La Semana Veintecuatro: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Veintecuatro: Monday, December 22, 2014 -- 214.6 lbs
La Semana Veintetres (Birthday Week): Monday, December 15, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs
La Semana Veintedos: Monday, December 8, 2014 -- 213 lbs
La Semana Veinteuno (Thanksgiving Week): Monday, December 1, 2014 -- 211.4 lbs

La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Next report will come in two weeks as I will be unavailable to weigh in next Monday.

Not really sure what happened this past week, I truly believe I am holding a lot of water because there is no way I gained nearly 4 lbs this week after spending half of it not eating at all. See more information below.

Last Monday, I went to see the Foot Doctor. He still feels that things are progressing in a positive direction. I am to use up the cream and call back when it is gone. Also he suggested getting some 3/4 Powerstep or SuperFeet orthotics for my shoes. So I bought a pair to put in my dress shoes. I guess they are doing okay. I spent half the week not going anywhere. I also really need to work on doing a better job with the ankle exercises and my hip exercises.

Monday -- Accomplished a lot but just not my exercises.

Tuesday -- The one thing I really dislike is a stomach bug and that is what I dealt with from the time I awoke until about 6 pm, every hour or so starting about 6 am. By 3 pm, I swore it should have been midnight. It had been one of the longest days ever. Nothing stayed down until after 5 pm. I spent the day on the couch with a trash can nearby all day. Thankfully things finally settled down and I slept through the night.

Wednesday -- Another day at home trying to recoup from Tuesday. I was not aching but all my back and chest muscles were sore from sleeping on the couch and vomiting all day Tuesday. I did get up and shower and washed clothes, sheets, blankets, etc to rid the apartment of germs. 

Thursday -- A rough start to the morning, feeling a bit nauseous, but went off to work. I believe the core of the issue was the lack of eating the previous days. I managed through the day and then had a lovely evening catching up with a friend at Queen of Sheba, Ethiopian restaurant. I was a bit leery but the idea was great minus the slightly more spicy lentil dish, kik wot. 

Friday -- Feeling much better, actually had a little kick in my step in the morning. Again did not do any exercises and missed flexibility due to craziness at work. I did spend another lovely evening catching up with an old friend and holding/feeding her 4.5 month old.

We also went through a 'Drive-Thru' Christmas that her church put together. It was a nice experience hearing the story of Christ from pre-birth to resurrection with live enactments and story telling by the preacher.

Saturday -- Cupcake & icing making from scratch. This was my first experience at either of those specifically, but from what I hear they were good. The rest of the day was spent visiting a bunch of folks and delivering Christmas presents and 1st birthday present to my godson.

Sunday -- Laundry, kitchen cleaning, present wrapping & clean-up, packing for upcoming trips, and fun @ Bluegrass Indoor Karting (3 races). A few of the ankle exercises.

Have a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! I will return again in the new year!

La Semana Veintetres: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Veintetres (Birthday Week): Monday, December 15, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs
La Semana Veintedos: Monday, December 8, 2014 -- 213 lbs
La Semana Veinteuno (Thanksgiving Week): Monday, December 1, 2014 -- 211.4 lbs

La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday -- Actually made it to flexibility, did most of the exercises, not the three times a day stretches.

Tuesday -- Flexibility, ankle exercises and most of the hip, some stretches but again not three times.

Wednesday -- Flexibility, ankle exercises, some stretches. Work and Apt food parties :/

Thursday -- Go karting and birthday fun!

Friday -- A wonderful evening with friends and seeing Lights Under Louisville! Ankle exercises.

Saturday -- Playing with 3.5 year olds, a little shopping, ankle exercises! Another party!

Sunday -- Playing with 3.5 year olds, ankle exercises! Too many desserts after Lessons & Carols!

Less than two weeks until Christmas and a great adventure but a good direction in weight this past week!

La Semana Veintedos: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Veintedos: Monday, December 8, 2014 -- 213 lbs
La Semana Veinteuno (Thanksgiving Week): Monday, December 1, 2014 -- 211.4 lbs

La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Week started off rough definitely not doing well on follow through on therapy...
Monday -- Made it to flexibility and did some of the stretches

Tuesday -- No flexibility, did complete some ankle exercises, and had a nice walk to and from the IU basketball game including a nice climb up the stairs to my seats. My foot was sore but it was closer to the ankle than down the top of the foot. As mentioned before, that is apparently good.

Wednesday -- Not a good day...as Tuesday evening was an all nighter at work after the game. I did get about 4 hours of sleep mid-afternoon. No flexibility as I was headed to bed at that time. Though I have gotten most of the exercises in, just not good at stretching and getting meds on the foot.

Thursday & Friday -- Not sure what happened these days. I apparently even forgot to log into work on Firday.

Saturday -- I did a lot of standing during the work holiday party, but that was about it.

Sunday -- Another bad day with a mid-day nap. I still feel like I have been ran over from the early half of the week. I am really hoping the afternoon nap will help but I was still pretty tired Monday morning when I woke up.

Next Monday, I head back to the foot doctor. We will see what he has to say.

