About Annabelle

About 20mins. after finishing my first marathon. (Portland 2010). Very cold. Soaked.

Hi! My name is Annabelle, and I live in Chicago. I like to talk (a lot and about anything), read (again anything), move (run, walk, swim, jump, climb, ride, drive, fly…locomotion in general appeals to me)I have a Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and I am busy at work to disseminate the power of ABA to the world (insert cackle).

But seriously, until December of 2012 I worked on a crisis intervention team serving individuals who are dually diagnosed with a developmental disability and mental illness. My job was to help the aforementioned acquire the supports, services. and skills they need in order to lead a fulfilling life where they can make choices for themselves and live in a safe environment. It was an amazing experience with a steep learning curve.

Through that job I was exposed to many agencies and other providers of similar services (hospitals, state institutions and so on). Some were OK, and some were downright HORRIFYING. One was fantastic! And starting in the new year I took up a full-time position there, as the agency’s BCBA. And it’s great.

For many years I worked as a personal trainer, before that I was an EMT, before that a Poet (ayuh, I gave it a capital P), a lifeguard, a barista…..etcetera.

I still teach group exercise classes, mostly spinning with a peppering of other formats. No, I am not going to post play-lists on this blog. I love to ride, I LOATHE making the playlists and I think people are so obsessed with distraction that they miss the point of the workouts!

I also have 2 Shi-Tzu’s: Lucinda and Penelope

They love their beauty rest.

My sister-in-law, Teresa, and I started a healthy-living project this year (2012). Our goal being to help people to learn how to lead balanced, productive, happy, and healthy lifestyles. Check it out here. It is very much a work-in-progress, so we love FEEDBACK. We have some daily groups goals, lots of recipes, green/non-toxic living tips, and exercise routines going up week.

I blog (hehe. blog. the word makes me smirk) for several reasons:

1) A source of motivation as I train (for a 2nd time) for my first Boston Marathon (1st attempt thwarted by injury), and strive for a healthy and athletic lifestyle.

2) A place to vent frustrations, share successes, and garner support while managing the symptoms of lymphocytic colitis and several food sensitivities/allegeries/intolerances (feel free to select your favorite trendy label). Think of it as my own personal blend of IBS/Celiac’s/Crohn’s/UC/plague…it’s usually not so bad, in fact it’s usually fine. Sometimes it totally sucks.

3) To disseminate knowledge of ABA and related techniques for self management and the promotion of choice for all people regardless of their particular balance of ability and disability. Which WE ALL have.

4) Because I enjoy writing creatively, but haven’t done so in a focused or practiced manner for years. Also, the world of blogging is a great read! My reading list grows everyday and I never tire of it!

I am chronically curious about people, behavior issues, and running. I am also fairly friendly, so please feel free to email me or post comments!

annabellewinters@me.com

Please, as you read, keep in mind that everyone has individual health concerns that should be taken into consideration when beginning an exercise program or making changes to your diet. Although I have considerable experience in the health and fitness arena, I am not a physician, registered dietician, or licensed counselor.

-AB

Sometimes a run is just an excuse to play in the dirt and drink beer.