Merry Christmas! I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog and following me on my journey to get healthy and become a stronger runner. My hope is that you have been inspired by my experience and will take steps to improve your own health and running through better nutrition. It’s almost hard to imagine that this time last year I didn’t know if I’d ever run competitively again. When asked what I was training for I would reply, “I’m not, I just want to get healthy again.” I took a major step and enrolled in the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and began to pursue my own journey to better health.
As 2014 is quickly winding down I find myself reflecting on how my life has changed for the better and the things that I have accomplished this year. I began by making small changes to my eating habits. I found new ways to add veggies in on a daily basis. I learned to crowd out much of the highly processed foods I had been eating. It took almost 6 months, but eventually the nagging pain in my heal that had caused me to walk most of the last 7 miles of the Twin Cities Marathon in October 2013 subsided. While I’m sure the almost 3 month off and the very gradual return to running helped, I also believe that my dietary changes played an important role as I have not had any other injuries since.
Not only did I return to running, but I had a successful year racing! The competitor in me is still alive and well. It seems hard to believe that this time last year I actually thought that I would not race again. It took patience and consistently showing up for my workouts, but eventually I saw my 5K times begin to drop below 22 minutes. I even won the River City Run/Walk 5K and the Milk Run 5K. I finally had a positive marathon experience at the Athens Authentic Marathon last month, running a 16 minute PR. I closed out my year racing with an unplanned run and another 2 minute PR at the CASA Half Marathon.
In the years prior to 2014 I had suspected I need to make changes to my diet, but I was hesitant because I didn’t want to have to give up all my favorite foods or become a slave to a food journal. I didn’t want to trade my precious time to track calories and food groups. I had mastered the art of eating in moderation and I really didn’t want someone telling me what I could no longer have or go on a diet!
Good news! I learned it doesn’t have to be this way. I want to share with you some of the things I have learned this year and show you how easy it can be. No deprivation required!
As my Christmas gift to you, I have teamed up with a few of my favorite health coaches, including Elizabeth Finch and Mellanee Harmon, to bring you an Exclusive FREE Webinar designed to get you off to a great start in 2015 and help you Ditch the Diets for good!
What you will learn when you attend the FREE Webinar:
- What is the glycemic index and why is it essential for you to understand it if you want to loose weight and keep it off for good?
- How you can feel more energized, improve your mood and improve your health?
- Why do your cravings seem to be out of control and how do you put the brakes on them?
- Tips and strategies that you can implement NOW to overcome what is holding you back and keeping you from being the very best you can be!
Are you ready to make 2015 Your Year and Ditch the Diets for good? Sign up today and join us live on Sunday, December 28th at 6PM CST. It’s FREE so what do you have to lose besides a few undated pound and feeling sick and tired all the time?
Don’t wait, register now! Space is limited and spots will fill up fast! As a special gift to all those that register, we will send you a recording of the webinar so that you can watch it again and take notes.
Yes, Sign Me Up!
I look forward to seeing you on the Webinar next week! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Hi Beverly! I too have dealt with issues that caused me to develop an auto-immune disease back in 2001. After moving to Arkansas 9 years ago I often found myself feeling really alone because I didn’t know anyone, but then made some local friends. Even after moving over to Little Rock, all of my friends were health coaches. I thank social media for helping me to have people to talk to (friends and family back in Michigan and here in Arkansas) That connection is invaluable. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I realized that if I am under stress I don’t even know it. I don’t really feel it physically. This dumbfounded me because my stress hormone was high, but I didn’t feel bad. Anxiety also acts similarly like fear towards me, but I do feel the butterflies of anxiety now. Working out on a regular basis has helped me to squash stress and anxiety. Plus now, cbd oil has been the biggest and most fantastic way I have been able to cope after being homebound and stuck on the couch since April with a severely sprained ankle. Even getting on a plane (which I hate to do) I had no anxiety at all. I feel super relaxed these days, and finally I am able to begin working out….not running at this time, but I can move and walk a few miles a day now. It has been so helpful to connect with other coaches like yourself and speak more about this. In not speaking about it more diseases can pop up unexpectedly and we never want this to happen. It is time to Heal. Love ya Beverly!!
Great points Heidi! Like you, I didn’t even know I was suffering from anxiety until I sought help sorting through all the craziness in my life. Hmm…CBD oil…who knew! I agree, we need to speak out more. I think too many people put up a front and suffer in silence!
Thank you for sharing your story. You are so brave. If you ever want to compare notes on fear, anxiety, grief, not being able to get out of bed, coping with and without running as your crutch, reinventing yourself, truly finding your faith in Christ; my heart always has time and a place for you and your twin!!! ❤️ Conlin.cathy@gmail.com
Oh I bet you could Cathy! Thank you so much for sharing. I don’t think we talk about mental health enough. I am so proud of you for finding your faith and strength in the Lord. He is ever present, evening our worst storms!
Hi Beverly,
I so miss connecting with you all! I too have very much shared your journey. I’m on the other side of it now but am changing many things in my life wich as you know comes with its own grieving as we leave the old behind. It’s lovely to see you share your story as I know it helps many of us.
Would love to get together again.
Hugs,
Kelley
Kelley I miss you too! Thank you for your kind words and your support. We need to get the Soul Sisters together again!