La Semana Veinteuno: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Veinteuno (Thanksgiving Week): Monday, December 1, 2014 -- 211.4 lbs

La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

A rough week trying to stay on top of all my exercises and stretches, especially 3 times a day. Work has kept me late several nights and then the Thanksgiving holiday. Wednesday was probably the best day of the week. I have done at least something everyday but not to the necessary level.

I head back to the foot doctor in 2 weeks to see the status of my left foot. I thought the pain was getting better as it was centered more at the ankle than down the top of the foot, but after Friday, it seemed to have progressed back down the foot a bit.

Hopefully, this week will be better though after last night. I am not expecting that to be the case. This and the rest of the year are very busy day and night, but hopefully many of the busy are blessed busyness.

A Season of New Beginnings

As I thought about today, the first day of Advent 2014, I am reminded of all the new beginnings that are part of this time of year.

Thanksgiving Day - November 27, 2014

A day marked by the joining of the Pilgrims and Indians in a meal of thanks for the wonderful harvest and new friends and family. Thanksgiving continues to be celebrated across the United States as a time to gather with friends and family to give thanks to all the blessings received over the years. It is a time to reconnect and enjoy the company and love of those dear to us. May your life be full of thanks and remember that we are called to give thanks daily for the blessings in our lives.

1st Day of Advent - Sunday, November 30, 2014

Today marks the start of a new year in the Catholic Church. The new year fittingly begins with Advent a time of preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Not only are we called to prepare for Christ's birth on Christmas Day but reminded to live daily in anticipation of Christ's second coming. 

The Advent season consists of the 4 Sundays prior to Jesus birth on Christmas Day. As we step into this new church year, we are challenged to take a step back to reflect on how our lives are beacons of Christ's light to all those we encounter.

• How do you share Christ's light to your parents, children, husband/wife, grandparents, and other family members, to your friends, coworkers, neighbors, and people on the street or in the store?
• As we begin this new church year, what are ways you plan to take time to listen and speak with our Father, to deepen that relationship with Him?
• Are you ready for Christ's second coming today? If not, what changes shall you make to be prepared for His second coming and celebration of Christ's birth on Christmas Day?

Birthday - December 11, 2014 

Two weeks prior to celebrating Christ's birth is another special birth in my life, the day in which I came into this world as a living being called to be a disciple of Christ. This past year has been a year full of many blessings and reminders of my call to be disciple of Christ. I pray that as all these new beginnings are upon us that I take the opportunity to be more diligent about stopping to listen to our Father and to be a beacon of light to all those I encounter. I pray for guidance and direction through a time of discernment of God's calling in my life.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2015

On Christmas Day, the journey of Christ began with His humble birth in a manger. As we start the journey remembering His life and adventures to the Cross, we are reminded of our humble existence, that life struggles equip us with strength to endure future challenges, and that He came to save us from our sins as we are not perfect but all loved sons & daughters of God. We are here to share His love to all and to do good for the betterment of our world until we come to rest in Heaven.

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2015

Many people look at this day as the start of a new year/new beginning as we celebrate a national/worldly holiday with the start of a new calendar year. For Catholics, it is also a celebration of the Solemnity of Mary-Mother of God, a celebration of Mary as mother of Jesus. Solemnity of Mary is celebrated this ‘eighth day’ of Christmas, which accordingly was the day of Jesus circumcision and given his name. Instead of setting new goals/beginnings, may we look at the challenges we placed in front of us at our own birth or the start of the new church year and renew the promises we made to ourselves and to our Lord at those new beginnings?

May this season of new beginnings be one full of blessings, love, and reflection!

Thanks to all who read this blog and silently provide prayers and support for me and all those in our world!

La Semana Veinte: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks) La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Time flies faster and faster, day after day, year after year....
20 weeks into the latest attempt to become healthier and in better shape. It has had its ups and downs to say the least but things do seem to be continuing in a positive direction. The next few weeks of course will be a challenge as Thanksgiving, Birthday, Christmas, and New Years are all upon us.

And this week was definitely not a good start to the holiday season...

You say oh it is not that bad...Let's just take a look at what I know is or has been in store starting this past week.
- Thursday, Nov. 20 -- Business Department Potluck
- Sunday, Nov. 22 -- Thanksgiving Dinner with Church Friends
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 -- Business Analyst Potluck
- Thursday, Nov. 27 -- Thanksgiving
- Friday, Nov. 28 -- Europe Reunion ??
- Wednesday, Dec. 17 -- Young Adults & Professionals Christmas Potluck & White Elephant Party
- Birthday Celebrations Somewhere
- Wednesday, Dec. 24 -- Christmas Dinner followed by Christmas Eve Appetizers
- Thursday, Dec. 25 -- ?

What's happened this first week with no actual physical therapy...
Monday -- A rough day at work but was able to do the therapy exercises though only part of the days stretches.
Tuesday -- Flexibility class, therapy exercises, and baking for Friday night coffee house.
Wednesday -- A crazy day of work including working 4+ hours in the evening until midnight, then making Sausage Balls. Exercises and stretches faltered pretty good.
Thursday -- Rough morning. I did make it to flexibility but that was about it. Potluck plus nice hamburger & fries with car folks.
Friday -- No flexibility. I did complete all the exercises but just one set of stretches.
Saturday -- Partial home therapy and house cleaning
Sunday -- Partial home therapy and mashed potato making

Have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving! 

