Getting Fit

Last year, in June, I posted about my goals of running a few 5ks and my desire to lose weight.  I half-hearted did it the last part of June and some of July, but in August, something inside of me clicked.  I honestly cannot tell you what it was, but I knew that if I was EVER going to do anything for my health, it would have to be NOW.

So, on August 15th, I started the C25K (Couch to 5k) plan.  I worked the whole plan, sometimes repeating a week so I could catch up.  I finished it, and I ran my first 5k for real in 40 minutes.  I realized I loved running, and my husband realized I was serious.  What a strange combination!

I lost 20 pounds in the process, and I began sleeping better and eating better.  It was a natural progression, and it just morphed into a total lifestyle change. 

In 2012, I ran a 5k in January, and a 10k in Febuary.  I was supposed to run a 15k in March, but for personal reasons, I had a friend run that race for me.  I did, however, finish my first half-marathon on April 29th in 2 hours and 40 minutes.  You'd think after all that running that I would be done.

Not anywhere close!!

I did take a running break to relax a little and catch up with my kids, but I'm back on track now.  I'm doing some of the last half of my half-marathon training program, and I'll start my marathon training during the next month.

Yes, I said (typed) MARATHON.

26.2 miles.....not meters.....miles

One year ago, I would never have imagined that I could run a marathon (and there are definitely days that I still have my doubts!)  But, I am going to try.  I'm so excited and scared. 

I'm so thankful for all the runners who have encouraged me along the way.  They say that running is a solitary sport, and it is.  But, while you may physically run alone, you never run alone.  It is very difficult to stay motivated and on-track all by yourself.  Thankfully, the running community is filled with people who are always willing to give a "Good job!", "Way to go!" or "You can do this!" at just the needed time!

I'm also thankful for my non-running friends who have encouraged me even though they think they could "never do it" (even though I'm sure most of the could. After all, I did!)  Not one time did anyone tell me that I was wasting my time or that I wouldn't succeed.  All those fears I had about myself were just in my head.  No one ever spoke those things I thought about myself. (Do you think there's some sort of lesson there?!)

Now, I'm going to name some names!

First, I had an awesome race partner, CJ.  I've known her since high school, and she's an awesome motivator and friend.  I could not have finished any of my races this year without her--she's awesome.

Second, my family is beyond words.  My Mom & Dad totally supported me running.  Babysitting for long runs or races was always ok, and they always had Academy gift cards so I could buy running gear.  My husband, Kevin, was a little hesitant at first, but he is ALWAYS 100% supportive!  And my beautiful children, Abi, Hannah, Connor, & Jada, are the absolute best cheerleaders!!

Third, I have friends online and in real life that offered the kindest words of encouragement.  Katie Cook (who ran the marathon when I did the half), Stefanie Shockley, Tara, Brette & Joel, Mary Ellen, Amanda, Lucretia, Connie, Amber, Tammy, Chandelle, Crystal, Jennifer, Jenn, Shannon, Cassie, Laura, Charlie, Deborah, and all the other "Sistas" whose names I cannot always remember. 

I have a few people that I consider running "mentors".  Some I have never met. Some inspired me to begin running.  Some I met after I began running, but they have encouraged me to keep pushing myself to new challenges.  So, Jenn & Barbie, we will meet some day and run together! Jodie, you'll always be younger (& probably faster), but I'll race with you any day! Erin Henderson, I am totally rooting for you to qualify in 2016!  Jason Butler, we don't live that far from each other and we are bound to finally meet at a race this year, but you are going to do awesome in Boston!

What about you?  Are you running? Swimming? Encouraging? Being encouraged?  Let me know about your goals and mentors.