Anything is possible with a little gumption....

Happy Anniversary!

2012-01-04T13:09:00.001-08:00

Happy Anniversary to me!
Today marks the day...
my sort of re-birthday.
I decided to take back my health and my life and really live 4 years ago today! It was the day I walked in and met with Adam, my amazing trainer for the first time and began what would become one of the greatest adventures of my life! Little did I know how much that pivotal moment would change my course forever....

So, for my anniversary, I woke up and after my mommy duties were over I went for a 4 mile run with my new friend Kim (it is my easy cardio day and I am training for a couple of runs in the spring) followed by a healthy breakfast and brainstorming my future career with some AMAZING women. Ironically, 4 years ago my goal was just to get to the gym and to NOT walk out before my appointment was over! So much has come in to my life over the last four years that I can't even begin to explain the blessings.
Thank you to everyone who has played a part in my story and for those who still on this journey with me. I am ubers-blessed to share my life with you and to glean from you such wonderful life lessons.
If there is one piece of advice, I would say ....JUST DO IT! Start right now and don't look back! I am soooo glad I made the choice to make the changes I needed in my life...and to keep making those choices. They have led me down such an amazing path. And hey....I happen to know a REALLY good trainer who can help you get started on your journey! wink wink.....

Priorities...

2011-11-25T09:31:00.001-08:00

Okay, so it is the day after the big feast, and can I just tell you that I LOVE my new lifestyle. I have spent many years "guilting" over the dinner I ate on Thanksgiving. It used to be the day I thought "I will start my diet today" which of course ended up getting postponed until after the holidays and then it just ended up being on my list of New Year's Resolutions. Not anymore! Why? Because my priorities changed.

Four years ago I walked in to my local gym, at my highest weight, embarrassed, shy, and full of self doubt (in the MIDDLE of the holiday season I might add). Head hung low, I asked to hire a trainer. After some initial questions, this trainer looked at me and said "Are you sure you want to start now? Most people want to wait until after the holidays and life is less hectic." Um....kick in even more self doubt and embarrassment. No, I don't "want" to start at all. This is crazy, and why am I even in this gym having this conversation with Mr. Trainer who has no idea what courage it took to walk in the doors in the first place. I big part of me agreed with him. Oh well..pull out the "New Years Resolution" list.

As I was about to say, "You are right", this bigger piece of me (the part deep down inside who had been ignored for way too long) started screaming at me :"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH...LIFE WILL NEVER BE LESS HECTIC THAN IT IS NOW! MAKE YOUR LIFE A PRIORITY THIS INSTANT! QUIT HOLDING ON TO YOUR EXCUSES AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE THE CHANGES YOU WANT TO SEE IN YOUR LIFE...NOW!" Cue in the little gumption I had left in life. Oh Mr. Trainer you have no idea what is about to happen. The gumption lit the fire. Here we go...are YOU ready? With a smile I replied, "No thanks, I would rather start right now." I haven't stopped to look back, and ...well...you know the rest of the story...

Life is about priorities. You decide what they are...no one else can. They may try to tell you what those priorities "should be" but ultimately you are the one who chooses. All of my priorities were in conflict, and up until then they had all been centered around keeping others happy and helping THEM with their priorities. I had made everyone else in my life a priority and I had nothing left to give anymore. Things had to change, and so it began. Priority shifting is hard work - but SO worth the struggle! Exercise, meal planning, grocery shopping, avoiding triggers, and writing down my feelings became just a few of the uncomfortable switches that have continued until they are now part of my life.

What changes have happened from these shifts? I choose to fuel my body in order to keep it strong and healthy, and I choose to plan for celebrations like Thanksgiving so that I can enjoy guilt free. I choose to exercise on most days because of what it does to my body and my mind - and I choose to push my workouts to new levels because when I am strong physically, I feel strong in other areas of my life. I choose to dwell in possibilities and let that positive energy propel me forward. I choose life and health for my body, mind, and spirit. Just to name a few. But a big change (and the most ironic discovery I made about priority shifts) was that in doing so, I not only made those "changes" I wanted so desperately in my life 4 years ago, but those around me that were my only priority get even more than before because they are getting the best version of me. I have more capacity to love and give and help when my priorities are in proper order. That is a win -win. Off to run...because that is what I do.

Happy priority making.....

Dream Big!

2011-11-09T05:51:00.001-08:00

Okay, so it has been awhile since I posted...but with good reason. I had a lot going on in the last four months. I moved to be closer to family, quit my job, changed careers, and I am now trying to build my clientele as a personal trainer. Something that the "me" who started this journey NEVER imagined....but she did have big dreams for herself, and as I look back I realize the importance of visualizing what you want to achieve.

I started my transformation in September 2007 when I joined Weight Watchers and heard them tell me that for me to be "healthy" I had to lose a whopping 115 pounds. Quite a feat for a girl who couldn't walk around the block comfortably, had no motivation, and feared most big changes. But, as I sat there each week and began to have small successes, my mind began to see big possibilities. When asked what I would like to achieve after my weight loss, I replied that I wanted to be a leader at weight watchers...the current leader gave me an application. I had to be within 5 pounds of my goal weight...that was over 100 pounds... so I went home and taped the application to my mirror where I could see it every day. I imagined myself teaching the group as a confident success story.

After some time, I had to quit attending the program - not because it doesn't work, but because I had taken up running and the meetings conflicted with my participation in 5k runs. The application still remained visible in my room along with a written list of other big dreams that I wanted to pursue as my vision of my life and it's success expanded with my possibilities.

So the story would be great if I reported that I know work as a successful group leader at Weight Watchers...right? I have one better...

Yesterday (just 4 years later) I received a box that had my business cards inside. As I pulled one out to review it, I realized that the "application dream" had come to fruition - but on a much different scale! I now not only teach people the important principles of healthy nutrition, but teach them about fitness as a Personal Trainer/Educator at Snap Fitness. Who would have thought that back then? Certainly not me...

Norman Vincent Peale said

"Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop the picture...Do not build up obstacles in your imagination."

I am so grateful I decided to dream big and then never let it go....

what's your big dream?

Here's To Finishing....

2011-05-21T10:41:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been so focused on a goal - steps away from crossing that symbolic finish line only to get tripped up, decelerate your pace, or even worse yet - fall? Crossing it seemed so inevitable and effortless, and yet there you sit still unable to reach out and grasp that end piece that will make your hard work complete.
What started as dealing with a grumpy gall bladder which literally slowed my pace of life, my training pace, and left me stuck in a dangerous place in my own mind eventually turned in to an attitude of "Can I really do all the things I am dreaming of and aiming for?" Can I really reach my goal of blasting 10 pounds past my original weight loss goal that used to seem so impossible? Do I really have what it takes to pull this NASM certification thing together and become a personal trainer? What if I get "there" and I can't get a job....what if I get "there" and can't do it. What if....what if....what if....blah blah blah.

