Discovering the New Me

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 It's been a long time since I sat and stared at this blank page.  

SO much has happened since my last post, years ago. Menopause has hit me full force. I started struggling with my weight, memory issues, sleep issues, exhaustion, severe depression, anxiety, and big mood swings, just to name a few symptoms. I finally decided to try hormone replacement. For the most part I feel much better but still not where I want to be yet. I've also had two major surgeries; appendectomy and nephrectomy.

The nephrectomy (living donor of my kidney to my sister) was a little over 6 months ago. My remaining  kidney is still working on taking over the function of both. I'm also still trying to figure out a new way of eating. I was used to protein shakes and lots of supplements/powders in my morning smoothies.  The Dr.'s want me to stay away from all of that now because it's not regulated and can contain high amounts of things, like mercury, that can damage my remaining kidney. Getting protein in through whole foods is a bigger challenge that I had expected but I'm working it out. 

I'm running again. Started C25K last month but it's been sporadic because we've been traveling. I'm able to make training a priority again for a few reasons. First, our traveling is being greatly reduced because My Musician is heading back to the office sometime this spring/summer and I'm in school full time and taking on almost full course load through the summer, so extended travel won't happen as much. Second, I've signed up for a 5k series through the summer and a half marathon in October. 

Family hike this weekend
Now I have to relearn to fuel and hydrate effectively and safely in the desert heat. Not damaging my remaining kidney is always first in my mind but I know there are many athletes in the same position as me who do this safely (I've joined a great group on FB that my sister told me about last year: kidneydonorathletes.org). If you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Can't promise I'll update on any type of a consistent schedule but come along with me this year as I get back into the sport I so dearly love and figure out what this new physical version of me is going to be like as a runner/trail runner. 

XO

~kirsten







Location: Arizona, USA

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