Friday, December 9, 2016

Rest and Heal, Then Begin Again

Heal yourself first.  The rest will come later.

When I am resting because my body is weak, I need to remember that I am not wasting the day doing nothing.  I'm doing exactly what I need to do.  I'm recovering.

It's been quite a year.  My health has not been great.  After two surgeries and lots of rehab, my orthopedic surgeon has released me to begin workouts again.  One month earlier than expected.  Yay, Me!  I feel like a bird freed from a cage...

...but afraid.  I feel broken.

I did not expect mixed emotions at this point.  Somehow beginning again feels very daunting.  My confidence is nowhere to be found.  I've felt this way before.  In April 2002, I ran a half marathon.  In July 2002 I was diagnosed with an early stage of cancer.  Key words.  Early Stage.  One surgery took care of it.  No chemo.  No radiation.  My doctor released me to run again, but I didn't.  I felt defective.  It was almost like grieving something lost.  I shunned fitness options for eleven years.

That can not happen again.

With that cancer lesson under my belt, I'm reaching out to all my fitness buddies asking for their help.  It's hard to explain how much I need them right now.  I've also decided to write a series of posts about it in hopes of working through these strange emotions along with the physical challenges.  My readers are awesome!  I know I can count on y'all to rally behind me.

Lots of encouragement is needed.

I plan to write about my fitness plans and how they are going.  Did I mention I need lots of encouragement?  Please help me.

'Not sure what I will call this series.  I am certainly no expert on fitness.  It will just be what happens to be working for me.  A 50-something grandmother who enjoys mud runs and heavy lifting and aerial fitness.  There will definitely be running plans, flexibility, and basic weight lifting.  You can also expect nutrition ideas, recipes, and, well, probably lots maybe a little bit of whining.  ;-)  I hope I have the courage to tell you about the failures.

That's as far as I've gotten on the decision making process.  I'd love to hear what you think!

;-)  -Marci

16 comments:

  1. Marci,
    I am so pleased that have reached this stage so soon but sorry you are having to go through so much. I would highly recommend reading this book Forever Painless: End Chronic Pain and Reclaim Your Life in 30 Minutes a Day. You don't have to be in pain to get help from it and it opens you, your mind and body up. It has amazed me and makes so much sense. The fitness videos for the technique can be found on YouTube so don't need to cost anything. It help builds your body back after any impact on it. It realigns it and gets it working correctly. This includes everything from membranes, muscles, nerves etc.
    I look forward to hearing about your journey.
    Sue

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    1. Hello, Sue - It's so nice to hear from you! Thank you for suggesting this book and video program. One side is much weaker and definitely needs some realignment. I will give this a try. -Marci

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    2. Hi, Sue - Thanks again for recommending this. I tried one of the 4 minute videos on YouTube and LOVED it! My library doesn't have the book, so I am ordering it. -Marci

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  2. Marci, I cannot speak to you as a physical fitness buddy, but as all soul fitness buddy. If you will allow. If this is not what you feel you need, just delete my comment.
    You will never be the same person you were before. You have grown and matured. Our life is all seasons and I hold on to what I know and tremble at what I do not. It sounds as if this is where you are now.
    Do not be afraid, God has everything under control. You will find your path, He will lead you. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, know you are being prayed for and this may be the best season of you life.
    Keep posting, we will keep reading and you will come out of this valley to the mountain top better for the journey.
    Love you,

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    1. Thank you, Regena - I would love to have a soul fitness buddy! Your wise words have touched my heart and I am very grateful. -Marci

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  3. Marci, I'm glad your recovery is progressing and understand the need for encouragement on the PT front! I'll look forward to your posts and be rooting you on. Although I've not had as many medical issues, I do need to be come more physically active and flexible. Your journey can inspire all of us!! Wishing you the best! Zenda

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    1. Thank you for rooting me on, Zenda! Physical therapy has been a very difficult journey. It hurts during the sessions, but has certainly helped me get off crutches and out of the brace. -Marci

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  4. i am so looking forward to this, for several reasons. but you've encouraged/inspired me, and i hope to be able to send it right back at you. wishing you all good things in your continued recovery. --suz in ohio

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    1. Thank you, Suz! I appreciate your comment. Right now, I need all the support I can get! -Marci

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  5. Hello Marci!
    You're not alone at all in what you feel. My husband struggles with a chronic illness. After a particularly bad bout last year, he wrestled with the exact same feelings you described. I extended my leave in order to just be beside him, take those first steps with him, and help him get is confidence back.
    It's not easy to go through illness. It's great you're reaching out for encouragement.
    I look forward to cheering you on in your next steps in further posts.
    You're not alone!
    -Christina

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    1. Hello, Christina - Thank you for sharing your story. I hope your husband is doing well now! I'm sure he appreciated your support! Was there anything in particular you found helpful? -Marci

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  6. Oh, I'll be excited to follow your progress. I know what you mean by grieving :( I'm at a similar point, with exercise and therapy. You can do this!

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    1. Thank you, Lisa! I'm sorry you are having a rough time, too! Will you please keep me posted on your progress? -Marci

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  7. I am sorry you were ill but it appears you are ready to get back to doing what you love to do. You have a group that is routing for you and take one a at a time.

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    1. "One Day at a Time" Those are very wise words! Thank you! -Marci

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  8. Hi Marci,
    Your revelations are so thought-provoking, healing and inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing your honest thoughts about your challenges and your emotions with us at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I'm pinning and sharing. Stay strong! Wishing you a healthy, happy year ahead!

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