It Whispers- So listen!

On a sunny Sunday morning in May 2007 my sister and I meticulously worked teal accents into our outfits. Teal stones in her sandals, teal earrings with matching necklace, and various other teal items were added here and there. After checking the mirror for the last time we headed over the Delaware River from PA to New Jersey for our first ever Teal Tea fundraiser to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer. We'd be joining over 100 other women, 20 of which our close family and friends, for an afternoon tea, silent auction, and serious discussion. This function would grow into an annual event, held on the first Sunday in May each year, drawing more and more people. But this first one was significant.

Just several days earlier, on April 23, 2007, my Aunt Martha died from Ovarian Cancer at the age of 53. The days leading up to this event were difficult. Our wounds were fresh, our spirits shaken, and we hadn't yet had proper time to grieve. Our grief was still very real and extremely apparent to everyone in attendance. But then again they all had stories similar to ours. Some were still battling, some in remission, others lost loved ones...in this group our story was not unique. They knew what we were going through and could empathize whole-heartedly.

But regardless of how much support you have, nothing can make you feel whole again. Looking at my aunt’s daughter, her sisters, her mother, nieces and friends I knew we all felt similar pain and were holding back the tears (or at least trying) through every speech, every story, and every prayer during that tea party. But despite how difficult and painful it was to be there we were becoming involved in something very important. Something bigger. This group of women were devoting themselves to raising awareness of Ovarian Cancer. Raising awareness for this particular cancer is important for many reasons.

First, Ovarian Cancer has very subtle symptoms, almost all of which can be easily blamed on lifestyle, hormonal changes, or other factors.

Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

-Abdominal Swelling/Bloating/Clothes Too Tight
-Abdominal/Pelvic Pain or Pressure or Feeling "Full"
-Gastrointestinal Symptoms (such as gas, indigestion, nausea, or changes in bowel movements)
-Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge
-Urinary Problems - Urgency, Burning, or Spasms
-Fatigue and/or Fever
-Pain During Intercourse
-Back Pain
-Difficulty Breathing

The subtly of the symptoms often result in misdiagnosis. Diagnosing it correctly can take months. Only a specific blood test, CA-125, along with a pelvic exam and a transvaginal ultrasound, will alert the doctor of the danger of Ovarian Cancer. These tests will not be performed at an annual OBGYN visit or physical. Chances are you will have to ask for them.

So the symptoms are subtle and diagnosis is difficult but there is another dangerous aspect to Ovarian Cancer: IT IS INCREDIBLEY COMMON. 1 in every 55 women will have Ovarian Cancer. Think about your high school, your workplace, and your family... The fact of the matter is YOU know someone who will have Ovarian Cancer.

Because of these things it's necessary to educate woman on how silent and deadly this disease is. Teach them the symptoms and encourage them to be their own advocate with their doctors. If caught early you can beat it. You just have to listen to your body and stand up for yourself. Too many women, my aunt included, don't know they have Ovarian Cancer until it's far too late.

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. It's also the month my Aunt Martha was born. She would have been 57 this year.

Tell somebody. You may save a life.

"My Aunt Martha with her 6 sisters and mother"

"Teal Tea 2007"

"Teal Tea 2008"

"Teal Tea 2009"

"Click Here for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition"

The Impossible is Often the Untried

I remember the day I decided I wanted to be a runner. I was 18 and in my freshman year in college. I desperately did not want to be one of the women to succumb to the "freshman 15." Because all of my previous ways of staying in shape were through sports (mostly cheerleading and dance), I didn't really know how to workout efficiently. I tried a few classes at the gym on campus, but mostly I just ran. What started out as a 2-mile morning run on the indoor track quickly turned into 3 miles, then, 4 and eventually five. I'd run at school, I'd run after work with my mom....I just loved to run. The problem was I never pushed myself. I was comfortable doing 5 miles and it seemed to impress others. I'd follow up every run with 30 minutes of abs and stretching.

Now, almost 10 years later, I realize that although I may have been doing a great job caring for my heart with all the cardio, by leaving out strengthening exercises I hadn't been caring for the rest of my body. Additionally, I've learned that doing workouts at the right time of day is critical to building lean muscle and burning fat. I am finally learning and am fitter than ever.

