"Ugly" duckling

I began running in March of this year, mostly because it is something I have always wanted to do. I finally decided this would be my year. Having made the decision to end my baby making "career" I am making time (with no excuses!) to focus on myself and my health, wellness, and fitness. It has been incredible so far and though I have much further to go (40 to 50 lbs. to be exact!) I look forward to each and every step on this journey. The teamwork I have found here is priceless. I am thankful every day for each and every one of these ladies. They're my sisters, cheerleaders, inspiration.

You see, I am different from the rest of the girls here. I am a runner, yes- but I am an overweight one. I am not in shape yet, but I am trying. So while I am doing really well for someone of my size, my race times and my mile splits are not at the level of the others here. I have a comfortable 12 minute mile, 11 when I really push myself, and it doesn't bother me much. When I began this journey in March, I was 30 pounds heavier than I am today. My one running goal for 2012 was to run a solid 5K. Crushed it! And the other morning, I came within .7 of a mile of running a 10K. I am so, so, so proud of myself. I am not focusing on time any more, I am now focusing on endurance and working on a faster mile.

I have set a new goal now, to run a half marathon in the next year or two. I know I can do it, just as I know I can lose the rest of the weight I've set out to lose. I feel like I am on FIRE and this year I have learned that I can do anything that I set my mind to. Anything is possible if you believe in yourself and have others who push you to be your best.


So yes, I am the overweight runner here, but it doesn't bother me. I'm writing my own Cinderella story, the "ugly duckling" who WILL become a swan. Watch and see!