Moving Forward

Last Sunday, my vehicle was towed (rather unjustly) and the week went downhill from there.

 

I did, however, score this adorable Anthropologie top at a thrift store.  And my office carpet and trim is green, and that is my favorite color.

While I assure people I rarely have a bad day (I average maybe six a year) this was the first time I had three of them fall three days in a row.  By Thursday, however, I had formulated my plan, and I had begun the process of recovery.

Of course my bike had to figure into that.

 

Reunited!  One had been missing for two years!

I cannot express the joy I have in having my bike in the back of my vehicle, ready to ride at a moment's notice.  This week was awful, with nothing working out as I hoped, and yet fabulous as I flew down the Peavine at full throttle yesterday.

Yes, I wore a helmet.

No, I don't have pictures.

Why?  

Because I look utterly ridiculous in a helmet.

This week the rains of the monsoon finally hit, and coincided with tough circumstances.

 

Monsoon Sunset.

As I settled in to my plans, and remembered the dreams I am still working on I was encouraged...a wee bit.

 

Maybe.  What if I grow a sixth toe?  That might be uncomfortable.

But!!! I am reminded my awesome new business Ride Prescott is nearing launch, and I finally have a second insurance quote (one of the hold ups) and possibly a third cart?!

 

The green ride is framing up:)

In addition, new collaborations are happening, and I am proud to be marketing several new start-ups.  My heart will always be brand new small businesses, and to join both Studio Sol Pilates and Senses in their opening months is deeply satisfying.

Things always get better.  This past week was but a blip, and thankfully not something like a 27 week broken dominate hand.

 

Although that 27 week broken hand allowed the discovery of my ambidextrous proclivity...I still mouse left (with a right hand mouse:)

Last night my legs ached in the best possible way as I ate a bag of frozen cherries, carefully removing the pits from their frozen yumminess.

Even pits are not a bother when dealt with carefully.

 

I think I shall concentrate more on my new business, helping those who want help, and on getting fit.

Thank goodness I've rediscovered my bike😍

Fitness Quest:  keeping it real.

A new quest: CrossFit Prescott

Last weekend, I talked about shooting, shopping and sex as exercise.

And that was before I bought the corset:)

My workouts last week included two minor hikes and four morning three-song workouts as my hand continued to heal.  It's been five weeks, and I can safely say it's not gonna be done cooking at week six.

Yep, it still hurts.  I say "ow!" at least once a day.

My Fitness Quest, and my health (see blog "tremors") have taken a hit with the break; I need to get back into the action.

Enter this man, aka The Professor.

Joey Powell, owner & trainer at CrossFit Prescott, figured out how I could do weighted squats with a newly broken hand three weeks ago.  I was so impressed I begged the King to get me a membership for my healing phase-and for our son to join us.

He's pumping gas.

Lad and I enjoy time together; we have had regular "little dates" for ten years (since he was four!). Typically we study aviation history together (I'm bringing him up right.) I'm missing lifting, and he wants to learn-perfect fit.

With my hand not quite healed, I totally trust Joey to get me back in shape and protect my hand.  Thus, the next two months of the Quest I will only be at CrossFit Prescott and hiking:)

Oh, I won't like it when I'm there.  But as Troy says, I won't regret it.

Now if I can just drop these last ten pounds at the same time....

What we do for our kids

Today,

Oh my word...I'm typing with my right thumb.

Let me check...no pain.  Well, maybe with the shift key.  Hang on...

Ok, two handed approach.

Obviously, my broken hand is feeling better.  My shoulder still sucks, but the pain is manageable.

It had to be-because Parry & I were going here:

Fossil Creek, AZ

Parry's BFF Maria is moving to Washington state this summer, so we went on an Arizona adventure with Maria, her sister Elsa (with her friend Olivia) and their mom, Janie.  

Somehow I endured a two hour car ride there, the last 45 minutes of which were on a rough dirt road through the mountains at 15mph.

I wanted to puke.  The pain of a pinched nerve is white hot; for me it's aggravated in a car.  I couldn't let Parry miss this trip with her BFF, so I gritted my teeth and went.

Awesome log bridge.

Once there and I had my pack on, the pain eased up and was only a minor in inconvenience.  We hiked in 1.5 miles and enjoyed the many waterfalls of Fossil Creek, moving our swimming holes as the day went on.

Janie took a swim, too.

