2 hours and 51 seconds of my life. After six months of thinking about it and four months of training for it, it came down to 2 hours and 51 seconds and then it was over. The race already feels like it was weeks ago. It was an amazing journey and really the start of something new. I’ve always thought that I knew who I was, that I had a very strong sense of self, however over the past year I have learned so much more. I’ve never considered myself a quitter, but I’ve also never pushed myself as I have in the past year, especially in the past four months with running. 98.4 pounds later and over 150 miles, I feel pretty fantastic about myself. I may not be the skinniest girl (I don’t want to be). I may not be the fastest girl (I’m fine with that). But on Sunday, I was light as air and DAMN WAS I FAST! Thank you to all of you who have supported me along the way and who love me no matter how skinny or fast I am! I appreciate it all more than you could possibly know!
So I’ve found myself asking, what’s next? When I started running in June, I was doing it to run this race and be done. Simply to prove something to myself – I didn’t like it. But as I sat in bed recovering (yes after 10 miles I need a full day to recover!) I found myself searching for a half marathon to run next year. I am definitely going to sign up for the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, and I am looking for a good half. Someone mentioned a marathon…I won’t put anything past me at this point, but I am sensing that the Marine Corp Marathon will be mine in 2008, but who knows! Weight wise, I am knocking – HARD – on 100lbs Lost and Gone Forever’s door. So close! I’m almost at my one year Weight Watcher Anniversary and I am soo amazed at my progress. It is not easy and is a direct reflection of the hard work I’ve put in. This is seriously one of the most significant achievements of my life. After 100 will come the last 66 that I’d like to lose. And then will come a lifetime of maintenance. But I’ve proven to myself that I am capable of many things, and so I don’t fear it, but gratefully look forward to that time. (Okay, that was an open lie. I am scared as HELL, but I can’t wait to look that challenge in the eye as well.)
So I’ve found myself asking, what’s next? When I started running in June, I was doing it to run this race and be done. Simply to prove something to myself – I didn’t like it. But as I sat in bed recovering (yes after 10 miles I need a full day to recover!) I found myself searching for a half marathon to run next year. I am definitely going to sign up for the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, and I am looking for a good half. Someone mentioned a marathon…I won’t put anything past me at this point, but I am sensing that the Marine Corp Marathon will be mine in 2008, but who knows! Weight wise, I am knocking – HARD – on 100lbs Lost and Gone Forever’s door. So close! I’m almost at my one year Weight Watcher Anniversary and I am soo amazed at my progress. It is not easy and is a direct reflection of the hard work I’ve put in. This is seriously one of the most significant achievements of my life. After 100 will come the last 66 that I’d like to lose. And then will come a lifetime of maintenance. But I’ve proven to myself that I am capable of many things, and so I don’t fear it, but gratefully look forward to that time. (Okay, that was an open lie. I am scared as HELL, but I can’t wait to look that challenge in the eye as well.)
I will never be perfect. I will always be a work in progress, constantly exploring and learning about myself (mind out of the gutters!). And while the rest of my journey will take much longer than 2 hours and 51 seconds, I will relish the fact that I accomplished my goal of finishing the Army 10 Miler and remember that nothing worth having came quickly and easily.
Enjoy pictures from my race and honestly, thanks for your support and love!
Way to go, Gwen! I’m proud of you, duckie! You’re an inspiration! –mj
Gwen, your attitude is as amazing as your accomplishments! Proud to say you’re a part of our group of WW runners! (My first half marathon dream was hatched right after my first ATM too – 4 months later I did it!) Go Shrinking Gwen, Go!
Pingback: Defer « GwenniePie