Celiac Support Group and Fat Cyclist Throw Down

The Fat Cyclist started a recent blog post saying he got fat again!  Well so have I!    He has given himself a grace period until march 1st to loose as much weight as he can and then he will announce how much he weighs!

 Well, I am not going to do that, but I am working hard to begin to loose the weight I have put on as a result of the debilitating effects of celiac disease and how it has effected my mobility....thus not really able to exercise much due to all the edema, swelling and pain...and honestly laziness mixed in...and the poor" me"s!  (In ASl there is a wonderful sign for poor me!)   

I went to my first Celiac Support Group on Saturday and was initially almost on the verge of tears on the way there. But, once there I get a lot of wonderful support! On the way there though, I wondered why  they have to have a pot luck when I cannot eat anything they would have?  I was pretty angry...and again "poor me."  But once there, I was told the reason is to show you that you can eat lots of delicious and nutritious foods that are free of gluten. I am on a high learning curse...and when a woman told me that my lipstick and toothpaste might have gluten in it...I think my sucking of teeth, eye roll and spitting of nails almost hit the ceiling!

Anyway,i am getting on my bike in a moment and will cycle away my angst over my regression and work to turn it into something positive!

Celiac Disease

Cece has been diagnosed with Celiac disease which is an auto immune disease.  "Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. What does this mean? Essentially the body is attacking itself every time a person with celiac consumes gluten. "

 It has been tough going for her and she has had to strictly limit the types of food she eats.  At this point, even gluten free foods (ie baked  goods like bread) throw her system into an uproar!

 So, she is currently eating a plant based diet with a tiny bit of chicken here and there . If she does this, life is good.

If you want more information about Celiac disease, click on the link above.

An Ellie the Shark Guest Post!

The Santa Fe Snowshoe Un-race.

Some of my closest acquaintances say that I am competitive(Cece sing....,oh yes they do!). They have mentioned that I seem to enjoy playing the role of the shark. I lay in wait, lingering behind and then swim in for the kill. I feel that is a bit overstated, but that is what I have heard.(Cece adds," That is what we experience!")

This morning as I stood at the starting line with my dear friend Andrea, I experienced the usual pre-race anxiety. I saw participants in serious snowshoeing gear with long, lean bodies and my ego began to quake. Some participants I knew from the sport of triathlon and even though I am a bit competitive, I know my place and respect the ladies that are at the top of the sport in NM. They are courteous and supportive each and every time I come across them in a race and they were present for this event. 

But for this race - for the first time - I was not concerned about whom I was going to overtake. I was not focused on my pace. I did not have my Garmin or take notice of the time it took for me to tromp through the pristine woods for 3.8 miles. I ran when I wanted and walked when I felt like it. I stopped and mapped in the New Year’s beginnings and left last year’s trials and heartbreak in the melting ice. I felt enormous gratitude for my friends and family who did not abandon me and finally let ties of the past free. I sang aloud when the mood hit me and did not allow a negative thought to enter my heart.

I did not place in my age group but I came away with so much more. I am happy.
Ellie the Shark

Embrace the Change!

When your Cat Tilts his Head and Opens his Eyes Wide.....

....as you struggle to get into your cycling shorts....you know that there is a problem.

Well, actually I knew I had a problem and purchased a larger size cycling short.  But, in trying them on and getting on the bike, the chamois was toooo thin and in the entire wrong place...like almost under my breasts!

So, I knew I had to struggle to get into my former shorts. This is when my cat gave me the look as if to say, "OK! Now that you are struggling so hard, you can call it a day because we can call this your exercise!"

But, I had promised my trainer that I would get on the bike today,....made a commitment...after she snarled at me the other day.  I guess it took that snarl....

And so off I went.  I did not pop a spoke, or break my frame. or fall over dead...as a matter of fact, when I told my trainer I was still alive she said, "Somehow I had figured you would still be alive.  You have a habit of doing so.  Ride again tomorrow."

There's no use arguing, she always wins.

"Today is the Day to Let Go of Things that No longer Serve You!"

Tough year this 2013.  It has been filled with lots of difficult physical challenges...and well as emotional ones.  Also some exciting new learning...studying ASL under Corina's leadership then discovering a wonderful group of people who I can talk with several times per week in sign...voice off. I have never met a bunch of people who love to laugh as much as we do together!  Also got 4 new clients who sign...so I need to keep up with my learning! 

But my biggest challenges have been physical.  I have been ill and allergic and much more...on crutches and inactive for many months...putting on weight. So this needs to change and fast. 

My new motto is "Don't make change too complicated..... just begin."

I will get on my bike and make a new beginning.

Will keep you posted.

Day if the Dead...I mean Tread

Cece and friends signed up for  a bike ride called "The Day of the Tread."  This is a themed ride where many dress in costumes.  It is like a Halloween ride.  Cece rode with her friend Julia and did the 26 miler.  What fun they had! 

Then they met up with these two men and we rode together the entire way.    They held and watched our bikes at rest areas, and told us when there was no TP in the restrooms.  All around good guys.


All along the way there was live music and many rest stops that featured many tempting goodies like sopapillas, delicious coffee and cream......themed cupcakes and much much more.

On the ride, there was bacon and eggs....
.

Fred and Wilma

A hand Biker in a coffin....
And then there was Gerry Moore...who finished the 100 miles in 5:45 and was not even winded! 
And best of all, friends meeting up at the end of the day and comparing notes about how their rides went. What could be better?