The Healthy Me...

 Over the last 12 plus months I have learnt a lot about myself. I have gone from being at the starting process of going through the start of my recovery of an eating disorder, to today where I am a lot happier with myself physically, mentally and spiritually.

I have taken a lot of small steps to be healthier and on all levels and there have been many a time where I have take steps forward and then two steps backwards. These days its a lot more steps forwards than backwards, which is the best.

Triathlon Training at 44kg

I remember doing my first Half Ironman Triathlon May 2014, weighing in at a small 44kg (97 pounds) which for that kind of endurance sport is not good, still way to light. Then when I had to come to the conclusion that due to a foot injury I wouldn't be doing Triathlon again, I would have to look to another form of endurance sport to keep me happy on a fitness level.

As I have always love the water, it was the only avenue I could see that would work for me. I had already done a number of 2.5km open waters swims for added training for triathlon, but it was time to up the anti and look at longer distances and if I could do it. Here comes the crunch I had to gain weight and a large amount in order to be 1. capable of sustaining the energy levels for open water marathon swimming; 2. reduce the risk of hypothermia while is cold waters for longer periods of time; 3. to keep good muscle tone for the distance and strength for marathon swimming as well.

 Today I am happy to say I have gained a large amount of weight, not at the goal weight yet, which is 60kg but very close. I still fluctuate each week, some weeks I am up some I am the same and some I drop, but I am constantly reminded to why I need to have the extra weight on.

I do have my moments of freaking out (eating disorder moments) where I look at my stomach mainly and with it...in my words...podgy, is a little difficult to still get my mind around. Many people look at me and say, "you gotta be kidding, where have you gained the weight??" Every Friday I weigh in, and here is the funny part, at the local veterinarian clinic where I know that the scales are the most accurate. Many of my friends and family have made some very interesting comments about this, but it works. I stay focused and keep going each week, trying to get closer to the goal. So as of last week I am 57kg a total gain of 13kg over 13 months.

Taken 10/8/2015 (57kg)

So to date I am feeling fitter than I ever have, I feel stronger than I ever have and more confident in myself and how I look.

With only seven months till the Rottnest Channel Swim (Big Goal) I have time to reach my goal weight of 60kg and maybe even pass that, though making sure I stick to a good healthy diet, as I am coeliac (allergic to gluten) and allowing myself the special foods that fill the heart and stomach with fun (vanilla slices).

Having the best support group around me has been the most important and valuable assets in my life over the last two to three years of recovery, and with out them I wouldn't be where I am today and as healthy as I am.

To add to the last quote, and to Support You!!!

Have a great weekend everyone, and yes it weigh in tomorrow for me :)

Hayley xx