When life hands you lemons…

So you may recall from previous blog posts that my Dad and I have a daily exercise date at 4:30 a.m. We meet five days a week and I get my running fix in.

Running helps me clear my head and makes everything better for me. It’s very therapeutic.

Between Christmas and New Year's I got a rude awakening. Literally! I was awoken in the middle of the night by what I can only describe as a feeling like if someone was sticking pins in a voodoo doll's hip. A voodoo doll that was supposed to be me!

Literally out of a dead sleep my hip locked up and I screamed out loud.

After four days of dragging my leg behind me in pain while I walked and relying on a combination of Icy Hot, massages, Advil, and a healthy dose of self-pity, I emailed Pattie Foley (VP, Outpatient Services) for a consult.

 

It turns out that I have something called Iliotibial Band Syndrome (or ITBs). While it has a long, fancy name it just means I strained the muscle between my hip and knee. 

And guess what the fix is? Rest and stretching. It has now been over a week of trying to fix this and I have to say that I have been miserable. Actually, that is an understatement.

You know I am addicted to my FitBit, so reaching my daily goal is basically out of the question. Plus, my running has been completely sidelined, eliminating all opportunities for me to clear my head!

Are you enjoying my pity party yet?

This whole inconvenience has forced me to try other ways to heal, such as deep cleansing breaths. But, it has also been a stark reminder of just how hard it is for our kids and their parents who are recovering from what they are dealing with.

Yes, there are signs of life and healing, but I have to keep reminding myself that it is a process and no amount of gnashing of teeth or rushing will replace the hard work and time. Patience is key.

I’m curious – do you have a story similar to mine where you had to work through something challenging that tested your patience? Or do you have advice for me – besides put my big girl pants on and stop whining – to help me through my challenge?

Confession: I’m obsessed with tracking my steps

You may have already heard that I am hooked on my Fitbit – an activity tracker that you wear to track your steps, count your calories, and even help you see how well you sleep.

I’m VERY serious about making sure I hit my goal in steps each day. I park farther away from the front door of wherever I’m headed and take the stairs whenever possible.

If I haven’t completed my goal of 12,500 (you can set your goal to whatever you want) at the end of the night, I stand by my bed and march in place to get the steps in. See? I told you I’m serious about it! Some might say obsessed… but it’s for a good reason. 

Since I have got my Fitbit in March, there have only been 5 days that I missed my goal. The Fitbit is such an easy way to say “wait, this is important for me to do.” Plus, it’s fun to watch the step counter go up as you climb to your goal!

I don’t think my goal of 12,500 steps is going to change the course of my life but it is one thing that I do each and every day that is just for me. No one else cares whether I do it or not, but to me it is the time I carve out for myself and because of that it’s important to me. Plus, I feel a sense of accomplishment as soon as I reach that goal!

There are times when I can’t make it to the gym because of my schedule or the snow has sucked the life out of me and I just can’t slug through. I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling the effects of the weather! But I always have my trusty Fitbit on my wrist saying “Don’t forget me; you’re so close to your goal!”

Is there something you do each day to take care of yourself? Maybe meditation, a walk around the block – something that is just for you, and while it might not change the course of your life, you still do it because it matters just to you?