My Story:

I am a Run-A-Holic.  During my days of serious addiction, I would run for hours a day on the trails ignoring the increasing pain.  On rainy days, I’d step on the treadmill, crank it up and run until I could run no more.  I would try to weave in “going for a run” with friends who were clearly uninterested.

I got a wake-up call after running my monthly 10K race through pain (again).  During the race, I seriously damaged the ACL, the outer ligament, on my right knee.  I couldn’t walk down the stairs, drive or even sit down for any length of time without suffering.

I sought outside help and started taking Yoga once a week.  My ligaments and tendons were so incredibly tight from their daily punishment that stretching on my own was futile.  But the instant release I felt and the core strength I built while practicing Yoga were absolutely divine!  My tight hip flexors and nagging lower back pain dissolved in what seemed like a matter of weeks.  And surprise!  My butt came back!

Next, I replaced some of the running in my daily exercise with a Personal Training session on the TRX.  The TRX, a simple pair of straps mounted on the wall gives me an incredible total body Drew Brees workout, but is still low-impact.   The increased strength and mobility have not only given me pain relief but have increased my stride, and reduced my time!

I am a Run-A-Holic but have gone without an injury for 365 days.

To give me the energy I need on the days I do run, I’ve added the high-fiber, healthy combination of Bulgur and Quinoa into my diet.  While Quinoa has only been available in the U.S. relatively recently, it has been an important part of the South American diet for thousands of years.  Quinoa is a great source of protein and one of the few plant foods that contains all nine essential amino acids making it a complete protein.  Packed with antioxidant materials, it gives me a great boost of energy.  Bulgur has more fiber and nutrients than other staples like rice, and as a low glycemic index food, it produces only small fluctuations in glucose and insulin levels unlike rice and potatoes.  My new fav easy mix: Garlic Clove Foods, developed by Norcross working mother, Amy D’Angelo.  It is a unique blend of fast cooking Bulgur & Quinoa, dehydrated vegetables, legumes, herbs and spices, is an all natural, preservative-free and delicious meal.

Fav combo, created by Atlanta’s own Everyday Chef (everydaychef.com):

Shrimp Santa Fe Pilaf Burrito
Total Time: 25 minutes
Mix 2.5 cups water/chicken broth & whole pack of Garlic Clove Foods.  Boil 20 minutes
Sautee shrimp in a little olive oil
Warm up the whole wheat wrap & scoop in some Pilaf & Shrimp
Wrap & enjoy!