IT Finally Happened!

What "IT" am I talking about?

I've often talked about wanting to be part of the pack.  For the longest time, I thought I was relegated to the elliptical, unable to put foot to ground because of my bad back. But then the craziest thing happened:  I ignored the doctors and listened to my heart and mind.  I asked myself "but what if I can?" And an amazing thing happened:  not only could I, but it didn't kill me. I was fairly good at it. The last time I had raced (10k) was before my injury, and that was at an average of 13:42/mile.  Many years and injuries later, as well as a spinal surgery, I was expecting 15-minute miles and ended up between 10 and 11 minutes. 


On Tuesday, I woke up in the morning, fed the monsters (as well as myself), got myself dressed, and gave Spike his insulin.  I set out for a run.  I have been using different variations of the same route because I like the slight uphill/downhill and I know that the ground is fairly level.  But I really go for the view.

As I'm rounding 2.5 miles, I see the first other early-morning runner passing me.  
I nod. 
She nods back.

IT happened.

With the simple return of a nod, I felt like one of the pack. A subtle shift in my little heart, in my mind, towards knowing that I'm not approximating running:  I am running.  I may not hold any world records, but I am doing something that doctors didn't think I'd ever be able to do.

In a world where people are looking for "FitSpo" (fitness inspiration), I hope this inspires you to fight for yourself, to listen to your body, and improve upon what you did yesterday.  It may not be a photo of a half-naked female fitness model with a pithy quotation superimposed on it, but I want to leave you with this thought: 


19 comments

That's good stuff right there! So glad you were able to get out there and are feeling GOOD!

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You rock fellow runner!
Congrats.

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DAMN RIGHT!!!! You go. So proud of you, and glad to see you're proud of yourself!

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<3 Thanks all...
I'm seriously feeling all warm and fuzzy.

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You know what's amazing about this is the fact that I've been trying to get outside and walk more (hard to run at 450 pounds) and I was out of breath on my way back home from my 3mile trek and saw a lady in fitness gear just trucking along passing me and disappearing into the distance, I knew in my heart that one day I will be able to keep up or pass her. Thanks for this post. ^_^

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Josh -- you know, I got chills reading that... I'm so glad that you're allowing your heart and mind to steer your body. I'm super proud of you!

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Fantastic! I remember the first time a "real" runner acknowledge me. It really is euphoric! Congratulations.

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Kari -- just a really great reminder that you never know who or how you're going to influence someone.

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Wow girl that is really amazing! I'm so impressed with your determination & will & desire to do this! Good for you, keep up the excellent work, you're an inspiration to many people!

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Hooray! So happy for you :)

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SWEET! what a great feeling :) love you and love your determination, when it's loud and roaring but also when it's quiet. xxxxx

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So awesome to hear! Happy for you!

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Loved reading this!

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Absolutely love this :)

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<3 Robby