Back then, I was bordering on obese and as I failed my Biometric screenings yet again, I dismissed it saying the measurements were unrealistic and just too strict.... A way of thinking that I’m sure I’m not alone in.
BUT ... the amazing was just about to unfold.... While going thru that C25K program, I’d come home with stories about how I ran for 2 minutes or 5 minutes straight ...you know, like without stopping at all... and my family politely listened, nodded their heads and encouraged me on... Then it became 8 minutes and 20 minutes and a mile and 2 and then a 5K. Each goal fed the next one.. Making it more real, more attainable. I still sometimes wonder what was really going thru their heads as they sat there politely nodding.
Had no idea about shin splints or foam rollers or pace or cadence; or ESTIM or ART or KT tape or how seriously a calf can cramp; or what to do to help injuries and better still how to avoid them; or about special targeted stretching; or how important warm up and cool down was. Had never had a massage or visited a chiropractor. Had no idea how important nutrition was!
I call that entire first year my “transformation time”... Just about everything I did, was stepping outside of my comfort zone... And, if you really know me, you know I analyzed it all `- every single bit! You can even find some of that analysis in this blog (so glad I captured it) It was a mindset shift. It was a physical shift. It was scary; I questioned myself then.. (and still do sometimes today),.... But I felt great, and I was doing SO MUCH that I had never ever done before -- like, in my entire life. I lost 50+ pounds and have maintained that for 4 and 1/2 years.
Since then there have been SO MANY defining moments. Every single bit of encouragement along the way was so very important. Brian encouraged me to run in the snow. Leah said she loved running in the rain. Joanne, Anita and Michelle ran with me in extreme temps from 90 to 14. Harriet saying she only ran 4 miles one day - Only?? Umm, how could you ever use “only” and “4 miles” in the same sentence???? Even led a Family and friends C25K and started a FB “Team No Clue” group to help connect and keep track of running things along the way. Jen, who introduced me to a nutrition re-balancing system that helps me keep it all under control (even with an under-active thyroid) and fuels everything I need and want to do. Carol, my idea lady, who came up with so many of the goals along the way... like a 10K and a half or 2 and a Triathlon. Which all led to swimming and biking and hiking, oh my!!!
Five years ago I hadn't yet met so many of the totally awesome folks that I regularly hang out with these days. Never knew I was about to meet such fantastic icons like Bill Rodgers, Utta Pippig, Rick and Dick Hoyt. Had no idea, I’d have the opportunity to be trained in Track by Ironman World Champion Karen Smyers or Volunteer for the Boston Marathon, Reach the Beach or Sun Multisports. Had no idea that groups like HCS or CMS or Sneakerama fun runs even existed. Had no idea that I would absolutely love Stadium Stairs or the November Project Free Fitness movement that grew up with me as I was making all these discoveries.
I know I cannot do this journey justice simply with words. So in honor of this anniversary, I went back and grabbed some of my favorite all time moments in the slideshow above. I know I’ve sure to have missed something in this reminiscence... but I am forever grateful to every single person who has had a part in these adventures over the last 5 years.
Tomorrow I will run the Applefest 5K for the 4th time. In 2 weeks I will run my sixth half marathon. I can’t even imagine what might happen in the next 5 years, but I’m all in - open to the possibilities and never willingly going back to the couch!
Health is always and forever the greatest wealth.....