Be Proactive And Not Reactive!

I have always been athletic but one day, I started losing focus of my eating habits and was not really working out. It was not until I went to the doctor one day and he told me that I had high cholesterol. Then he hit me with the big bug! That it was hereditary and that I would be on medication for the rest of my life! The crazy part is how he looked at me. He said that my cholesterol levels were so high and so low that he was surprised I had not already had a heart attack!

I immediately went into panic mode. I have a husband and kids. What will they do without me if something happens? I begin to pray and then heard God say, did you hear what the doctor said! He was surprised that you have not already had a heart attack! Did you not realized how I have kept you! I will continue to keep you but you have to put in work too!

It was then that I decided not to accept the doctor’s report! This is not hereditary!
It is not in my bloodline! I will not die but I shall live! I can control my eating! I can get in good physical condition! This disease will not take over me! I just continued to speak to my body that it will line up with the Word of God! For I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!

I had a friend who was a natural pathologist so I asked her what could I do naturally to help get my cholesterol in alignment. She shared foods that I could eat, how to cook, and books I could read on nutrition. Then she said, find something you like to do and stick to it as far as working out. I loved to play basketball but didn’t have people to play with. Then one day I saw a Facebook post of my Sorority Sister Renee Bradford running. Then I saw a few coworkers posting on FB of their runs. So I decided to set out and run my first 5k. I called my Sands and asked her for tips. I also spoke with coworkers and asked them for tips. They all said the same thing….look up Couch to 5k! So I did!

Before running, I decided to get me a personal trainer. I looked for someone who was a runner and found me a triathlete! This was one of the best things I had done! He gave me strategies on eating to maintain muscle for building my strength and endurance. He showed me how to run correctly and taught me what workouts were best for runners. I will never forget Mr. Chris!! Unfortunately he moved after a year and a half of training with me but I had two big accomplishments with him. I ran my first two 5k’s (5/3^rd River Bank Run and Susan G. Komen) and ran my first 10 mile run (Strider Run). It was after my 10 mile run that my weight was down and my cholesterol was low enough to come off medication! Now I run for fun, stress free, medication free, and cholesterol free!

So I challenge you to be Proactive and not Reactive! To God Be the Glory that He kept His Grace upon me!  

If I can do this, so can you!!

#50lbslighterandlovingit!

#GCintraining

Written by V. Armstead, S.T.A.R.S. Educator