La Semana Diecinueve: Towards Healthy Living

Welcome Winter & the First Real Snowfall!!!

La Semana Diecinueve: Monday, November 17, 2014 -- 210.0  lbs
La Semana Dieciocho: Monday, November 10, 2014 -- 211.2 lbs
La Semana Diecisiete: Monday, November 3, 2014 -- 211.6 lbs
La Semana Dieciseis: Monday, October 27, 2014 -- 209.4 lbs
La Semana Quince: Monday, October 20, 2014 -- 211 lbs (15.8 lbs -- 15 weeks)

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

This week marks the conclusion of physical therapy. I had two appointments this week on Monday and Wednesday. She finished the iontophoresis treatment and the soft tissue coconut cream treatment. She said that everything there was looking better and improving. Therefore, the other things that she is doing are exercises/stretches that I can take home and complete myself. So now I have to stay dedicated to doing them.

I also asked about when I could start hiking again. She said when I can walk without pain. Really not what, I wanted to hear as I was really hoping to get out sometime soon, if I could find a free moment to try to do some hiking.

The doctor said things appeared to be improving the movement of pain towards the ankle was a good sign. I wasn't feeling pain/numbness shoot down the foot either when he tapped at the top of the foot. Though the top of the foot still has numbing sensation and there is pain when I press down on my foot or pull up on my toes. Plus there is pain around the ankles from all the exercises. He said there is still neuropathy in the ankle area. I am to increase the cream treatment to at minimum 3 times a day. I return to see the doctor on the 15th of December until then I will work to continue my exercises and increase my hip and ankle strength.

Once I get back out hiking, we can see if anything good has come from the hip strengthening to improve the knees.

Monday -- Physical Therapy & Home Therapy; 16-min kart racing :)
Tuesday -- Home Therapy
Wednesday -- Physical Therapy (last one for now) & Home Therapy; Flexibility
Thursday -- Home Therapy with a lot of new exercises. Good thing I know my ABC's as I have to write them with my foot on a daily basis. Flexibility
Friday -- What a long exhausting day...I did my ankle therapy but not the hip therapy. My hips needed a break.
Saturday -- Ankle and hip therapy. Also attended a church workshop on the Gospels & Pope Francis. Then did a bit of standing at church at the Young Adults & Professionals table during the Stewardship Fair.
Sunday -- A lot of standing again at the Stewardship Fair. Not as good at stretching three times throughout the day but did get the actual exercises completed.

PS Please pray for safety of travel for all in the snow, especially me until the tires get changed out as they are not snow worthy tires.

La Semana Dieciocho: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Dieciocho: Monday, November 10, 2014 -- 211.2 lbs
La Semana Diecisiete: Monday, November 3, 2014 -- 211.6 lbs
La Semana Dieciseis: Monday, October 27, 2014 -- 209.4 lbs
La Semana Quince: Monday, October 20, 2014 -- 211 lbs (15.8 lbs -- 15 weeks)

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

A busy past week, as I prepared for a Young Adult & Professionals Retreat on the Seven Virtues & Vices of the Catholic Church. We had a great weekend out in the country, relaxing and rejuvenating. The next big thing on the schedule is helping with a one-day intergenerational Advent retreat in December, preparing to head to Guatemala again over New Year's, and some church programming in the Spring.

The holiday season is also upon us so I pray that I can manage my desires and wants to eat all the yummy things placed in front of me as we celebrate Thanksgiving, my birthday, my godson's birthday, and Christmas.

Today, Monday, I have a follow-up doctor appointment with the foot doctor and then therapy in the evening due to the need to adjust this week's therapy schedule. I think the foot is progressing in a positive direction. There is still pain on the top of the foot closer to the ankle. Lately, the heel and plantar fasciitis have not seen to be as inflamed even after being on my foot a lot Friday and Saturday. I'll report next week on the updates from the doc and therapist.

Monday -- Home Therapy & Flexibility Class
Tuesday & Thursday -- Home Therapy, Flexibility Class, & Physical Therapy
     8 minutes on the bike along with stretches and ankle exercises followed by electrode therapy & iontophoresis
Wednesday -- Home Therapy worked through Flexibility Class
Friday -- Work, Cooking, Annual Young Adult Retreat Weekend, Home Therapy
Saturday -- Annual young adult retreat weekend, spiritual time and service cleaning the place in which we called home for the weekend. Home Therapy, which included new ankle exercises.
Sunday -- Couple blocks of walking to and from church; Laundry; Unpacking; Home Therapy

La Semana Diecisiete: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Diecisiete: Monday, November 3, 2014 -- 211.6 lbs
La Semana Dieciseis: Monday, October 27, 2014 -- 209.4 lbs
La Semana Quince: Monday, October 20, 2014 -- 211 lbs (15.8 lbs -- 15 weeks)

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs


Still limping along not sure how things really are progressing. The left foot still has pain though the pain currently has moved from closer to the toes towards the middle of the foot, which in turn also means it is aggravated with slightly different movements of the  foot. I spoke to the doctors office on Friday and she said to continue the therapy and the 3 times a day cream therapy. Then we scheduled a follow-up for next Monday with the doctor.

