How a manicure and sash changed my life

What about your personality do you try to change? I can remember every school year, every move, every new group of people… I always told myself “I’m not going to talk. I’m going to be the quiet one. I’m not going to be bossy.” It took me a long time to learn that being bossy and being a leader are two different things. Two summers ago, I went to Camp Do More and was moved to just get over it. (And by “moved”, I mean I had a tearful conversation with my best friend in a parking lot about how I was always afraid of not being liked.) I led. I talked. I had fun and went a little over the top. Was I shunned? Pushes aside? Made fun of? If any of that happened, I didn’t notice because I was having too much fun being ME! In fact, my team capita a selected ME out of our team of 50 or so awesome people as our Team VIP. Can you see how shocked I was? Moral of the story: I know it’s more easily said than done but get over yourself. You are who you are for a REASON and I bet it’s a darn good reason!! It’s still been a process for me but I can tell you I’m a very different person than I am today. I’m happier. I don’t care what people think nearly as much as I care about helping people. I know this is me and I know I still have a ways to go but it is a weight off my shoulders. All because of a post manicure talk and a very meaningful sash…. 

29 by 29

We all have dreams, right? Goals we want to achieve to ensure better futures for ourselves and those we love? Even if you haven't written them out (yet!! Do it!!!), most all of us have a vision of the days to come. It's probably no surprise to you that I have a picture in my head of how my future is going to play out... The kind of house I think would be comfortable for my family, the kind of life we would live, how we'd feel financially... But I also have a vision for the people who I can help enable make incredible changes in their life because I know that we all need a push and that gaining self confidence can be the biggest catalyst ever to achieving bigger dreams. 

Why am I sharing all this with you? Because I learn everyday about people in my life - people I love dearly - who are holding themselves back, denying themselves their dreams, letting their goals be lost in dust, because they don't feel like they can or should get to shoot for the stars. 

Lemme tell you a little story... Some of you have heard this before, this will be new to some, but we can all use a little reminder sometimes. I'm not perfectly self confident but I used to be even more unsure of me. I wasn't standing up for myself, I wasn't expecting the right things out of relationships, and I definitely wasn't dreaming. A health incentive program started at work and I figured an extra $200 savings on my health insurance would be cool so I signed up. I was tracking food, started lifting a little and running again... But I was so so nervous. I had never tried to lose weight before. I had never been close to someone who openly talked about changing their health habits to get a particular result. This was uncharted territory. 

Imagine my surprise when it started working!!

A couple weeks in, I stepped on the scale and I had lost weight. WOW!!! It wasn't a huge amount of weight but it was an acknowledgement of the fact that I had decided to do something for myself, committed to doing it, and succeeded in getting some kind of result. 

Because I didn't really have someone by my side and this was a line wolf effort for me, it took me about 3 years to really get where I wanted to be, but there were some pretty amazing changes that I was able to make in my life thanks to this feeling of empowerment. Not all of the changes were easy - nothing worth it ever is - but they've made my life so much better. My only frustration was having to seemingly go it alone. 

Then I met Jenelle Summers when I got on twitter to learn more about this new workout I wanted to try... A little sweat session called TurboJam. Thanks to Jenelle, I learned about what it means to be a coach and that it meant never again having to go it alone. Where do I sign? 

It's been a few years since I made that leap of faith into Jenelle's organization and I can honestly say that being a coach has changed my life in a thousand ways. The coaches I have met are my best friends. The future I'm building allows me to be sure that I am in control of the days ahead. This is how life is supposed to feel.  

However, the best part of coaching, being a fitness instructor, or just putting my story out there is the fact that I get to help people write their own story! What do you want your "after" story to be? 

I have a GOAL to help 29 people through the Beachbody challenge by my 29th birthday (January 31, 2014) - are you one of those 29? If you didn't already know, the Beachbody challenge is just submitting your before and after pictures from completing a program for a chance to win some serious cash prizes. Imagine what you could do with a renewed sense of confidence and empowerment that comes with a side of cash!!! I'll be hosting a number of challenge groups between now and then so let me know (gabriella@addictedwithgabriella.com) if you want to make your dreams come true. 

I want YOU to be one of my 29... Will you claim your spot?

There's nothing in your way and having had to start on my own, I will do everything I can to be sure YOU don't have to do the same. I'm right here... We can do this!! 

I'm a glitch

I’ve gotta be honest with you – I normally don’t draft my blogs. Usually these entries – especially those labled “From the heart” come straight from my heart to the screen through my finger tips. I do very little editing, proofreading, or rearranging. I want to talk through this blog like I’m just talking to you and I feel most like I’m doing that when I just let the words flow. This entry is different though… this is a story I’ve told a million times. It’s something I’ve lived and known since I was eight. I do think about it every day but I don’t think of it as something that has gotten in my way which is probably why you won’t find a lot of mention of my epilepsy on my blog.

Have you seen Wreck it Ralph yet? As soon as Vanellope started talking about how she was a "glitch" and they showed how it affected her perfomance in the game, I knew I could relate to this girl...

I'm so going as this girl for Halloween next year!

I was diagnosed with epilepsy 6 weeks before my 9th birthday after having 2 grand mal seizures. For those of you unfamiliar, that means that I wasn’t conscious during the episode, had trouble walking and talking afterwards, and had no control over my body at all during the entire seizure. Both of them started while I was asleep but my dad saw the second one which is what gave the doctors the last bit of information they needed to get me started on medicine. After that medication controlling my seizures for 2 years, we reevaluated my status. Most children outgrow epilepsy and given my clean test results, I seemed a likely candidate for going off medication. Woohoo!!

Until a couple years later… I started having minor episodes where I would have trouble breathing for a moment but all of those episodes could easily be contributed to being overtired (I didn’t even tell my parents about some of those!), heat, or just too much going on. In retrospect, I know these were partial seizures (still conscious and in control of my thoughts) but that wasn’t apparent until I had two partial seizures that included full body convulsions. Back to the doctor and the medications.

