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.