God bless us each and every one!!!

With Christmas just two days away I like to look back over the year and see the things I'm thankful for and see the things I could have done better at. This year has been a year of mostly ups. I have been so blessed this year its almost not fair. lol First of all I have such a wonderful husband and two wonderful sons that have been trying their best to help me out and be supportive (even Mason who hates smoothies but will drink one to show he loves me). Second I have so many loving and supportive friends and Dr's (that I work for) who tell me every day how proud they are of me and are so happy for me when I accomplish a goal. I was accepted on the Covenant health biggest winner/marathon team and I can't even start to tell you how much it has already improved my life. I have so much more self esteem and for the first time in a long time I don't hate myself when I look into the mirror. I see so much potential in myself and I haven't been that way in years. The team has also given me lots of new friends and you know you can never have too many friends especially ones who are working for the same goal as you are. Ok enough of the mushy girl talk lol. I'm sure you all are wondering what I did with myself this week. First I have to let you know that we have been slammed at work so this week has been a slow one for me as far as exercise goes. I've done mostly 30-40 min on the recumbent bike and about 45 min of weight training at the gym. One of the funnest and greatest exercise I have found is my husband had bought me a x-box kinect with a game called your shape fitness evolved. It is so much fun and it makes sure you do the exercises correctly. I'm also thinking about getting the biggest looser game it looks fun also. when I did get a little time away from work this week I also got some of my other stuff done. I went back to see the dietitian Barbra. I have to say I love to go see her. I know she will call me on what I do wrong and she helps me so much to see how I can do it differently. She does get on me about not eating enough carbs. I think me whole life I have been taught carbs are bad so it is very hard for me to get out of that way of thinking but I'm honestly trying very hard. She did tell me that she was so proud of me because I make healthy food choices though. This time when I went to visit her she taught me how to read labels. I have to say I didn't have a clue. This is what you look for: 1. serving size 2. total fat need 5g or less a day. 3. sodium needs to be 300mg or less for a serving and no more than 2400 a day. 4. Total Carbs 12-19 gr = 1 carb serving, 24-38 = 2 carb servings. need 2carb serving for breakfast and lunch and 3-4 carb serving for dinner and 2 carb serving for a snack a day. 5. protein ...7gr = 1oz of meat. Also if the fiber in your food is 5gr or greater you can subtract this number from the total carbs and most importantly for me a meal must be over 200 calories anything less than that is just a snack. I hope I didn't confuse you with all the info I just found it very informative. It was another light bulb moment for myself. I also did my runners evaluation this week and found out the main reason my hips hurt when I run is because my hips are very weak especially in my right leg which is my bad leg. I was given a blue band and a set of exercises I'm to do three times a week to try to strengthen my hips up. It was kind of crazy to do the runners evaluation because it reminded me so much of my times in P.T. after my wreck and some of the exercises I'm having to do are the same ones I had to do to get back walking. Oh forgot to tell you when I got on the special scale they have at the weight loss center it showed that I'm still at 6lbs weight loss, but I have converted 13lbs from fat to muscle. woohooo go me!!! Well I'm going to go wrap some Christmas presents and spend time with my boys. I hope each and every one of you have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Try not to eat too much and when your with your family (even though they might drive you crazy) look around a take the time to realize how wonderful your life is. I'm not saying life is perfect or at times very hard I'm just saying that family is special and having a chance to be close to them tell them you love them and heck having them there to get under your skin is a huge blessing that I think sometimes we forget.

so sore it hurts to breath.