I didn’t outgrow it and I have had a few EEGs that still show “abnormal activity”. I’m one of the lucky ones for whom medication can control my episodes and I live a pretty normal life. I can drive. I can work out. I do most everything everyone else does on a daily basis. I suppose that’s why I haven’t talked about my epilepsy much here – even though I think about it every single day (often several times each day), it doesn’t change my life too much. I have to be careful with how much caffeine I have (as we all should anyway), hyperventilation is bad, and I cover my eyes at the movies or a bar when lights are going crazy and strobe-light-like. Most any other changes are just so much a part of my life I don’t give them a second thought.

My this doesn't quite work...

Lately though, some things have come into my life that bring my epilepsy a bit more to the forefront. Camp Do More, boxing, and babies. Just to be clear, no I am not pregnant and am not planning on having kids for a little while still. However, I am thinking about being a mom a whole lot more and I know that when the time comes, I will likely need to stop taking medication and I worry about whether or not I will start having episodes again that would put my child at risk. That’s a ways off so I try not to think about it but that’s a hard one to ignore when so many around you are having babies.

Boxing should be simple enough to explain but it probably is the most painful thing that epilepsy has taken away from me. Many of you know I had started training, was showing some good potential, and had set a goal with my coach to win the 165 lb Novice Chicago Golden Gloves title. I had a really good shot at it. I talked to my neurologist (she’s amazing) about it and she explained that just one hit to the head – and it wouldn’t even have to be a hard one – could undo all the control we’ve had over my episodes. I wouldn’t be allowed to drive, I probably shouldn’t live alone (imagine a seizure while I’m showering or holding a sharp knife…not a pretty outcome), etc. Life as I know it would be over. Hearing that is like being told by the person you love that you can’t be in their life at all anymore. I still feel like I’m recovering from a terrible break up – certain songs make me change the station, the boxing gym is a raw reminder of what I’m missing (although I still love everyone there dearly!)... You get the idea.

The reason I'm finally writing this blog though is Camp Do More. Turbo and Hip Hop Hustle especially were designed to be a party and as such, they are accompanied by loud music, lots of intensity, and party lights. Pretty cool right? Absolutely... Except for an epileptic who knows strobe lights and hyperventilation can trigger her episodes. I'm sure you can imagine that with all in intensity and excitement during a workout, hyperventilation is a very real risk and we already covered the lights.

The off-da-chain Turbo Party!

For me, that means that I've been participating by doing the workouts in the hall in "normal" lighting and a bit removed from the intensity. When my gorgeous and amazing team captains asked me why I was working out so very removed from our team, I shared my story which brought up the question of the team competition. Each team does a routine on that stage and most importantly, under the lights. Because they didn't want me to miss out, they made sure our lights would be steady for our routine so I could participate. No one was going to let my epilepsy get in the way. In fact, since I was so determined not to let my epilepsy stop me, in addition to helping the team, they made me Team Redskins MVP!! I can't tell you how amazing that felt but I can tell you it paled in comparison to the moment I had with team captain Bridget Frederick at the dance party that night. "You need to share your story with others" she told me. "There are people out there who are letting things like epilepsy scare them out of doing what they love. You can show them that it won't get in their way."

Me with one of my team captains, Bridget

I've NEVER had a sash... what a fun moment :-)

So there it is... Long overdue but shared.

I have epilepsy. It could stop me. It could scare me out of a lot of things. I keeps me out of dance halls, makes action movies a little tough to watch sometimes, and makes me nervous when I know that certain things happening in life are making me more vulnerable. I think about it everyday and take a decent amount of medication to make sure I'm not at risk or putting others at risk. My meds can make me tired, depressed, and according to some studies, suicidal. I can't eat grapefruit a lot because of how it counteracts with my medication. There are a lot of worries of what life will be like down the road when I have kids or start to have some of the long term side effects of my meds.

But I run, turbo, drive, love James Bond movies (even if I have to cover my eyes during the firefights), and have made it through college, a very stressful job, and several moves on my own. I do not let my epilepsy stop me and instead have made it just a part of who I am. I don't usually say I'm epileptic - instead I say that I have epilepsy because even though an episode can take control of my life for a moment, I don't let it control everything. That's life. That's what makes us strong. Find a way to work with the cards you've been dealt and push forward. Yes, pieces of your life may not fall into place just as you had always imagined but the next chapter will be better than the one you drafted for yourself.

I have epilepsy. It can be scary and it has changed my life but I wouldn't change that for a moment. In some ways, defying it and working with it has become my strength. It has taught me - in a very real and physical way - that I won't always be able to control every moment. But broken bones heal stronger, scars are tougher skin and the same can be said for a soul that has been through trials and turbulence. Allow yourself to learn and grow from these difficulties and in the end, it will be worth it.

November is Epilepsy Awareness month but I'm always an open book on this topic. If you or someone you know has epilepsy or even just questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at gabriella@addictedwithgabriella.com.

Lessons from a 5 year old

A number of weeks ago, I got to have my Goddaughter all to myself for a whole weekend. I had a great plan to ride the train, visit the zoo, go swimming, have dinner out on the town... basically remind her that she had the GREATEST Godmother ever (aside from my own because, let's face it, my Godmother is pretty awesome) and send her home spoiled rotten. 

 

We had an amazing time (in case all the smiles don't give it away) and I didn't want to "return" her to her parents on Sunday.

But alas, all good things must come to an end and we were off to the Shedd aquarium to reunite her with her parents when she reminded me of something very important. As the radio station turned on Katy Perry's Firework, she asked me to turn it up. I knew something fun was coming so I set up my camera to record her and was not disappointed... 

Before we got downtown, we probably sang this a dozen times...at the top of our lungs - and got several dozen strange looks from people as they passed by. Did she notice? Not a chance. In that moment, she reminded me of a lesson that so many of us are told and that so few of us remember daily. Sing like no one is listening...regardless of how many of the words you actually know or how many people might give you funny looks for singing like you're on stage in a cupcake outfit. We had so much FUN on that drive that I almost didn't want to get there.

