This trainer needs a trainer

In December 2008, I had back surgery to remove a herniated disc in my lower back.  

I had 2 bulged discs from a car accident years previously, then tripped on a concrete step and herniated one of those discs.  It was the worst amount of pain I'd been in. I couldn't exercise. I couldn't pick up my baby. I couldn't carry a simple basket of laundry. I couldn't vacuum.  I felt useless and helpless.

After several tests, I went to an orthopedic surgeon that specialized in the spine.  He took one look at my MRI and basically said, "How did you walk in here!?"  His professional opinion was that I should have been in so much pain I could not walk.  Additionally, the nerves that were being pinched were ones that connected to bladder and bowel functions.  If I did not have the surgery, I could risk losing the function to control my bladder and/or bowels.  That was enough for me.  I scheduled the surgery and never looked back. 

I did the post-op therapy, focused on healing and battled to be patient with my body.  I of course gained weight leading up to the surgery and after (a total of about 30 pounds) because I was ordered by my surgeon not to exercise prior or 4 weeks after.   

Prior to herniating that disc, I was a certified group exercise instructor teaching stroller fitness classes for new and expecting moms.  I loved it. I enjoyed being with my baby while working out and helping others as well.  It was fulfilling and helped me stay in shape.  I never doubted I'd be back teaching those classes again and by the summer of 2009, I was.  

I obtained my Personal Trainer certification from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) in April 2009. After enduring the pain of back surgery and the lengthy recovery, I really wanted to help others stay healthy, fit and strong.  The June after my surgery I ran a 5k and walked a 10k. I caught the running bug once again, and have since completed several races including 4 1/2 marathons, 5 10 milers, and 1 full marathon.  I've also started a running group from the ground up with 3 of my "sole sisters".  With their encouragement and the encouragement and inspiration of our members, I've achieved things I never thought I might.  I'm so thankful to be running and to do it with virtually no back pain.

All that being said, I am 30 pounds heavier than I need to be due to a recent shin injury (overuse/over-training) and poor eating habits.  As a novice runner, it is so easy to gain weight when you're faced with an injury that keeps you from running. When training, you get so used to eating additional calories.  As a Personal Trainer, I know what I need to do.  I do not have nutrition expertise, but Personal Trainers are educated to know that true health doesn't come from just exercising well.  What we put in our bodies and how much matters just as much, if not more.   

So, yes, this trainer needs a trainer.  

I've found that I need to incorporate much more cross-training than I previously thought.  I also need to focus on eating more whole foods and less grains and processed foods.  I've found a trainer and plan to work with them for the next 12 weeks.  But I know only I can make the changes.  The trainer is a facilitator, not babysitter.  The trainer is a guide and source of accountability.  Each week I'll share how I'm doing, what my nutritional challenges and triumphs are.  I'm not planning on drastically changing anything right away, but gradually making progress.  Slow and steady = success.

Stay tuned for this weeks recap and some workout tips.