Running Thoughts

I realize I haven't blogged in - well - forever.  I have no apologies and no excuses - it's just the way life rolls sometimes!


So - I have no idea if I've talked about this but I'm training for a 5k currently using a conservative couch to 5k program I found on beginner triathlete.com.  I am glad I went the conservative route for 110 reasons - none of which I will share for now :)  It was a good approach for me and I might actually be running 30 minutes straight by the end of it.  I doubt it some days - but I've come a long, long way from being a couch potato to somewhat of a runner or at least a runner in training.

My training has brought me to some conclusions about a few things.  In particular, about a certain group of people.

There is a local running shop that shall remain nameless.  I tried to get shoes there once several years ago - back when all I did was think about exercise but never really did it.  I was overweight then too.  Personally I feel overweight people who brave walking into a running shop should be congratulated, rewarded, encouraged - but that was not the mentality of this local running shop.  It was all they could do to contain their laughter (and, in fact, one young man did laugh as he stood behind the counter).  They lost a good customer that day and plenty more because I recommend another shop every time someone asks - and because I'm overweight and getting in shape - plenty of people ask.

So.  Fast forward to present day.  We have a local park we do almost all of our runs at.  I won't say where 'cause well, this is Internet land and I prefer not to be pulled off a trail at said running park and kidnapped or something - but we go there several days a week to run.  Local running shop also has a local running club that trains at this same park.  Last time I ran, I came oh so close to shoving one of them off the path.  Oh. so. close.

They run either all decked out in the latest running gear or with as minimal clothing as possible with their skinny running bodies flying down the path.  They TAKE OVER the path.  If you don't get out of their way, they will run you over.  They are not nice, don't let you know when they are going to pass, just run with arrogant smirks on their faces and everyone just moves out of their way.  Sometimes, when the weather is cooler, they all wear the same t-shirt advertising their running shop.  Oh how cute. (sarcasm)

Anyway - the point is this.  Next time - next time - I will not move.  I may not be a runner yet but I am a truck and it will hurt if they do not get out of my way.  I promise, it will hurt.  It may hurt me as much, but I will take great pleasure in seeing their skinny little half naked bodies fly across the trail.  Honestly, they need to be humbled.  (I really am not sure if I'm kidding or not - that's how angry it makes me)

I get tired of the arrogance.  The arrogance that says I'm not as important as they are because I'm slow and struggling and barely breathing and heavy.  The arrogance that says they own the place and I'm  not as cool as they are.  The arrogance that says they know more than me, are better than me, can run faster than me, and somehow deserve more recognition than me.  It's all there in their stupid little smiles and inability to share the trail.

I know, I've lost it - but I swear it's true.

I work hard.  I work so hard when I run.  I am in pain every single run.  I have asthma and every single run, I feel as if I am trying to breathe under water. I am running with 60 extra pounds on my frame (down almost 50, I might add).  I deserve respect - regardless of my size.  I deserve respect because I have the courage to step out on that trail with those idiots and run anyway even though they act as if I do not belong.  I do belong.  I may be slow, but I am worthy of their respect simply because I try.

So - if you, like me, are an overweight person who is trying to change their body - good for you.  Keep going - and don't let anyone intimidate you.  You deserve more.  Prove them wrong by not quitting.  And,  if you live in my area - feel free to stand strong and make them give up the path.

And that, my friends, is my 2 cents.  Aren't you glad I'm back?? :)

Update!

First - let me apologize - I had a few comments some wonderful readers left a long while ago that I had yet to approve only because I haven't been on here since spring break.  I am sorry :(  If you are still there - thanks for stopping by and for commenting - it's always wonderful to know someone actually READS this blog!!

Second - let's just give you an update on life!

Elyse - finished her first year at NCU!  CRAZY!  We are so stinking proud of her.  She is such a blessing to this Mom!  I flew out last week to meet my in-laws in Minneapolis and we brought her home.  She, once again, did great, got awesome grades, met some terrific friends and loved her life in Minneapolis.  She is slowly adjusting to being home - I remember - it's a tough adjustment.  She misses  her friends and there are already plans for at least one of them to come stay with us for a week to visit.  How fun :)  Seems like it was just yesterday when I went home to meet Marty's family in college - and look what a huge blessing that has turned out to be! God is so faithful!

Jon - 6 more weeks and I'll have a sophomore in high school and a 16 year old!  Lord help us - lol :)  He has done some major growing up this year.  At the start of the year, he was short enough for me to rest my chin on his head and he weighed under 100 pounds - or right at 100.  That is all no more.  His voice has changed, he is taller than me and he clocks in at close to 140 pounds!  He loves his new school and is planning on going out for football in the fall.  He has worked very hard this school year and has come a long way.  He, too, is a blessing to us.

Marty - let's see.  He's been busy teaching as always.  We had a little scare right around spring break - he was bumped from his teaching position.  I don't know why I worry though, God always knows what the future holds and another science teacher is retiring which secured Marty's position for at least next year.  He's also picked up quite a bit on the metal scrapping.  He loves it - I don't understand it - but if it makes him happy, it makes me happy!

Me - WELL :)  I don't know what I wrote last but the weight loss journey continues!  I have yet to miss a day on my couch to 5k training.  I have added weight lifting and working out with a friend at least one day a week as well.  The weight continues to be stubborn and I have been stuck for well over a month at the same weight - but I just keep pressing on.  I have become totally vegetarian now.  Working on eliminating all processed foods - but let's just say that is not as easy as cutting out the meat was!  Being a thyroid cancer survivor has it's pitfalls and a horrible metabolism is one of them!

US - working on moving to Ann Arbor - the goal is to be there by this fall.  AND - we are about to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary later this month!  WOO HOO!  I'll write more on that later - but let's just say I consider myself to be incredibly blessed to be married to Marty.  I can't wait to celebrate 20 years - we are more in love now than we were 20 years ago. 

Well my friends - there's your update.  It's a long one and I'll do my best to start writing more often.  Our home computer died so my time on the computer is now limited to when Marty is home from school with his laptop.  But - I will try my hardest to at least post once a week or so!

Thanks for reading this huge long post :)