What things in life have you not chased because you didn't know all the words or all the steps? How many times could we all just push forward with chasing our goals instead of worrying about who's watching or how silly we might look? Next time that song comes on the radio, turn it up and sing your heart out... and remember how good that feels the next time you're afraid to chase a dream because you don't know all the words...

Dance like no one's watching,

Sing like no one's listening,

Love like you'll never get hurt,

and live like it's heaven on Earth.

Help me with this fire hose, I'm going in...

On Friday, Beachbody CEO Carl Daikeler posted a blog challenging Team Beachbody Coaches: "Are you REALLY a first responder in this battle?" which I diligently read, got fired up about...and then closed. The thoughts kept with me all day but I'll be honest... the gravity of the situation didn't sink in until I looked at the numbers and listened to Carl speak yesterday. 

Let's start with the numbers (most people find those boring so let's get them out of the way!). According to USA Today

"About two-thirds of adults in Mississippi and several other states will be obese by 2030 if the obesity trend continues to climb at its current rate, says a new analysis out today."

2030 is only 18 years away...that means that the child you're holding in your arms, the one your wife is about to deliver, the one who started Kindergarten this year...that kid...that bundle of potential and dreams and energy has a nearly 66% chance of being OBESE - not just overweight - OBESE before they even really start living their life. I don't know about you, but that makes me downright sick.

Even the lowest predicted obesity rates (in DC) is 32.6% - that's roughly ONE OUT OF EVERY THREE!!! Tennessee is predicted to have an OBESITY rate of 63.4%!!! 

That said, I see light in USA Today's statement. I see hope. Where??? 

"if the obesity trend continues to climb at its current rate"

That means we can do something about it!! 

 Beachbody coaches in Tennessee are already reacting.. check it out!

I got goosebumps when Richard was recognized at Summit and I get goosebumps and teary eyed every time I watch this video.

So what can we do?

Yesterday, Carl referred to this alarming trend as a slowly burning building and we're standing in it.

This trend isn't happening "tomorrow", "over the next 12 years", "in a couple months", or "someday". It is happening NOW. It isn't happening to "them", "those guys", or "someone else". It is happening to US. WE are the crisis. WE are the obesity rate. WE are the national health concern.

Take a good honest look around...see the fire? See the timbers that are feeding that fire? Each fast food, grease and bad-fat loaded, real food lacking, meal we feed ourselves and our loved ones adds another timber to that fire. Each day we say that we'll start being healthier "tomorrow", "next week", "next month", or "next year", we pour gasoline on the flames.

In this situation, I think you can be in one of three places... where are you?

Are you inside the building as the flames grow? You may be ignoring or putting off your health. You may not know where to start. Be honest with yourself...that's where your journey out of the house starts. I want to help you if that's where you are but you have to start with realizing that the roof over your head is on fire and going to collapse.

Are you outside the building watching the flames grow but not sure what you can do?

Or are you outside, fully aware of the flames and danger ... and feel anxious to run in and help? Help me with this fire hose...I'm going in. 

The only way we can change those numbers is by taking action. We all have to take responsibility and be aware of what is happening to US... and recognize that it's happening NOW! I won't accept anything less out of myself - will you? Who's with me?

Want to rush the flames with me? Let me know here or shoot me an email at gabriella@addictedwithgabriella.com.

Feel trapped in the burning building but don't know where to start? Check out my Power of 3 Challenge starting tomorrow or contact me at gabriella@addictedwithgabriella.com and we'll get you started!

I'm done. #CoachSummit #Commit

Yesterday was the last day of Summit and there is one big conclusion....one big decision that continues to echo in my mind as I think back to the last few days.

I'm done. So so very done. No really...that's it. I'm throwing in the towel. D. O. N. E. Done. 

I'm done apologizing for being "that girl" who wants to help others be better.

I'm done apologizing for my passion.

I'm done hiding that the fact that the potential to impact lives just by sharing the success stories of myself and others is what gets me up in the morning. 

I'm done telling myself that it "would be nice" if this is what I could do for the rest of my life instead of making it happen.

I'm done feeling bad when you seem so uncomfortable because I asked you "what do you want for your life?" because I know that discomfort will drive you to do more when your time is right.

I'm done with being afraid of rejection because if I can help be a catalyst for change in just ONE person's life, it will be worth a thousand "No"s to see them get to celebrate that moment when they realize they are who and what they have always wanted to be. 

This is who I am...it's not a change, this is who I have always been. So far in my life though, this kind of passion for this kind of mission has made me a minority. There's nothing right or wrong about that, it's just the way it's always been. But this week was different... You know when you watch those movies, or walk into a place and there seems to be a glow over a certain group of people? That gold shine that seems to emanate from a tribe who has everything - laughter, beauty, and camaraderie? We often refer to that group as the beautiful people and so many spend so much energy and money to try to fit into that group. This week, I got to spend 3 whole days with the beautiful people and it had nothing to do with how hard I was trying to fit in or how many designer labels I could wear at once. In fact, my dress came from a sale on amazon, my shoes came from Target, and the only person I was this week was me.

Yet I fit in. I felt like I really truly belonged there. We laughed, cried, danced, sweat, learned, talked, ate, and shopped (of course!) together. We applauded the tears of pride and compassion shed by executives of Beachbody, fellow coaches, and individuals who have changed their lives forever simply by learning to be healthier. Each success story and Beachbody trainer who took the stage because they had changed our lives, thanked us for changing theirs. We heard trainer, after coach, after exec, after speaker talk about letting out your inner nerd, being weird, and that we need to stop trying to hold back a passion that could change someone's world. 

So I've decided I'm done. I'm done because I truly want to help others achieve their goals and the life they have always imagined for themselves - and more - and the only way I know how to do that is by not hiding that passion anymore. My passion is my power and with great power comes great responsibility. Too many times though we struggle to discover what our responsibility, our charge, our mission in life really is and we don't get to use our power in all the ways it was meant to be used. I know my responsibility. I know my mission. And I know I've finally figured it out because even as I type this, I have tears in my eyes and my hands are shaking.