Then, last Saturday I decided to participate in a 5k hosted by our local YMCA. It was a course I had run a couple of years prior - and I figured it could replace my normal Saturday gym workout routine. As I began to run, all those what if's and self doubts stayed behind in the parking lot. The fresh air, the sound of the strong currents of the Rogue River, and the feeling of my feet moving one forward step at a time began to fill those empty parts of me with a host of possibilities. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for the blessing it has been for me to live in a community that not only embraced me but supported me as I made the greatest changes in my life...ever. Gratitude for health and strength..for a body that can run, breath, hear, and feel everything I can at any given moment. Gratitude to be on a path in my life where I will be able to serve and lift others from a place I am very familiar with. Gratitude that age 37 feels way better than age 17 ever did and in awe that it can only get better. Gratitude for the knowledge that a loving God is responsible for it all.
Needless to say, it gave me the energy of both body and soul that I needed to finish those 5 kilometers. It was a good spring cleaning on all levels, for on that run that I made the conscious decision - yet again - to finish. Just do it. Regardless. Every time I have "jumped" it has been an exhilarating perfect experience. This is no different.

Excuses and success can't co-exist, and neither can fear and faith.

Those who have run with me expect that as the finish line gets near, I will turn and say "RUN WITH ALL YOU HAVE LEFT TO GIVE" before taking off. It's tradition, and the same thing happened on Saturday, however, this time I was the only one listening. I began to increase speed and sprint with every ounce of energy I had left inside of me. As I crossed, one man said,

"Wow....nice finish!"

Yup, and I hope to say that about my other "finishes" as well. I agree with the Apostle Paul in that I must "lay aside every weight (concern), and the sin (self doubt) which doth so easily beset ME, and run with patience the race that is set before ME." (Hebrews 12:1).
In doing do, I hope to say;

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith."
1 Timothy 4:7

One Mile At A Time...

2011-04-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

I knew Saturday was going to be more grueling than usual. Why? First, I am not really a runner and have yet to discover that zone that the real runners all talk about. You have heard of it – “all you can hear is your feet hitting the pavement and you are one with the road.” Not so much that way for me. I run because I have been given this incredible second chance at a lifestyle infused with fitness and I don’t want to waste anymore of my days not appreciating that precious gift. I love the feel of pushing this God-given machine to new heights, knowing that doing so will give me even more chances as challenges along the way. Running is not about a “time” or how perfect my run was. Running for me? It reminds me that for most of my life I would never have even dared to sign up, let alone lace up actual running shoes and do it. It assures me that I can do most anything that I put my mind to – even those things I once thought were impossible. And, it is also a time for me to reflect because I have absolutely nowhere to go or anything else to think about. On Saturday, I thought really hard while running, and decided to dedicate every mile to someone who had helped me get to this point in my life. Do you think perhaps that is why I can’t get into the zone? Maybe…but it sure made the mile markers more enjoyable. Here is my list. If you didn’t get on the list – don’t fret. I still have many more runs to enter and many more miles to ponder.

Mile 1 – dedicated to Alissa. You were the first one to dare me to run. You were the one who suggested we sign up for a 10K without ever having run in anything before. We accomplish big by dreaming big! Thank you for your friendship, your faith in me and in what we were doing (in more than just running). Thank you for waiting for me at that first finish line and challenging me to a second race. I got hooked to try it again….and again...and again!

Mile 2 – dedicated to Adam. Yes, friend…running at your side was an honor, but this is where I could no longer keep up with your speedy pace without pushing too hard (you are the one who has taught me the fine balance of challenging myself without overdoing it). Where do I begin? Thank you seems so insufficient. How do I thank someone for seeing that champion inside of me - even then - and patiently revealing her to me over such a long period of time? I hope she makes you proud and can give to others that same precious gift! Also - thank you for never letting me settle for less than what I could really do.

Mile 3 – dedicated to Laurie. This is when you stopped at the porta-potty and told me to keep running, and you would catch up! Did your heart rate ever get over 120? Please promise me you will run one at your best and reveal to yourself what you are really made of. Get that heart rate up there…your body was made to do this right? All I can say is thank goodness for T-ball on Saturday mornings. God sent you into the picture when I was about to give up and needed a boost forward. Yep! I hear your laughter and voice coming up behind me –talking to other runners….you social butterfly. You did catch up…..

Mile 4 – dedicated to my Eastern Canada Family. Wish I could name you all one by one, but I am tired and just like clockwork my right foot has gone numb. Why always around mile 4? Anyway.… True friends love you even when you aren’t that loveable. You guys loved me like that. My days with you were among the most difficult in my entire life, yet you loved me. And STILL do. How do you do it? How does your heart love so big that it can span miles and years without ever losing its power? Thank goodness for Facebook and cheap long distance. I still need you in my life!

Mile 5 – dedicated to my Grants Pass Family. . I hurt! That last hill was a doozy and my silly shoe keeps coming untied. Did I mention I still can’t feel my foot? I won’t quit! This is the turnaround point in this run, and that is what GP was for me – a chance to stop the downward spiral of my life and make a new turn. It has truly been a place of healing for me and each one of you has been a gift…a very integral part of that healing! This is home to me…a piece of my heart will always be in this wonderful community that so readily embraced and supported me. How do you ever really leave a place when it becomes part of who you are?

Mile 6 – dedicated to my Utah/Idaho Family. I am tired...thank goodness for the radio station blaring music and magical energy beans from the running store! I can’t tell you how good it feels to say that I am coming home! It will be an adjustment and a new adventure for me. I have been on my own for awhile, so be patient. But I am ready to be encircled in all the love, the chaos, and the built-in support system that a family is – especially the wonderful one I have been blessed with. I need you….and little man needs you.

Mile 7 – dedicated to Andrea. I am on the homestretch girl. Muscles are burning, heart is pumping. I can do this right? You always know how to look past the obstacles. What a blessing to have been here with you these last four years – a second chance to make up for 2 decades of not having you as a part of my life. Cousins by blood and sisters by heart. We have made some awesome memories here along with our little men! We have laughed and cried together on this journey, and I feel blessed to witness your strength and courage. All I can say is…you are not getting away from me again okay? Mexico this summer? I will settle for Vegas…anything and anywhere with you would be a blast! GAME ON!

