Actually, my biggest stumbling blocks right now are some health issues.

Been trying to get to the bottom of some things lately, I've had a LOT of dr's appointments - 12 in the past 3 weeks -- a couple were pretty minor, like having the dermatologist remove a couple of benign growths for mostly cosmetic reasons. The most upsetting one, with a cardiologist to see why I have been dizzy, weak, mild shortness of breath, and having problems with edema in my legs. So, I have to have some tests in July from him, and then upcoming vascular surgery probably September, who knows what else he will find going on, hopefully nothing major.

I do have to admit, my perverse sense of humor was tickled by the fact that, 72 hours after having a cardiologist tell me I needed tests and vascular surgery, I did my first 100 kilometer bike ride. And, the day of the appointment was the day I broke the 2 mile mark running.

I know, I brought a lot of this on myself in my 30's and 40's -- poor diet, lack of exercise, packing on 55 lbs. I think I was predisposed to a lot of problems anyway, I have always had things on and off, like being diagnosed at 19 with Type II diabetes despite NOT being overweight -- that is genetic, I guess, I have 2 very thin cousins who also have it. I got past that one, though, with weight loss and diet, my A1C is now in the normal range, no more glucophage.

But, I am absolutely determined to get past this and get to the ultimate goal - optimal health, optimal strength. The best medical appointment I had was with a naturopathic/integrative medical doctor at the big, big hospital here -- I have seen her 3 times, she is very helpful, very supportive, and has come up with a good plan of nutrition, lifestyle changes, etc. designed to help me get where I want to go.

One big, big goal -I will be doing triathlon training in 2014, or die trying. The whole idea of me doing that is just ludicrous -- well, it was a year ago, when I was so fat I didn't think I could walk half a mile. I can now run about 2 miles, that is progressing rapidly - have to be a little selective, some days I can't do it

Never give up is a big part of it, just keep plugging along.