The horse has NOT left the building

Last spring I was training for a trail race in Moab, running about 3 days a week. After a very mellow morning run my left ankle seized up and I could barely walk. Nothing happened on the run. I didn't roll it or trip. It just decided it was done and didn't want to move or support me anymore. A few days later I went to my primary care doctor since my othropedic could not see me for 6 weeks. They put me in a boot and I leaned into my new hobbling reality.

Weeks passed and my othropedic appointment finally arrived. X-rays show significant talonavicular arthritis with a history of navicular AVN along with talar head flattening. There is significant arthritis bone-on-bone with a large dorsal osteophyte. To sum it up; not good. At which point she handed me a soft $2 wedge to put in my shoe and said "Katie, the horse has left the building, there is nothing we can do but fuse the ankle". I love being outside moving my body and this diagnosis was a little heartbreaking.  I was furious. After some tears were shed, I decided to look for other possibilities.

With a little PT, a healthy dose of acupuncture, some good friends and a reframe of which movements actually feel good in my body, I was back outside. Fast forward a year, I can mountain bike, rock climb, lift weights, hike and go to pilates. Running is out (for the moment).

All of this is to remind you to not let any one thing (or person) hold you back and that our bodies are incredibly adaptable if we get out of the way and listen to them.

Things I have been enjoying

• Smoothies. Blueberries, banana, almond butter, hempseeds, dates and almond or oat milk! Eat foods that make your body and heart feel good. Smoothies make me happy and energized.
  

• Reading. A very lovely 24 year old girl named Alexia gave me A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas on a remote surf beach in Baja and my life instantly got better. I am not saying this book is for everyone but I strongly encourage you to find something that lights you up and is 100% pure pleasure.

• Climbing with ladies. Tim is still my number one climbing partner but in April I got out for a weekend of climbing with two bad ass mamas. I am still riding high from the weekend.

• Microneddling and facial cupping . As I lean into my mid 40's I am taking extra care with my face. I have a lot of skin damage from summers spent at the jersey shore. My go to solution is microneedling every 8 weeks, facial cupping 3-4 days/week and using herbal face food or uma oils every day. The results have been mind-blowing; more even skin tone, clearer skin, less wrinkles around my eyes and mouth (still working on the forehead) and practically no breakouts.
  

  • Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that helps minimize the signs of aging, improve the appearance of acne scars and rejuvenate aging skin. $150/treatment

  • Facial Cupping increases circulation, stimulates collagen production, relaxes jaw tension and strengthens skin and connective tissue. $50 add on to acupuncture treatment
    

Intimidated? Not sure where to start? I've got you.    Book a free 15 min consultation with me, and we can examine and reframe what your digestion and health goals are, and how to get you there within a couple of months. Text or call 720-470-3908 or email info@katiedittmann.com

Women supporting women spotlight

Fond Woman Massage, Amée Villarreal

Supporting women is at the heart of Fond Woman.

With innate grace and a deep knowledge of my trade,  I weave a tapestry of support and empowerment by offering deeply nourishing and highly effective massage from a space of grounded stillness and presence. 

Fond Woman invites you and all women, in every stage of life, to rediscover and maintain your radiant health. I apply skills obtained over 14 years of practice and education, to tailor sessions that address your individual needs and goals. 

I am honored to be of service to our community and welcome you with great fondness.

To schedule a session please call 831-402-6982.

Ember Salon, Shannon Sloppey

Shannon specializes in extensions, balayage, dry cuts and curl hair. I have know Shannon for a very long time. She is a magical human who always makes you feel and look beautiful. On top of being fabulous with hair and extensions, she makes jewelry and is a wedding stylist extraordinaire.

www.embersalonboulder.com

Birch Skin Studio, Leslie Schmalz, LE

 At Birch Skin Studio, we offer self-care services for men and women who want to look and feel good.  We specialize in eyelash extensions, lash lift and eyebrow tint, and facials. We aim for all clients to feel at ease in our studio.  We are caring and present throughout every treatment. At Birch we strive to maintain strict sanitation standards, uphold the utmost professionalism and only use high-quality products. 

Come to Birch to exhale and savor superior service in our serene studio.

To find services, email or book an appointment go to birchskinstudio.com

Katie Dittmann is a licensed acupuncturist in Boulder, Colorado. She loves sharing her passion for natural approaches to health and wellness through her online articles and at her clinic, Katie Dittmann Acupuncture, at 3080 Valmont Rd. Call for an appointment at 720-470-3908.