My mission is to challenge YOU to live the life that lies beyond your wildest dreams and I'm done apologizing for how scary or uncomfortable that journey can be because I know that in the end, it will be worth it. 

I'm done.... so let's get this started!

Me (top) with (R-L) fellow coaches Kristy Ford and Annette Gorden cheesing it up and dancing with Beachbody CEO, Carl Daikeler. 

Join my relay team - no running required!

So I know it's been a while since I posted anything - I'm working on streamlining a lot of things in my life and until I get all that figured out, blog posts and newsletters have been on the back burner - but this is too important not to post.

A dear friend of mine (friends since 6th grade or so if I remember right!) has been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). She's always been active so to see her diagnosed with something that can limit her activity could be incredibly sad. However, in typical Carrie fashion, she won't let it get the better of her. She rans two businesses from home to help support her beautiful family and is using one of them to help raise awareness and funds for the Ehlers Danlos National Foundation!

Here's where you come in! I'm sure that you have at LEAST one item you could use from Mary Kay...Sunscreen? lotion? New mascara? A new color of lip gloss? You're going to buy it anyway...might as well support a good cause, right?

3 simple steps YOU can do to help!
1. Comment on this blog or email me and let me know you're up for joining my relay team. All you have to do is buy ONE item. That's it! Just for joining the relay, $1 is donated in your honor to the Ehlers Danlos National Foundation! How cool is that?

We're the blue team...perfect! GO BLUE!!

2. Want more than one item? Invite a friend who joins and get your second item for 50% off!
3. Invite more people or encourage your friend to invite others! The more we have on our team, the better because each member of the winning team (the team with the most members by the end of the month) gets a free sampler basket AND a $15.00 gift card! How awesome is that!

Want to know more about Carrie or EDS? Keep reading!


Carrie's Story
Hi, I am Carrie Bourgo, and I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Type 3, also known as the hypermobility type. I have had this disease since birth but wasn’t diagnosed until I was 26 years old! I was 20 weeks pregnant with my second baby when I met Geneticist Dr. Clair Francomano in Baltimore, MA and she confirmed my diagnosis. Growing up I always had pains in my bones and joints, but they were
attributed to typical growing pains and my lack of gracefulness. I was a very active kid who loved to play outside and participate on sports teams such as track and softball. When I got into middle school I started playing volleyball and basketball and my volleyball career continued into college. Although I had many knee sprains and twisted my ankle a few too many times, I amazingly avoided any major injuries. I started wearing knee braces the summer before 7th grade due to knee pain that the doctor said was due to patella subluxation – my knee caps moved too much.

The pain never went away, but was at least bearable, but that was just the beginning. Soon enough my ankles, low back, upper back, shoulders, and ankles all had chronic pain. Even my fingers and toes would hurt! Anti-inflammatory drugs helped some along with ice, bracing, and rest, but it got to a point where I had to just learn to live with the pain. Doctors, trainers, and coaches had evaluated my complaints and couldn’t find anything really wrong so I became known as a hypochondriac. I also had strange episodes of vertigo and disequilibrium that came on with no warning.

Pregnancy took a huge toll on my body. As an athlete I had built up my muscles and they supported my loose joints, but when I became pregnant with my son my activity level became non-existent. I was just
12 weeks pregnant when I sprained my pubic bone while racing a couple kids I babysat for. I felt my right hip move out of socket and my pubic bones grind together. The initial pain dropped me to the ground and the damage to surrounding tissues lasted several weeks. As my belly grew, the less I was able to move and the more pain I experienced. After the birth of my son and the discovery of his milk protein allergy I changed my diet so I could continue breastfeeding. When he turned a year I assumed my regular diet and became very ill. I had frequent episodes of stroke-like symptoms and my legs became so weak and unstable I walked with a cane for 2 months. The severity of my symptoms was disregarded by doctors who couldn’t find a cause, even after thorough testing. I began searching online for answers. It was a message from an unknown forum member that led me to The Chiari Institute in NY in September of 2010. The neurologist there evaluated my MRIs and cat scans and x-rays and determined that I did not officially have Chiari, but low lying cerebral tonsils possibly due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. His referral to Dr. Francomano confirmed his suspicions. I’m now currently being evaluated for other diseases associated with EDS, specifically MCAD (Mast Cell Activation Disorder).

Carrie and her cuties - Owen and Alana

You’d think knowing the name of my disease would make it easier when receiving treatment from doctors, but because EDS is rare it is misunderstood and overlooked. Rare diseases are symbolized with zebras or zebra print because zebra is a medical slang term for a surprising diagnosis. The term derives from the aphorism "When you hear hoofbeats behind you, don't expect to see a zebra."

The simplest way to help me and others with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is to spread awareness. Please take a minute to share this story either through email or handing out copies. You never know, you might be the stranger that helps someone else find their diagnosis and get their life back.

Written by Carrie Bourgo

Information provided by Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation, http://www.ednf.org
WHAT IS EDS?

Individuals with EDS have a defect in their connective tissue, the tissue that provides support to many body parts such as the skin, muscles and ligaments. The fragile skin and unstable joints found in EDS are the result of faulty collagen. Collagen is a protein, which acts as a "glue" in the body, adding strength and elasticity to connective tissue. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders, characterized by articular (joint) hypermobility, skin extensibility and tissue fragility. There are six major types of EDS. The different types of EDS are classified according to their manifestations of signs and symptoms. Each type of EDS is a distinct disorder that "runs true" in a family. This means that an individual with Vascular Type EDS will not have a child with Classical Type EDS.

