In 2010, I began a fitness journey—a challenge. It was more than a challenge. I decided to run a half
marathon and raise $2400 to find a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma with Team in
Training. It was a wonderful, life changing journey that led to three more half
marathons. I blogged throughout that journey, sharing my trials, triumphs, and
lessons with others.
I’m about to embark upon another journey. A year and a half
ago, I was diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurism, and it has drastically
affected my lifestyle. It is critical for me to watch my blood pressure, I’m
not supposed to lift more than 40 pounds, and I’m not supposed to allow my
heart rate to rise above 145 bpm when I exercise. This is difficult for a
normally active person, and the result has been my turning into a much less
active person.
In December, I entered a wellness wish challenge via my
employer, Booz Allen Hamilton, and I was given a grant of $500 toward my
wellness wish. What is my wish? In a
nutshell, I want to find a way to improve my fitness in such a way that it
doesn’t stress my heart and increase the size of the aneurism. I want to be
able to enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, and tennis, yet keep my heart
rate low and not stress my heart.
I’m going to use this grant to pay for a health club
membership that offers a variety classes such as yoga so I can gradually
increase my activity levels while maintaining a low heart rate. I’m also going
to learn about heart health and ways to lower my blood pressure and heart rate
through my diet. As in 2010, I’m going to share this journey—trials, triumphs,
and lessons—in a blog so that others may follow along with me. Please join me
on my journey!
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