Hope for the Exercise Junkie

I want to run. I want to wake up in the morning with my muscles poised and ready for a hard workout. My body, however, has other ideas.

Like sleeping, lounging, and basically exerting the least energy possible. My body has given the reins to celiac disease and trapped my exercise-junkie-brain inside. 

Before my diagnosis, I never stopped moving. I ran, I played soccer, and I always exercised at least half an hour each day. I had muscles, curves, strength. Two months and ten pounds later, not so much. On some days, this lack of strength and energy makes me want to break down and cry. 

One of my more ninja moments six months ago

I can deal with the diet change. I can even deal with the stomach acid and nausea. But you take away my energy, my key to a sweat- soaked daily therapy session, that is just plain wrong! 

BUT! 

But, like everything Celiac disease throws at us, we can handle it. We become expert linguists on the new language of our body. We compromise, exchanging cardio and running for yoga and swim. And slowly, I believe, the strength and energy will return, if only we let it happen at its own time. 

For me, yesterday was a big step in the right direction. Actually, a lot of steps, which added up to an 8 mile hike with my friends up to the famous Potato Chip Rock. 

Sitting on the famous Potato Chip Rock!

Today, the day after, my whole lower body is cursing the hike. Legs, check! Thighs, check! Butt - don't even ask. 

Yet, even as I cringe, I can't help but smile. I did that. I walked those miles in this new body of mine and I survived. 

I still have a long way to go, no question, but, this hike gives me hope. 

Hope that my celiac and exercise junkie will end up sharing my body just fine.

Have you guys had similar issues? What is (was) your biggest challenge with celiacs? Comments welcome! :)