SYMPTOMS OF EDS

Clinical manifestations of EDS are most often joint and skin related and may include:

Joints: joint hypermobility; loose/unstable joints which are prone to frequent dislocations and/or subluxations; joint pain; hyperextensible joints (they move beyond the joint's normal range); early onset of osteoarthritis.
Skin: soft velvety-like skin; variable skin hyperextensibility; fragile skin that tears or bruises easily (bruising may be severe); severe scarring; slow and poor wound healing; development of molluscoid pseudo tumors (fleshy lesions associated with scars over pressure areas).
Miscellaneous/Less Common: chronic, early onset, debilitating musculoskeletal pain (usually associated with the Hypermobility Type); arterial/intestinal/uterine fragility or rupture (usually associated with the Vascular Type);
Scoliosis at birth and scleral fragility (associated with the Kyphoscoliosis Type); poor muscle tone (associated with the Arthrochalasia Type); mitral valve prolapse; and gum disease.

PREVELANCE OF EDS

At this time, research statistics of EDS show the prevalence as 1 in 2,500 to 1 in 5,000. It is known to affect both males and females of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

HOW IS EDS INHERITED?

The two known inheritance patterns for EDS include autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive. Specifics regarding genetic inheritance may be found by following the link below. Regardless of the inheritance pattern, we have no choice in which genes we pass on to our children.

PROGNOSIS

The prognosis of EDS depends on the specific type. Life expectancy can be shortened with the Vascular Type of EDS due to the possibility of organ and vessel rupture. Life expectancy is usually not affected in the other types

WHAT CAN I DO NOW?

The defining trait of those affected by EDS is the search for information. The rise in Internet usage has delivered a significant benefit to families affected by EDS. Help share the information and
visit the Ehlers Danlos National Foundation www.EDNF.org or the Inspire Online Community http://www.inspire.com/groups/ehlers-danlosnational-foundation/

Thumbs Up for Rock and Roll!

How can you NOT get pumped up by this little guy? I'm saving this video on my phone, computer, youtube playlist...every year. To read the comments and see the motivation and inspiration this little rock star has churned up is incredible. I think "thumbs up for rock and roll" is my new battle cry!!

Happy New Year!

Another year gone and I have to say that I'm so excited about the many blessings I have going into 2012. Thank you so much for reading through this blog for another year...through the highs and lows...cleanses, workout routines, injuries, races, and more.

As 2011 fades into our past and we blaze into 2012, here's to a happy, healthy, successful, and fulfilling year for you and your loved ones! I sincerely pray for the best for you! May you be blessed many times over in 2012 and many years to come.

Now drink some water and get going on some goals - 2012 is OUR YEAR! :-)

Warning: Tough Love Ahead

I keep seeing posts on facebook that are something along the lines of "I don't have a model body, I eat food, I wear my PJs all day, I'm not going to be a superstar and I'm not going to change. Love me for me."

First - and least importantly - those who have good bodies do eat. I've seen it first hand. And they eat more than carrots I promise. But that's not my main point.

When I read these...to me, these are cop-outs. It's entirely important that you be yourself and you should work to love yourself and everything you are. But I hear people (women especially) say things like this in a way and with a tone that shows that they love their current, unmoving, unchanging self because they don't believe they can be more. When encouraged to try something new or try a self improvement program their response is defensive. How dare you suggest they change??

Here's some tough love for you: You can be happy and love yourself while working to improve! If you've ever said "This is what I am. Love it or leave it." when you knew in your heart of hearts that you wanted to be better, all you feared is what being greater could mean. Stop hiding behind that. Love who you are - YES! - but don't be afraid to embrace what you can become for that is where true strength lies.

I beg of you - stop settling! Deciding to be more is a decision that anyone can make, regardless of how happy you think you are. As you make progress you'll realize how much more fulfilled you feel, even if you thought you felt complete before.

Once you decide, progress won't be overnight. You won't wake up tomorrow with Heidi Klum's body and bank account. But once you're on a path, everything is different. You carry yourself differently and you approach life with a control you've never known before.

#36thMCM - My (our) strategy

So the weekend I've been anxiously awaiting is finally here! I can't wait to run this with Nate and I hope that all runners in this incredible event have a successful and healthy run! Remember - less than 0.2% of Americans have finished a marathon so just crossing the finish line is an accomplishment in and of itself. 

The reason I titled this as "my (our) strategy" is because between Nate and I, I'm the runner. He's doing this because he's an amazing man, he knows I love running, and about 3 years ago (pre-dating) we talked about running one together. So here we are. That said, he just aims to finish. He's in incredible shape and I'm sure I'm going to hold him back. But we're going to finish this together and I'm aiming for a finish time between 5 and 5:30 - which gives us a pace of 11:27-12:33. Easy, right? 

Normally I'd just go for a simple method my dad and I developed when I first started racing...first 1/3 of the race is to get comfortable (slightly slower than goal pace), second 1/3 is to pass one person at a time, final 1/3 is to hold pace and finish strong. However, the first 8 miles of this course are hills and that can mess with your head. Not to mention this is a MARATHON we're talking about. Sane people don't run 26.2 miles for fun...no wonder my parents think I'm a masochist (in the most loving way of course!). So we need a strategy. 

A friend (and fellow #36thMCM runner) was kind enough to share the link at the bottom of this page with me and the basic strategy they recommend is this:

• Miles 1-6.5 are meant to be 15 seconds slower per mile, adding 10 seconds if going up…taking 10 off if going down. (so for us, this will be about a 12 - 12:45 pace)
• Miles 6.5 to 21 are meant to be slightly faster by 5 seconds per mile, but still add 10 seconds per mile if going up, or take 10 seconds away if going down (if there’s a sick head or tailwind, treat it like a hill!) (for us this means 11:20 - 12:20) 
• Miles 21 to finish will have you on point to make your goal finishing time…you will need to really kick it in here and do your best to stick to your pace regardless of what’s hurting! (for us: FINISH!)

So we go this. To help keep me at it, I'm dedicating certain miles to people in my life who have been cheering me on and supporting me every step of the way. 

Mile 1: Corey Queen who ran his first marathon recently and reminded me what a runner's passion is all about.