About twelve feet deep here!

Heading to the bridge; my daughter is the tallest one:)

20ft up and 20ft deep.

The final stop at the bridge and the ride home hurt.  Not just owie but really hurt.  Shifting gave two second breaks; misery set in.

I kept my mouth shut about the pain.  It's her day, not mine.

Nearly home & rocking it out.

Pain will never stop me from making sure my child has the memories she deserves.  While very uncomfortable, I made it through the day.  I did notice the pain no longer radiated as badly down my arm; hopefully a good sign.

So, a three mile hike under duress. Lots of sunshine, and a 13 year old with fantastic memories of an Arizona day with her soon-moving BFF.

Priceless.

I'd do it all over again.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...

So I'm writing this at Matt's...

Hiking partners doing something other than hiking...

Today I finished up my Pilates with Lucille; I was genuinely sad to be ending the experience.  I *think* I may have found the exercise I love...we shall see.  So many more exercises to explore.

  

So today was a day of writing and creating new material.  With the dogs underfoot it was a challenge; I enjoyed the break Pilates brought (even though it kicked my abs...!) I am starting to understand the pull exercise has on some people (the crazed 20%)...I love the  experience of classical Pilates.  To have my mind free of distractions is a huge pull-the King says I have a soundtrack mind-I've never had an exercise engage me like classical Pilates.

Crazy, yes.  Love it-of course.

So today I've learned I am loathe to give up Pilates, and that the King is pretty awesome to let me hang with Becks for the evening at Matt's.

I love my hiking partners (even if they lock me out:)

Stop clapping, I'm so embarrassed . . .

When Katie asked me to guest blog for her, I never imagined the outpouring of interest and excitement. It was overwhelming.  Still is.

Ok, so seriously - no support.  No excitement.  No one even knows who I am.  Which is just fine.

But I do have a fitness story to tell and I hope you'll buckle up for part 1!

I've always been the fat kid.  I'm about to turn 45 (Cinco de Mayo - keep me away from the margs and chips), and had been that kid for over 40 years.

One day, I looked down and saw how big my ass was (Spaceballs reference) and knew that I had to do something.

Seriously.  No seriously.  I have four kids.  Two of them are biological, one we adopted from China, and my youngest we adopted from Ethiopia.  My biological sons have a rare, life threatening and degenerative disease.  When my BMI was ski high - like my blood pressure, and I was pre diabetic - one day I realized that I was eating myself to death.  And I had to stop!

So about a year ago, I joined a gym (again) and made the commitment to eat healthier (418th anniversary of that commitment).  But this time, it was different.  Very different.  A lot of that was me, but one key element that was added was coaching and accountability.  Through FaceBook (I know, right), I joined a challenge group.  It was a private group and had 8 folks and a coach.  The coach posted challenges, recipes, and made us (well not gun to the head made us, but you know) check in and post our successes and failures.

That first 30 days was the best turning point in my health.  And now I'm proud to say that I lead those groups as a coach (fitness and life).  At least once a week, someone tells me the story that I just told you - that the group has changed their life or gotten them back on track.  That, my friends, is awesome!

Though part 1 is coming to an end, I must tell you that part 2 (tomorrow) involves bodily fluids, the gym, and the most awkward interactions with strangers.  All on our quest for fitness.  It'll be a fun one!

Thanks for having me and please visit me on FaceBook.  I need more friends.  :)  https://www.facebook.com/fosteringfitnesswithTroy.

Now stop clapping.  It's getting ridiculous.

The Day I Wanted to Quit

Today was the day.

After a hard day yesterday, and waking up in pain due to the mystery shoulder injury, I was done.

I was done...but I wasn't.  I wanted to quit, I wanted to be done.

But that's not what I'm supposed to do.

Today, after a bad start and many tears, I brushed myself off and squared my shoulders.  I went to my networking meeting, and felt better afterwards.  I filled my calendar for the following week. I left, and then I discover this:

Lynne's article was in Drudge.

This is HUGE to a small news source; it's IMPOSSIBLE to feel bad with such fantastic news.  Shortly thereafter, I received another call, from one of my clients.  A television producer had read their articles in Prescott eNews, and wanted to do a television show about them.

Of course, they may have to close unless they figure out stage one fire restrictions...

