I can’t even begin to tell you how good I feel right now. As a personal trainer, coach, fitness professional, and nutrition coach, I’m used to pushing through and staying focused. But recently, something felt off—and I wasn’t sure what it was at first.
Turns out, I was dealing with major brain fog. I’m talking the kind where I’d be in the middle of teaching a class and suddenly forget what was next. Then a hot flash would roll in, and I’d try to shake it off with a smile, but inside? I was flustered and frustrated. The weight gain "we don't even want to go there!"
So, I made a decision I had been putting off: I started Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). And let me just say—WOW. I’m not embarrassed to share this part of my journey, because I know there are other women out there silently struggling with the same things. Even though my doctor told me it might take 2–6 weeks to feel a difference, I noticed it almost immediately. (I’m super sensitive to any medication—just missing a thyroid dose throws me off—so this didn’t surprise me!)
Now I’m managing my HRT alongside my thyroid meds, which is basically a carefully timed puzzle. I take my thyroid medication at 4:05 AM, wait six hours for HRT around 10:00 AM, plan my meals around that schedule, and then get in my second dose of thyroid meds mid-afternoon. In between? I’m training clients, teaching classes, getting my own workouts in, and being present for my amazing kids and family in the evenings.
And somewhere in the middle of it all—I’ve found clarity.
To stay grounded and focused, I’ve created some intentional daily goals that help me feel accomplished without getting obsessive. Here’s what I’m aiming for:
• 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day
• 100–130 grams of protein daily
• One focused workout: strength training, running, or cycling
• 100 ounces of water
It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up. Every day.
To keep myself accountable and maybe even inspire someone else, I’ll be checking in here every day to share how that day went—what worked, what didn’t, what I learned, and the workouts I completed.
While I’d originally planned to run a marathon each month, I’ve had to pivot. My body needed a reset, so I’m adjusting expectations—maybe a half marathon every week or two :) We’ll see how it goes!
I also haven’t committed to many races this year because my son and daughter-in-law are facing some tough challenges. I want to be available—at the drop of a hat—if they need me. That’s also why I stepped away from coaching volleyball this season. Right now, family comes first, and I’m grateful that my YMCA team/family and my clients understand and support me in every step of the way.
This journey—balancing HRT, thyroid health, fitness, and family—is just beginning. I’m excited to see where it leads. If you’ve followed along with any of my other adventures, I hope you’ll join me on this one, too. Let’s grow, learn, and move forward together.
Off to 10, 000 steps then Weight Training today!