Mile 8 – dedicated to Isaac. I am coming buddy! A small miracle has you waiting at the finish line for me today, and that makes this mile a little easier. I have to slow down just a bit, but I won’t stop! I wasn’t planning on seeing you today, and feel very blessed that you are there watching me run. I am glad you see me LIVING my life – because YOU are the main reason I decided to change it! You are so precious to me and gave me a reason to hold on when I wanted to quit. I knew you deserved your momma to be at her best....and I wanted to be able to play with you and keep up with you – my greatest gift in life! I love you infinity!

Mile 9 – dedicated to Amanda J. from CNW. I think I can, I think I can. Girl, I am about ready to die…can’t I just stop for a bit? Catch my breath? No. Thinking about you right now – and how you are embarking on this same journey. Can I just say – YOU SO GOT THIS! Don’t give up okay? Let’s keep in touch – I want to witness your journey - even if it is from afar. The incredible members at the Club are going to need another poster girl for taking back her life and living out loud…people like to know it is possible and will be silently watching - and Adam needs a new project to keep him on his toes.

Mile 10 – dedicated to me. It may sound selfish, but this one is for me. I can’t tell you how badly I am hurting right now. Every muscle in my body is screaming, and my digestive system is having spasms! An energy bean causes burping, and the water won’t go down. It must know we have just a little bit to go and all systems are off until we get there! I can feel the effects of surgery and a month without training. I have to dig deep right now….within myself and find just a little more gumption to move forward – one painful step at a time. Everything I have really needed to get to this point in my life – lies within me. While I may need outside resources to help – the Lord has given me all the power that I need – right inside – to propel my life forward. There the finish line...giving it all I have!

The Story...

2011-04-10T09:15:00.001-07:00

As you know, I discovered I had gall bladder disease while training for this year's Pear Blossom Run (an annual mile run that commemorates spring in the Rogue Valley). I was determined to participate - though not willing to push myself physically and create even more setbacks. After 3 weeks, when I began to run again, I discovered the pain from my right ab muscle being cut up to remove my gall bladder and had to use a brace around that muscle to do it. I was slow at getting back, but oh so determined.

Guess what? In all of my drama and life changing events...I forgot to register for the race. March 15 was the deadline for a shirt, and April 5th (Tuesday) was the last day to register. I tried to register on my lunch break at 11:45. Registration closed at 11:30. This race meant so much to me...I was heart-broken! I felt frantic...what could I do? Run without a number? Just go be a spectator? First...I cried my big-girl disappointed tears, then, I called the number for the race director - hoping to get in anyway. Message said it all .....they had 3700 entries, and they were booked SOLID. "Register early next year for a guaranteed spot."
Next year? I won't even be here. More big-girl tears. Then I called again...and decided to leave a message. I gave my information and story, and said..."if there is any possible way for me to run, please let me run."

The next day (Wednesday) I got a phone call from Zella, the race director. She got my message - asked me a few questions, and offered me a spot in the run. I felt like I had won the lottery! A 1 in 3700 chance that I needed - and God provided. After we chatted a few minutes, she said, "Michele, I think God wanted you to have this spot." I was even offered a shirt! She then asked if she could pass on my info to the media who were looking for inspirational stories from this year's Pear Blossom. Grateful to help HER in any way I could....I agreed and sent her all of my info to get me signed up.

On Thursday, Joe Marlinghi from NBC Channel 5 called and asked to meet me at the club around 3pm for an interview. You can see the story here..... Pear Blossom Runners Story

On Saturday morning, I put on my silly "ab brace", proudly pinned on my number - 381 - and set out to run my last run here as a resident of Oregon. Adam (my incredible trainer) ran with me (for a couple miles), along with my die-hard running junkie amazing friend Laurie. It meant SO much to me to be there with them...I wish I could have had everyone who has impacted me so much running on that road with me.

What an awesome experience it was. I got to run, and I got to publicly share my story of not giving up with so many people. It is a message I think God doesn't want me to keep to myself! You can see pictures from the run here.... My Pear Blossom Run 2011

No Excuses...NO LIMIT!

2011-03-19T23:27:00.000-07:00

There have been times in my life when God sends me messages in very overt ways. It is usually when I have already felt something (usually a course of action or idea) in my heart and then I sit back, and procrastinate with it. Now, mind you, I am NOT ignoring it completely... just letting it sit idle for awhile, looking the other way, waiting, and making all kinds of excuses as different things get put in line before it. Waiting for what? Who knows. Why do I procrastinate and allow myself to turn away? Distraction? Fear? Doubt? You get the point (and could probably add a few more good ones to the list as well).

This pivotal course of action and idea got distracted a few weeks ago by a host of things and just kept getting lower and lower on "the list." Until this weekend. Within just 3 days I was well aware of my lack of focus and the long list of excuses I was beginning to believe. I have been set straight again.

The first clear message (in case I missed that burning in my heart and feeling of fulfilling a life long dream...duh) came from a line in a movie I was watching while recuperating from gall bladder surgery:

"Every opportunity has an expiration date."

The second message from a very dear friend who is reading an inspirational book and thought to share this with me:

"its so easy to come up with excuses: too busy right now, too much trouble, the kids, my this, my that. if we aren't careful, we come up with all sorts of ways to creatively dilute our passions, shift our uniqueness to simmer on the back burner, stave off our desire by placating it with counterfeits, starving our talents until they are withered and weak, and ignoring our restlessness in hopes that
it will take a hint and go away...."

And last but not least, the third message discovered on a random fortune cookie paper that I found lying on the counter of my favorite place to get away and just be myself (which is NOT a Chinese restaurant by the way):

"Assert yourself, your ideas are worthwhile at this time."

These obviously have special meaning to me right now in my life, but I think these are powerful messages for anyone. Why wait to live up to your true best self? Why wait to start or end something? Why allow distractions to get in the way? Why not see the limitlessness you have and just run with it? Why make (and then replay over and over) a list of possible excuses?
Don't wait to start living and moving toward goals. Just do it! Write that book, start that program, call that person, look for that new job....etc. No limits!

For me, the message is loud and clear, and I can't deny the power of these simple and quiet reminders (or think that the discovery of such is random).

I have taped my "fortune" on to my laptop where I can see it everyday as I finally move this thing forward. Here's to having just a little more gumption...and here's to at least shortening my list of well-rehearsed excuses....game on!

Setbacks...what have YOU learned?

2011-03-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

The key is to recognize setbacks for what they really are – entry points for learning not validation that you aren’t good enough. After a disappointment analyze your actions, get feedback from friends & take inventory of what you could do better next time. This type of self-reflection & improvement will ultimately make success inevitable.
Jillian Michaels

Happily on my way to my goal weight, training for the annual 10 mile Pear Blossom in Medford, studying to be a trainer...and BOOM! I got tripped. Tripped by a bag of rocks. Looking back I have shown symptoms since October but had NO idea what was transpiring inside my body; gall bladder disease. Finally, a trip to the doctor and an ultrasound confirmed why I was not feeling well. I went from running and lifting weights daily to sitting on my couch post surgery (to remove my gall bladder) unable to walk to the kitchen without help in just over a week. Can you say major set back?

