Back from vacation

I swear I haven't died... just been super busy lately. Was on vacation last week... we went up to North Carolina like we do every year. We've been going to the Outer Banks every summer since I can ever remember... no matter where we're at in the world, we always make it for a family reunion/beach vacation. It's one of my favorite places on earth

We spend alot of time on the fishing pier. I can't really get into fishing, but my husband and his family are really into it. We get out there early every morning. Really I'm just content with watching the sun rise and enjoying the water

We were up there for 5 days with my husband's family, plus my parents and one of my brothers got to come down from Virginia to visit for one day. It was great to see everybody after a year away, and everyone commented on how good I look which was really nice to hear. One thing I noticed since our visit from last year, you know, when I was about 40 lbs heavier? I have SO much more energy now. Just being out in the sun and heat, carrying beach/fishing gear, and swiming is so much less of an effort than it was last year.

I ate whatever the hell I wanted. I have come a long way, worked very hard, and therefore I felt NO shame! There's so much good food there too - and not all of it is fried and fat laden, so I didn't feel like too much of a fatass. Gained about 5 lbs, but already lost 3 of it. Not too concerned about it.

Shortly after I got back home I saw the physical therapist again. She says the strength in my legs and hips has greatly improved. We are trying an electro therapy treatment which delivers anti inflammatories and steroids with an electric charge to stimulate the muscle. So far so good on that front. I even went on a 2 mile run with my husband yesterday. He is really trying to get promoted and needs to pass a pt test. He hasn't run in about 8 months due to surgery, so it was hard for him but I just tried to cheer him on and motivate him. And I am in no pain today which is a first. Usually it's always there in some way. I hope that's the medicine working! I go back for 5-6 more treatments so I guess we'll see.

I really really want to do the Spartan beast.I want 2014 to me my trifecta year! The idea of the beast scares the hell out of me. But it will be a great challenge and show me what I am made of. The only thing stopping me for signing up right now is the injury. Thinking hard on this one. I can strength train. I can run somewhat. I know I won't run the full 12 miles -it's the beast -my goal is simply to complete it. I think I can do it even if I have to hike a lot if the course. 

I'll give it a few weeks before I decide. See how my treatment goes and how my pain is. Will be running about 6 miles a week, strength training and yoga on the other days.