Thursday, December 24

December 24, 2009 - My Xmas Present to You All!


Merry Christmas Everyone!

The photo is from today's Rudolph Run. That is me in the red sweatshirt. I do not know who the other people are, but I must tell you that they finished a lot before me! The picture is from the Rudolph Run web site.

This year for Christmas I offer you the gifts that I have received during my learning to "live better" process that I started about 18 months ago.

1) Try New Things, Even If You Are Skeptical
If you had asked me 2 years ago if I would try acupuncture, I am sure I would have said; "No!" As my faithful readers know, not only has acupuncture helped, it has also provided MANY amusing stories!

2) It's Okay to Be the Caboose
As long as you are trying it is okay to take longer than others. Whether you cross the finish line last, or first, you still crossed the finish line! For my friends that are also trying to lose weight and be healthy, do not compare yourself to others. Everyone is different and we all get there as long as we stay on the track.

3) Laugh At Yourself
Earlier this week I put on my Facebook status about a bad day I experienced. I ripped my pants, lost my parking card, and locked my keys in the office building. However, not once did I chastise myself or get upset. There was nothing I could do about any of it after it happened. All I could do was laugh at myself and learn the lessons from it!

4) Forgive
Over the past year I have heard some rude comments regarding my quest to live healthier and lose weight. I do not hold on to those comments because they add to my "weight." It is best to forgive those that do not understand or stay away from the negativity. Part of forgiving is realizing the comments or actions of others normally has nothing to do with you.

5) Live To Fight Another Day
As we all know, I sometimes get discouraged with my training and placement in the Walk/Runs in which I "compete." For example, today I REALLY wanted to not be in last place. As I started to pick up the pace to pass the folks in front of me, I felt my injured hamstring snap. It was then that I realized and actually thought the words; "Live to Fight Another Day." I could have tried to pick up the speed and undoubtedly caused further injury. For what purpose? It is okay to rest and recover in order to fight future battles.

6) Live Simply
I have yet to accomplish living simply, but you will notice in the next year it will be a big part of my weight loss and healthy living goals. I also think it is appropriate for Christmas time. We all need to remind ourselves of what is really important. I do not need to have a lot of material extras in order to be happy and healthy. I just need food, clothing, shelter, transportation, my pets, friends and family.

7) Be Happy With Who You Are
Even though I am on a mission to improve my health I must be happy with who I am as a person. There are many things that I cannot change nor should I. We all need to be happy with the core of our being. If we are not happy with who we are then we can never truly reach any of our goals.

8) Always Continue To Improve
I believe it was Benjamin Franklin that wrote something about once you change one habit there will always be another habit to change...it is a vicious cycle. That is okay with me. I know that I will always have to try to live healthy. It will not be something that can ever be "turned off" and become a habit necessarily. Some of it is easier now, but not all of it. The past few months have not been as good as others in the respect of eating choices, but my exercise has been the best ever. It will always be something to continue to improve upon for the rest of the time I have to spend on earth. I must make the best of it!

9) Just Live
Stop and smell the Roses! We all flit from here to there and everywhere. Be sure to experience pure joy once a day. Play fetch with the dog. Hug a kid. Watch the clouds. Just enjoy the time you have on earth. We all need to make sure to enjoy life every day.

10) Be Thankful and MEAN IT!
I want to thank everyone that has supported me and offered words of encouragement. I also want to thank those that read my blog, but never say a word. Due to the wonders of tracking on the internet I know you are out there...thank you for reading! Most importantly, I need to thank my Sister who listens to all of the good and bad, my friends who are patient with me, and Kristi's Army (PT Bruiser, the Social Workers, the Dietitians, Dr. Pins and Needles, and of course Dr. Pita (even though he can wear the same pants he wore in High School)).

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

Sunday, December 13

December 13, 2009 - Jingle Bell Run Update

Hello All,

This is just a quick update. I will update more on Wednesday. I was not able to post on my normal day this week. The days just "got away from me" after Wednesday.

For those that read my blog on Facebook, they noticed I was raising money for the Arthritis Foundation as part of the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. I raised 240.00 dollars. It was an interesting and fun event for something that almost all of us can understand.

I want to thank everyone that donated! You can still donate at http://jinglebellrunindianapolis.kintera.org/kristiasher

I am struggling with the Half Marathon Training due to the nagging knee injury, but I am working hard at developing the strength in both my knees. I am trying to do a bit more cross training this time, but I am a bit discouraged as the pain just keeps coming back to haunt me.

My food is a bit better, but I need to get more fruits and veggies back into my diet. It will always be a struggle, I suppose. I need to come up with a way that when I get super busy to do a better job of taking food with me wherever I end up during the day.

Well, that is all I have time for this week. I have a funny story to share on Wednesday.

Til Then,
Kristi

Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com

Thursday, December 3

December 2, 2009 - 1% Body Fat is A Lot, Dr. Pita


Hello,

I am a bit late this week in my posting. I just got a bit busy at work and home. Y'all know how that happens!

I have been a bit discouraged the last couple of months since the scale has basically quit moving. I have maintained though, which is GREAT.

Which brings me to today's story...

The day before my appointment with Dr. Pita I sent him some information via e-mail that he requested. Of course, I figured I better turn it in before my next appointment so I would not be asked 20 questions about it. At the bottom of my e-mail I wrote; "Do not yell at me tomorrow, I am sure I gained weight."

Sure enough, I was up 4 pounds. I deserved it. I was eating too much fast food.

The conversation went something like this.

Dr. Pita; "Well, what you you going to do about this?"
Me; "Eat better. However, I have been exercising A LOT."
Dr. Pita; "Hmmmmmm...well you are going to have to stick with the fundamentals."
Me; "Mmm Hmmm"

We went on to speak about other things.

I headed to the Social Worker's office. While in the Social Worker's office I looked at the printout from the scale.

The printout said that I was up a bunch of water and up 2 pounds of muscle. I was DOWN 1% Body Fat!!! Woo Hoo!!! My body fat percentage had not moved in a few MONTHS!

Me;"HEY, I deserve kudos for being down in body fat! That is the most important thing, after all."
Social Worker; "You are right you do deserve kudos for that!!"

I confront Dr. Pita..

Dr. Pita; "Nope. No kudos for you!" (Obviously a Seinfeld reference).
Me; "Hmph!"
Me Thinking; "You are sooooo going to be made fun of in the blog."

Dr. Pita wonders why I give him a hard time....Why wouldn't I?

Til Next Week,
Kristi

Originally published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com