But I agree with Jillian....setbacks are not "go back to the beginning" cards in my journey to achieving my goals, but rather they are entry points for learning. Whether a bad week on a diet or no exercise due to illness such as this, each set back has teaching potential if I look for it.

What have I learned from THIS setback?

A gall bladder is small but can seriously alter your body and life when angry and full of stones.
I don't need a gall bladder.
The Chinese used to associate the gall bladder with anger.....and attacks can be anxiety induced.
It is VERY common for people who lose a large amount of weight to need their gall bladder removed. (I would still have done this journey anyway)
To listen to my body and not wait until I need to be in the emergency room to get help.
Patience and trust in God and His timing
How blessed I am with love and support near and far.
That if I am off balance, life will slow me down so that I can re-evaluate and re-prioritize
That it's okay NOT to be perfect all the time.
Gratitude for good health and for a body that will repair itself and come back stronger.

What have you learned during a setback?

Just Believe

2011-03-02T22:11:00.001-08:00

What do you believe you can achieve?
What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?

I am on my way to becoming a Certified Personal Trainer. It is a dream I have had since I started on this amazing journey. It was not something I ever thought or imagined myself doing even a few years ago, but know in my heart it is what I am passionate about and want to spend my energy of life doing - giving to others this great gift I have been given. Living happily and healthy in the body I have been given, taking care of this body properly, and enjoying the benefits of it working right and at it's best. Accepting myself, imperfections and all, and to always be striving for a new goal - pushing myself to breathtaking limits. And now to share what I have.

Ironically, I didn't always believe it was possible. I didn't see this in me although others around me did, especially my trainer, Adam. At first, I had to believe him and lean on that belief until I could eventually believe in myself. And you know what? The more I believed him, the more I began to believe in myself, and the more I believed in myself, the more successful I became.

And, wouldn't you know it, today as I have began studying about behavior modification as a trainer I discovered that it's science! I thought this course would just be about movement, form, muscles, etc. Nope. It took more than just a little exercise to transform my life like I did. I have learned (and experienced) that there is very strong relation between success and belief. From my textbook:

"belief is one of the most powerful predictors of change and success. Those who truly believe they will be successful are more likely to...... work harder, achieve more, perform better, be happy while tackling problems, set more effective goals, persist vigorously despite obstacles and setbacks, react better to difficult circumstances, use effective coping skills...".

The list could go on, but in short, those who believe in themselves are more likely to be a success across all areas of their lives! What a powerful tool! No special equipment, no contract, no price, and NO LIMITS! That power of success lies within each one of us (albeit sometimes untapped)!

That belief didn't come easy for me, and I had to search for it a bit, but it did come. If you can't believe right now, find someone who will and believe in that until your belief takes over. Call me! Find someone. Find that power, and I promise that it will change your life.

Climbing, Sliding, or Steadying?

2011-02-26T08:28:00.000-08:00

Be a Relentless Spirit
Be a positive, driving, fiery force that
allows no obstacle, setback, or challenge
to slow down or stop
the successful accomplishment
of a noteworthy goal.
~Marcus Alexander~

Okay, so truth is...sometimes I do feel like that positive driving fiery force that doesn't slow down or stop.... and sometimes I don't. Sometimes I wake up ready to take on the day, workouts come easy, my goals seem attainable, and life seems to be coming together. And sometimes - not so much. But either way (like it or not) I am a relentless spirit. I don't quit very easily - it's just part of who I am. I have even been known to NOT start a project I know I can't finish. I honestly haven't yet learned the art of quitting. For some folks in my life - that can be a problem!

Over the past few years of my life I have come to understand that any "the successful accomplishment of a noteworthy goal" is much like climbing a mountain. Mountains can be big, rocky and cumbersome, grassy and steady-sloped, or anywhere in between. They come in all shapes and sizes (as do goals), but they all are moving upward (progression) and they all have a peak (end goal). My particular mountain has not only been changing my body by weight loss, but also changing my mind by letting go of old negative beliefs and habits. My mountain has been a beautiful but bumpy journey. I have had areas of green grassy fields, and I have for sure experienced those big cumbersome rocks that seemed impassable.

During my "climb" I have experienced times where it all worked out well. The slope was challenging - but doable, my mind was focused on the goals ahead, and I just kept pushing forward. Other times, I have felt like I was climbing on shale rocks. Taking one step forward, and sliding back down four. During those times, I felt unfocused, or rather distracted by fear, uncertainty, or even just by life and all the challenges it offers.

After those sliding experiences, I have to do a little bit of steadying. I have to STOP frantic attempts to dig my feet into the shale rock and fruitlessly climb,and hold on for just a moment. Guess what? I am afraid to stop. Afraid that if I stop I will give up, let go and completely fall down the mountain, only to start over again. Afraid to fail. Afraid to never reach my destination. Afraid, afraid, afraid. In those moments, I am reminded that the fear is not part of the mountain. God created the mountain, and has given me the tools I need to climb it, but he most certainly did NOT give me the fear.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

A sound mind that knows what to do to overcome this obstacle. A sound mind that has come this far and won't quit. Power to steady myself and then continue on this journey. Power to get to the top of this mountain! Love for myself - to not be over-critical of my imperfections. Love for others - to reach out to other fellow climbers and offer my help or to accept the guidance of others. That is what God has given me.

Always perfectly positive and fiery force that lets nothing slow me down? No.

A relentless spirit? Yes. I will never quit........

A moment at 9 mph......

2011-02-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

The worst thing one can do is not to try, to be aware of what one wants and not give in to it, to spend years in silent hurt wondering if something could have materialized - and never knowing. - David Viscott

So, honestly, I don't like to run. Never have. And even worse....I don't really like the treadmill much AT ALL. So why on earth do I run on a treadmill for at least 2-3 miles 5 days a week? Two reasons...

1. I like what running has done for my weight loss and what it has done to my body.
2. I love that moment when I reach and pass a new goal...which happened today.

Those moments sneak up on me, and just when I think I am NOT getting any faster or better, my body morphs and suddenly I have to speed up to keep my heart rate up. Today I sprinted a few times for an entire minute at 9 mph, and my "base" speed where I could catch my breath and let my heart recover was 6 mph. That may not seem very fast, but for me (a confessed non runner who felt like a running rock star when I could sustain 5 mph speed) it was pretty darn amazing! I ran 2 miles in just over 19 minutes. Oh yeah! New personal best.....