I've decided that until Christmas/New years is over I'm only going to be able to blog once a week. I've been a busy busy girl with work. This week has been no exception. This week I have been working on drinking more water and watching what I'm eating because I've had to cut down to 30min workouts this week. After the race last Saturday I must have somehow pulled my quad just a little. I was so determined to run across the finish line that I pushed myself past the pain to run. I learned that is not the best idea because you pay for that idea for days. I started icing my leg as soon as I got home and taking ibuprofen. Two days later I did a little heat. It took like 2-3 days but my leg is back to normal now. While I have been trying to recoup I've been doing the stationary bike and trying to do upper body workouts. One night I even tried belly dancing I've not laughed that hard in a long time. She was trying to teach us how to move our pelvis in a figure eight motion and I looked as if I was having a seizure. Don't think it was the sexy look she was going for. I did start doing planks and was able to hold it a min a few times a day. You wouldn't think holding yourself in one spot would be hard but it kicks my butt every time. On Saturday morning I met up with my biggest winner team at runners market Western plaza at 7:50AM. We ended up doing 5 miles. We were told to walk at first then to pick it up. My coach Missy Kane helped push me to push past my comfort zone and to see what I was capable of doing. When I was doing it I wasn't so sure I was going to make it, but I did. I got done with our workout and went home to get ready for my work Christmas party and to take some ibuprofen because I was already feeling my workout. I was worried about the food and if I would be able to eat anything. I think I did well I only ate off the salad plate and I drank tons of water. Plus we danced from 7-11 last night only coming off the floor long enough to get some water. I had so much fun. I wish every night was Christmas party night. I can honestly say I slept like a baby, but today when I got up I'm soooooo sore. I think I'm going to get on the treadmill at least for a mile and see if I can't get a little of the soreness out. I also wanted to thank you all for reading my blogs.

Jingle all the way!

Just got done doing the Jingle bell run with my two boys and it was great. The Jingle bell run is a fun 5k run put on by the arthritis foundation and it is tons of fun with people dressed up. I had signed everyone up as soon as I found out about it because its for a great cause and because it sounded like a fun outing. I think we did ok for the fact it was my kids first race and for the fact I think I've pulled my right quad muscle we did 3 miles in 47min. This week for me has been a very busy week on Tuesday I did an hour on the bike and then my team met up with Chris O'Hearn our life coach and personal trainer. He is such a great guy with tons of information. He talked to us about setting goals and how we are the author of our own stories. I believe this to be so true its only when we loose sight of our goals that we quit. I'm working very hard to keep my goals at the front of my thoughts at all times. On Wednesday I went to a class at the weight management center about stress. It was a very good class and I learned a lot about how type A and type B people handle stress and how they need to cope with that stress. The thing that I found the most interesting was the fact that Type A people (which I'm their queen) need to do exercises that they have to think about like tennis or taking a class, because if they do mindless exercise like walking or swimming they think about their problems and rehash them the whole time and it doesn't do a lot for the stress they are under. Type B people are the total opposite on the exercise they need to do things like walking so they can think about some of the things they need to get done. On Thursday I did an 30min on the treadmill when I got home from work because I was working late. On Friday I did an hour on the treadmill and then met up with my team and our coach Missy Kane at Market square to do an episode of live at 5 at 4. That was so much fun and it was great getting to be on TV. I'm glad we were able to see our other team mate Lee Ann who was having to stay at the studio because she is the producer of the show. I was so proud of her too when they showed the footage of her doing the stairs at work that is wonderful. Before I forget to tell you also in Monday's Knoxville News Sentinel the Covenant Healthwise page will also feature our team. There are so many exciting things going on and I'm so glad I have such great people to get to share it with. Also you can check out some additional info about our team, as well as links to some of my teammate's blogs here: www.covenanthealth.com/biggestwinner. I'm so very thankful every single day that I have been given this opportunity and I'm going to do everything in my power to do my best and to play it forward. Oh I forgot to tell you all also. I have made it a point to only get on the scale once a week because I stress so much if I don't see changes when I way everyday and this morning when I got on I had lost two more pounds. So that is 6lbs so far I was supper excited because I had not lost nothing in like a week or two so today was a great day. Well I guess I've told you all everything I can think of about my week. I'm going to go grab an ice pack and try to rest this quad so I can be 100% again. Thanks you all so much for supporting me, you have no idea what a blessing that is to me!

