What do you think when you see a person jogging down the side of the road? I hope you think:
- Good for them
- I wish I could do that
- Wow, they are fast
- I wonder how far they go?
You know what I thought when I saw a jogger? I thought, “Go home. Get a life. What a waste of time.” It’s true. I hated to see people exercising. I just couldn’t imagine that running down the road was the least bit fun. After all, who voluntarily sweats, gets out of breath and doesn’t look so great doing it? I was judging them and being jealous for their fitness. I wanted everyone to be like me so I wouldn’t feel out of place or inadequate. It’s not a confession I make willingly, but it’s the truth. It’s how I felt.
The first day of my weight loss plan, over twelve years ago, I knew I needed to move my body. I knew I was fat. I knew I didn’t own a pair of shorts. I understood it wouldn’t be easy. But I also had enough knowledge about weight loss that I understood exercise was a vital part of any weight loss plan. So I started that first day, walking 10 minutes from my house, and 10 minutes back. I didn’t get far, probably 10 or 15 houses away, and we are talking small lots and small houses. But I did it, and I was proud when I returned.
Over the months that followed, I went farther and got faster. In my mind, I told myself that when I got to be under 200 pounds I wanted to try and jog a little bit. The day I reached 199 was in the fall. I got up, weighed myself and decided I was going to jog a bit. I put on my exercise clothes set off down the road. I walked for a while, and decided to try jogging from one mailbox to the next one. I started jogging and thought everything was going to fall apart. Everything jiggled and moved independently of each other, but I kept going. When I reached the next mailbox, I gladly stopped. I did this occasionally during that first walk, not trying to push myself, but just to see if I could do it.
October, November and December passed with me continuing to increase my jogging distance and the quickness of my pace. In December I told John I wanted to sign up for a 5K. He looked at me like I had lost my mind. Why in the world would you want to run 3.2 miles? I explained it was a goal, and I thought it would be fun. “Fun?” he said? But he was encouraging, and said, “Go for it.” So I signed up for a charity 5K race to be held in March. I practiced and trained, using a book I had checked out from the library.
March rolled around and I couldn’t wait to go. John and all the kids came to cheer me on. I felt like a completely different woman standing among all the other runners. No one looked at me and wondered if I’d make it. No one even noticed me. I was just one of the pack. The race started, and I began jogging along at my slowish pace. I didn’t stop running until I hit the finish line. I was no where near the front of the pack, and not really even in the middle. But I didn’t finish last and I finished proud. It was one moment that I’ll never forget.
Is there a fitness goal that you’ve achieved lately? Diane
I started strength training some months ago and it’s amazing the difference I feel. I’m stronger now and though the progress is slow it does feel great being aware that you’re making your body stronger and healthier.
.-= Diana´s last blog ..The 80’s and 90’s. =-.
I decided in the beginning of this year to get back into at least the 150′s! I am one pound away from that right this minute so that is (almost) a fitness goal achieved! Plus I have been sticking with my weight lifting two times a week and that is huge for me since I hate sore muscles.
I don’t set formal goals anymore maybe I should but I work out because I like to and it is neccesary for a healthy life and weight maintence of course:)
.-= Susan´s last blog ..If Its Not Broke Don’t Fix It! =-.
Congrats to you. 5K is far for me, so just the fact that you finished the race is really impressive. Recently I’ve been pushing myself harder on the bike, and at first I thought my knees would hate me for it. But they seem to be doing well!
.-= Tracey @ I’m Not Superhuman´s last blog ..When The Man Surprises Me =-.
I pass joggers and think “Love and bless your knees while you can !” My fitness goals are simple- move as much as I can so that the stiffness does not overtake my life.To enter into my 60′s without the need of a wheelchair or walker is the finest thing I can think of accomplishing !
.-= Diane´s last blog ..Bad day =-.
