Change of course

It’s funny how in a blink of an eye your life can change for better or worse. In split seconds, I went from training for my first ever half-marathon to being hit by a car while walking in a parking lot. Bang. I was transported by ambulance to the hospital to learn that I suffered an Acute Tibial Plateau Fracture.

After receiving the initial diagnosis from an ER visit, I met with an orthopedic surgeon last week.  He feels with the type of fracture I suffered and the type of active lifestyle I want to lead, Open Reduction Surgery is the best alternative. Bang. Restricted workouts. No marathon. Instead, I’ll spend the next 12 weeks recovering, rehabbing, and focusing on my diet.

Things certainly don’t always work out the way we plan. I’m a very organized person, a planner. With that said, I’ve learned the hard way on many occasions that my plan is not always, the plan. Believe you me -- I had no intention on rehabbing a fractured leg. For goodness’ sake, Megan was about to take my training to the next level; I was gaining momentum with my weight training; my jogging was coming along well; my physical endurance at its peak. Just as I’m stomping obesity down. Bam. Just like that. Sidelined. Curtailed.

Needless to say, this is a very difficult time for me. I have worked really, really hard to get to this level – physically. I am angry, sad, frustrated, and disappointed. Surely, these are all normal feelings to have after a derailment of this sort.

The course has changed. My spirit, however, remains intact. The will, determination, desire is still very much alive in me. The same fight that has propelled me to lose 155 lbs. will guide me through the recovery process too. Like legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, said: "It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up."

Counting my blessings... 

1. It's only a broken leg
2. I’m not paralyzed
3. I’m relatively fit so that will aid in my quick, recovery
4. I am surrounded by awesome, positive, encouraging folks who want me to, and will help me succeed.

One sleep away…

Bulky temporary cast 

...From learning my prognosis. For some reason, I have no anxiety at all about tomorrow’s visit at the Fracture Clinic. Well, except we’re expecting snow in the area tonight and that could possibly make for a messy commute in the morning. Otherwise, I’m calm and peaceful and have this overall sense that everything is going to be just fine. The doctor will give me a once over, maybe even do another set of X-rays just to confirm the Acute Tibial Plateau Fracture is healing properly and thus rule out the need for surgery. They’ll replace my temporary cast with a new vibrant color fiberglass cast (I’m partial to purple) and send me on my way with a recovery plan. On prognosis eve, I am speaking my quick, painless recovery into existence. 

Eating Healthy Never Tasted So Good

Breakfast is served! Bye-bye traditional fat laden breakfast sandwich. Hello to this heart-healthy delicious alternative. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Make it count. Spelt toast with butter (real butter is good fat), two organic eggs, topped with asparagus. Served with chilled grapefruit. Let the day begin.

Brighter days



“For every dark night, there's a brighter day.” ~Tupac Shakur

I found this photo (left) last night. I’m appalled to say the least. I mean, really. Look at me hiding behind that big, fake smile. At the time I weighed in around 290 lbs. Down from my highest weight of 388 lbs. but, still ...I thought losing 100 lbs. was enough. I was complacent. I figured I always was just going to be a big girl. In retrospect, I was too lazy, unmotivated, and unwilling to do anything about it. That’s all I’m going to say. My thoughts are far too negative and I no longer care to spend my precious time going there. Besides, no need in looking back as I will never, ever, ever return to that dark, miserable place. Instead, of dwelling on the past, I’ll rejoice for I'm finding myself and creating a beautiful, peaceful, active, healthy life.

Eating Healthy Never Tasted So Good

I served this delightful heart-healthy meal for dinner last night. Wild-caught Salmon grilled to perfection with a homemade honey ginger glaze served atop fresh baby spinach sautéed in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and garlic with plum tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon juice. Salmon is chock-full of Omega 3 fatty acids and spinach packs a punch with vitamins A, K, and calcium. No guilt here just pure indulgence.

Thank you

Since the inception of Farewell Fatso! I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with some incredible folks. Many of you have come back to my page time and time again to congratulate, encourage, and thank me. It’s my turn…Thank you! My heart is filled with joy as I reviewed your beautiful words. Like I've said before battling obesity is not something you can do in silence. Thank you for allowing me to share my story. This is a two-way street, y’all motivate and inspire me too.

This one’s for each and every one of you.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

My big mouth

Oh my, what have I done? One too many email exchanges and I’ve committed myself to participate in a half marathon. First off, I’m not even a runner. Secondly, I don’t really want to be a runner. Although I have experienced the runner’s high before and I admit I do kind of like it. Next, and probably most importantly I have some pretty bad knees. Megan, however, agreed that I could pull this off. And, without her approval, well I just wouldn't do it. At this point, she knows what my physical limits are more than I do.

Yesterday, I met with a girlfriend who shared her marathon experience with me and a neighbor recently gave me her insights too. The consensus is that I should run part and walk part. My goal is to run at least five miles. I hear this guy Jeff Galloway’s program is the best to follow. He prescribes that you run and walk in intervals the whole course. So following his theory, Megan, and countless other folks who will feed me information I’m sure to meet the challenge.  But, just so we’re clear -- I’m petrified. How on earth are my legs going to carry me 13.1 miles? In 130 days I’ll find out. I guess, I should shut my fat trap and get to training. Heavy sigh. Me and my big mouth.

---

I’m training for the Vancouver USA Marathon. That does sound kind of cool. Oh and the bragging rights after completion will be so sweet.

No gimmicks, no frills

Loving myself

I’m hard on myself, really, really hard on myself. Lately, I’ve been thinking about the negative things I say to myself and I’ve decided it’s time I knock it off. I would never allow anyone else to say such terrible things about me or criticize me the way I do. I need to be kinder, gentler, and more loving to myself. This journey is not just about physical transformation. I want to radiate beauty from the inside out. I want to be a peaceful, positive, vibrant, confident, healthy, and fit woman. So…It’s time I rid myself of the demons. It’s time I quit victimizing myself. It’s time I really, really start loving myself. No more negative self talk. I’m not fat. Fat is a state of mind.  It’s time I get out of my own way. I can do anything I set my mind to. It’s time for me to shine like the diamond that I am. Starting here and now.