Am I in the Best Shape of My Life?

"Am I in the Best Shape of My Life?"  This is a sticker on my home office monitor.  It is my reminder to use extra minutes in my day to train and to make healthy food choices.  It was one of many affirmation stickers I put up when I became a second degree brown belt.  They are my reminders of what is needed on may path for a blackbelt. 

The last few weeks, I have been struggling as I have been introducing meat back into my diet.  During the chemotherapy and radiation treatments, there is an increase need for protein and calories.  This is because your cells are actively dividing, requiring a higher nutritional intake.  I met with a Cancer dietician and she explained how much protein I am currently consuming and how much more I will need during treatments.  This can be accomplished as a vegetarian but I also need to be gluten free and lactose free so that limits my protein sources hence my decision to add meat back into my diet.  I have made another "Am I in the Best Shape of My Life?" sticker and added it to my kitchen to help remind me me of quality food choices.

I knew Kung Fu would benefit me in all aspects of my life but it became more apparent when I was meeting with my transplant team just before Christmas.  They emphasized that patients that were in good shape had better outcomes than those that were not.  Patients who actively did Tai Chi or Yoga not only were in better shape but also had a more positive mental outlook throughout the process.  I knew Kung Fu would benefit me but I never expected "Am I in the Best Shape of My Life?" would carry such a significant role in my future.  

"Am I in the Best Shape of My Life?" was also at the forefront during our New Years challenge.  Since I had to do modified PUs, I focused on working different muscles, not just getting the numbers in.  I was mindful of my injuries and making sure I pushed myself but did not reinjure anything.  Today I am sore but in a good feeling way.  

Am I in the Best Shape of My Life? After the current round of injuries, I have had setbacks but I keep that phrase in front of me so each day I am working to recover and improve.  This will be one of the phrases that I will be have in front of me always.

See you on the mats!

Jackie Kohut