Notice that I say FITTER and not THINNER. I certainly was thinner when all I did was run run run. But now I have shape. I have muscle. I am strong. I have a body that I am proud. That pride and strength translates into confidence which helps me physically, emotionally, professionally and personally.



For example, I'll start the day with a 3 mile run on the golf course in my neigborhood. It's a beautiful and safe route and I love starting my day this way. At the end of my run I may do 20 lunges, 20 burpees, 15 pushes, 50 bicycle crunches and a few minutes of stretching. This early morning workout is what we Tone It Up members call our Booty Call :) We get moving first thing to jump start our metabolism.

After work (I work a full 8 to 10 hours daily) I'll head to the gym to complete one of the Tone it Up workouts. Yesterday I did the below routine:



I followed it up by an intense 30 minutes of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) to burn as much fat as possible. By the time I was done I was exhausted. 15-20 minutes of stretching and I was on my way home, with nothing but refueling on my mind (aka dinner).



I've also learned how to set goals for myself to keep me going. Last weekend I ran a 10K. It was my goal to place. I wanted a medal. Sure enough I came in 2nd place overall for women!! I could have pushed it harder and therefore have set my goals higher. Today I began training for my first half marathon.

I found out about a group of people in the area also training and ran with them for the first time this morning. I'm used to running alone and was surprised at how easy it is to run further and push harder when you're running with others. Before I knew it we soared past my comfort-zone (6 miles) and completed 9.12 miles! I was amazed and proud. I'm eager to see how far I can go next saturday and so thankful for finding my new running buddies to motivate me :)

I've found most of my inspiration through the Tone it Up community. Katrina and Karena, our trainers, motivate hundreds, if not thousands, of women everyday. They keep us involved, excited and make getting toned a group activity. Their meal plan is incredible and has taught me a lot about healthy eating. Finding these two online has positively affected my life more than I can describe. I don't think I'd have the confidence to try a half marathon if I hadn't already been training with these two, building my strength and endurance.

I will keep you posted on my progress. Until then, remember that it's only impossible if you don't try it. Lace up those running shoes and hit the pavement. You may surprise yourself ;)

Eat, Work, Live, Love, Run...repeat

It's been over a month since my last post. It may seem like I'm slacking but in actuality I've been in overdrive! August was an insane month. On top of the birthdays (yours truly included), out-of towners visiting and a record-breaking month at work, I've been focusing heavily on taking care of my body. Thanks to Karena and Katrina from Tone it Up I've been eating healthier than ever, trying challenging workouts each day, and developed the discipline to follow a fool proof and successful routine. For my Tone it Up Booty Call each morning I run 3 miles on an empty stomach. My meals are all fresh and nutrient dense. I do strength training and more cardio in the evening, and finish of the day with a healthy homemade meal. I have to admit, however, I still indulge in my regular glass of red wine and the occasional mixed drink or beer. A girls gotta live a little, right?!?

I also completed the Tone it Up 7-Day Slimdown. My sister-in-law and I did it together, which held us both accountable and kept us on track. At the end of the detox we both saw significant results and felt like a million bucks. The cleanse is a great way to flush out heavy toxins and balance both your hormones and PH levels. K&K recommend doing it bi-monthly. I can't wait until October! After I completed the slimdown I had a photo shoot with a friend on the beach to document how great I felt.

I've also recruited another TUI member, a co-worker of mine with a drive to shed some pounds. Having friends and family be passionate about healthy living makes it a lot easier to stay focused. I'm looking forward to doing the 7-day slimdown with her :)

I've learned more about cooking in the last 2 months than I have in 10 years! My diet now consists of seasonal fruits and vegetables, beans, healthy grains and seeds and hardly anything processed. Though it requires more work I am having fun and my energy level has skyrocketed. My husband is enjoying the variety of foods as well and is eating things he never thought he'd try. Knowing I am making us both healthier is an incredible feeling. We also enjoy the quality time we're spending making and eating our exciting new meals.

My life has been go,go,go and I suprisingly do not feel exhausted. I am happy, healthy, and loving life. More updates to come :)