From A Runner Hater To A Lover Of Running...

When I originally lost the weight I was a member a the YMCA. My routine was a mix of cardio and weight machines. I was not comfortable with the free weights.. Not only was I intimidated by them, I was also intimidated by the people using them! So, I stuck to the machines and lost a TON of weight BUT not my goal...

I plateaued- I was not losing anything despite my eating and exercising! My amazing trainer ask me how much I was running and I told him "when I'm being chased, which is NEVER!" He said, that is why- you need to run. I  was NOT amused with this new activity. I thought running is ridiculous. Seriously- who in the world would think that running 10 miles is cool???

But, like all the other times I listened to his recommendation and I started to run. I hated it. My lungs felt like they were in hell, my knees, ankles, back...everything hurt. THIS WAS AWFUL!!! My pace was 12 min/mile and I couldn't run more than 2 miles without falling over and vomiting on the sidewalk... (Yes I know, gross)!

I kept running, and running. Soon, my lungs didn't burn, my knees, ankle and back didn't ache and I was no longer vomiting on my fellow neighbors grass LOL. I wasn't past two miles yet but my time was a little faster! IMPROVEMENT! 

I'M SO HAPPY!!! 

It took ALOT of runs for me to finally break the 2 mile hump. The first time I went over two miles it was the most amazing feeling of accomplishment ever! I seriously FINALLY DID IT!!! 

Then, I started running 4 miles..
 5 miles... 7 miles...10 miles...14 miles....

I never thought that running would help me lose ANOTHER 30 POUNDS!! 

  Today, my average pace is a 9-9:30 min/mile long distance and 7 min/mile short distance. I've been running for two years!!  Looking back, I'm so thankful for the support and advice. I am going to complete one of my bucklist items of running in a half marathon this year! Running kept me going and focused on losing weight and eating healthy!

I have learned that running is more mind then body. It is the best stress relief ever. I zone out and just go... 

             You may not be where you want to be. But your one step closer than you were yesterday!!!