Below is an essay reflection for the No Excuse Mom 12 Week Challenge, which ran February 20-May 15, 2017.
For the challenge I tracked my food intake, set 6 goals for myself, committed to workout everyday (in allignment with those goals), and set mindful intentions to live a positive, goal oriented life. Most importantly, to give up excuses, and be unapologetically Katherine.
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Just before my 18th birthday I donated blood for the first time and became a 3rd generation blood donor. I quickly realized my passion for blood donation became a lifelong advocate and donor. I gave whole blood at first, then platelets biweekly. I really wanted to donate double red blood cells, but I accepted the harsh reality that despite donating over 2 gallons of blood in about 7 years, I would never weigh the minimum female weight of 150 lbs. Bummer.
I have a genetic neuromuscular disorder paired with a super intense metabolism and a tall frame. I didn’t ask for any of this, but thanks to my genes I am perpetually skinny, and I struggle to gain muscle. I will never be 150 pounds, and I’ve accepted that, but I knew that living a skinny, weak life, was not the life for me. Following the birth of my one and only child, much of my muscle mass had deteriorated. I was down 40 pounds from my prepregnancy weight and frankly I hated myself. I could no longer donate blood because I not only am too small for doubles, but now whole blood as well. I also struggled to run more than a mile or so, my hips and legs were incredibly weak from my muscle disease and the after effects of natural labor, and I felt as though my Tiny Human was sucking the life out of me. I decided to sign up for the No Excuse Mom Challenge to better tune into my body and get on track to a long term healthy lifestyle that not only helps guide my own weight and muscle struggles into a happy, healthy range, but also inspire my toddler daughter to live an active lifestyle because she loves her body (regardless of its shape), instead of using fitness as a punishment somewhere down the line. I wrote long sentences to describe my big dreams.
This challenge was hard. My main goal was to gain weight through muscle growth, and that did not happen. Like a skier trying to scoot uphill, the level of strength training I was able to commit to did not counter the muscular atrophy in my legs. I was not able to eat enough protein, despite extensively tracking my meals and altering my diet frequently. Most of all, I was not able to rely on anyone but myself to hold accountable for my goals. I completed this challenge for myself, by myself. And at times it was lonely. I struggled a lot.
One of the most shocking things I learned was my macronutrition breakdown. Between 75-80% of my diet was carbohydrates. I knew I loved bread, rice, and pasta, but I had no idea how serious it was. By the end of the 12 weeks I was able to average 30-50% carbohydrates, and raise my protein (as a past vegetarian on the upswing) from ~5% to 20-30%. I also had to work hard to maintain a 2500 calorie intake to balance what I lost from breastfeeding. That is so much more food than I thought I would need, but once I practically doubled my caloric intake (while following a macro balance) I found myself hungry less often, I could focus, and I was sleeping sounder at night. I had no idea that I was basically starving myself while living on a diet I believed to be balanced and healthy.
So although my numbers don’t show much change, what they do show is commitment. I’m committed to a better me. I am focused on a well balanced mind, diet, and exercise routine, and I have been crushing it like a heavy rock on a big fat tree roach. I get frustrated sometimes. I asked myself why I was doing it. I wanted to quit on days my hands couldn’t even grip the weights. But I didn’t, because I am stronger than my challenges.
You can’t choose your genetics, but you can choose your attitude. I am weak. I am scrawny. And I drop my fork while I’m trying to eat. But during the past 12 weeks I learned so much about myself. I attended more Zumba classes than in my life prior. I took a job teaching Kids Fitness at the local gym. I completed a 10K race in 56 minutes, which was a significant PR! And I bought a house with a big back yard, so I can continue to share my love of wellness with my daughter.
I don’t know what my fitness goals are moving forward, but I’m not giving up. You don’t need a cape to be a hero, and this super mom is ready to change the world.