pushing past my comfort zone

Today I met up with my teammates at the new Runners Market in West Knoxville beside the Fresh Market. We met up with the Knoxville Track club to do a run. We were told to do a little more than we usually do so most of us did four miles. Lee ann and myself decided today we needed to job a little so we would walk from one light pole to the next then we would job from the next light pole to the following one. Doing intervals like that helped get my heart rate up without my chest feeling like it was going to explode. I love Saturday morning team time. I have to say that the people on my team are the most supportive people I have ever met and our coach Missy Kane is always so supportive and helpful. It is good to have positive feedback when you are pushing past your comfort zone. I also got to see some of my other friends while I was at the Runners Market Amy,Brantly and Doug. It was great to see that they were proud of my accomplishments. I've decided that Saturday is my long workout day so after I left my team I went to Ijams. I started off my going down near the river board walk then I ended up going to the forks of the river and back. In total that is 4.5 miles. If you have never gone to Ijams I so recommend you do it one day. It is a must visit. They have trails with wood chipping and also paved walking trails so anyone and everyone can enjoy it. It also is one of the most peaceful places I have been in a long time. I'm able to think about things when I'm there and do a little meditation. Needless to say though when I got done doing my 8.5 miles I was soooo tired my hands were swollen, my feet were achy and my hip was killing me but I got into my car smiling because I had done what Chris had said in spin class. I pushed past my comfort zone and it felt dang good knowing I was able to do it.

overwhelming tears of joy

Just got home from my meeting with Barbra the dietitian and I have to say it was the most wonderful experience I've had in a long time. I have never had anyone set down with me and tell me right from wrong as far as food goes so to say the least I was very ignorant about eating healthy. I was working out at least an hour a day and only eating 1200 calories and taking in like less then 5 total carbs a day. To say the least I've only lost four pounds total since we started. I was very very scared about meeting Barb today because I felt like I couldn't eat any less than I was and I just knew she would get onto me about having to eat better than I was. Man was I wrong. She was very very nice to me and told me the reason I'm not dropping the weight is because my body thinks I'm starving. I'm not supposed to count calories anymore and I'm to eat more carbs because I'm also starving my brain by not taking in enough carbs to feed it. After the big light bulb went off in my head I felt a huge weight being lifted off me and I was so happy because I realized I don't have to be hungry and crabby all the time I can eat as long as I do it the right way. I think Barb could see than I was so scared and overwhelmed by all of it she even gave me an hug and told me not to worry I was going to get this and she was going to help me. As soon as I left I got out to the car and cried not tears of anger, pain or frustration but tears of joy and excitement for the future and having help to show me the way. I have to say if anyone has fears,doubt or ignorance on nutrition please make an appointment to see Barb at Cov Health weight management centers. I don't think I could ever thank her enough for her help and support. Onward and upward!

Everyday I'm shuffling

Today was a VERY productive day. I got the house cleaned, the tree up, presents wrapped and best part of all I did an hour on the treadmill. I found out today that if I listen to LMFAO's music I am able to get into the music and out of my head. I was able today to walk for a min or two and then jog for 2min. I was able to do this for the whole hour. It was great. I know sometimes I get on myself for not being where I think I should be, but I have to remember where I came from and the fact I'm not the same girl I was 4yrs ago. Well starting tomorrow its back to the grind at work. Everyday I'm shuffling. lol

Great couple of days

I have to say that even though I've not been the best in the world at my diet the past couple of days I've not gone too overboard either. I got to spend time with my family on Thanksgiving and I was proud of myself. I didn't go back for seconds and I only took 1/2 a spoonful of everything I wanted instead of 1-2 spoonfuls. I also was very glad to get to spend time with my mamow even if she didn't know who I was. She did however make my mom feel very good because she thought my mom was me lol. On Friday my son Mason and myself took in a little Dollywood. I didn't have any funnel cake or caramel apple like I wanted, but I did however eat a turkey leg or two. We didn't take the tram and was parked in section F which is 2miles from the park. We walked to the park and walked back. I was very excited because Mason was coaching me on our walk. lol Today I met up with my team at Suburban plaza and we did three miles and it was soooooo cold. I was worried at first that with it being so cold my knee was going to kill me but when I got moving it started feeling much better. After we got done doing our walk Mike and myself went with Tonya Stoutt-Brown to get our free shoes from New Balance. I got the cutest purple and green shoes I've ever seen. When I got home I had so much energy that I got my whole house cleaned and I'm getting ready to put up the Christmas decorations. Who knew I would have so much more energy from not resting(as I once like to call it). I also had enough energy tonight that when I was waiting on the boys to bring up the Christmas stuff I decided to get on the treadmill. I was able to walk for 2min then jog from 1 1/2-2 min. I was able to do 20min on the treadmill. I was very proud of myself because when I could make myself get out of my head and quit thinking things like this sucks while jogging that was when I was able to go longer. I need to work on that so bad. I think I get in my own head and doubt myself and that is when it becomes "too hard". That is my goal for this week to try not to knock myself down.

