Twice crippled

Yesterday, February 17, 2013 marked two years since I was hit by a car while walking in a parking lot. As a result of the accident, I suffered an Acute Tibial Plateau Fracture and two weeks later I had Open Reduction Surgery to repair it. The surgery left me with a metal plate and 14 screws in my left leg. I spent months and months healing and rehabbing my leg.

At the time of the accident, I was actively working to kick obesity to the curb. I'd lost about 145 pounds, been working out faithfully, and I was in the best shape of my life. I was feeling really, really good. I was even training to run a half marathon that upcoming summer.

It's funny how in the blink of an eye things can change. I went from training for my first ever half marathon to rehabbing a fractured Tibia with no warning.

I'm grateful the accident didn't cause more damage. Though, I do sometimes wonder where I'd be physically if I weren't for the accident. Two years later, I'm able to perform all physical activities that I was able to perform pre-accident. I have to be more cautious doing some activities, but I can do most everything and I do most everything.

There have been two times in my life when I was crippled and unable to walk:

1. When I was weighed down by 388 pounds
2. When I was hit by a car and suffered a broken Tibia 

When I was crippled by the weight there was no desire to be physical activity. But, when my leg was fractured I had a burning desire to be active. Working out had become a huge part of my new life. Understandably, I was saddened, angry, and scared. Sad because my physical endurance was at it's peak. Angry because why me. Scared to think maybe my leg wouldn't heal and I wouldn't be able to walk or be active again.

After a  huge pity party with party favors included. I decided not to hang my head. Instead, with a positive attitude I put in the necessary work. My leg was broken, but not my spirit. So, I stayed active working out at the gym doing what I could do, going to physical therapy, and I even kept a social calendar. After six months of rehabbing I was able to resume most activities. And, in the midst of it all I lost 15 pounds!

Since I've been crippled twice in my life, I can appreciate the simple act of walking that much more. I will never, ever take the simple act of walking for granted. I walk because I can. I walk because it feels good. I walk because I remember when I couldn't walk and I so desperately wanted to. Now, when I put one foot in front of the other I realize how precious my steps are.

So, yesterday, to celebrate two-year post accident, I hit LaCamas Heritage Trail walking.

Forward movement and change

Change is good.  Change is frightening. Change is liberating. Change is necessary.   So often we become stagnant in our everyday lives and are afraid to make changes. Even when the changes are for the better. It could be the smallest change: a new hair cut, maybe spruce up our living room with a new bold color paint, or buy a new daring pair of shoes. Then there's the major changes: dump the partner that is zapping our energy, quit the dead end job, or lose those unwanted 30 lbs. Whatever it is that is keeping us in a negative place we often opt to stay there because we're fearful of making the changes and putting in the necessary work. It's a crazy oxymoron.

Everything is going well in life all is fine and dandy. We find ourselves in a comfort zone. We like our job, our partner, etc., but there are always areas that we can improve to make us better.  I'm always looking for ways to improve, grow. I strive everyday to be better. I refuse to become complacent and sit still. Life is about forward movement. My weight loss and self transformation journey to date is the BIGGEST change I've ever made. I say this all the time, this is a transformation from the inside out. Besides, making changes in my diet and becoming physically active. There were plenty of things I did NOT like about my character:

• I'd tell someone I was going to do something and then I wouldn't. And, to boot I'd have a flip attitude about it if they asked me about it. 
• I gave up really easy. If anything caused a challenge. Forget it. Game over. I quit.
• I didn't value myself and had a horrible desire for validation from others
• Negative outlook
• Selfish, selfish, selfish

I've had to take a long hard look at myself and make all sorts of changes. It's been a long painful yet very rewarding journey. Sometimes, I wonder when will I stop changing.  I think, I can honestly say-- never.

For those in a comfort zone. For those in a negative place. I challenge you to find it within yourself to make the necessary changes to do whatever is you want to do, reach whatever goal you want to reach, and become the BEST person you can be. One thing is for sure, you can't keep doing the same things and get different results. If you've been contemplating making changes in your lives - the time is now. Here's to forward movement and change.

Fit by Forty

The official bid for my quest to be "Fit by Forty" begins! I have exactly one year until my 40th birthday. In order to make my weight goal of 160 lbs. I need to lose an additional 60 lbs. Although I have set the weight goal I realize that it may be the most difficult goal of all to achieve. I know how tricky the human body is so instead of getting all wrapped up in numbers, I will concentrate on things I can control:

• Continue to dial in on the MOST important factor, diet
• Improve my physical endurance by pushing myself a little further in workouts
• Perform more challenging exercises
• Speak kind, positive, affirming words to myself
• Proper rest and recovery - balance
• Laugh and have fun - this is going to be one heck of a ride

On my 40th birthday I plan on being in the best physical, mental, emotional shape of my life. Not Serena William's life or my friend, Katina's life, but MY life. I've haven't been under 200 lbs. for as long as I can remember so I'm not really even sure what I will look like or feel like - so excited to find out. Of course, I will keep you updated with photos, FB updates, and blog posts.

I Apologize

Dear Body,

If only I would have cherished you long ago, but instead I abused you and took advantage of you. For years, I ate all the wrong food. Not once did I think of how the food I ate affected you and your ability to perform. It was very typical of me to eat enormous servings of fat laden foods and then wash it all down with sugary drinks. I avoided physical activity like the plague. I never stopped to think about the damage I was causing you by my lack of exercise.

Oh, precious body. I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done to you. Thank you for hanging in there with me despite all the abuse. I realize how fortunate I am to not have developed any major conditions or diseases due to my neglectful ways. It has taken me the better part of my life to figure out what a truly intricate, amazing, and beautiful machine you are. You deserve the highest of respect. I vow from this day forward to never forsake you again. I promise to eat healthy foods that nourish you and to exercise regularly to keep you strong.



Love always,



Chrisetta