Tuesday, August 10, 2010

So it Wasn't Just in my Head!!!

I feel like I immediately saw incredible improvements after my angioplasty. Those improvements were more than I had ever hoped for, and I didn't expect to see anything more. And I didn't feel like there was much more improvement to make. But about a week ago, I started improving even more. I feel like I'm feeling stronger, more balanced, and more energized every day, and it FEELS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!
Before I went to Costa Rica, I wanted so badly to run a 5K race. I trained and trained, and as hard as I tried and as badly as I wanted it, my body just couldn't do it. The highest distance I ever reached was 2.8 miles, but that was only once, and it was because my friend would not let me quit. I was weak, dizzy, and felt like I was literally going to vomit. I just figured I was a wimp, and that if I was tougher mentally, I'd be able to push through. I told Jake to run the race for me, and he did great. I'll admit, as happy as I was for my friends and hubby, I wanted so badly to be able to run that race with them.
I started exercising again 2 weeks ago, and I can't believe how much stronger I feel. This morning, I got up before the kids and Jake and turned on a Biggest Loser episode, and started jogging on the treadmill. I covered up the distance screen so that I didn't psyche myself out and ran until they finished their "weigh in" on the episode. I finally looked down and I had run 3.6 miles!!!! My jaw literally dropped. I was shocked! I didn't feel dizzy at all! I didn't feel like I was going to pass out at all! I didn't feel the least bit nauseated! Sure, my legs were tired and I was drenched in sweat, but I felt GREAT! "This is what everyone was talking about!" I thought. Before, I just couldn't understand the "high" that people got from running. I literally felt horrible after running. And now I feel fantastic. I'm so very thankful for this procedure. I feel like it's literally given me a second chance at life, and I want to take full advantage at this chance I've been given. I want to take good care of this body, because I realize now how fragile it is.


Because I don't like blogs without pictures, here is a random picture of some puppets we made the other day. The kids had such a blast, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have fun too:)