I could not help but feel better about my job (I wasn't planning on quitting that, but the boost there did help me refocus my exercise energy) and I rethought the Fitness Quest.  I need more than one week at a facility; my CrossFit Prescott experience was the best thus far due to the fact I did two weeks.  I decided to discuss it with Lucille during Pilates.

Pilates.  This wonderful, intriguing new-to-me exercise.

Much more complex than it appears!

Just when I can't do one more, we switch.

Lucille readily agreed, and some stress was removed by knowing I had the time to truly explore "getting cooked."

Then more good news; Ered has a lilac bush.

My favorite flower.

He filled my arms with the scented blooms, and my soul was restored as I buried my face in their scent.

Then I picked up my painting, and hung it  in the place I picked out weeks ago.

Ian's painting of Prescott.  Love it!

The King of the Central Highlands arrived, and surprised me with a sweet change of plans.  It's our 17th wedding anniversary this weekend, and he's taking me away.

Exercise will be a part of my life, hopefully for the rest of my life.  This morning (and yesterday) were just moments.  Hard moments, but just moments.  My quest continues, and it's going to be ok.

THIS WEEKEND we have a GUEST BLOGGER!!  Troy is on his own Fitness Quest, which he will be sharing with you over the next few days.  The funny thing is we've met only once, when he was 16 and I was 15, out at Lori Lane (do you remember this, Troy?  It's in my journal from that trip!) We were introduced by my BFF Rochelle, who delighted in both of our quests, and thought we could encourage one another.  THANK YOU, Troy, for taking it on!

Happy 17th Anniversary, King of Athletics! 

Anger Issues

I hiked the canyon Sunday.

See?  Proof!  Inner canyon!

So I don't *need* to hike three times this week, right?  After all, I am doing three sessions of Pilates...so a hiking break is acceptable, right?

Or maybe not...

So I wake up this morning due to the mysterious shoulder pain that I also had Sunday.  I know it's not an exercise injury, but dang it, it's painful and 5am is too early.

Especially after being awake until midnight due to drinking too much tea.

Pain makes me grouchy.

This grouchy.

See?  We're practically related.

So I didn't want to hike.  I drove to Thumb Butte anywise.  I sat there five minutes, trying to figure out an escape.

The parking lot was full of women in exercise clothes that matched they're shoes.

Seriously?!??

I waited until they started their hike (up the steep side, mind you) before I jumped out and headed up the sissy way.

These dudes had nothing on me.

I put in my earbuds (in complete disregard for my safety) and marched up the mountain.

"Angel of the Morning" calmed me temporarily, but then it was "You Belong to Me."  Both songs make me think of long, long ago relationships, and the next song put me over the edge:  "Just the Way You Are."

The Knight of Physical Therapy used to sing that to me; suddenly I was transported back to the spring of 1996. My husband had died, and I had fled to Prescott.  The frustrations of the past few months caught up with me, and it wasn't the air monster I was dealing with when the tears began to flow.  

Picking up a stick, I heaved it into the brush.  That didn't satisfy, so I scooped up a hand-sized rock, and hurdled that, too.

He had left me.

He who had loved me more than any other, who had promised to stay by my side, had left me for the grave.  It had been awhile since that old wound had been opened; I recognized it as a reaction to being upset at others in my life.  The old "if he hadn't died..." scenario was trying to play out.  I refused to play with it.

It will be 19 years later this month.

I marched on in silence, daring the air monster to attack.

He didn't appear.

Over the top, now down the easy side...

Proof I was there, and yes, I'm gritting my teeth.

Exercise and I fought the entire way.  I finished the experience wiped out and angry.  

My day improved slightly after Pilates; I enjoyed the concentrated effort into the movements and flow.  There was something genius behind the design, again, I was intrigued.

I finished my work day late, having to attend a mixer in the early evening.  Driving home, I reflected on my foul mood.

I really don't like exercise.  At all.

I don't feel better when I'm done, I don't like it while I'm doing it.  My goal of hiking with my grand kids is twenty plus years away.  So why?

I went to bed, too tired to even finish this post.  Little did I know what the next day held in store.

.  

Catching Up

Today is a rest day...

So hours in Phoenix traffic isn't a big deal then, right?

Yesterday, I went to Wellbridge Health Center and had my first Pilates session with Lucille.  While mildly sore from my canyon hike, I found the workout to be very specific to certain muscle groups.  Lucille was rightfully concerned about my posture; I was delighted she brought it up!

