go. The back of my mind faintly said take it easy, at least for another week. So, I will listen and wait, but will be back.