Besides the anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome on the top of the foot, the foot also is fighting a heel spur and plantar fasciitis. The coconut therapy being performed for several weeks on the calf, shin, ankles, and bottom of the foot has seen progress. She says the calf and shin muscles are not in knots and gritty. The ankles are improving while the bottom of the foot still needs more work. Granted we started the bottom of the foot and ankles after the calf and shin so hopefully with a few more treatments those will be good to go as well.

Monday
Actually was a good day of following through on home therapy stretches and hip exercises.

Tuesday
Not so good on home therapy but physical therapy and completed the 8 mins on the bike followed by some new ankle/foot exercises. And also didn't make it to flexibility class due to a meeting schedule on top of it.

Wednesday
Home therapy and flexibility class

Thursday
Decent work on home therapy, flexibility class, and physical therapy with 8 mins on the bike which was a bit slower than normal weeks only completing about 2 miles instead of 2.3 miles. We continue to do the electrode therapy on the top & bottom of the foot. This time we moved it towards the center/arch of the foot due to the movement of the pain. Also continued the iontophoresis with dexamethasone treatment after the electrode therapy, but this week moved the treatment from point of pain to point of entrapment of the nerve. I think it does help some initially.

Friday
Home therapy and flexibility class.

Saturday
Home therapy. Accomplished a bit of laundry. Made homemade banana bread. Now, the goal is to not eat it all in a couple of days.

Sunday
Home therapy. Fixed breakfast and lunch for the week. Greek yogurt, frozen fruit, and salad.  



Eating habits are struggling the last few weeks with being so busy and somewhat stressed, I have not been making it to the store to get appropriate things. I hope this week to get back to eating salads for lunch.

La Semana Dieciséis: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Dieciseis: Monday, October 27, 2014 --209.4 lbs
La Semana Quince: Monday, October 20, 2014 -- 211 lbs (15.8 lbs -- 15 weeks)

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Tuesday & Thursday 
Physical Therapy days with 2.2+ miles on the bike. Not a lot of other physical activity with the issues surrounding the foot.  After Thursday, it was determined to change the focus of therapy to specifically the left foot and the other areas playing a roll in the foot pain. Currently doing a lot of electrode and medicine therapy on the top of the foot.

Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday
Normal flexibility class, at home PT exercises & stretches

Friday
At home PT exercises & stretches, no flexibility class as I worked from home.

Saturday
At home PT exercises and stretches; walked a bit around the Autocross Test & Tune down in Bowling Green

Sunday
Last autocross of the season. Walking of the course and around the site. So I failed to turn off or pause the 2nd workout therefore it has me walking 115.13 miles on Sunday, which though I walked a lot is inaccurate.

2.7 miles of course walking plus probably another mile of just general walking around for the day as well as a nice day of actual racing. The bad thing is I did a very poor job of hydrating myself both Saturday & Sunday so I am going to be playing catchup again for awhile.

I hope you are having a great week and staying motivated to stay in shape and be healthy!

La Semana Quince: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Quince: Monday, October 20, 2014 -- 211 lbs (15.8 lbs -- 15 weeks)

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Wow...15 weeks and 15.8  lbs. Two memorable trips over the past 15 weeks, Guatemala and then Europe (Portugal, Spain, France). In 10 weeks with God's grace, I will be back in Guatemala to share His love, heart, and hands with those there.

Besides the loss in weight over the past 15 weeks, my lab numbers have improved since the first part of April.
Cholesterol: April 4 -> Sept 30
Total                 272      239
Triglycerides     268      251
HDL                 41        46   (In Range)
VLDL               54        50
LDL                 177       143
Ratio                 4.3       3.1 (In Range)

Vitamin D         23.6      46.0
Insulin              23.2      22.6

White blood cell, Hematocrit, and Neutrophils (Absolute) are all still high.

In addition to seeing the general doctor, I also went back to the Sleep Center to review my first month of CPAP usage. I am having no obstructive situations with the machine. I still question, if this is what is really causing my sleep issues. I still wake up throughout the night almost like clock-work. I still feel tired in the afternoon/evening and can sleep real well on the couch in the afternoon/evening. He said that losing some more weight can help and maybe lead to not needing the machine at all. Therefore, we will keep trying to get down closer to my college graduating weight. There is still lots to go though.

And if that was not enough doctor visits, I also went back to the foot doctor. Current diagnosis is anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome. It is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but in the ankle. It manifests itself on the top of the foot due to tendon across the ankle and front of the foot pinching the nerves down the foot. I have read a bit and the pain in the middle of the 1st and 2nd toe is common with this as well as the tingling when the nerve is hit down the top of the foot. He prescribed some nerve cream which should arrive by Monday and also a suggestion for the physical therapist. We will see what DC has to say on Tuesday and where therapy goes from here.

This past week workouts...
Monday - Flexibility, HPT, and PT (8 mins on the bike, 2.2+ miles; electrode therapy btwn toes; coconut therapy calf, shin, ankle, bottom of foot)
Tuesday - Flexibility and HPT
Wednesday - Flexibility, HPT, PT (8 mins on the bike, 2.2+ miles; electrode therapy btwn toes; coconut therapy calf, shin, ankle, bottom of foot)
Thursday - HPT Partial lots of doctors visits and a very long nights sleep into Friday morning
Friday - HPT, Grocery Shopping, Laundry
Saturday - Walking around Georgetown's campus for homecoming followed by hanging out with KB, CB, and the boys (2 3.5 yr olds and 1 10 months old)
Sunday - Last autocross of the season in Lexington. About 3 miles walked. Last event until next spring is next week.