A Pilates reformer.

While the equipment looked unusual, I was quick to appreciate the spring resistance and definitely feel the core and arm workouts today.  I look forward to more knowledge about this type of exercise...

Did you read that?

"I look forward to more knowledge about this type of exercise?!?"

Moi is surprised.

Although stuck at 152 lbs for the last ten days, I can feel the difference.  Being able to breathe is a pretty big change, as is a second successful Canyon hike.  I can honestly say I no longer dread some exercise.

 Some.  Not all, just some.

So today was a rest day; I drove to Phoenix this morning at the invitation of Governor Ducey, to attend a "Lunch & Learn" with Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall.

The man is a baseball traditionalist.  Sigh.

Earlier I was in a state over my wrist, which I was determined to hide.

Usually that's white, not bright pink, where I wear my watch.

I had pretty bad sunburn from forgetting my watch during the Canyon hike, and really hated calling attention to it by not wearing a watch.  In addition, I was flummoxed by my wardrobe; the initial seven pairs of pants I tried on that fit only worked with heels.

Tall girls, in heels, is not a good thing for first impressions.

Unless you want to pull a power play.

I did not.

😇

Eventually I found a good business casual outfit, and enjoyed a quiet ride to the valley.  I'm starting to see what path I'd like to follow...it was good to have time for quiet reflection.  After lunch, I was delighted to drive right to ASU from downtown without a map (and a very direct route!)

My oldest, Abbie.

I took her to lunch (no worries Jim, it was time for my two o'clock fueling) and we spent the afternoon window shopping and treasure hunting (a Quiksilver jacket for $9.97?  Yes, please!) She told me all about her boyfriend, school and future plans.  It was wonderful to not only encourage her, but guide her with resources and knowledge:)

As we wandered the mall, it occurred to me the last time we were here together was just before Thanksgiving.  I recalled how badly my lower back hurt, and how quickly I wanted to leave.  Tonight, I delighted in the time with my grown-up daughter, and saw no rush to face traffic.

While I still don't like exercise, I am liking the results.  I feel better, and some say I even look younger.  While still uncertain of so many things, I can be certain of this:  having my health is one of the greatest gifts I can give my family.  With that as a goal, it's a little easier to move on.

The Aftermath of a Canyon Hike (Captain's Log, Supplemental)

The blister on the middle toe of my right foot is stinging.

Like this was sticking out of it.

Poor tootsie.

My external quads are tight, my lower back is minorly peeved and my shoulders aren't speaking to me.

Might have something to do with the weight of eight water bottles I carried yesterday.

My hair...well, I went to bed with wet hair.

That's a rat's nest right there.

I weighed myself, hoping I'd lost about five pounds.

Dang if this thing ain't stuck RIGHT there. 

It's probably because I ate this:

Actually, I ate 1/4 of the steak, all three shrimp and 1/3rd of the mashed potatoes.

Plus two rolls....and two beers.

Anyhow, the King would tell me it was the carbs.

So, no carbs today.

Which means life will certainly be less fun this week, but if I can break under 150 lb for the first time in nine years (knowing I have muscle, too) I would be over the moon.

I could soooo write a story about this moon.

Every step I take today will remind me of what I did yesterday.

It was terribly awesome.

I'll be sore, but I'll love it.  I'll want to brag about it (so unfair that's not socially acceptable), I'll want to rehash it, I'll want to plan another trip there this month.

Because this is not exercise.

It wasn't a workout.

It was a pilgrimage.

"Leave it at the altar," I've heard said many a church service.

I left it in the Canyon.  Among the buttes, the mesas and plateaus.  Down a steep and rocky trail few will ever traverse.  Uncontent to sit and watch the beauty from the rim, I've taken it deeper.  

Inspired by Dotty.

I will always stop for purple flowers.

Yesterday, for the second time, my excitement grew as I neared the Canyon rim at the end of the hike.  There was no desire for the hike to be over; no worry that I'd never get there.  The weariness of the hike mattered little as I finished the task.  

Nothing else on earth compares to this; it is addicting, this soul-drenching excursion to a land that calls me, soothes me and embraces me.

I hate exercise.  I assure you, this is not exercise.  It's exploration.

I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up (although I did plot out some business plans while skimming along a butte.). I do know, however, I must include the Canyon in them.  I'd head back today if I could.