Be sure you do keep at it. I’m 62, going on 63, I can tell you that these years can be great. I have a little arthritis, but since I lost weight, and started taking osteobiflex, it doesn’t bother me much. I’m not into distance races, but like aerobic dancing and interval jogging. I feel better now than I did in my 40s and 50s which were not great years for me for a lot of reasons. I feel more like I did at 35 when I was very fit. Definitely don’t go for the wheel chair. you don’t want your kids taking care of you. I know I don’t.
I got 20 miles a week for 6 weeks. Twelve are fast walking miles but still. Twenty is twenty.
I’m proud of myself.
.-= JourneyBeyondSurvival´s last blog ..Scale Smackdown =-.
So cool Diane & a great motivating story! You can do it if your try!
Well, back in my late 30′s, I did bodybuilding contests & never ever thought I would be brave enough to get in front of people in a tiny bikini & pose & do a routine, but I did!
Now, every day I achieve a new fitness goal. Sometimes I don’t know what it is till I do it!
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Friends, Fun, Laughter – Good for Your Health =-.
I felt the same way running my first 5k, it was such an amazing experience! Now I have a half marathon and a 10k to add to that
.-= Lauren @ Eater not a runner´s last blog ..headache-y =-.
6 years ago I wanted to bump up my exercising so I signed up for a bike race not even owning the right kind of bike! 6 Weeks before the event, I bought a bike and started riding the route. My goal was to just finish the event. (Long and hilly!) This June I will be doing the event for the 6th year in a row! I’ve added other events along the way and have become a pretty good biker!
Ahhhhh this Diane is such an inspirational story to all who think they cant run…I was slim and thought I could not run, I hated the feeling on my boobs, I hated hearing myself breathing loudly…but I did notice that the slimmer girls ran and the plumper girls stuck to the aerobic classes I was teaching, their bodies never changed…class was for fun, girlfriends getting together every morning for a workout then tea afterwards while their domestics cleaned their homes.
I thought I needed to try running to accelerated my weight loss – struggled – one minute felt like an hour for me when I started…now I can run an hour and enjoy every moment…I now love running…
.-= Marcelle´s last blog ..Sunny Friday =-.
In January I added yoga, pilates, and more cardio. I was finally pushing myself more and loving that I was doing it! Then I got derailed by my shoulder injury and and try not to think about the fact that I can’t do what I once did, don’t know when I can again, and can’t ride my bike outside now with the nice weather. Sigh. But I am still plugging away with the little I can do:)
.-= Karen@WaistingTime´s last blog ..The Sighs of my Thighs =-.
even though that was a long time ago for you – I still had tears in my eyes reading it – because I could so understand what all those feelings were. And I have started over several times – surgeries and injuries and health problems. And every time – I start by going to the end of the driveway and back, and then our mailbox and back, and then the end of our street and back, and then 10 minutes out and back, etc. Just as you describe. And Sabrina has often said that the mailbox trick is a very good way to start picking up speed. It is built in interval training – fast to the next mailbox, slower to the next, fast again, and so on. Built in intervals. good post. We all start somewhere. And often we have to begin again.
.-= vickie´s last blog ..I am doing a little better being at my mother’s and being able to talk to her on the phone. =-.
Great story, Diane!
I guess for me, I haven’t done any great feats of exercising YET. But, it’s the little things that have really blessed me…going up & down the stairs without huffing and puffing…running to catch kids, swinging on the rope in the barn with my kids…those types of moments that spur me on! I’ve been thinking about what I could do as a goal…I can’t run/jog too much as I had stress fractures in college and they seem to flair up when I do…and then I can’t to do anything while they heal up…don’t want that…hmmm……we will see…
.-= Amy´s last blog ..The Simple Woman’s Daybook =-.
A great story Diane. Despite what kind of condition they might be in, I believe that 95% of the population has a 5K in them within a few months. A 5k is ususally the 1st goal I suggest to new clients, though how soon they do it is determined by how much weight they need to lose. I run a 5K 5 or 6 days per week, and I ALWAYS think of my first one when I am running. True.
.-= Emergefit´s last blog ..If we’re not listening, we won’t hear it… =-.
