DOS

Day two of training is now in the books. I'm going to call the workout DOS, for a number of reasons... the obvious - that DOS means two, is the least of those! We live in a world of acronyms and this one, in this case, means - Developing Overall Strength. Since I'm going to be doing a much longer race than I've done before, I decided I better do all the little things the best I can, and I know I need some core strength.

SO - yesterday's workout was filled with squats, lunges, bridges and the like, as recommended by the ASMSU trainer. (By the way, if you are at MSU and have a gym pass, I highly suggest that you give this FREE service a try. There are great people to help you reach your goals.) Participation in Team Challenge includes training, which I'm sure will be wonderful, but it doesn't get going until March so in the meantime, I'll do the best I can.

Back to DOS. Core strength training is something that I've ommitted for many, many years. I've read all the info about how important it is, especially for women, but I've managed to avoid it nonetheless. I have to say, that squats will probably never be my favorite. However, it feels good to have some soreness (okay, quite a bit) in areas where I definitely want to get some definition so I shall plug away. Also, in the past couple of years as I've just started running without any kind of core training, I've managed to get injuries - hamstrings, shin splints, knee soreness. So I think this will help.

If you have Crohns or Colitis or a close family member or friend who does, number 2 is a frequent part of regular discussion.... You know what I mean. It is unavoidable, really. However, it is awkward and hard for the general public to talk about poop, so this reference DOS, is kind of a loving way of embracing one of the most difficult parts of talking about the problems associated with Crohns, and one of the most difficult parts of training, all into one small little phrase.

I wanted to say one more thing in this post... I sold myself a little short in my first post by saying that I haven't been disciplined in the last while. That's not entirely true. Being in remission from Crohns over the last few years, has not been accidental or a matter of luck. I've worked at it. My GI, Dr. Johnson, and his nurse Kim, help me to be very, very diligent about regular check-ups, blood work, infusions and the like. They are wonderful and without them, I have no doubt that things would be much different for me. I also have learned a lot about my triggers -things to avoid - to help me stay on track. Getting overly tired, for me, can be really dangerous. I've had to learn to say NO, sometimes more than I like. There are periods of time where I feel some pain and I put myself on a liquid, highly nutricious diet. I am faithful in taking my B12 shots. I know that at some point, I might have a bout in SPITE of all this that I do, but if that happens, I'll be able to say that I did what I could to avoid the trouble.

I have slacked in terms of exercise, and that is what I meant yesterday. Life is so busy - and I'm so grateful to be participaing actively in life! It is truly a blessing that I'm able to work full time and participate in my kids activities and community service, etc. I just haven't made exercise a priority, and that is what I'm changing now. It does make a difference -for EVERYONE! But, maybe especially for people with chronic illness. None of us are perfect, we can only do our best. I fell off in this area, and now I'm turning it around. It's all good!