Mile 2: My parents who have always supported me no matter how many bones I broke, muscles I pulled, or tendons I tore as I chased my goals.

Mile 3: My siblings because the 3 of us have put each other through enough trials but are always there to celebrate the victories!

Mile 4: My Turbo Sisters - the 4 of us are tighter than tight, thick as thieves and Lord knows we've had some battles together over the past year. Our prayers and love have conquered it all and I know today will be no exception.

Mile 5: The rest of my extended family - the 5 of us in my immediate family always need the love and support outside that small circle. I can't imagine my life without them!

Mile 6: Nate's family - his parents, brothers, niece, and brother's girlfriend will all be there for us during race weekend. Does it get much better?

Mile 7: My lucky number has to go to my "sister" Christen. She and I share the same masochist "I love it but I hate it" relationship with a lot of things and running was our first bonding moment. She can read my mind, heart, and spirit as if they're her own....maybe they are. We often joke that The Good Lord knew one body wouldn't be able to handle everything our personality would dole out so he gave us to bodies to live life. 

Mile 8: Can't have one without the other...the other third of the Christen / Gabriella / Michelle trio is...well yeah, Michelle. We were the 3 Musketeers in high school and I'm glad that despite the moves, terrible relationships, and trials, some things never change.

Mile 9: For the "Negative Nancy"s who never have the time, energy, money (aka will power, commitment, determination) to get up and get moving. I just conquered 8 miles of hills and there is NOTHING in my genetic background that makes me a natural born athlete. Get up and go do something. As long as you have excuses, no one can help you. 

Mile 10: For all my fellow Twitter folks with whom we've been chatting about this day since we were over 100 days out from the starting gun! We got this! #36thMCM

Mile 11: For all the Facebook friends I've met through the Marine Marathon page. I've loved hearing your stories and I know we can do this!! Oorah! 

Mile 12: For the man running by my side - Nate. On race day we'll be a mere week from the 12 month mark of our relationship. Our first date is one I'll never forget and I'm blessed to feel as giddy every day as I did that first day. 

Mile 13: Halfway through and this will be a great moment to remember the race...the Marine Corps Marathon...this mile is for all of the incredible men and women - and their families - who give up so much, who make so many sacrifices to give us our freedoms too many of us take for granted. 

Mile 14: For all of my friends who have supported me during this training...whether just by commenting on a post or sending me texts on days of tough runs. I couldn't do this without you!

Mile 15: For Misty (@mistyleigh32) and her commitment to the Epilepsy Therapy Project. I've met her through Twitter and am glad for our conversations and her dedication to something that affects me so personally. To learn more about Misty or contribute to Team Epilepsy Therapy Project, please visit https://bos.etapestry.com/fundraiser/EpilepsyTherapyProject/mcm/individual.do?participationRef=3917.0.27004947. (For those of you who don't know, I've had epilepsy since I was almost 8 so to see someone running to improve the treatment means so much to me and your support of her would mean the world to me personally.)

Mile 16: For my work friends who have inspired and encouraged me whether that meant asking how my workouts went or offering to order healthier lunch for meetings to help me stay on track. Thank you!! 

Mile 17: Jay - his favorite landmark will be nearby and he has been such an incredible friend and part of my support system over the past few years. 

Mile 18: For Matthew and Felicia Taub - they always have my back and I dearly hope they know I'll always have theirs! Since before we actually met, they have encouraged me beyond belief and since meeting them, they've been incredible about keeping tabs on the progress of my goals. They are one of the most beautiful couples I could have asked to have in my life!

Mile 19: For all previous Marine Marathon finishers. If they could get through mile 19, so can we!!! 

Mile 20: This is about where I'll hit my wall so this one goes out to all of the Marine wives and girlfriends. I read a blog recently that described us as extensions of our Marines and I'll need your help to channel Nate's strength right about now. In return for that help, this mile is for you! 

Mile 21: If I'm not through the wall yet at this point, I'll gain strength from remembering all Marines, past, present, and future, during this mile. They go through so much to protect us...certainly I can run a few more miles!

Mile 22: Mile 2-2 (tu-tu?) This one is for all of those helping put Kristy and I in tu-tus by donating to Addicted2aCure's efforts to raise money for Susan G. Komen and / or participating in our Ta-Ta Tuesdays! Thank you so much! (For more info, check out http://www.facebook.com/addicted2acure) 


Mile 23: For my mom's best friend and for a wonderful family friend of ours who both recently started their battles with breast cancer. They've been on my mind every run and I doubt today will be any different...mile 22 will especially be for them. 

Mile 24: For all of my running buddies, my high school cross country coach, and for the soccer coach who dismissed me for being a girl and drove me to become a runner - this one's for you. At this point, we have just over a 5K to go and crossing that first 5K finish line was 

Mile 25: For all of the thousands of runners who will have finished by the time we hit the 25 mile marker. Congrats on a great race! Walk it off!!

Mile 26.2: Time to get to the finish line...this one is for me. Yes - I'm being selfish but let's be honest. You can have the greatest support system in the world, the most incredible people in your life, and every tool you could ever dream of, but without personal decision and commitment, all of those things mean nothing. This is for my journey, my changes, my strength, my power...this one's for me. 


All else fails, I'll just remember our old cross country cheer....The faster we run, the faster we're done!

http://www.marathonnation.us/race-execution/the-ultimate-marine-corps-marathon-pacing-plan/

The few....the proud...the mentally insane.

Runners. Yeah. We're different.

In defense of Mila Kunis: "Outlandish" or Tough Love?

I check the news daily and when I saw the headline "Outlandish body claims: Kunis puts her foot in her mouth" ...well as a wellness girl, I had to click! I started reading...waiting for this "outlandish claim"...



In an interview included in the latest issue of British Glamour, Mila Kunis said that anyone can lose weight, and if you can't, you're not trying hard enough.


"I'm a huge foodie. I love food," she said. "But when people say, 'I can't lose weight,' no, no, no, you can. Your body can do everything and anything. You just have to want to do it."

