A runner? Nope, not me

My neighbors, who also happen to be good friends and go to church with us, rang my doorbell this evening and dropped off a couple of pictures. Old pictures, from seven years ago. They apparently have been accumulating rolls and rolls of film and just now got them all developed. The occasion was Ricardo's proposal (he did it in front of a lot of people, so hence the pictures taken by friends). The first thing I noticed in the pictures was that I looked stupendously, amazingly happy - as well I should be; I mean, the most awesome man in the world had just proposed to me, so I think that some excessive happiness was in order.

The second thing I noticed was how skinny I was back then.

Sometimes it can be discouraging looking at then and now pictures. I know I posted about my determination to get this under control oh, about 2 months ago. I haven't forgotten, even though I haven't said anything since then. I have lost some weight, not a huge amount like I was hoping would just magically fall off, but enough to give me some incentive to keep going. I guess the biggest plus of all is that I haven't put it back on. That's huge...in the past, I would lose 5, gain 5, lose 3, gain 4. Vicious cycle. This time, it seems to be coming off slowly, but at least it's staying off, hallelujah.

So a few weeks ago Natalie started the Couch to 5K program. When I first read her post, I had zero interest or intention of joining her. Because, quite simply, I don't run. I speed-walk, I do aerobics videos, I do some light weights. But I just don't run. And I didn't think I could ever do it.

But I read her post, and she was encouraging everybody to jump on board. I went to leave her a comment, and suddenly my fingers were typing, "Ok...I'll do it", all of their own volition. What?? I wanted to take it back, but I had hit publish and it was too late. I had committed.

On the day we were supposed to start, I was having some foot and ankle issues. I know it sounds like an excuse, but it was really hurting. So I waited a couple of days until it subsided, and then I started. The program eases into it very gently, and I was able to keep up without collapsing in a heap.

I'm on the 3rd week now, and I'm starting to feel sorta like a real runner. My endurance is increasing and I actually feel exhilarated while running. We'll see how I do by the end of the 9 weeks, but I'm pretty excited about it, and determined to see it through.

A slightly embarrassing thing happened today while I was on the treadmill. And it wasn't even during one of the running portions, it was while I was walking in between. I had reached for my water bottle and was taking a drink when suddenly I lost control and fell down on the moving treadmill. It happened so fast and I got back on my feet quickly, but it was a total America's Funniest Videos moment. Only, I sort of hurt my knee. I have no idea what I did to it, but it's hurtin'. So if you feel so inclined, pray that it returns to normal so that I can continue this program.

Oh! I forgot the best part...all of my old jeans are getting all baggy around the waist, and I just bought a new pair that was a size smaller and that fits (almost) perfectly. Again...hallelujah!

I think accountability is huge when trying to do this, and I'm thankful for girls like Natalie and Sarah, who are walking down their own paths towards health and fitness, and who are encouraging us along the way.

I'll let you all know if I succeeded or failed in six more weeks...