Yeah, that will never be me. In fact, it won't be most of us.
You see, I've learned a secret about running...are your ready? Here it is: "You don't have to fast, and you don't have to be skinny. In fact, running doesn't necessarily make you skinny!"
Let's talk about weight first, since that seems to be the most fun to talk about, right? Yes, running will help you lose weight. Exhibit A: This is me from last summer taking my daughter to the American Idol concert. I have not shared this on FB or any other blog, so if you are seeing this, it means you are truly one of my readers, and I love you, so here you go:
Yep, that is THE picture. When Kirstie Alley said she didn't realize how fat she really was, that was me too. I had no idea. Here I am taking my daughter to a concert, and I truly had nothing to wear. I bought this cheap shirt thinking, OH, it's a T-shirt, it will look fine. I couldn't have been more wrong. And let's face the facts, it wasn't the shirt, it was me.
So from Aug-Dec, I exercised. I tried to start running, but I sprained my toe on the treadmill and had to do the elliptical for two months. Some people would have quit, and normally I would have too, but I set this crazy goal to lose 20lbs by December. Well, I made it to 18 lbs. Couldn't be too upset about that!
In January I started running, and at first the weight melted off. By June I had lost another 26lbs. Since June, I have lost no weight. In fact, I've gained 2 lbs. That's OK! I'm not going to stop running, especially since now that I've done some races, I see that people of ALL SHAPES AND SIZES run! It's not just the skinny, chisled Olympic athletes or the elite runners you see on TV commercials and magazine ads. It's EVERYONE--REAL PEOPLE.
So now I look like this...it's a blurry photo that Ty took on my phone as we were at one of his cleft appointments, but you can see the difference just in my face and arms:
Even if I never lose another pound, I'm not going to stop running. I may never be "skinny" or have that BMI that says I'm not overweight. I may still wear a pant size that is higher than the average for a woman. I'm OK with that because if you compare those two pictures, I think you can see the happier person. And I need to throw it out there...I love food. I love to eat. It's a battle everyday. Maybe if I did better with my eating, I could be a better runner...I'm not there yet.
Which brings me to the idea of speed. See this guy?
Probably not a speed demon, I'm just guessing. But maybe he is? That has been the other thing I've learned. You can be overweight AND FAST! I am not! But...I am gaining some speed. Speed does not equal fast, it just means my 12.30-13 min miles are more like 10.30-11.00 miles. It's progress. I could probably do even better, but I LOATHE speedwork. I just keep at it, keep going, throw in some shorter faster runs with a longer run each week, and it's helping. Again, look at my pictures. Who is the happier person?
I read one John Bingham's books, I think it was called "The accidental athlete". I highly recommend it. He talks about running in the back of the pack. It's actually really fun! Even for walkers and walk joggers, they are also competitive. One of my friends told me, "I saw these women, and they were NOT going to finish before me." That was her goal, and that's why races are fun. Once you decide you are out there for yourself to be all that you can be, regardless of speed, it's so much fun!
If you are ready to start, I highly recommend starting with walking. That's where I started. Don't overdo it, and explore some couch to 5K workouts. Sign up for a 5K when you feel ready so you have a goal. I will promise you...if I hadn't made that crazy half marathon goal, I'd have quit a long time ago. Goals are important. And of course, without my Lord and savior, none of it would have happened. I love it when God takes me on these crazy life journeys!
In fact, I have a 5 miler tomorrow! Wish me luck! I may not hit that 48 min mark, but I'd like to finish under 53 min.
Keep moving, keep smiling!
Jolene
Thanks for sharing Jolene. You and others that have been running have been an inspiration. Violet
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