I make no secret that I have put on weight over the past year, approximately 15 pounds. I gained the first nine in the first months after my celiac diagnosis. The other six have been a more recent occurrence, due to my ongoing stress from my job and not having the energy to work out.

I am not happy with the extra pounds. I am not happy being stressed out. And I am most certainly not happy not working out.

I am making a commitment to myself.  I will shake off the stress of the day and run or lift weights. I will put work behind me when I get home. I have to or I will keep digging myself deeper into this hole.

I am trying to forget being perfect and just try a little each day. I don’t have to run a 10:30-minute mile for an hour each day but if I can get out and run/walk for 30 minutes I am doing better than I was yesterday.

I haven’t really kept up with my healthy eating or workouts over the past year. I feel as if I am starting over. And it’s hard. I know where I was a year ago and am not even close to being as fast. Or able to run as far. Starting over feels harder than starting something for the first time. I know what I am capable of but it seems so far away.

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I ran five miles on Saturday and averaged 12:30 per mile, almost two minutes slower than a year ago. I had to take walk breaks every mile. But I did it. That is what counts.

I have done better with my strength training the last few months. I still have a weak upper body but I am seeing some progression. I have never had much upper body strength but I love the feeling of improvement.

I was miserable this past year. I’ve been depressed over my diagnosis and my job but I’ve had enough. I want to happy and healthy again.  I want to run a marathon in January. I know where I’ve been and I know I can get there again. I need to commit to myself.  I need to find a routine and stick to it.

I have put my workouts for the week on my calendar. I will make sure to do them because if I don’t I know I will feel worse.

How do you make sure you fit in healthy eating and workouts when you’re stressed and have limited time for everything? 


Jenna

Jenna Volden has a degree in business and has spent the last 10 plus years working for others. She believes it is time to start her own photography and writing business. She enjoys running, coffee and helping others achieve their goals. Gluten-free foods are a lifestyle, not a choice, for her due to celiac disease. She is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona.