I never thought I would be a runner. When we started our weight loss journey, I definitely didn’t think it would be something I would fall into or even love. I started running because I needed something a little bit more fast pace than walking and that slowly turned into a love for hitting the pavement.
The only place I would run to before was the couch to catch the latest episode of my favorite show or to the kitchen table to eat. It’s sad to say, but that is the truth.
I can’t really explain to you why the change when it happened. Things kind of just fell into place at the right time. Timing was everything. My mind was right and I was committed to the cause. It was time to make the change and I went for it. I took the leap not really knowing if it would work or what would happen. It probably was a little easier to take the first steps knowing I had someone by myside but that’s not the only reason why I took the steps.
I was tired of being looked at for my size when I walked into a room. I was tired of being judged by the foods I was eating when I did settle down to eat. I was tired of not being able to wear the clothes I wanted to wear. I was afraid that my love of travel would eventually have to end because I was growing too large to fit in seat. This picture from above was taken in 2009 in San Francisco and that was the first time I had to ask for a seat belt extender. When I had to ask, my heart sank just a little bit. I knew I was growing out of control.
I was eating too much and not being active. It was time to make a change. My continued success in the weight loss/maintenance mode game has come from running. It keeps me excited and interested. Running offers me balance (even though I’m sure a lot of you think there’s not a balance with it). Running gives me something to focus on and keeps me moving, literally! The best part about running is being able to share my story AND hear others. I get “you’re an inspiration” but I am inspired by so many people along the way that I never would have met without running. My life has changed because I run. I am a better and stronger person.
Running has helped my mental health in so many ways. I have learned to deal with stress better. I have learned to channel excess energy into other things instead of destructive behavior. Running has helped me gain the confidence that I never had in the past by giving me the strength to know I am capable of things that may not come easy to me. Finishing a run is a mental feat in itself but I know I can power through to the end. Running has helped me believe that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I now see things through until the end. Physically running keeps me in shape, but mentally it keeps me strong.
I would really like to share my running/weight loss journey with some of you. I know running is not for everyone but it’s something that I love. Have you wanted to check running a marathon off your bucket list? Are you looking for something to jump start your weight loss or want to add something different in your fitness plan? Come run a marathon with me and Willie in Chicago! We are running for Team Healthy Kids which is a great cause and you’ll get to run Chicago. There’s still time to sign up and run a marathon with me. I’ll run it step for step with you if you want. We can bond over 26.2 miles and have a great time. If you’re interested please e-mail me.