That moment was thrilling....my feet kept up with the tread and I didn't feel like I was going to fall and end up with treadmill burn on my chin. Those little moments give me so much courage for this crazy journey I am on... courage (and curiosity) to keep going and push a little more to see the next thing this God-given body machine of mine can do. But more than running...those moments give me courage and strength to push through and hang on in other areas of my life. No matter what...to not give up. My journey has NOT been perfect, I still struggle with food issues, still have self-defeating thoughts, still have to deal with insensitive people, still have stress, still struggle with taking time for myself without the guilt, and still have moments when I wonder if I can take one more step or work out one more time.

It is those little moments of a rush that I realize it has all been worth it.....and that tomorrow....I will do it again. I need to try...

Wisdom from the big books....

2011-01-31T22:37:00.000-08:00

Perhaps not what you think. A conversation with a friend tonight prompted me to pull a familiar book off the shelf. Yes, I have an Alcoholics Anonymous book which I have read and re-read, highlighted, marked, and gained insight into myself after I shut it's cover. Early on...before I even stepped foot on a treadmill I was attending an addiction recovery group based on the principles in that book. I would sit in an old Presbyterian church in Halifax with people from all walks of life and say I was addicted to food and admit that I was trying desperately to fix an "illness" within me that could only be conquered by a spiritual experience. It was that book and those early groups that turned me to God for help in recovering from my path of self-destruction.

I literally turned the control of my life over to God.....and am ever so grateful that I did. I am nervous about the next phase of my life. It is hugely unknown, and therefore a bit scary for me. However, I know that the same "higher power" that began to work in my life all those years ago in that little church has guided me to this point and will not leave me now. I have to remember that and keep my eyes forward. That message is clear in many instances.

"God will constantly disclose more to you. The answers will come, if your own house is in order. See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others." AA Book, pg 164

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

GULP! Here is to trusting.......even when I can only see the step I am just about take.

Champion Defined........

2011-01-29T11:43:00.000-08:00

Today was one of "those" days for me. Quite frankly, I am battling a deep sense of loneliness. Not just in the sense of relationships, but also in this point of my life. I am taking little leaps of faith that have me jumping from safety and security and leave me feeling very alone. This is not a new emotion for me, it is actually one that I am very familiar with and one that aided in getting me to where I was three years ago. Loneliness has not disappeared from my life - I have just changed the way I react to it and how I find the courage to take a deep breath, really feel and live through the emotion, and move on.

That loneliness continued today for me at the gym during my workout. I had looked forward to working out with a dear friend of mine and felt I could not do it alone. I didn't want to be alone......anything but feel that loneliness again today. She wasn't able to make it, and there I was - in a gym - surrounded by people, yet immensely alone. I had two choices. I could go home....no one knew where I was or would have cared that I left. Or, I could dig in deep within myself and find the gumption to do what I came to do. I don't always choose the latter, but today I knew that quitting would make me feel even worse.

So..... I ran my two miles...
which reminded me of a girl who couldn't even walk on a treadmill for 10 minutes without pain and difficulty breathing.

And then..... I then strapped on my lifting gloves and headed to the "big boy" weights.....
and was reminded of that same girl who was once so timid that she couldn't look people in the eye let alone walk with confidence and take her place amongst other athletes.

I then I began.....(and finished) an amazing workout by an excellent trainer who wanted to "challenge" me.....
and was reminded of the girl he started training 3 years ago who was afraid to try new things, never imagined herself capable of working out so hard, and didn't believe she could reach her goals or deserved her dreams.

Guess what? She does, and she did. And she does every day....she continues to overcome and challenge herself and take little leaps of faith. Whether overcoming loneliness, or daring to step out of my comfort zone, THIS girl believes that anything is possible for herself and for others.

And almost as if Adam (my trainer) knew what was going on in my head.....he walked over and said, "What - no workout partner?" I shook my head.

He smiled, and said, "But you're here, and this is what makes a champion."

What about.........?

2011-01-18T12:06:00.000-08:00

One common conversation I have with people is what it takes to be successful on this journey. I can put it most of it under four basic topics - they will be the basis for this blog.

1. GOD - Whether you believe in a loving God as I do, or in a Higher Power, it is vital to have that - and to turn to it to help you find the strength to dig deep inside yourself!

2. NUTRITION SENSE - We all have to eat, and do it on a pretty regular basis. It is important to make sense of it, and and the key is to not let it be in control of you.

3. COMMIT TO BE FIT - - It can be as simple as a walk or as complex as a marathon. Our bodies are designed to move, and a commitment to moving it is a must.

4. SUPPORT - A support and accountability system is a must! Whether a spouse, family, fellow gym rats, a food support group, whatever. You need something in place to strengthen you, tell you to "suck it up" when needed, and to catch you when you fall.

Let's run 10K this morning....

2011-01-15T12:51:00.000-08:00

Sounds funny to say, but I wasn't nervous at all. I didn't even take a picture. After running the Half-Marathon, anything less seems SO doable! I have something planned every couple of months...just to keep me motivated, and today is a beautiful 6 mile hilly run in Talent, Oregon called the Frostbite Run. I didn't do it for a great time, I just did it to finish, and so that I didn't have to workout at the gym! A guilt free weekend! Yay! And, the best part was that I finished in 1 hour and 6 minutes (my first 10K...and run ever.....was done in 1 hour 26 minutes). Shaving off 20 minutes was pretty darn exciting!

Half Marathon High

2011-01-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

One thing I wanted to accomplish after hitting my 100 pound weigh obliteration, was participate in a half-marathon. 13.2 glorious mile of my feet hitting the pavement....

One problem it was 36 degrees outside (I don't like to be cold), and I really don't "like" to run. I honestly never get in that "zone" but I like how it feels when I am done. So, I laced up my shoes, took some pictures and ran the Grants Pass Half Marathon on November 20th. One thing crossed off my "Someday I Want To..." list.

Our motto for this race came from Hebrews 12:1

Pre-run jitters

Still smiling after 13.2 miles!

Introduction....

2010-11-15T22:27:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to do this for some time now.

Pay it forward. Three years ago I gave myself the most beautiful and wonderful gift. I gave myself permission to do whatever I needed to transform my life. I had grown tired of the life I was living - and knew that in order for me to be happy in all areas of my life I needed do shed 115 pounds. Yes my weight - at a whopping 275 pounds - was negatively affecting everything about my life and it needed to change.

I took one step in the right direction and have continued putting one foot in front of the other. Three years later, I am down 110 pounds but still a work in progress. It has been a long and sometimes bumpy journey, but it has been oh so well worth the ride!

