Thursday, March 27, 2008

Me? In Good Shape???

I just got home from the Y and I can't quite decide if I want to have a silly grin plastered on my face or sob uncontrollably. So, I've been alternating between the two. I had the best workout that I've ever had in my life. I did week 4 session 2 of C25K and really played with the incline and the speed that I was running at. I really pushed myself and ran an extra 9 minutes (for a total of 25!), the last 3 minutes being at a speed of 6 mph instead of my normal range of 4.5-4.8.

After the treadmill, I typically go on the elliptical but today I still felt like running (something must have been in the air??). All of the treadmills were in use, so I decided to tackle the track. Let me just say that I hate the track. You run past every cardio machine in the place so everyone gets a good view of you as you go by. But, I decided I would just get over it and give it a shot because I have my final fitness test for the Y Challenge next Monday, which involves running/walking the track for 10 minutes. Let me also add that I have NEVER ran more than two and a half laps in a row. My original goal today was to run 5 laps. Well, I smashed that and kept going, 6, 7, 8, 9.... 10 laps! I slowed and walked for two and then ran five more. By the end of the 5th lap, I was already fighting back the tears, in complete disbelief at what I had accomplished. Then, as I was doing a cool down lap, a lady jogged by me and said "You are in really good shape!". HUH?!? What?!? Me? 240 pound me in good shape?? I must have had a look of disbelief on my face as I mumbled "Thanks" and she said "No, really. I've been watching you today and you've inspired me."

Wow. I'm still in awe that someone would say that to me. That someone would notice! I have spent so much of my life being the fat girl... thinking that everyone must think awful and untrue things about me and being intimidated away from the weight room... I am absolutely amazed what my body has acheived in a few short weeks of the C25K program.

So today, my 6 word sentence absolutely remains true:

I am stronger than I thought.

11 comments:

R.Shack said...

Oh Holly!

That's incredible. I didn't see you, but I'm inspired by you. Thank you!

-R

Selma said...

Holly,

I second with being inspired by you. That is a wonderful story.

Selma

Jenera said...

You are in good health! Being able to do any kind of running is great. You don't have to look like barbie to be in good health either. Some of those skinny chicks might not be able to keep up with you!

Carry comments like that around to help pick you up on an off day.

Heather said...

wow you make me want to cry too! that is so wonderful and amazing, and I hope this opened your eyes that you dont have to be super thin to be healthy, or to inspire someone. just by working hard you are noticed for your efforts and that is just fabulous. I am inspired as well by you!

Carolyn said...

Wow...
You brought tears to my eyes hon. That's just so great... I'm so proud of you!!!
Check out my blog for my disappointments today... not sure what happened to me lately... but I'll pick my butt up again soon. no worries.

That's just so awesome!!! I can't thikn of anythign orginial to say, except that you deserve a cyber hug and a 'You're Awesome' badge on your running shorts!!!

Martha said...

That's great! Like Jenera said, keep those comments in your back pocket for when you're feeling like you may stumble.

Hanlie said...

Don't ever underestimate your power to inspire! One day I was in the pool, looking up at the treadmills and there was a lady about my own size running on a treadmill. I vowed that one day I was going to do that. The next time I was on the treadmill I actually ran for about one minute, and promptly burst into tears. I would never have attempted it without having seen that lady doing it!

You are awesome!

Ready Maid said...

Lemme tell ya, Kiddo. YOU'VE INSPIRED ME just reading about your C25K efforts. High five!

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

What an awesome experience! I'm so thrilled for you, Holly! I'm also glad that you took a few minutes and blogged it, partially because we got to share in your joy, but mostly because it gave you a few minutes to bask in the glow and really accept it.

Fantastic payoff for an outstanding (and astounding!) workout!

Pattie said...

I am smiling as I read your post, Holly. I can hear the pride you feel - you inspired someone! How awesome is that! Isn’t it great that the woman shared that with you? We all need to do that more often.

I've been behind in my reading and haven’t stopped by your blog in a while, and I am thrilled at the progress you've made. You inspire ME!

blendergrl said...

What a great achievement! I linked to your blog through the WW message boards and your story is a true inspiration!! Keep up the fantastic work!