Day 2 -- Doomsday Has Been Determined

So I realize that earlier I wrote that tonight's post would further expand on my love for -- no, that doesn't seem adequate enough -- my insatiable need for, chocolate.  And as much as I'd love to go into a tirade about the second love of my life (honey, if you'r reading this, don't worry -- you're still number 1!), I'm way too hyped up about an entirely different topic.

Tonight I did something I know I am going to regret IMMENSELY over the next four months.  This evening, I signed up for my first half-marathon!!!  Yes, me, the Fat Girl -- actually, the really, really, really fat girl -- volunteered to run 13.1 miles.  Now there are two words I never thought I'd see in the same sentence with my name!

Let me first explain that up until September of 2009, I did not "run."  I walked, at a quickened pace, but I did not run.  I always thanked the divine fates for blessing me with some height (I'm 5'9'') because that allowed me to play the position of center in basketball.  And for those of you not familliar with the sport -- that's the position that required the LEAST amount of running.  So when a co-worker (I'm still cursing you, Kim!) encouraged/pushed/told me I was running a 5K, I laughed.  And then I realized that I was pretty pathetic if at the age of 22 I couldn't run 3.1 miles.  That said, I began training in August and have been running since.  I try to get at least 3.25 miles in, three times a week.  It's taken me six months to get to a point where I can run 2 miles straight on a treadmill. 

But 13.1!!!!  Now I'm playing in a whole different ballgame.  Somewhere in the depths of my mind, I knew the day would come where I'd want to run a half-marathon.  I just didn't know that Doomsday would approach so quickly.  Then I heard about this run -- the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America Inaugural Half-Marathon Run/Walk in Boston on June 27 (http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/site6.aspx).  My husband has Crohn's.  How am I supposed to say no to that??? 

Part of me was guilted into doing it, part of me is excited, and part of me is still waiting for the reality of this to set in.  But for now, I'm enjoying the fact that I just did possibly the craziest thing I've done in a while.  So crazy that even my mother told me I'm being ridiculous and "it's too much."  Thanks, Mom :-\ 

That brings me to my next point, though.  As much as this entire Challenge is about me losing weight, it's also about me regaining my life.  For too long I've sat on the sidelines, letting my weight dictate what I can and can't do.  And to be honest, I'm kind of sick of it.  What kind of life are you really leading if you're just watching it pass you by?  I'm tired of being told I'm too big to do the things I want to do.  And for once in my life, I'm not going to be ashamed or embarrassed if I fall on my ass trying.  To hell with it!  At least I tried! 

So as much as this blog is going to focus on my struggles with food and excercise as I try to shed what I'm referring to as my mini-me, it's also going to force me to live again.  Each week, I will attempt something new.  Whether that means I try sushi (which I can't even think about chomping down on... poor Nemo :-\), take a new class at the gym (gotta admit, Zumba intrigues me), or sign up for a half-marathon, I plan on forcing myself, and my body, to experience life.  No more excuses.

Now here's where I challenge you.  (What?  You had to have known that was coming!)  What new thing will you try this week?  Will you push yourself to do an extra 10 minutes on the elliptical?  Or maybe there's a guy you've been thinking about asking out?  Or perhaps you've been meaning to start eating healthier.  Let me know what you're thinking of doing and I'll be more than willing to keep you accountable!  I know you'll all do the same for me!

Now... off to bed.  I have a feeling that treadmill isn't going to be too forgiving tomorrow!

4 comments:

Rachel said...

Woo! You go girl. I just saw a link to your page on Bob Harper's facebook page. I would love to lose a hundred pounds too, and I started my journey last fall by starting to watch what I eat and in January I felt good enough to start exercising about six times a week. I am impressed that you're planning to run a half-marathon! I've briefly entertained the thought but really need to focus on getting to a 5K first. I've been able to get a mile down, but turtle slow! :) I'm working on it. I'll be following your blog and offering encouragement when I can! :)

Azure said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Azure said...

That's fantastic! I didn't know about this half-marathon. I have UC, so I think it's really awesome that you're supporting your husband and challenging yourself by committing to this.

I'm going to check out the website too, and see what it takes to join up. Thanks for the inspiration!

wesnshan said...

I also seen your post on Bob Harper's page. And being only on day two we have a lot of similarities including the amount of weight to lose (goal) and also starting weight. I may be a few pounds more than you but I am only 5'3 so you can imagine how great I look!! I love your posts and plan to keep up with them. I too would love to run in a marathon. My brother runs in them and I would love to get down enough and be in shape enough in order to run in one with him. That would be awesome!! Would love to do this journey with you. I just bought Jillian 2010 workout. Confirmation today that it's shipped so that will be my goal is to plug that in and get busy.

I would love to start living again and not existing. What a goal!! Very obtainable also...just have to get off the duff!! Good luck!!

Shan

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