Uphill is the Best!

Guess who got in a few outside miles today? I am a very happy camper. I didn't know an aide was coming and she called a little too late to try running outside in the heat (chalk that one up to a lesson learned!) so I hopped on my bike for a few. It was wonderful!

I have started over again this week. Last week was full of mess-ups and failures. Even though I didn't do anything super bad I just didn't watch my diet too much. I'm still trying to get the little I did do out of my system. The bp has been up a bit - but not "high." And the ankles stay swollen. I'm eating melons to help get rid of the excess fluid I decided to collect. lol

So this week I decided to ramp my training back up. I am starting a streak and plan to run or walk at least a mile each day. Today it will be a walk I am sure. I am feeling so much better and now I must be careful to not overdo it. So I will go forward with great caution. And I'm still winning!

Today I seriously enjoyed the ride outdoors. There's so much more to enjoy outside than on the stationary bike. I'm thankful for my indoor bike as it gives me a chance for great XT and gives me a break from running. But outdoors has so much more to offer. Just a few of the things I was thinking about while riding through the park by where I live:

Loved the wind resistance!

Enjoyed the warmth of the sunshine on my skin!

Smiled at the thrill of the downhill ride --

And felt triumphant at the top of the hills I conquered!

Took in the beauty of the various colors of nature.

Even had fun watching the guys out playing the disc course-

and hearing their good-natured chatter.

Watched a couple of girls trying to hang a hammock between two trees!

Fun to watch the doggie chasing a frisbee.

And loved the burn of my thighs as I dug in to get up the hills!

I wondered which I liked most - experiencing the free-ride of the downhill or the thrill of victory at reaching the top of the next hill. I loved them both. But I think I like the top of the hill better. How can that be? It's harder to go up a hill than to relax going down! There's nothing to conquer going down the hill - and I am very competitive by nature. Knowing I conquered something that could take me out - is more exciting than getting to relax for a bit.

In life it's those up-hill battles that make us stronger and develop character in us. This is why I'm trying to embrace adversity and let it change me into a better person...just like the hard stuff trains us to be better athletes.

You cannot build muscle without resistance - and you'll never know your own character without struggles. I'm changing as an athlete. I'm becoming more well-rounded, building more stamina, and learning where the limits are - and where they are not. I'm still beating CHF - and I'm finally up by a few points.

Thanks for reading- and remember every step's a victory!

Hello - It's Been Awhile

I am sorry, I had to take a break and get myself focused. However, I haven't stopped, and I've been quite busy really. There's been a lot going on and honestly, I've been living out the every step's a victory mantra. There's been lots of struggles and tons of ups and downs. But I have to say each step toward a healthy, whole life is still victorious. As a matter of fact, revisiting that is why I decided to get the blog back up and going again. I did get a website set up, you can check it out if you'd like. I still have to get the blog up and going on the site It won't be like this one, it will have more general information about healthy eating, exercising and things that are not as much about my own journey, it'll be more educational. Check out the Every Step's A Victory site and let me know what you think so far. For me life continues to be a struggle, I think that may hold true for most people who deal with a chronic condition. It seem...

Cardiologist Update

So I guess I'm just going to have to get used to going to cardiologists and doctors. My primary care sent me to a cardiologist at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. I think I like this guy (as much as I can like docs). He was very kind, and looked me in the eye when he was talking with me and I liked that. Of course I gave them my standard "abnormal but not bad" EKG. I also explained about my meds and how the other doc wouldn't call me back. He told me not to trust a doctor who didn't call you back. (I was surprised.) He said it's an integrity issue and it sends the signal that they don't care when they don't call you back. I agreed. At the end of the appointment - he gave me a gentle hug and promised to take good care of me. That was nice I thought. (Even though I'm not too keen on "being taken care of.") My blood pressure was great- didn't even mention taking meds for that. I have to say that's a HUGE win. I believe the drastic ...

Cowtown Challenge Done!

This was one awesome weekend! I did finish the Cowtown Challenge by doing a 5K on Saturday and a half marathon on Saturday. In between I rode bikes around with one of my friends. I enjoyed the camaraderie of all the runners and the general atmosphere around the Cowtown is just awesome - Oh - and I met Jeff Galloway himself! He is so kind and encouraging - just like Mark Bravo. I really felt very under-trained for this particular event. I hadn't run much in the last two weeks and had only done one 9+ miler in the last month. I usually have a few 10 milers in, but not this time. But - it all worked out. One of the biggest struggles I have is simply not knowing what my body is going to do on any given day. I have to keep my attitude straight and just be "okay" with whatever I have to work with. Doing a race while traveling adds another struggle - trying to eat out without taking in too much salt. Hey- the struggle is real! One night we ate at Chili's and I asked fo...

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