I would have to say running. I’m not yet up to running a whole 3.2 miles without stopping to quick walk yet, but each week I find I’m getting farther. So I have mini “way to go” moments to myself. It’s amazing to me how quickly the body conditions when you just keep at something!
.-= Brenda´s last blog ..Hodgson Mill Multi grain Hot cereal =-.
I used to run when I was in highschool. Then I put on weight and fear set in. I was afraid to run. I didn’t want to jiggle my way down the street during a jog. I was afraid of what people around me would think. I kept saying to myself “I’ll lose the weight and then start running again.” I looked at joggers with jealousy. I wanted to be able to do that.
Well, I’ve lost the weight now, but I still haven’t hit the pavement. But I will. This spring. I’m joining running room. Soon I’ll be one of those runners I was jealous of.
Aww, this reminds me of my first 5K, which I blogged about here: http://fashionably-fit.com/2009/09/20/3251-my-new-favorite-numbers/
You know, no matter how much I worked out, it seemed like I was just never going to be a runner. I loved the elliptical, was an excellent speed walker, but it just seemed as if running wasn’t in the cards. Then I followed the Couch to 5K program, and it was hard, but I really started to get into it. In the middle of the program, I stuck with it only because it infuriated me that it was so hard. I’ve done two other 5Ks and want to do a 10K this year and a half in 2011.
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..Why KFC’s Double Down is not a big deal =-.
Diane, I love that!! A 5K! Do you still run these from time to time?? That pushes me to try that too!
I have JUST begun running myself… have had some bloggy friends inspire me through their own ventures into jogging and running. So I have been doing a little bit here and there through our the week. I ran 2 1/2 miles without stopping just a couple days ago, and realized I need better running shoes. My calves are still screaming at me, and I have a heel that I have reinjured… doh!! But that is all fixable.. going to get some running shoes, and try it again!
I am thinking my next goal will be a 5k
.-= Amy S.´s last blog ..Day 3 Sugar Shock Challenge =-.
I’m not much of a jogger myself although I did enjoy the few minutes that I attempted on the treadmill. In fact, it was quite exhilarating. Maybe jogging for longer periods of time will be a goal soon.
I have to say that what I am most proud of recently is a rock climbing accomplishment. I finally made it up a 5.9.
.-= ‘Drea´s last blog ..The Friday Funnies =-.
I still remember vividly the first time I tried to jog – just 30 seconds on a treadmill and I was so scared I was going to fly off the thing and hit the wall. But that is how I got started – just 30 seconds at a time and building up from there…Crossing the finish line at my first 5K is a second moment I will never forget. I was so amazed that I did it, something I never thought I could do. The next very emotional exercise milestone was crossing the finish line at my first half marathon – it made me cry and get all verklempt! I kept seeing all the steps that brought me there – the endless training runs, the self discipline I had to learn, the not giving up… The great thing is that these experiences flow over into other areas of my life and have made me a more disciplined person who believes she can do more than she thinks!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Beautiful day (but maybe not for long) =-.
Before I started getting healthier, I used to see a runner and think “gosh, it’s great that they can do that, but they clearly care way too much about appearances.” That was my go-to dismissal of people with healthy lifestyles. Of course I was far too intelligent and worldly to care what size clothes I work. But of course I was deluding myself. I cared. I care. And I’m happy to be healthier now. Now I get inspired when I see runners, especially those that are heavy or just starting their journeys
.-= shannon´s last blog ..Race Report: 2010 Cherry Blossom 10-mile Run =-.
I used to pretend to want to run over runners because I
“knew” I could never do that and I didn’t want to.
But I got addicted. And I just completed a 10K which was a big goal of mine
.-= Cynthia (It All Changes)´s last blog ..Roll It Out =-.
What a great moment of triumph for you!
I admit, my fitness goals are modest at best! My current lame, but achieved, goal was to not let my inability to keep using the exercise bike during pregnancy be an excuse to not move at all and sink into laziness. Especially after a two week disruption of routine, it would have been SO easy to just laze around and not get moving.