Getting ready to hang with some turkeys or family however you see it

Well its the day before Thanksgiving and we are all getting prepared to hang with some turkeys or as I like to call them my family. This is the first chance I've had to blog since the weekend. We have been slammed at work. This week we managed to do five days worth of work in three days. So needless to say I'm looking forward to the four day weekend. As far as my workouts, on Monday after working 12hrs I went to the gym and did 30min on the treadmill. I was able to do one mile in 17min33sec. On Tuesday I went to the gym at 6am and was only able to do another 30min, but this time I did a 1.31mile in 15min so I improved my time. The only stinky part about it all though is the fact my plantar fasciitis on my foot came back with a vengeance. I had to get a shot in my foot on Tuesday and he told me to not get on the treadmill until it got better. By the way that hurts like crap if you ever have to have that done, its the only time in my life that the Lamaze breathing that I learned before child birth has ever worked for me. lol I didn't workout today to rest my foot a little even though I did stand on it today for 9hrs at work. I'm going to take off tomorrow, do a water aerobics class on Friday and pray that my foot is feeling better by Saturday so I can walk with my team. I hope that everyone reading this has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. I myself will be skipping the desert table so maybe I can keep off the 4lbs I've lost.

Top Ten things I'm thankful for:
1. being alive
2. my family
3. the big guy upstairs who I should talk to way more than I do
4. my friends
5. being an American
6. my pets
7. my job
8. being part of Cov health biggest winner
9. not having to worry about where my next meal will come or where I will live
10. being able to laugh through the tough times I do have

What a day!!!

Today has to be the most active day I have had in a long time and I have had fun every step of the way. This morning at 7:50 the team met up at the health shoppe in suburban plaza with the Knoxville track team to train. we did 3miles and that last hill was a killer. I thought I was going to have to be pushed up the hill, but I made it. We then spent some time looking at what the health shoppe has to offer. They have so many great things in there from supplements to a treadmill that helps take the weight off of your knees when you run by using air. I was very impressed and will be going back to use some of their equipment. I also would like to thank the track team they were all so very nice and supportive. It was great to have them encourage us and to give us tips on what we could do to help train. After we got done training we did what I would like to call team support time. we all went next door and had Starbucks coffee while getting to know each other better and meshing as a team. When I got in my car and was headed home it was only 10am and I had soooo much energy that I decided to text my friend Jackie to see if she wanted to hike to the top of House Mnt. we are both not spring chickens and both have bad knees, but we made it to the top. It was wonderful! We did have to take a few breaks to catch our breath, but I think we did great. All in all I walked over 14,000 steps and that is just my training in the morning and my hike this afternoon. wow I'm so excited about how well I did. I'm a little tired and my knew is a little achy, but its not hurting at all. I'm sure I'm going to sleep so good tonight. lol

My not so fit test

Well today I had my fit test or as I would like to call it my not so fit test. I knew that I had gotten out of shape, but I have to say I was shocked at the numbers. I'm not for sure why but before I went in for my test I was so nervous so needless to say my BP was up so that was the only numbers that didn't shock me. I know being a girl we don't like to talk about our weight or our size but I think in order to know where I end up you have to know where I started. I weighed in today at 208 which I have lost 3lbs in the last week so starting to see progress. My chest was 42in, waist 38in and hips 48in. My oxygen volume was 26.16 and the parts that sucked the most is my BMI is 36.5 and my body fat % is 48.6. I have to say when I saw the numbers I was so sick that I let myself get here, but looking on the positive side this is the bottom so the only way to go is up and that's the direction I'm going to go. I was told by the trainer guy that if I wanted to keep a close eye on my progress I could schedule a fit test every month. I think I'm going to take him up on that and I'm going to put my numbers on my refrigerator so I have to look at it every time I go into the kitchen. I have asked my family for a pedometer/ heart rate monitor watch for Christmas so I can keep track of my steps and my heart rate. There are some real cute pink ones so that's a big plus. lol . So being fat sucks, but having a plan and having the drive to accomplish that plan is going to make that fat go away! On the bright side I also signed up my whole family for the jingle bell run/walk. My son Josh and myself are excited about doing it, but I think we will have to drag my hubby and my other son kicking and screaming. If it kills me I'm going to make this whole family healthier we need this so bad.

