I practice what I peach... it happened today

I recently wrote an article about dedicating our runs or workouts to someone.  Today I had to do just that!

Since being diagnosed with spinal compression and fibromyalgia over the past two years, I have recently started my fitness journey again from scratch.

I used to run 9 miles at a time with no problem. But, after having to stop all running and weight training for two years, I am forced to start over again.

The spinal compression and fibro were caused by a trauma in my life. It was an abusive relationship that caused the trauma that is causing me so much pain. About two months ago, I decided that if I am going to hurt, then I am going to do what I love and run and weight train anyway! So, that is what I have been doing and I feel better than I did when I lived on the couch for months and months at a time.

Today, I was at the gym, on the treadmill, working on week 4 of the couch to 5K program that I have been doing. There was a long spurt of running and my body was screaming for me to stop running and walk. But, I told my body NO! I thought about how next weekend, for my birthday, I am getting 2 new tattoos and how I want to look good in my bathing suit with my new ink this summer. I thought about making my husband proud of me for pushing through the pain. I also thought about how I need to do this for ME! As I thought about my WHY, I pushed through and finished my run.

Rest assured, all the things I talk about on this blog, I am doing myself :) Love and hugs to everyone struggling in any way. Just keep pushing through and do NOT allow pain to stop you!

Encouragement to get out and walk or run...

It’s great to go for a long walk or jog outside on a cool, sunny day. It is also great to get out when it is hot, cold or even rainy! We don't need to limit ourselves to getting fresh air and vitamin D only to days where the weather is perfect. If it is the heat of summer, we can get up early or go for a nighttime walk if the sun is too hot. If it is too cold to walk in a t-shirt and shorts, bundle up. We all know, there is nothing like jogging in the rain...so, don't let a little bit of water keep you from exercise!

Lake Lynn is my favorite place to go for a walk or run. I used to live right on the lake and was able to simply step outside and walk or run around the lake any time I wanted to!

It is located at: 7921 Ray Road, Raleigh, NC 27613. The view of the lake any time of year is spectacular. If you walk around the lake one time, you will walk approximately 2.5 miles. There is also a place to throw a frisbee or ball with your dog or feed the ducks with your kids.

Pack up some snacks and jogging stroller for your child / children to get them outside while you get your exercise. Don't let anything stop you from your exercise. Make the best of your situation and get out there!

I am not suggesting you do anything I would not do. If you don't have the time to drive to the lake, run through your neighborhood.

Look who came back to life...

Well, hello again! It's been quite some time since I have checked in! I have been through some health challenges and continue to fight through others.

I was running 7 to 9 miles at a time...and then had to stop. Instead of couch to 5K, I went from 5K to couch! It was challenging to go from working out 4 days a week and running 9 miles at a time to being laid up on the couch for months.

I have decided that I am no longer going to allow the pain to rule my life and I am slowly getting back to running and weight training and yoga has become my new best friend!

It is unfortunate that the spinal pain and compression was caused by trauma...which occurred in a previous relationship. It took years for the pain to surface and when it did, it was brutal!

I share all of this to encourage others who are dealing with a similar situation in life.

When I first began to run, I used a walk and jog DVD by Leslie Sansone. I would walk in place and jog back and forth in my living room. It was my first step to becoming a runner. Now, to get BACK to running, I am using a free couch to 5K app on my phone. You too can run. Check with your doctor before starting a new program and know that if you use the app, when it directs you to run, you don't have to at full speed. You can simply jog and an easy pace. Just keep moving :)

I have so much to share, such as, how I have changed my diet and some of the recipes that have become my favorites. I will share everything in time.

For now, here is a tasty cucumber and feta salad I like to make: (pictured above)

Cucumber and Feta salad recipe

• 2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 red onion, chopped
• 1/2 red pepper, chopped
• Feta cheese,to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients into a bowl.
Drizzle salad with olive oil and white vinegar.
Serves 2 to 3 people as a side dish.

Welcome to The Healthy Lifestyle Blog!

Hello and Welcome!
I am Deanna Martinez-Bey and I am a certified personal trainer. I have been working in the fitness industry for over 5 years now. I love running and boxing...believe it or not, boxing has helped me improve on the duration of my runs!

My husband is also a personal trainer and has been in the fitness industry for longer than I have! We are tossing around the idea of starting a fitness channel together on YouTube. We can be comical when we workout together. And sometimes, I just get mad at him. :)

I will be posting here on different topics from fitness routines to recipes and everything in between.

Thank you for visiting!