But I said I wanted to walk most days of the week and I meant it! I found some shoes, made some time, crossed my fingers that I wouldn’t wake the kids and walked three miles at home. Given how prone to laziness and procrastination I am, this was a true victory. It isn’t a 5k, it’s not even leaving my home… But it is me, showing my commitment to myself and my will to
continue to persevere.
.-= Taryl´s last blog ..Back home and busy! =-.
I have no interest in running, though I enjoy the all out sprint to catch a bus occasionally, but you reminded me of a funny comment. I mentioned to the ex’s mom a few years back a very pretty park near me, where the senior citizens walked up and down the steps (6 flights or so) repeatedly. She looked at me in horror, “Why? Don’t they have anything better to do?” It was such a shocking question to me, being from such an exercising kind of family. There are a lot of public stairways in these hilly suburbs and cities nearby, (built before cars, ped access)and many people run/walk up and down them, they’re free, they’re pretty, fresh air and sunshine, etc. Even though they likely have other things they could be doing.
.-= julie´s last blog ..Fake skinny =-.
I guess the first time I saw people just running to run, not on a team, I probably thought it was strange. Somehow I started doing it and I then I understood a lot more. That’s probably one of the reasons I suggest changing before figuring it all out because, in my opinion, after making a change, we understand things that we couldn’t beforehand.
.-= Dr. J´s last blog ..Stress and Hunger, Plus Fruits and Vegetables and Diseases =-.
What a great story! I just ran my first mile since high school on Wednesday, it was so hard but I felt amazing when I was done. I’ve always hated running but now I’m excited about trying something new.
Well – I won’t be running the whole thing, but I am looking forward to my first 5K next weekend! I just want to finish. Reading blogs like yours is part of how I convinced myself to attack it a few weeks ago!
.-= Chad´s last blog ..Exercise: Meeting Goals – Making Progress! =-.
A lot of similarities in this story to mine. Except I was a bit crazy and picked the HM for my first race
I use to think people my size running were nuts but soon realized I was nuts for not following there example.
.-= John´s last blog ..Close Call =-.
You already know my major fitness accomplishment of late – my first 5K!!!
I can relate to just wanting to be able to do it and finish. I posted about it here: http://leahs-new-ending.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-finished-run.html
Now I’m thinking I want to do another one in the fall and make it under 43 minutes.
.-= Leah´s last blog ..Weigh-In … Getttin With It Update #3 =-.
Today I have reached my first goal in running again. I have been running again from February, after another injury. And I have run a 5k near home (full of ups and downs) in less than 45 minutes. I know I’m not fast, but 1 month ago I did in more than 50 minutes, so it’s a good achievement for me
I did a 10k last year until I bummed out my back..I just don’t think me and running go together…but there are many other ways to stay fit!
PS-I saw you in Shape yesterday and I it almost felt like I knew you…strange..great articile!
.-= sian-girlgetstrong´s last blog ..An Apple a Day Won’t Keep the Doctor Away =-.
I’m always amazed at the quality of your posts. Keep up the good work.
I know that feeling!! What a feeling of accomplishment! I have kept up with the running, and now have run four 10k’s, all while being pregnant! I run one 10k a month! But I used to say the same things about people running. Or I would say they were a showoff!!
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Getting Slower! =-.
I absolutely loved reading this!!! I have always disliked running and just recently started to run/jog and have kind of gotten into it. I love the way it makes me feel! As a result I will be running my FIRST 5K in May… its a very VERY hilly 5K which really scares me! But I am doing it and I am hoping for the best outcome. Not to mention being able to say “I just ran a 5K” will be a HUGE accomplishment in my life!
xo
I remember doing my first triathlon last year, and the joy I had when crossing the finish line. I had a lot of people tell me that I was crazy or that it really wasn’t much of an accomplishment and I just shrugged them off. I love hearing people say they are going to run their first 5K, or their first 10K or whatever. It makes me happy to see these people out training for it, because I was there once too. Any runner out there deserves support and good cheer.
.-= Brandon´s last blog ..Six Miles. =-.