So… I am a nursing student. Last year I was in class, and we were learning all about blood pressures and pulse and how to take these measures correctly of our patients. It’s important that these measures are taken accurately. Often times it is these measures that doctor’s base their decisions on. So, we were in the lab. Learning how to do these measures, and I had my pulse taken. It was 85. Not overly high, but high for someone of my age. Considering that I am otherwise a healthy person… err.. mostly. And they took my blood pressure as well. It was 135/85. Again, not alarmingly high, but high enough to be of concern.
So I continued on through last year making all sorts of excuses as to why I couldn’t do anything about it. Then in September last year my Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was a shock to the family.. And I thought to myself, I really should do something about my health. I am only 25, not that happy with how I look and my health status, and add to that I have high blood pressure and I have high pulse rate as well. This is not that good.. Even though up until that stage I had been overweight, I had never had these symptoms manifested internally as well.
So then in October somewhere I stumbled upon the marvellous, most wonderful Tracey over at My Life Uncensored. I read her blog, and immediately I identified with her sentiments. I admired her courageous attitude. And I was inspired by her plight. Tracey is a lovely girl, and we fast became friends. But it was her weight loss plight and her defiant spirit that spurred me on. I still don’t quite have the guts she had by publishing her results online.. But it was through reading her blog that I finally decided, YES! I can do this..
After this, it took me sometime to get started… Let’s fast-forward to now. Since November I have lost 15kg. I have learnt how to run, and even fallen in love with running. I have been to boxing, body pump and spin classes. I have become so fitness fanatic, that I surprise even myself. I feel good. I feel great, I finally feel that I look like how I feel on the inside.
Yesterday in class I got my validation though. I went to class and we were learning how to do ECG’s. The tutor asked for a volunteer and I put my hand up. When she got my pulse on the machine she said: “Wow! You must be fit..!” It turns out that at rest I have a pulse rate of 55bpm and a blood pressure of 110/65. For those of you who don’t know much about these measures at the very least you can see that they have decreased. And the decrease is good. Then when I was lying on the bed my heart rate dropped under 50bpm.
I was beaming. I was so proud to know that my measures are so much better. And I am feeling so much more athletic. If I can do it then anyone can. Seriously! Just get out there! Start by going for a walk, increase your protein intake, it makes you feel fuller for longer, and just make a conscious effort to pick healthier choices. It has only been through the fact that I have focussed on this as my highest priority for the last 6 months. And I will continue to do so.
Now I fear I may have hit a plateau, but it just means I need to work harder and more than ever before. That is the simple fact.. Thanx for all your support guys!
You are such a HUGE inspiration Em. You really, really are.
So, so proud of you!
Well done.
Jodie
xxx
Wow! Thanx Jodie.. That is so lovely! xxx
That is fantastic Em! So proud of you. Now that I’ve had the all clear from my physio Im starting running again tomorrow. Thanks to reading this I’m looking forward to it.
Brilliant! I am so happy for u! Yay! We can run together!!
Thank you so much for mentioning me, but you did all the hard work yourself sweetie. It take a lot of hard work, determination and dedication to lose weight. And I think it’s wonderful that you enjoy exercising – can’t say that every happened to me, it was always a chore!
If you feel you HAVE plateaued I can give you some tips too 🙂 Hit me up when you’re ready.
But let me say I am SO SO SO proud of you! You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to! Such a powerful and beautiful woman, inside and out. Congratulations!
T xx
Thanx gorgeous girl… love u always… xxx
Oh wow, Emily, that is fan-bloody-tastic!!
I remember reading your post when you had just decided to start this health & fitness journey. As Jodie said, totally inspirational.
Well done YOU!! xx
Wow! Well done, Emily! You’ve worked so hard and it’s fantastic to see that it’s improved your health as well as your outlook and the way you feel. You deserve it.
I think having new goals will keep you going. I know that I always struggled with getting fit, until I decided I was going to do a 90km hike – then, having something to work towards, I did what I needed to every day. And once I was there and realised how good it made me feel, it was easier to keep going.
xo
Thanx Megs! I will need to find something to work towards I think….!!
Two words – Zumba baby. You are fantastic and I’ve said it before, but I wish I was having more babies so you could be my midwife. Well done honey. X
Awww, thanku.. That is so lovely of you to say.. I will need to find this Zumba stuff and get into it… Hehe…
YAY! seriously YAY! well done hon. Wish I had advice to get through a plateau but my way is not healthy – so yay for doing it well and healthily and actually DOING it. x (oh and I’m with Bern – wish I was having more babies so you could be my midwife)
Thanku lovely…
You go Em!!
Well done Lovely!
Keep telling us how well you are doing, I’m just about ready to jump on that ship. Just have to get through the Easter holidays…….
thanx ange! I am working on that cd for u…