Hiking Dickerson park

Today a few of us met up at Fort Dickerson park to take pictures for knoxville park and rec and to do a little hiking. If you have never been its off of Augusta Dr. in south knoxville. Its a pretty smooth hike with lots of potential to make the hike harder if that is what your looking for. As you walk back on the trail you come to a wonderful old rock quarry that has some great spots to take photos. I'm sure in the fall when the leaves are at their peek its is spectacular. I had a wonderful time and I realized that even just getting out and doing a simple hike with some friends is not only enjoyable, but also is a great way to get exercise. I have my fit test tomorrow and I have to say I'm a little worried, but I guess if I were fit I wouldn't be on the team so I have to just take it for what it is and try to build up from where I am now. So onward and upward!

Man is my bottom sore

I first want to go on record and say that I have met some wonderful people doing the biggest winner and I know that I will stay friends with them long after this is done. I have never met a bunch of more caring and uplifting people in all my life. With that being said I guess I should tell you about my spin class and how I did today. I met up with Randy last night and we did a spin class. It was the first time I have ever done a spin class so I was a little worried but Randy was wonderful and helped me out and told me what to expect. I also was excited to find out that our life coach Chris was the one teaching the class he did a wonderful job and kicked our butts totally. Before I went to the class I had talked to a Dr. I work with and he told me not to eat before the class but I was so sure I knew so much better than him soooooo I had a salad like an hour before class. Wow was that a mistake note to self NEVER do that again. For the first 30mins of the class I thought I was going to throw up and the last 30 mins of class I thought I was going to pass out. Which I have to say I kept thinking if I pass out on this thing my toes are strapped in and I'm going to go over bike and all. I then got tickled at the thought of me laying on the floor with a bike between my legs and for some reason seeing the funny side made it a lot easier on me. I was so proud of myself for finishing the class even though I didn't stand up much on the bike because it was killing my knee. Last night I was like that was easy and I'm not going to be sore. This morning I was wondering who had kicked the crap out of my bottom to make it so sore. I was told today by some of the girls I work with that I will get use to it and the soreness will go away. They ride all the time so I believe them. I did a lot better watching what I ate today and when I got home I did 20 min on the treadmill at 4mph on a slight incline. I'm not sure what that calculated out to in miles, but by the end of it I was sweating and breathing heavy so I'm sure it was close to 20-30 miles lol. I have also today set up my fit test and running evaluation so on Dec. 6th I should be 100% on things I need to get done.

brighter day

Well today my alarm went off I dusted myself off pulled up my boot straps and started a new day. I have to say how thankful I am for my new teammates. Thank you so much for your support for me. Im not the kind of person who wallows in self pity and self doubt so I put on my big girl panties and decided today was going to be a better day. If I've not learned anything in my life I've learned your outlook on things is 98% of the outcome. So now with a better outlook I'm getting ready to meet Randy for my first experience at a spinning class. Thanks Randy for the invite its just what I needed!

Where I want to get back to.

Hello my name is Melody and I have sinned

Well I have to go on record and put out there that today I have sinned and found comfort in the thing I have called friend for a while food. I started off today all excited and pumped from the race yesterday. That however was kind of short lived. We were so slammed at work and I only got a 25min break while working 11hrs. So needless to say I'm very very tired. To add to the stress of work I also had to deal with drama from outside of work. Ever since the wreck I have tried very hard to be positive and to only surround myself by people who have that same goal, but sometimes the not so positive people who I knew before the wreck who I have to deal with from time to time bring drama into my life. In the olden days I would have just lost my temper and bit their heads off, but between trying hard to act like a grown up and trying to stay positive the way I've dealt with it since the wreck is to turn to my old friend food. So needless to say I'm not very proud of how my day has gone, but I know tomorrow is another day and I have to forgive myself for breaking so easy, pull myself up by my boot straps and make tomorrow a better day.