I want to extend to you that same gift. I hope that by sharing my journey and story as well as providing some much needed inspiration, motivation,and accountability that you will find the courage to take your own journey (whatever it may be.)

The first step is always the hardest.....

Now What?

2010-07-28T07:02:00.001-07:00

I have been asked by several people, how much more do you want to lose? For the first time in my adult life I am comfortable in my own skin...and realize that feeling healthy has to do with more than just a number. My original goal has just 14 more pounds before I reach it....so feeling like I am almost at the top of my mountain - I just want to finish there and get to that magical 160. But more than that, I want to feel things that used to seem impossible for me....which I am finally seeing aren't so impossible!

Feeling good in my clothes
Having fun shopping
Being able to run a 5k without being sore
Confidence
Terrific health
Enjoying every day of my life

2010-07-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hitting a MAJOR Milestone!

2010-07-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

Can't believe I haven't updated this blog since March. I have had a lot going on, and life has seemed to keep me busy as ever. I hit a major milestone that I can't let pass by without a post.

I HAVE LOST 100 POUNDS! Well, actually 101, but you get the idea...it is a major milestone.

As of last Friday (when the pics below were taken) I have lost 101 pounds, 74.5 inches, 6 sizes, about 20% or more body fat, and a WHOLE lot of emotional poundage too. Here are some pics of the big event.

My clothes from my first workout...what a difference huh?

My awesome trainer Adam Stafford. His workouts are magic. They are hard..but they work and it paid off!.

My friend Laurie who took on a challenge with me to do a 12 week torture series created by Adam....what a trooper she was to hang out in the Big Boy weight room with me!

More Than Just The Scale

2010-03-02T22:22:00.000-08:00

I have been trying the last couple of weeks to take note of where my physical fitness has improved over the last year. I decided to take measurements again...which I ironically had done exactly a year prior. I was a little disappointed to crunch numbers and realize I only lost 20 pounds. What? Really? It seemed like more to me....but that is what the numbers told me. However, after I took measurements, I realized that I had lost and ADDITIONAL 15 INCHES, including 3 inches of my waist and 3 of my hips. Suddenly it felt like the last year had been worth it. It really is working...slowly and surely! And then I began to think that I had also lost that 20 pounds and 16 inches while transitioning through a divorce, returning to work, taking on the role of single mom (and all it entails), and trying to forge a new life for my son and I. Not too bad I guess! I must dig deep and keep moving forward until I reach that goal!

Who Is Winning?

2010-03-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

"Sometimes you will feel a struggle between your old self and
the new, healthy Self you have decided to become.
Today, which version of you is winning?

I signed up for these free texts from Bill Phillips - if you don't know who he is, check out his website at Transformation.com This one came at a most appropriate time for me. I am learning how to deal with stress in my new healthy lifestyle, and more often than not the old self wants to emerge and cope with stress using old habits and negative thought processes. The key is for me to recognize that and let the new self deal with it in more appropriate ways. Can I tell you how seriously hard that is? On the days when I am exhausted, over-hungry, emotionally spent, stressed to the hilt, or just plain lonely that old self wins begins to take the lead. It is a constant struggle to keep the new self in the lead. I look forward to the day when the old self no longer even exists.

80 and counting......

2009-12-16T21:10:00.000-08:00

pounds that is!

I wanted to post this before the excitement wears down. I weighed in this afternoon (even though I have a usually strict policy about weighing in after 11:00 a.m.). I didn't want to, but I also did not want to go three weeks without weighing in - I know how precious that accountability is for me. I will be spending two weeks with my family, and away from my gym and my comforts. I am making plans for sticking to my diet and fitness regime while there, but it is always harder once I get there.
Just like always, my trainer says, "Michele it is only a number - it doesn't define you." And with that I jumped on. His amazing workouts have done it again! The scale went down again....and this time it hit a major milestone..... 80 pounds. Along with that 80 pounds, I lost a "ka-chunk" on that old fashioned scale! What a feeling!

Even thought I know that I will have to workout pretty steadily for the rest of my life (like taking a medication) I can also see the end of this journey that I started on almost 2 years ago. I am so close to my goal weight - and someday I will not be working out to lose - just to maintain. That day just got a little closer.

"One Can Never Consent To Creep When One Feels An Impulse To Soar"

2009-12-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

Helen Keller.

That has been the difference for me this time around - I believe in myself enough to think that if I want to soar - I can! I spent enough years of my life creeping around....not feeling worthy to "soar" in life like I saw others doing. There have been several moments over the past 2 years that I have thought about quitting....or at least letting up a little bit. Right now I am in the middle of one of these phases. I don't ever remember being this fit and healthy in my life before - and I think the last time I was this size, I was like 12 or 14 years old. I don't have memories of what it felt like to be thin and healthy to go back to and hold on to to propel me forward. This is all new territory from here on out, but yet this feels quite comfortable.

Over the last couple of weeks, some stress has pushed me to my limits, and I have thought about starting to "creep" around in my life again. Quiet and invisible. That state of mind has led me to retreat back to old habits. Ironically, I also find that these times come when I am "slow" and "impatient" with God.

I have been letting myself "cheat" a little to often on my food plan (justifying it by telling myself I work out hard enough), I haven't been journaling my food (when I know that is vital to my success), I haven't been as dedicated in my communication with the Lord, and little by little, old mind sets and thought patterns fill my mind. It is a package deal - they all come together.

I start to creep, and something inside of me says, "But what would it feel like to just keep soaring? Why keep creeping when you were meant to fly?" I really do want to soar, and see what else this journey has in store for me. The trick is remembering that I am worth it....and so is this journey.

I am also reminded of one of my favorite scriptures - Isaiah 40:31

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."

I need to recommit....to the Lord and "wait" on him in all things - which in turn will be the catalyst that propels me forward on this journey.

Then and Now

2009-12-12T23:08:00.000-08:00

Every once and a while I come across an old picture that stuns me. I realize that the girl I see is me, but she seems so much NOT like who I really am. I don't ever want to go back to her life, but at the same time I have to respect her for what she dealt with and be grateful for the blessing of people who saw more in her.....more in me than I saw in myself - giving me what I needed to feel worthy of a happy fulfilled life!

December 2006

December 2009

Memories and Conquests

2009-12-12T22:34:00.000-08:00

This last week was a major milestone for me.

Two years ago when I began training with Adam, I was unable to get on a treadmill. I had plantar fasciitis that affected both feet, and I could not even peddle a bike for more than 10 minutes without getting completely winded. I was at the worst point physically in my life. That seems like a lifetime away...and like I was a completely different person.