{me: ok....}Kunis lost 20 pounds to play a conniving ballerina in 2010's "Black Swan" alongside Natalie Portman. While dance training and dieting helped her whittle down her frame, self-confidence was key, too.
{me: was she underweight...no they're not talking about that...}

"I don't think I ever fully [realized] what a human body is capable of doing," she told the U.K.'s Glamour. "But I think I was also, in a beautiful way, incredibly naive. I believed I could do anything. I never for one moment thought that I couldn't do it. I believe in hard work, in self-drive and self-worth."

{me: ok where is this "outlandish claim"??}

But plenty of yo-yo dieters would agree that "self-drive and self-worth" isn't all it takes to score a Hollywood physique.

{me: seriously??....}

I'll try to leave alone the fact that the journalist is basing the judgement of "yo-yo dieters" when it comes to an actress talking about her successful body change...because as I'm sure we all know - and will admit - yo-yo dieting comes from our own resolve, or lack thereof.

Before we go further, let me also say that my reaction was based on the assumption that Miss Kunis is not saying 'As long as you have self worth, you can sit on the couch, eat potato chips and lose weight' because she clearly says that she believes in "hard work, in self-drive and self-worth".

I don't believe her claims are "outlandish". I don't deny that in some cases, we need more help from the outside - whether that's friends, doctors, therapy...whatever it takes to suppress the demons that derail our efforts - but I believe that with the right determination and confidence, you can make a changes in your lifestyle. If I'm honest with myself, I can say that the times when I was off track or wasn't making the progress I wanted, it was because I lost focus. I let other things get the better of me. I stopped believing that I could improve - not because I thought I was perfect but because I didn't think I had what it took to be better.

To call these claims outlandish is just one more example of how much we - as a society - shy away from tough love. Promoting self esteem has taken on a life of its own to an extreme. We have "graduation" ceremonies for pre-school, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school...we give ribbons for everything...everyone always makes the team regardless of ability...we need to be told we've done well even when we haven't and groups everywhere get outraged when not every child is told that they're good at everything. There is a balance between encouragement and honest feedback and in my opinion we've gone too far to the former. We try to teach diversity and that different people have different strengths, yet we go out of our way to either reward a child just as much as the one next to them, regardless of their actual performance. (Unfortunately we could extrapolate this to explain why American kids are falling behind in performance compared to their counterparts around the world but this isn't an education blog so I'll let you take it from there...)

The bottom line is that Miss Kunis is 1000% right. The human body is amazing and "mind over matter" is not just a phrase your mom used to use to get you to suck it up for a family event you were too "sick" to attend (ok maybe that was just my mom....). It takes hard work - something to which the American culture seems to have developed a severe allergy - and determination. It takes looking inside, knowing when you're doing everything you can and either stepping it up or taking the right paths to get the help you need. It takes owning up to your actions or lack thereof and knowing that you're worth the time, energy, and resources it takes to be healthier.

Thank you Miss Kunis for making your comments and hopefully pushing others to examine themselves the say way you prompted me to do the same. I am sorry we'll be at two different Marine Corps Balls (while both in NC) this fall but I hope you have a great time!


http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/mila-kunis-stars-make-outlandish-body-claims/story?id=14274971

Special Coaching incentive...only from me!!

In case you haven't noticed....I love being a Beachbody coach and maybe not for the reasons you think. Yes, the little extra spending money is fun. Yes the incredible 25% discount on everything Beachbody is..well...incredible. But for me, corporate Beachbody, and the vast majority of the coaches,this business is about more.

This past weekend I had a blast at the 2nd largest Warrior Dash ever which was held in Michigan and imaginemy excitement when i saw a Beachbody tent! Excited, I pointed it out to my cheerleader / photog /support crew of the day....and not to mention amazing friend (a fellow coach!), Kristy, and we immediately ran over to say hi. We weren't at all surprised to see the top Michigan coach there with his team. We exchanged hellos and hugs and off I went to race!!! After I got cleaned up, we went back over and learned that he wasn't really "working" it that day (granted...to me, coaching never feels like work!). Instead he was there as support for his team. Yes, his business is stronger for his team being stronger but that was not his reason for being there. He was there to pay it forward..to support his team and help them like others had supported him. He didn't take home a single email address, phone number, or name despite the number of people he talked to or how many questions he answered. As I listened to him explain this, i realized I wasn't at all surprised....this is the culture of Team Beachbody! Further proof of thatwas standing by my side...my dear friend who is also a loving wife and mother of 2 adorable boys who, upon learning I lost my running buddies, dropped everything and went to Flint with me Friday night to be at the race with me first thing Saturday morning!

I had no idea how supportive and incredible of a network I was joining when I signed up to coach. I just knew that i would be saving money on my Shakeology by signing up. The $40 to start coaching and $15 each month to keep up my websites was a no brainer for me...and the friends and positive, supercharged network of over 60,000 coaches? Priceless.

I want to pay it forward and sharein this with you...this gift of wellness and support and chance to build your own business if you choose to work it. That's why this weekend I want to offer you a special welcome to the team. If you sign up as a coach with me and start on Shakeology Home Direct (a key to the biz you'll learn as we get you going) I'll help you get started with some products that will help you get started in your better wellness journey.

- Just for signing up, you will earn the President's Challenge PALA and I'll give you the lapel pin to display with pride.
- As an active coach, you'll recieve your first pin from Beachbody.
- I'll get you get up with our team's shirt to wear with pride and start conversations!
- PB2 for your Shakeology....a great mix in!!
- The Team Beachbody "End the Trend" t-shirt so everyone knows you are part of the solution to our country's fastest growing epidemic...obesity!

As anyone who joins me in this journey to be well and help others do the same, you'll be part of he largest and most respected teams in Team Beachbody - Platinum Presenters. Check out our website at www.platinumpresenters.com where, once you're signed up, you'll be eligible to full access to that site where top coaches provide training, documents, webinars, advice, and guidance for free. And did I mention the 25% discount on everything Beachbody including Shakeology???

