Thursday, June 9, 2016

The Journey To A Better Me

Earlier this week I decided to sign Kyle and I up for another 5k this weekend, he is a gem and just nods and smiles when I make suggestions like this. Not only does it greatly benefit him but it also helps keep me active through this pregnancy. I have done my best to walk/jog several times a week because I know that is only going to benefit me in the long run. 

As I was signing us up for the race I realized that this is race #60 for us, 60!! That is an insane number considering we only started participating in them 3 years ago. I can honestly say that it has been one of the most fulfilling journeys I have been on. 

When I started running I was 40 pounds overweight and dealing with a stressful fertility journey that included rounds and round of fertility medication that wreaked havoc on my body. I wasn't happy and I knew that something had to change. I started out slow, only running maybe a mile at a time and realized that it was far more than exercise, it had become a therapy. I could run out all of my anger, sadness, and frustration in a healthy way. It helped me cope with some of the most devastating experiences in my life. I became the person that I knew I was supposed to be.

As my journey progressed I found myself getting stronger both physically and emotionally. When Kyle and I started doing races together it was not about being fast it was about experiencing something new and being proud of our accomplishments. It was about pushing ourselves to do something we never thought we could do, and being each others biggest cheerleaders. Crossing that finish line and realizing that you just did something that not many people want to do is pretty amazing.
First Race: April 2013

Most Recent Race: May 2016

I had a few people try to bring me down on my journey, some told me that my excessive running was to blame for my fertility problems, and some that tried to make running competitive. I hold no ill will towards the people who said these things, it is all part of my journey. Both of these situations fueled me to continue to do things how I wanted and to not listen to those negative people around me. 

I am beyond grateful for all this journey has taught me and I look forward to all that it will teach me in the future. For me running is not about a number on the scale it is about how you feel mentally and physically, feeling strong and capable to take on anything is the message that Kyle and I want to pass on to our daughter. 


26 comments:

  1. Good for you for taking control! You are a rockstar!

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  2. You are such a rockstar! I love how you found something to help you cope and turned it into a great hobby!! :)

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  3. You go girl!!! Looking good and glad you're not letting people's negative words get you down. We walk often together and it's can make a not so good day better!

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  4. You go girl! I wish I loved running... I really do! I just find it too boring, I love other exercise things though! :)

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  5. Don't let those crazy ppl get you down! You are such an inspiration! Good job for staying active. It will make labor easier and your daughter will grow up with a healthy, happy, and positive mama.

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  6. Someone seriously told you that excessive running was the cause of your fertility issues?!?!? Gahhhh! People can be so stupid.

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    1. Yeah it was a definite low point for me.

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  7. Love it! That is amazing that you've completed so many races in just three years! Keep it up!

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  8. I can't believe you have ever been overweight. You look amazing. And eff anyone who said that caused your fertility problems. Omg, people need to stay in their own lane!! Literally!1

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  9. Go you! I'm so inspired by your positive attitude and ability to just keep going. You have so much to be proud of and seriously, I cannot even picture you overweight!

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  10. Wow! Some people are just such Debbie Downers, huh? It's just them being jealous and insecure, luckily you're a rock star and rose above that! This is such an amazing journey that you embarked on - well done, lady!! xx

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  11. You are truly an INSPIRATION to me and I love your outlook in life. xoxo

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  12. <3<3<3<3 I LOVE hearing how running has been such a blessing in your life! <3

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  13. You are my favorite type of runner! You get self satisfaction from pushing yourself and aren't competitive about it. I stopped running with people because of this. I'm all for pushing one another out the door but that's where it ends for me. Some days a slow jog is what my body needed while others I wanted the speed. That said I can't wait to get back into working out and especially running. You are a great inspiration and your love for running shines through! Keep it up!

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    1. I appreciate that so much!!! Maybe one day we will get to run together. :)

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  14. Amazing! You look beautiful in both photos! Always do what is best for you!

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  15. I think you're doing great! Running helps a lot. I do it, and I wish I liked it more. I do it so I can fit into my pants, really. But I know lots of people love to run.

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    1. Thanks! I never thought I would enjoy running as much as I do.

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  16. Congratulations on race #60! I completely agree with how running is so good for you on so many different levels. Now, if my ankle would hurry up and heal already...oh well. Estherdavison@gmail.com

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  17. Awesome job! I think running has made me mentally stronger.

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Love hearing from you!! :)