This week, I ran a 12 minute mile as a warm up before my weight lifting workout. I am currently working out 1-1.5 hours 6 days a week. During my best weeks, I do three alternating days of full body weight routines, and on the off days I do a full hour of cardio with my heart rate up. Some days it seems like a lot to me, but working out has become such a major part of my life, that I can't imagine life without it. That is the one period of time during the day that I am just me....doing something for myself - and watching myself do things that I once thought were impossible.

It is an incredible feeling, and I hope that there are many more to come!

Been A While....

2009-12-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

It has been a very long time since I have posted on this blog an a lot has changed.

A lot... and most of it had a direct impact on this journey. I feel I need to blog about these changes - because they have been huge, and have shown me that I don't have to succumb to the things that life throws at me. I can live life through them without giving up on myself and my dreams. I might be down at some points, but I am not out.

How did that happen?

2009-04-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Weigh in this week for me was - in a word - shocking. I have been in this holding pattern with my weight for the last little while. Despite not seeing the scale go down, or my clothes fitting loser, I refused to quit. I knew (and still know) that my body wants to hold on to this excess weight because that it all we have ever known - it is what is comfortable.

The persistence paid off.....and my body morphed! The scale went down 2 pounds - for a total of 62 pounds gone. And though it seems crazy, when the changed happened, I noticed it. I had purchased a pair of pants at Wal-Mart that were a size smaller as a motivation tool. To my surprise when I woke up one morning and slipped them on....they fit! I am so proud to say that I am wearing a size 14. That may seem huge to some, but when you consider I started out at a 26, it is pretty darn amazing! I think the last time I wore a 14.....I was 14 years old! I am finally able to see my life as it will be without the weight....permanently!

Race #4 - Pear Blossom (Medford, OR) 2:15:13

2009-04-11T22:13:00.000-07:00

This was a monumental day for me - the longest run. I felt very apprehensive at first - and thought all the way to the start line that I should have signed up for one of the many other events they were holding that day. There was a 5k, 2 mile, and even a 10 mile walk that left 30 min earlier than the run, but there I was - signed up for the 10 mile run! There were some 1200 participants, and the energy was so high...it was a really fun experience. Here is a picture of us before the race began.

The race started, and my goal was just to keep a steady pace as long as I could, which I was able to do for the entire race. 2 minutes walking, 3 minutes running. I didn't really start to hurt until about mile 8. It was at that point I wondered if I was moving in the right direction because the finish line kept getting further and further away! My reoccurring thout for the duration of the run was that during the last Pear Blossom Festival the most exercise I got was walking to and from the car as well as walking around at the booths. What a difference a year can make! Here is me and Ikey enjoying lunch at the Fred Meyer BBQ after the parade. Still smiling after 10 miles! If you want to see a really pathetic picture of me.....looking defeated....click here.

Race is Saturday!

2009-04-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

Well whether I am prepared or not, the Pear Blossom Run is this Saturday. 10 miles - more than any other race I have done. When I signed up, I had great plans to train and be able to run the whole thing non-stop. Life didn't cooperate. I had a vacation, and I have nagging cough that will not leave! I seriously sound like I am trying to hack up a lung. My breathing capacity is shot, and I am feeling a little worried about how I will do. Trying to take it easy this week, yet not sit around. I have done my Body Sculpt class 2 days so far, and then today I went for a light walk with Isaac while he rode his bike. We went 2.25 miles! He is such a trooper! He either rode or walked the whole way...and I even ended up burning over 700 calories! It was such a nice walk, and I couldn't help but think of how hard that would have been 18 months ago.

49...the final descent.

2009-04-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday was an awesome weigh in. Honestly, I was really nervous. I hadn't weighed in in 2 weeks. Those 2 Saturdays were spent in Utah with family. Usually vacations tend to send home a few extra pounds in my suitcase...but not this time! I dropped 1.2 pounds ....which means I have LESS than 50 pounds to go. I know that may sound like a lot to some folks, but when you consider that starting this journey my "golden number," my goal, the ultimate number to lose was 111.
I have less than an Isaac to go....
I am going to let go of the old me gracefully, and enjoy these last few pounds. I will not come this way again!

Exercise At Home

2009-03-31T21:38:00.000-07:00

One of the obstacles I faced at home was finding time and "umph" to exercise. I had big plans to jog every morning before breakfast and hike on the mountain in front of home. I found myself measuring distances from my parents to different stores, etc. to see where I could run to. I did jog on a couple of days...and 6 miles...while I was there, but with the snow and coming down with a touch of a flu/cold my big plans didn't end up so great.
Eating was a bit of a struggle. I wasn't in my kitchen, and sometimes didn't have a choice as to where or what was available to eat, but I really tried to remain focused and center my energy on making healthy choices for food and exercise. Besides jogging, we also swam, went for short walks, and played outside. I haven't weighed in yet, so I don't know what the final results were, but I did feel pretty good about what I had done.

Sign Wisdom

2009-03-31T17:43:00.001-07:00

One of the most exciting parts of my recent trip to Utah was my ability to make healthy choices and suggestions without feeling bad or guilty, and without creating tension with my family and friends! I made it the entire 10 days without stepping foot into what I call a "sit and slop" restaurant (all you can eat buffets). It has always been a family favorite as it is the place to "get your money's worth."
My first full day at home I went to breakfast with "my girls" Angie and Jamie. I have been friends with Jamie for literally 30 years, and Angie joined our group in high school. We were an inseparable trio, and really look forward to getting together when I come home. One thing we love to do together is eat! My goal was to enjoy the time with them yet stay true to myself.

I felt like I had done pretty good, and as I was driving home, I noticed the sign on the local sit and slop. It read "10 DIFFERENT KINDS OF SEAFOOD EVERY NIGHT." Seriously? How many types of seafood do you really need at one sitting? That's a lot of fish food! it really struck me because I thought of past habits and lifestyle that would have led me there to get a good deal on all the seafood I could eat.
A few blocks down the road, an insurance business' sign read "WHAT YOU GIVE YOURSELF IS PRICELESS." And I thought....that is what my current habits and lifestyle reflects. The last 18 months have been some of the hardest for me, but I will agree they have been priceless. There have been many things I have given myself.....permission to take care of myself.....access to a personal trainer.....membership at a club.....permission to be myself and let go of what ideas others have for me.....healthy habits.....permission to let go of negative thoughts and behaviors..... all of which (and more) have truly been priceless.

Stepping Stones

2009-03-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

So, throughout this journey, I have had some special "moments" that remind me that I am literally stepping up and leaving an old lifestyle - making serious positive changes in my life and truly embracing a new one. For the purposes of my blogging, I am going to call them stepping stones.

