Knowing Your Limits (and Pushing Past Them)

I started running outside a couple weeks back now.  The intent was to see how far I could get and then build up until I could run 5K without stopping to walk.  I gave myself 6 weeks to accomplish this.  I did it in less than 2.  I was floored.

The first run I ran along Onondaga Creek to a personally mapped out route of 3.2 miles.  I pushed myself to go as far as I could before stopping and found that I ran 1.5 miles before walking and then the rest of the time ran/walked until I was home.  I was amazed that I even had that much in me.  I did all of that?!
A couple days later I got up in the morning and ran around a couple blocks twice getting in just over two miles.  Knowing that I did a mile and a half before, I felt I could complete the entire amount without stopping... and I was right.  A couple days after that I went out to run the Creekwalk and did it all but .08 mile.  That's right, less than a tenth of a mile I walked.  Yippie!

The next week I ran 3.2 miles around downtown and home.  I did not stop.

I am proof that anyone can do this (how many times have we heard that?).  Yes, I was of the mindset that I'm too fat or lazy or slow (or whatever excuse I could find) to run.  That I would look like a fool while I flail my arms and my body bounces around unbearably.  I'm not a runner!  I barely can walk outside without feeling self-conscious that people are looking at my fat ass.  Why put myself through that?

I did it.

On the runs I have looked at my reflection in a building or a car window to see how my form is and I am happy to see a runner.  I don't see a fat woman flailing (though others might see that, I don't care one bit).  I see strength and endurance and a woman being healthier than she ever was before.  I see what I am now and what I am working toward.

I know the weight is slowing me down, but I do not let that stop me.  It's only temporary.  I will not always have this body and I am becoming stronger every day.

We have these amazing muscles inside (whether or not they are covered by a layer of fat or the skin is tight against them) that carry us everywhere and, when neglected, they whine when we want to use them (or to see what they can really do).  My muscles whined quite a few times, but I work past the aches because, unless I die while I'm running, I'll keep moving. 

Currently 192 lbs (53 lb loss)

With that attitude I biked into work on Friday - the ride in is all uphill.  I took the lowest inclined way, which adds a couple miles to the route, but it the easiest to climb.  I did have to walk the bike a few times and ended up getting lost by a couple miles (thus making me late for work).  I wouldn't give up.  Toward the end of the ride, continuing to push uphill, I yelled outloud at the bike.  I yelled at the hill.  I yelled at my legs.  I control YOU, you do NOT control me. 

I did it.

I made it the 8.5 miles to work and the 6 miles back home (I didn't get lost).  The downhill miles are far more fun!  I didn't give up.  I plan to ride into work more and possibly most mornings.  I expect I'll get a nice commuter bike, rather than the cumbersome mountain bike I have.  I will continue to ride my bike around town, once my butt gets used to the seat more...  (ow!)

To everyone: Do NOT take your body for granted.  It's effing amazing!  Push the muscles.  Show them that your are the boss of them.  Know that you are the master of your body and you want what is best for it, even if it complains (and aches) in the process.  Know that you WILL do whatever you put your mind to.