On Monday evening late, I started getting a sore throat that lasted into Wednesday. By Wednesday afternoon, massive sinus pressure was invading my head/nasal cavity area which lasted throughout Thursday. Mostly clear but some slight yellow discharge.

Well that is one large update for you. Thanks again for all of your support, prayers, and helping me stay accountable.

Until next week, blessings from God!

PS La Semana = Week

La Semana Catorce: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Catorce: Monday, October 13, 2014 -- 210.0 lbs
La Semana Trece: Monday, October 6, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs
La Semana Doce: Monday, September 28, 2014 -- 211 lbs
La Semana Once: Monday, September 22, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday - Flexibility class and home therapy exercises and stretches.

Tuesday - Dr appointment 100/60 blood pressure that is like the best I have heard in awhile. 212 lbs on these scales, which was apparently exactly the same from my last visit (April 2013) so I will take that. 5'7.5"

Physical Therapy, 2.2 miles on the bike. More exercises, stretching, and coconut therapy on the left lower leg and foot. Overall, my left foot was bothering me more Wednesday & Thursday.

Wednesday - Flexibility class...too much food with an entire building food day. Trip down to the ball courts for food and another to check out the dunk tank. A couple throws and a hit of the dunk tank followed but 2/3 basketball shots on top of the 3-point line. Amazing..first shot up and swoosh, not sure I could do that again.

Thursday -- 10 minute deep shoulder & neck massage; Physical Therapy, 2.3 miles on the bike. I was averaging 16 mph versus 15.5 mph in previous PT days. Not a lot of exercises today as still focusing on the left foot that is injured. Completed some ankle exercises, continued coconut therapy on the lower leg and foot, and electric therapy on the foot. Prescribed home therapy exercises and stretches. Flexibility class.

Bluegrass Indoor Karting (BIK) -- 2 8-minute races around the track

Friday -- Flexibility class focused on some back stretches. Home Therapy.

Saturday -- House cleaning, bathrooms, kitchen and a bed change, followed by a nice nap and overall a rather lazy day. 1 BIK race. Part of Home Therapy.

Sunday -- Autocross 2+ miles of walking around the course and parking lot. Followed by a race around the track at BIK. Home Therapy.

This week, I have two doctors appointments. One with the sleep doctor and the other with the general doctor. I will report on lab work next week or in a separate post once I meet with the doctor on Thursday. I will say though the numbers are still high many of the numbers have improved from April. There also may be another trip to the foot doctor. I will see how things feel in the morning.

Thanks again for all of you who are still following me! May this be encouraging to you to stay in shape and healthy or to get in shape and healthy. I know that hearing others stories helps me.

La Semana Trece: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Trece: Monday, October 6, 2014 --210.8 lbs
La Semana Doce: Monday, September 28, 2014 --211 lbs
La Semana Once: Monday, September 22, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday -- Flexibility Class & At Home PT Workout (HPT)

Tuesday -- Went in for lab work this morning to prepare for my upcoming doctor appointments. We will see how, if numbers have changed at all since April. HPT & PT

Wednesday -- Flexibility & HPT

Thursday -- HPT & PT; In PT, she has been focusing more on the foot and surrounding area. She started a coconut therapy to hopefully break up the grit in my muscles and help them move across one another in a smoother action. She described as dry spaghetti and how it easily glides across one another and cooked spaghetti that does not glide and is all tangled. That is how my muscles are cooked spaghetti all tangled and gritty and this therapy should help break up the grit and let the muscles glide smoothly like the dried spaghetti.

Friday -- Flexibility & HPT

Saturday -- My friend KB with her 2 - 3 year old boys and 9 month old picked me up Saturday morning and we drove to St. Meinrad. While there we toured part of the Monastery, attend mid-day service, and enjoyed time together with her other friends and children discussing their journey to become Oblates of the Benedictine Order at St. Meinrad. So I did get some walking and chasing after children in for the day along with HPT. 

Sunday -- You guessed right, another Sunday of racing. I walked the course a couple times and a few walks to the bathroom and back. I didn't calculate any mileage for the day but probably around 2 miles.

In PT, I usually ride the bike for 2.1 to 2.25 miles between 15 and 16 miles per hour and then we do a variety of stretches, leg exercises, and balancing activities. There is some improvement but the left foot is putting some restrictions on that as we concentrate there instead.

Thanks for reading, praying, and encouraging me to continue to move forward! May your week be full of blessings!

La Semana Doce: Towards Healthy Living

Foot update...The left foot is still having pain on the top. I did go to the doctor on Monday and had x-rays taken. No sign of fracture/break. He determined that the nerve was being pinched and prescribed a 6-day steroid pack. I missed my PT on Monday but went on Wednesday. D tested all the ligaments and joint movements in my foot to find almost 0 pain during those exercises. But a few activities did result in some pain so we were very careful not to do many weight bearing activities on the left side which is not good since it is the side that is in the worse shape.

