I am not coordinated. I am constantly tripping, falling and hurting myself in some way, I am not very good when it comes to physical exertion(see Stairway to Heaven), and the last time I did a 5k, I came in dead last. Behind an old woman, and a woman with a stroller.A security guard at one point was driving next to me to make sure I didn't pass out. I waved him on, but he told me he wouldn't leave my side. We really connected. I was breathing heavy; he was pretending not to notice. While I was busy planning out our wedding and the names of our children, he drove away. I figured he just had driven away to go pick up my engagement ring, and he'd be right back. Again, I'm pretty sure I was delirious from heat exhaustion and physical exertion.
I will never forget that day. I went to the 5k with one of my best friends, Danielle, her sister Alicia, and her mom Laurie as a spectator, about a week before I moved back to Connecticut. We got there, and signed in and started off the race together. We had all agreed that if one of us felt like we couldn't keep pace, we wouldn't be mad that the other had kept going. Danielle, Alicia and I had started off at the same pace and we were keeping it together.
Although my legs are the strongest part of my body, and one of the only parts of my body with little to no fat, I have no endurance in them. My shins ache, my thighs scream, and my knees sound like an old tree swaying in the wind because they're so creaky.
Eventually, I told Danielle to go ahead because I needed to walk. I'm pretty sure I only jogged for 2 minutes, but I felt as if I was Forest Gump running across America. It was 10,000% humidity, and I was sweating like a sinner in church. I slowed to a walk, and watched all the runners and walkers pass me. I tried jogging again, to no avail. My back was on fire, and I was barely moving. I made it through the first mile, and I considered quitting. I could feel the shame rising and I decided it was a better idea not to. I continued on, and after a lot of people passing me, my security guard husband, and so much tripping that I almost face planted, I finished.
Danielle, Alicia, and Laurie were waiting for me, and they congratulated me and told me how proud they were that I finished. I felt proud that I didn't give up on myself, and I had continued. I was just happy that my friend was waiting for me at the end, and I wasn't alone. I had a support system.
When I started this lifestyle change, I didn't have goals like this 5k. I just knew that I wanted to get fit, and feel better about myself. I know that I am beautiful at any weight, but I'm not healthy at this weight. I'm so glad that Gianna thought of me, and inspired me to kick it up a notch. I know that I'm probably going to be falling all over the place, but I'll have the support of every different size and beauty female around me, and I'm excited to even have the opportunity to do something like this.
I've researched online getting fit for an obstacle course, and I have a ways to go, but I'm motivated and I won't give up. I have 191 days to get ready, and I've decided that I will start just cardio training for the first 10 weeks with some weight lifting and then prepare myself for the obstacles. It won't be easy, but then again, all things worth it never are.
For those interested, the website is: www.godirtygirl.com
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