Think about it. Ask questions. But don't delay. I want to get you started on this amazing path as soon as possible so this special offer closes at midnight on Sunday the 7th.

Help me End The Trend!! Let's make tomorrow better for all of us and reverse all the negative effects that our entire country will continue to feel if we don't start to sweat, eat, and repeat to be well!!

Numbers that will break your heart

I know I'm a data driven, logical, methodical engineer by training (and upbringing!) so I am always looking at the latest data, graph, chart, table...if it's got numbers relating to something important to me, I'm probably checking it out. You get the idea. Often though, when I read this data, my "engineer mind" takes over. For those of you who aren't engineers...let me explain.

Numbers, data, physics...these are all logical things. If you drop an apple (or round frictionless chicken for my engineer friends who know that joke) it will fall at a speed that you can accurately calculate given the right data. Engineers are trained to look at the raw, verifiable data and determine the best solution to a given problem. Emotion, feelings, and many human factors be darned! This is why so many brilliant engineers make (just being honest here) lousy managers. We have conversations many don't understand because we remove many human reactions or expectations. I can't tell you how many times my family, friends and colleagues have had conversations that would not be deemed appropriate in "normal society" because we consider ways to improve government, social systems, and other societal problems in ways that are completely logical yet would fail once you add "nusances" like jealousy, human desire, the need to feel needed, etc... It's not because we don't care about people...it's simply that we're thinking in terms of facts and logic.

So when I look at this data, even though I approach it as an engineer, I am heartbroken. I can't remove the human factor from these numbers! Across the country, there are only two states where less than 10% of children are obese. Most states report that 10-15% of children are obese! That means that in a child's class of 30 students 3-5 of them are obese...and this number has TRIPLED since 1980. If this trend keeps up, assuming you have young children now (or will have them soon), your grandchildren have a 1 in 2 chance of being obese!! That's sickening and heartbreaking to me! Isn't it to you? Do you want your children and grandchildren to experience joint pain, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and other health risks ...not to mention the self confidence and emotional damage that can come from weight problems? I didn't think so...but as an engineer I will tell you, math doesn't lie!

With this information in hand I implore you to think about those you love especially children who look up to you. What kind of example are you setting? Are you showing them that HEALTH is an option and balance between living fun and living healthy is completely possible? Are you showing them that their first priority and one of the most selfless habits they can develop is taking the time and energy to be healthy? How? How often?

I'm not going to tell you that you have to be a Beachbody coach to set this example but I will tell you that coaching keeps you accountable to your actions. You may have other ways of staying accountable...through your own workout programs, through fitness programs with your spouse or another loved one, or through a group of a friends. For me, Beachbody has worked better than any of these. Where else are you going to find 60,000 other people committed to the same kind of healthy, balanced lifestyle? Not to mention, 60,000 nationally recognized coaches! (see more on that soon!) Please think about coaching if you don't already have a good network around you...and even if you do! We need to end this trend...this terrible terrible trend. The next generation deserves better!

One last thought...a friend of mine recently posted a status on Facebook that I think can push us to think. She said "Those of you who complain about the habits and behaviour of this generation, please take a long look at the people who raised them". This is our call to action. I don't have children yet but I know that my behaviour and my actions are visible to those around me. A child may emulate one of my eating habits and pick up a healthier habit directly from me...or a parent may become inspired to go out for a walk every evening because of the choices they know I make and the success they see me achieve which in turn shows a child that it's never too late to learn a new healthy habit. This kind of influence is a great power and as Spiderman knows, with great power comes great responsibility. Seize and embrace that responsibility! Find a way to make an impact in the lives of those around you. I could go on for days about how a healthier community is a better community in so many ways but I'll put away my soap box for now and ask you to click on both of the links below.

The first link is the information from the CDC which shows these frightening and heartbreaking trends in the health of our children and the second link includes information regarding becoming a Beachbody coach. Please contact me for more info as there is a FREE webinar each week with the top coaches in this incredible company and I'd love for you to hear their point of view too!

This is your chance...will you seize it?

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/data.html

http://gabriellah99.blogspot.com/p/lets-end-trend-together.html

POST #100!!!!!

Wow...100 posts on this blog as of today. I can't believe it. I started this blog a while ago with a different title and train of thoughts. Lately I've gone through my old posts and am realizing how much has changed in my life and about me since my first post on January 10, 2010. I've made new friends who change my life for the better each time they think of me. I've ended one relationship that was hurting me and started a relationship that has made me happier than I could have ever imagined. I've laughed, cried, encouraged, and held hands with my family as we got word of my mom's breast cancer diagnosis and we fought by her side to beat it. I've lost weight, toned, started my own business, started training for my third marathon, am preparing to move to another state (again), and am so much happier and more driven than I was then. I've been so grateful for each comment I recieve here, each Facebook post in reaction to my posts, and each of you who have impacted my life because even though they may seem like small acts to you, each word, smile, or "like" is felt as encouragement, motivation, and love.

A few days ago, when I realized I would hit this milestone this week, I asked what you wanted to see as a blog post yet when I woke up the next morning I realized I needed to save those ideas for another time and today I need to take time to express my gratitude.

Thank you.

Thank you for reading. For each comment. For your friendship. For being my "why" and holding me accountable. For passing on a link for or from my blog to a friend who maybe needed to see a piece of information or a particular phrase. For being patient and understanding when I didn't post regularly or my posts where mere thoughts as I struggled through some tough days, weeks, and months. The past year and a half was not easy by any means but I smile when I think back because I had more support and love in my life than I could ask for. I am truly blessed to sit on this side of this blog and share what I learn with you.

Thank you.

I don't think I will ever be able to express my full graditude for everything each of you has provided to me and I look forward to our journey together through the next 100 posts and beyond!

Still addicted and still sweating, eating, and repeating...with a blessed and love-filled heart and soul,
Gabriella