La Semana Doce: Monday, September 28, 2014 --211 lbs
La Semana Once: Monday, September 22, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Tuesday & Wednesday -- Flexibility Class

Wednesday - PT: 8 minutes on the bicycle with no pain though tired quads (Approx 2 miles)
Friday - PT: 8 minutes on the bicycle with now pain though tired quads and struggling left leg
Sunday - Autocross 1.5 miles of walking course and around the lot early morning plus additional walking throughout the day. I did not track all of my walking.

Also continue to do my daily PT activities and stretches.

Half-Marathon hike on Saturday was a no go due to the continued foot pain. Next time.....

La Semana Once: Towards Healthy Living

One week left until the Marathon or Half-Marathon Hike, I am not quite where I had hoped to be but hoping to finish at minimum 13.1 miles or half-marathon.

La Semana Once: Monday, September 22, 2014 --210.8

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8
 

Monday

PT -- 8 mins, approx 2 miles on the bike followed by various activities working on my hips and balance plus stretching

Thursday

PT -- 8 mins, approx 2.1 miles on the bike followed by various activities working on my hips and balance plus stretching.

Saturday

Hike -- Well this ended up about .25 mile excursion out before the pain in the left foot seemed to be getting worse and not worth it. Guess it is a good thing that I turned around and returned back to the car because after the 20 min car ride back home, I couldn't put weight on my left foot enough to even get into the apartment. I ended up calling my neighbors RP & CP to see if RP could give me an arm to lean on to get into the apartment. They additionally were kind enough to let me borrow their walker to help me get around in the apartment. I really needed it on Saturday as the pain was excruciating if I put any weight on the foot especially the front. I tried meds, heat, and ice nothing seemed to really temper it.

Sunday -- It was supposed to be race day but instead ended up a trip to church and trip to return my GPS watch that did not do the trick and had to be returned today in order to get my money back. In the morning, the foot was still pretty sore even just putting pressure on the heel so I used the walker to get in and out of church. By afternoon, I was able to put a little more weight on the heel as long as I didn't roll the foot all the way over to the ball. The pain is not as excruciating as it was yesterday but still very sore.

What happened to my foot? I have no clue. The ankle, top of the foot was having some pain late Friday night. I iced it and went to bed. The top was still sore on Saturday but I thought it just needed to be stretched out and it would be okay. I guessed wrong and apparently aggravated it more. I am going to either go to PT or a doctor Monday to see what they have to say. Trying to schedule a doctor's appointment now. Updates later.

In addition to PT appointments, there is a series of stretches and leg raises for my hips to be completed each day. I have done a decent job of completing the exercises and doing half the stretching. Plus I have gone to flexibility class everyday but Friday as there was none.

Next week, I will update you on the success of the half-marathon hike, if I am able to complete it with this latest injury.

La Semana Ocho - Diez: Towards Healthy Living

Yes, I am back sorry for the extra week without posting. The last 3 almost 4 weeks have been full of adventures.

La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks) 

La Semana Siete: Monday, August 25, 2014 -- 214.0

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8

Amazingly, I actually lost a few pounds over the past few weeks as I adventured through Europe. An amazing adventure started on Thursday, August 28 ending on Monday, September 8. There was plenty of walking during the 10 days in country. The first and last day were mostly spent in airports, planes, and the bus from home to the airport. 

It was a Marian Pilgrimage through Portugal, Spain, and France. 

Some of the key areas visited included

Lisbon, Portugal

Fatima, Portugal

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Leon & Burgos, Spain

Lourdes, France

Paris, France

 

Free day, Friday, September 6, in Paris was our main day of walking. In mapping it out on Google, we walked 10+ miles from the hotel to the Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower back to the hotel. We also spent about 3 hours in the Louvre walking around and seeing all the amazing artifacts including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Saint Mary Magdalene, and more.

Though a lot of walking, there was also a lot of eating at breakfast and dinner with 3+ course meals and wine almost every night.

After returning on Monday, September 8, there was a bit of exercise on Tuesday walking around the cemetery. My dad's dad passed away the Friday after I left for Europe of old age. He was almost 92 and lived a very good life. We knew before leaving that time was limited as he had stopped eating the days prior to departure. Therefore, I spent some time at home after returning to be with the family.

On Wednesday, I went to physical therapy (PT) for an evaluation for my knees. I am looking forward to PT and hopefully improving whatever ails me so my knees don't give out while hiking. The current focus is on my hips and balance with 2 appointments per week, which started this week. I will write more about those for next weeks update.

Friday, September 12

A beautiful day for a nice, long hike at Jefferson Memorial Forest. I started our timing the trip with my new GPS watch, which is going back. The battery died at the end of the journey and it lost everything. 

Hike approx 9 miles from the Welcome Center to Horine Reservation (Blue Clockwise) around the Red (Counter Clockwise) back to the Blue finishing the clockwise trip around it back to the Welcome Center. Though I made a good 1/2 hour plus stop at the lake for some quiet, reflection time. 

Sunday, September 14 was race day so walking around the course before and during the middle as I ran second heat. 

So that concludes the previous 3 weeks and I will write about this week for the usual Monday report. 