Buddy Race

Well just got done doing the Buddy's race for the cure. I have to say when I showed up I was so sore from working out the day before that I was a little worried about how I was going to do. After I talked to the rest of my team I realized that I wasn't the only sore one so I didn't need to be a baby and man up. lol We all took some pictures before the race then lined up for the race to start. There were a couple of hills that were tough and made me winded but thanks to Randy and Mike we were able to talk to each other and over look the fact that the hills were sucking the life out of us. As we got closer to the end our coach Missy Kane told us we were doing great and there was like 100yrds left. I decided what the heck lets do this so I decided to run the last 100yrds. I could see the finish line and got winded and started to walk when Randy came up beside me and said lets do this girl, so I fought through feeling tired and ran cross the finish line. Thank you Randy for giving me the push I needed to do that. I was able to do 2miles in 42min, I think for my first time out since my wreck that's not too bad. I also want to thank my friends Nanette, Testerman, and Burns for being there and encouraging me you all are wonderful people who I know want this as much for me as I do.

The first step to the new me

This just goes to show what a computer wiz I am I somehow deleted my fist blog trying to do my second blog. lol. I guess I will have to redo the first one so I can give some back ground info about myself. I will apologize for two things one for the fact I've never done this before so I'm sure there are going to be many mistakes, and two I'm the poster child for A.D.D and I'm sure at times my blog will seem like a flurry of thoughts, because that is kind of how I think.

A LITTLE ABOUT ME:

Three years ago I was a single mom, who worked full time and went to school. I was very irritated at my life and to be honest  was not a very happy person. As I was coming home from school one Saturday a driver ran a red light and hit my van at the drivers side door. I was a dummy at the time and didn't have my seat belt on so I was partially ejected from the van. Every thing from my waist up was hanging out of the van and the only thing that saved my life and kept me from being thrown from the van was the fact the steering wheel came down and crushed my leg against my car seat. I also had a small head injury and a huge cut on my head from the base of my skull to about four inches above my forehead. I was not doing very well at all. Everyone at the scene of the wreck thought that I wasn't going to live. I went that night and had surgery to try to put my knee back to as close as they possibly could get it. I got out of the hospital and had to rely a lot on my family and friends to help me do small things. Things were looking up then I found out a few weeks out from my surgery I had MRSA and the hardware in my knee had to come out to save my leg. I was very afraid that I was going to loose my leg, but I got lucky and only got some pretty nasty scars. I did how ever end back up in a wheel chair because my leg was so unstable. I was either in a wheel chair or on crutches for about a year. The real bummer about the situation is the fact that I put on 60lbs because I was being so inactive. I started going to P.T. and I know at times they would get frustrated at me because I was so head strong and driven to get back everything I had lost I at times would do things my way not always the right way. I did how ever get everything back that I had lost from the wreck and so much more. I'm one of those people that believe that sometimes you get handed a wake up call and that was mine. I realized that everything I had been looking for in life had been around me the whole time I was just to blind to see it. I have great sons and every day I get to spend with them is a blessing that I have been given. I also noticed the beauty of everything and everyone around me. Oh and the great boy friend that I had for five years, I realized he IS the man I have always hunted for and wanted. We got married at Patricia Neal at the roof top gardens as soon as I was able to walk by myself. 

THE FIRST STEP TO THE NEW ME     

yesterday I drove to Fort Sanders West to take the first step to becoming the new healthier me. I was fortunate enough to be selected to participate on the Covenant Health biggest winner/ marathon team.  To say I was nervous was an understatement.  I was worried about meeting my team mates and what they would think about me and I was doing a lot of self doubting on the drive there. I got there and I got a little over whelmed at first because there is a lot of information and I was so worried I would forget something that was important, but that all went away pretty fast. I got to meet my team mates and what a great group of people. We had never met, but it was like we had known each other for years. I guess its because we are all going down the same path and for the most part have all had the same discouragements in life. It felt great to be totally accepted without feeling like I had to prove myself first. After we weighed in and did our cholesterol check we took team photos. I was a great day! We  go today to walk the 2 mile at the Buddy's race for the cure. I'm excited and can't wait.  I know this task we are embarking on isn't going to be easy, but I do think it will be fun and I will at the end have reached my goal of running a 5k and I will end up with a bunch of great close friends. 


I was going to post some pictures from my wreck and I will be posting a quote a day. I hope its as much an inspiration for you as they are for me.