One such moment happened yesterday when I went in to Weight Watchers to weigh in before the race. I achieved an awesome goal of losing 60 pounds, and the scale lady was so excited! She said she could not imagine me with that weight back. That made me feel so good. But perhaps the best part was after I told her I wouldn't be staying because of the race, she smiled and said, "Thats' right, you are the runner!" AT NO TIME in my life have I EVER been referred to as "the runner." If she only knew me "back then" she would realize how monumental these changes have been for me!

Race #3 - Shamrock Run (Central Point, OR) 1:07:03

2009-03-07T23:20:00.000-08:00

Well, today was a big day for milestones for me. It started out rushing to Medford to weigh in at WW meeting where I reached a huge milestone....60 official pounds gone! It was a pretty awesome feeling, but short lived as I didn't stay at the meeting, but scooted out to go register for the 5 mile Shamrock Run. ( I figure race participation was a good excuse to miss a meeting). I ran with my girl, Alissa, who has been and continues to be my major motivation source in this crazy endeavor and won't let me give up.....ever. True to her character, after crossing the finish line, she waited for me at the entrance to the track field, and ran with me around the track as I finished the last stretch of the run. WHAT AN AWESOME FRIEND! She convinced her son, Thomas to run this with us, which made it all the more fun.....hard for me to believe that she has a 19 year old. She seriously amazes me! So I logged some more miles on my new 350 mile shoes..,..didn't run my best race, but had a great time and felt a great sense of accomplishment for finishing the race. Alissa did 58:54 and Thomas did great for his first run....1:03

Post Race Pic
(Alissa, Thomas, Me)

I learned a lot and it as a good test run for our next event - the 10 mile Pear Blossom Run on April 11th. I learned that I shouldn't skip breakfast in order to acheive a good weigh in at WW the morning before running a race! You see, I have this weigh in routine, that includes (among other things) not drinking, or eating, and wearing the same exact clothes each time. That made for a hectic morning, and a slow run. I could feel myself starting to pass out, and so I slowed down my pace a lot.....but still finished. I think I better learn a little more about running...
.......and probably get a training schedule.......our best impression of tough girls

MY STORY: In The Beginning....

2009-03-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

It is safe to say that I was a "chubby" baby. I just never "grew out of the chubbiness. As far as I can remember I have always been overweight, chubby, chunky, curvy, stout, WHATEVER you want to call it. Chubby babies are cute. Chubby girls - not so cute. Chubby women....well you get the picture.
Suffice it to say "chubby" is all I remember, and all I have ever known. Until now.
Don't get me wrong, I am still have some 50 pounds to lose, but I have NEVER in my life been as fit and active as I am right now. I exercise daily and am finding myself "in to" running local races. I am stronger than I have ever been and for the first time in my life, when I look in the mirror, I see beyond the number on the scale or the size listed on the tag of my clothes.
From here forward is uncharted territory for me, and I want to remember the details of this journey so that I never want to go back and visit the lifestyle I have left behind.

Race #2 - Rogue River Run (Rogue River, OR) 34:00

2009-02-21T00:02:00.000-08:00

I think we are HOOKED! Alissa joined the Southern Oregon Runners Club, and gets all the info on the races. We have made the ultimate goal of completing a marathon together...in Hawaii. So, we have LOTS of training to do before that happens.
Alissa chose the 1/2 marathon event...which she did great, but I did the 5K so as not to be DEAD on Isaac's birthday. I had a lot planned, and I needed to be able to function. It was really hard for me to stay motivated without her right next to me encouraging me. It was a concern that we both had, so I made little laminated slips of paper to carry in our wrist pockets that said, "I won't give up, if you won't give up." It did the trick! I did my race in a much better time, and Alissa finished her 1/2 marathon in under 3 hours....reaching yet another goal of hers.

Isaac was waiting at the finish line with Kevin, and I thought to myself, "there is no better gift I can give you today than memories of a healthy happy, active mommy." He says he wants to run with me sometime....I think that would be SOOO fun! Next race is the Shamrock Run.....

Race #1 - Grants Pass 10K (Grants Pass, OR) 1:26:10

2008-11-17T13:10:00.000-08:00

So Alissa says to me one day out of the blue, "I think we should run in that race they are advertising in town." There were posters all over for the Grants Pass 1/2 marathon, 10K and 5K to be held November 15th. Only three problems. 1) Uh, neither of us run. I have jogged on the treadmill for 5 min at a time tops, but nothing of any distance. We love to exercise together, including weight lifting, but running on the treadmill is a whole different beast. 2) We signed up 1 week before race day. That doesn't give us much time to get prepared in any way shape or form for running 6.2 miles. 3) We know absolutely nothing about running!

I tried by best to talk her out of it, or at least talk her into doing some training and signing up for another race, but it was useless. She had her mind made up. Before I knew it, I was signing up for a 10K! Me....the "fat girl" who never even got to take gym in high school because her doctor thought she wasn't "healthy enough" for daily exercise! That same girl who walked into the Club to meet a Personal Trainer in January, and couldn't even walk on the treadmill without severe pain! We paid our dues, and picked up our packets with free shirts, free running gloves, etc. Not really thinking that we would "go through" with it, I laughed and thought to myself, "well, at least I get a free shirt and some nice gloves. I signed up....that is enough gumption for me. Race morning...at Alissa's house,

we stretched and tried to pretend we knew what we were doing. WE HAD NO IDEA! I still couldn't believe I was really going through with it. At the park, I thought, "okay, I signed up, got up early, and wore the shirt....I am done...I already won!" But I wasn't getting away! It was obvious that we were newbies, but it sure was fun. The race shot fired, and off we went! Remember, we had no no formal or routine training - except this one thing...WE DO NOT GIVE UP EASILY! Pure GUMPTION drove us the entire 6.2 miles. We set a goal to keep a 15 minute-mile pace - what we knew we could do on a treadmill. The race began on the trails of the Reinhart Volunteer Park on the Rogue River. Shortly after that, my right foot went numb, and it felt like I was running on a stub! Between that, and using areas of my lungs never-before breathed with, I think my body was learning how to function all over again! The run went down Lower River Road and back through the park. I was always just a few paces behind Alissa, and she kept pushing me and encouraging me not to quit. At the finish line, Alissa started jogging in place, and I wondered what she was doing... when I got there, she grabbed my hand, and we crossed the finish line together. Our final time was 1:26:10! That was better than we thought we were capable of! We even surprised Alissa's son and parents who came to wait for us at the park entrance 15 minutes after we had finished. It was such a fun experience....and to those of you who are wondering....yes we have plans to do it again! I am waiting for more pics from her parents, but for now, here is one of us in the parking lot before the race began. It was a balmy 43 degrees!