La Semana Siete: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Siete: Monday, August 25, 2014 -- 214.0
La Semana Seis: Monday, August 18, 2014 --213.4

La Semana Cinco: Monday, August 11, 2014 --214.0

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8

Monday, August 18 - JMF Silstone & Purple Heart Trail 4.5 miles
   24.08                  1.1 miles  --  Welcome Center to Purple Heart Trail Connector via Silstone
   11.21                   ?.? miles  --  Purple Heart Trail Connector from Silstone+
   31.18                   ?.? miles --  Top of Main Hill
   14.70                   ?.? miles --  ?
   06.27
   25.79                  1.1 miles -- Purple Heart Trail Connector to Welcome Center via Silstone
 1:53.23                  4.2 miles    Avg 2.25 miles/hour

Monday - Wednesday
     Flexibility

Friday - Orthopedic Surgeon
     Surgeon said all my ligaments and muscles look good. My hamstrings are really tight and probably the weakness in my upper leg muscles on the left are causing the pain and discomfort. Also, the cartilage under my knee caps is breaking down.

      He prescribed physical therapy which I have an appointment for on Sept 10. In addition, a double cho-pat brace for both knees and if needed some prescription anti-inflammatory medication. I have not located and purchased the braces yet. I already was using a single brace underneath the kneecap so interested to see how the dual brace works.

Sunday - Autocross Racing
     These required some walking of the course prior to the event and again mid-event to share knowledge with fellow racers. It also included a lot of standing outside in the hot sun. It was a very warm day, especially compared to our weather thus far this summer.

Excuse me as I will not be writing for the upcoming 2 weeks but hope to have some great reports! Have a marvelous Labor Day!

La Semana Seis: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Seis: Monday, August 18, 2014 --213.4

La Semana Cinco: Monday, August 11, 2014 --214.0

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8

The week has been very busy but not very active. I was going to try to hike on Tuesday but after a long Monday followed by an extra long work day on Tuesday that did not happen. Then after an extremely long Friday, I was committed to sleep and getting things done at home on Saturday before visiting with friends all afternoon/evening.

Sunday was a bit of exercise walking the autocross course and helping put the trailer back afterwards, but definitely not enough to count for much. Hopefully, I will be able to get out at least once or twice this coming week.

Flexibility class I think also only happened twice this past week.

Thanks for those coming out to read and encourage along! It is great to be back in control of my life and eating though very much a work in progress.

La Semana Cinco: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cinco: Monday, August 11, 2014 --214.0

La Semana Cuatro: Monday, August 4, 2014 -- 215.*

La Semana Tres:  Monday, July 28, 2014 -- 217.4

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8

How has the past week gone?

Monday, August 4 -- 4.5 mile hike around Silstone & Purple Heart Trail

Trying to regularly attend the flexibility class at work. I only made it on Monday & Tuesday this past week.

Sunday, August 10 - 3.5 mile hike around Mitchell Hill Lake Trail from Welcome Center to the house

Amazing Works of the Lord

Our lives are one ever lasting journey through the world on earth to eternity in heaven. The journey is full of ups and downs, struggles and joys, happiness and sadness, friends and foes, sickness and health, and so much more. As I stop to again journal my health journey, I reflect on some of these recent journeys and their impacts.

On June 30/July 1, I participated in a sleep study as not being able to sleep through the night and being tired during the day was really wearing on me. The results of the study showed that I had slight to moderate sleep apnea. One of the biggest things the doctor said would help would be losing 30 lbs and also getting a sleep machine at least for a small period of time. It may not be something necessary forever. I still question a lot of that as I have had trouble sleeping for years even close to 50 lbs lighter. Since I am traveling a lot in the coming month, we are waiting for the machine until after my travels.

On July 14, I visited the family physician for a checkup and follow-up from my April appointment. Then he confirmed that I had mono at the beginning of this year/potentially the end of last year. This makes so much more sense of why I was so overly exhausted, unmotivated, and in ways paralyzed the first half of the year. Apparently by April when I saw the doctor, I was actually on the upswing and recovering from the mono. Not only had I just recently had mono. Apparently, I have also had mono at some point in time earlier. This is the first awareness of ever having mono.

Leading into these realizations, I had already begun to seek direction to get in shape because if not, I would not survive my upcoming trips to Guatemala and Europe. My mom and the other 50/60 year old ladies were going to be getting around Europe better than I. Therefore, I was slowly working on changing my mindset and trying to motivate myself to get in shape.

The question is how to get exercise. The heel spur on my foot and the heat was not going to motivate me to go running. I really despise gyms for cardio exercises. What I really enjoy is hiking, but it is not the smartest option by oneself. Then came 4^th of July weekend, it was a cool 4^th of July weekend and beautiful weather for hiking. Had it not been for needing to pack, I probably would have gone out earlier in the weekend, but I had a goal of packing for Guatemala so I could go to Lexington the following weekend. On Friday, I told myself if I get everything done I would go hiking on Sunday afternoon after church though still contemplating the whole fact of doing it alone. By Sunday, this was no longer an issue.

God works in funny ways. He first blessed me with friends to hang out with on the 4^th of July and enjoy fireworks and bonfire reminding me of 4^th of July 15 years ago in Australia. But when I came home late that night/early the next morning, I, as so many do, got on Facebook to see the latest posts from friends and family. One of the posts referred to a marathon hike but not any marathon hike. The title included “YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK!” and lots of encouraging words from TS, the event organizer. Really wanting to do more hiking, needing motivation, and folks to safely hike with, I said why not commit myself to the hike. By the way, there are intervals to the hike so one does not have to complete the whole 26+ miles to participate. If I can finish half+, I will feel accomplished.

