One Year Anniversary of Body for Life

March marked the one year anniversary of my beginning my journey on Body for Life. I've altered the program, with each 12-week challenge, and have learned so much about myself, in the process. I've pushed through boundaries, and have learned not to limit myself. I've created a stronger body, and a stronger mind, and I'm living my life like I never have before. Absolutely no regrets.

Thanksgiving and Another 5K

I had a lot to be thankful for, this Thanksgiving. Most of all, I was thankful that the chemo beat back a bunch of the cancer in my dad's right lung. He's on a break from treatments until after the New Year, and then he will have CAT scans done, to see if the tumors are growing again. If so, he will start up treatments, again. If not, 3 more months off. Since it's not operable, all his doctors can do is control it's growth to give him more time. So far, it's been quality time, and we're so grateful for that.

The day after Thanksgiving, I ran in my second 5K race. This one was at night, which I found very exciting!! I can't explain why I like running in the dark, I just do. I love the calm and quiet of night time. Anyway, it was very cold (32 degrees!) and there were hills in this run, which I had never done. I didn't beat my first 5K time, as I came in at 27:01. Not bad, for me! I placed 2nd in my age category (35-39)! This time, my husband ran, too, but he was always a runner, so he beat my time by 4 minutes. It's hard not to feel disappointed that I'm so much slower, but I have to remember how far I've come, myself. I'm working to improve on my personal best. :)

Lou's Back to Work!

My father really missed working, all spring and summer, while he underwent testing and chemo for his cancer. He got the all clear to go back to work, and he's thrilled! The guys he worked with all missed him, and my dad feels good to be out of the house and among everyone else, again. My mom wasn't sure it was a good idea, but he needs to feel like he's living a normal life. Sitting around the house isn't Lou's style! :)

Last Day on the Lake

We spent a day on the lake, at my grandfather's house (he passed away, this spring), for the last time this season. My dad let my kids take turns driving the boat on the lake...they thought it was the coolest thing. :) It's so peaceful, on the water. It was such a nice day, but it was sad to take the boat out of the water and store it for the season.

Me and Lou


My kiddos

My First 5K Race

I trained all summer, during my challenge, to run in a 5K race. I never was a runner. I always hated running. My goal was to do it, and like it! I used a program called "Couch to 5K" on the website coolrunning.com. It was 9 weeks long, and I followed it the the letter. It really worked for me!! I ran in Brittany's Run for Your Health. I ran the race in my best time ever: 26:36 I placed 2nd in my age group (30-39). I was so excited!! My dad wasn't well, that day, so because he couldn't come watch me, I wore his gold medal and chain around my neck for my race. I told him I would carry him across the finish line, with me. I can't tell you how good it felt to set this race as a goal, and then complete it, winning a medal and everything! Oh! Nurse Crachett is what my dad calls me, because I go along to every doctor appointment and procedure, and I ask questions and take notes. He means "Nurse Ratched" from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Nice, huh? I love it! Here's a slideshow of the race day.

Summer Tracker Challenge

I completed the Summer Tracker Challenge on Sept. 30th. I had dedicated that challenge to my dad and fight against his lung cancer. His 4 rounds of chemo would last 12 weeks, the same as my challenge. It gave me something positive to do, and the exercise was a stress reliever for me, at the same time. I felt the need to do something proactive. It gave me the strength and energy to be fully present for my dad. I won "Most Athletic Physique," in the challenge! It was such an honor to win, for both my dad and me. Here are my before and afters:

My Sister's Wedding

My sister really wanted to have our dad walk her down the aisle, and she got her wish. He had just completed his last dose of chemo, and was well enough to fulfill her wish. It was a beautiful day, and it felt so good to celebrate a happy moment together, as a family.