Where do I start? How about 3 years ago. I looked in the mirror just after my 32nd birthday and thought to myself - "You look miserable." See, I was about 100 lbs overweight and exercise was a 4-letter word. There and then, I decided that the only way to change was to do something different, something outside my personal comfort zone. But what?
I started trying to exercise on my own: walking and using workout videos. What I was doing best is making excuses why I couldn't fit exercise in my day. I was working 12-hour shifts as a pharmacy manager which really took all of my energy. I need my sleep, right? So, I started looking for a personal trainer who might help me keep accountable. I found one (Becca) who was starting a new BootCamp style class at 5:30 in the morning on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I contacted her via Twitter (I am such a nerd), and she reassured me that all fitness levels are welcome. I figured that I would sign up and do the first class or 2 and quit if I didn't like it. There were only 3 of us in this class and I looked like the other 2 put together and 6 inches shorter. However, I survived not only the first class but also the entire 6 week program. Turns out I kinda liked it and I could start to see results.
After 5 or 6 months of BootCamp, I was still going strong. Then, I lost my job. This was a very stressful time for me and I slacked a little as I transitioned to a new position. This new position was with a physician's practice. This particular office was very active (the physician has her own triathlon team, the practice manager is an ultra-marathoner and one of her NP's is a fitness instructor) and sponsored a few 5K's in town. I have walked a few 5K's, mainly the Race for the Cure as my mom is a Survivor. At the same time, some friends from college decided to meet up in Austin, TX for a 5K in March. As a practice, I agreed to join the physician's office 5K team for their February race. I had started trying to add a little run to my long walks. Of course, after the 5k in March, I was asked to do another in April and a goal was born. I would do 12 5K's in 12 months (February to February). I did accomplish the 12 5K's by December 2012; so, I modified the goal to be 12 5K's in 2012.
What did I do next? Well, I needed a new goal. Remember the crazy fit people I work with? They suggested I run a half-marathon next. Run 13.1 miles in 2013. That has such a nice ring to it. I searched for a great half-marathon all around the US (focusing in places where I knew someone and I might have a place to stay). I found the Detroit International Half-Marathon. I liked it for a few reasons: my best friend lives in Detroit, the race is walker-friendly, and it requires a passport because the race crosses into Canada and back. I started training in January, got injured in February. Restarted in earnest in May (I may be the only person who gets slower the more she trains), and finished the Half-marathon faster than I had anticipated (under 4 hours) and with tears. I was so happy to see my best friend at the finish line. Unfortunately, my loving feeling towards racing was on the skids. I completed another half-marathon at Disney World and just stopped like Forest Gump.
I have amazing friends who are both supportive and enablers. Another friend of mine found a Marathon in China on the Great Wall, and we decided to do it. Did that sink in? My friend and I decided to complete a marathon on the Great Wall of China (there are stairs, right), and I have just stopped running. Ok, so that race isn't until May 2015. Whew, I have plenty time, right? Well, except that my friend feels like we should run a "practice marathon". We found what looks like an amazing race in Philadelphia in Nov 2014 (Portland and Richmond were a close 2nd and 3rd). Here I am today, starting all over again, training for a marathon. Follow along with my ups and downs as I learn the ins and outs of marathoning. Fear not, I will be run/walking the race.
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