In joining the event, TS continued his encouragement and invited folks to start out with a slower, more casual hike with the Louisville Hiking Meetup group on Sunday afternoon. I had looked at the group in the past but was unsure of joining. I did not want to slow down the group and was unsure of how folks would respond to someone slowing them down. Some of the language on the site was fairly strict about making sure you attend hikes that you are prepared. In knowing that TS was going to be there and his encouragement/willingness to help folks, I decided to take the plunge and instead of hiking by myself join in with the group. Wow, I am out of shape even for a slow slightly strenuous hike. I have hiked the Lake trail at Jefferson Memorial forest half a dozen times and never felt so out of shape, but it got me out there. I met knew people and went out again on Monday. There were two groups meeting that night. TS encouraged me to join with the 2^nd group as the first group definitely was out of my league. I had planned to just hike what I could while the fast group was out doing their thing. At least that way, I was not totally alone in the forest, but I decided to check out the other group.

The Monday night Slow Pace JMF 4.5 mile hike group has been great. That first night, my legs were still tense from the day before, and I was struggling big times on the hills. Shamefully, I did give in and let CH carry my backpack. The backpack, I have always worn hiking with a lot more in it that I had that first night. The group was very encouraging, checked back, and waited on me. We actually ended up cutting it short this first night for multiple reasons, which was perfectly fine with me because I was exhausted. I have participated 2 other times since then and do see some improvements. This past Monday was a lot cooler so it was a bit difficult to really notice the progress, but part of the progress also comes from carrying almost 10 lbs less.

This weekend was an official training hike for the marathon hike on September 27, 2014. There were multiple legs to the day. I chose to meet at Scotts Gap, where TS again encouragingly was willing to stick out and help anyone who needed to hike a bit slower with support and encouragement. The trail starts right out with a nice long hill that I started out way too fast and was quickly out of breath. Hills are killers, up takes my breath away and steep down kills my right knee. I am a pure mess. But TS came up along behind me and stayed with me to the end of the trail before heading off to catch up with the rest of the group. Without that motivation, I would still be stuck on that trail. It was full of ups and downs and hard to gain much speed to make up for the slower up hills. We did accomplish it (around 3.3 miles) in about 1.5 hrs give or take, neither great nor bad.

When the invite came out for Saturday, I decided to hike Scotts Gap depending on that trail either hike it again (no way) or hike the Mitchell Hill Lake trail. There was enough time to do another about 3 mile hike while they hiked the final 6.7 miles back to the Welcome Center. There was no way that I was doing Scotts Gap again and really wasn’t sure about the Lake trail. But after a peanut butter & jelly, PowerAde, and some rest, I felt that I could at least do the trail from the Welcome Center to the Lake trail and back. That is about 2.2 miles with the Lake trail another mile around with a nice hill in the back half going counter-clockwise. So I drove to the Welcome Center and took off. I ended up doing the full 3.2 miles around the lake and back to the Welcome Center. I returned just in time to meet up with everyone else from the longer hike. I was beaten, worn out, and didn’t really have the energy to stand more less stretch. I did try to stretch some knowing that if not, I would regret it the next day. Then a few of us headed to Penn Station for some lunch/dinner. Overall, it was a good day and I felt accomplished having hiked about 6.5 miles again. Amazingly, today I am not too sore or tired, and my new shoes did alright. My 10+ year old boots started falling apart on Monday night :(. Thankfully, I had already checked out shoes and bought some low top hiking boots before my trip to Guatemala.

That was a summary of my recent workouts and hiking, but as I started this, God works in amazing ways. As I may still be sitting contemplating getting out and hiking and trying to lose weight had God not connected TS and I through autocross at the beginning of the year. Not only does TS autocross, he is my main competition and really forcing me to work on improving my autocross skills, and now his motivation and skills are helping me get back in shape and do one of my favorite things, hike and be in nature.

It has been just shy of a year since you heard from me last and let’s just say life has been full of craziness and business as you can tell from this post. I do look forward to sharing more about some of the exciting things that have happened, but for now, I hope you will once again walk with me. I look to hopefully not only get in better shape, lose weight, but find a lifestyle change that will not fall apart when other life factors happen and work hard to derail on the efforts previously put in place. Hoping some new accountability and encouragement from new and old friends will help me carry forward.

Thanks for anyone who is still out here patiently waiting for new updates!

Here is a synopsis of the first 3 weeks. Tomorrow ends the 4^th week since I started tracking my weight and hiking again.

La Semana Tres:  Monday, July 28, 2014 -- 217.4

La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8

Most likely the heaviest ever

36.4 lbs from Dec 2012

46.8 lbs from Aug 2009

---------Previous Health Ups & Downs---------

Sunday, September 1, 2013 -- 209.6

Tuesday, July 9, 2013 -- 206.8

Monday, December 3, 2012 -- 190.4

Monday, April 23, 2012 -- 211.4

Monday, August 10, 2009 -- 180