Gearing Up

I'm getting so excited for Sunday's half marathon. I can't even believe I'm really saying that. I never EVER imagined that I'd even consider running that far, let along look forward to it.

The past 3 months of training have been so good for me. TRULY, changed me.  I feel good about myself in a way I haven't since my high school athlete days. I weigh now less than what I did before I got pregnant with Hayden (my first babe)...and I know I'm in better shape now than I was then.

When I started running, out of desperation for sanity, back in June, I really just wanted to get up to 3 miles. When my buddy Selene, casually tossed it out there, that she needed  a partner to train with for the Girlfriends half...my mind instantly said yes. My body...I hadn't even worked all the way up to 3 miles yet. So, I committed to get to 3 miles, and run it consistently for a few weeks before starting the half training. And, I did. My first "long" run of 5 miles, seemed HUGE to me.  But, shockingly, it was doable. And it felt so good to know I accomplished something I'd never thougth possible. And that continued as the mileage increased. With each mile, my self esteem also went up. My inches started going down, along with some pounds. My husband started commenting on how I was different. Not just physically, but there was something there that wasn't before. Others started noticing, too.

I just sat tonight, and wrote a little note to my BRB (best running buddy) Selene, and thanked her for inviting me on this journey that has changed me. It's given me something to feel good about in my life. (not that there aren't other things). Something that is just for me. Something that is GOOD for me.

I can't even believe that 13.1 MILES is in my reach. 12 miles was actually FUN. I felt great, I felt accomplished. I can't believe that I already know that I want to do it again. I can't believe that I'm already wondering, "Can I push towards a marathon?" I know I want to. I know that someday, I will. Maybe before 2011 is over.  Selene and I are daydreaming a way to make it worth our while...

I am so thankful for this experience...I had truly begun to believe that I would never be "fit". It just wasn't something I thought I'd ever be. I still have a long ways to go...but I've lost 14.9 lbs and 10 inches from various body parts in the past 3.5 months. I am feeling so thankful that I have been given the chance to believe in myself, and be thankful for the healthy body God gave me. I'm excited to see how my body will respond to staying on this path.