One day, I took my 325 pound couch potato self to Disneyland for a vacation. It was around Christmas time in 2009 and I wanted to show the family a good time. Then, the unthinkable happened. My world came crashing down as I was kicked off of a ride in front of everyone because I was too big to fit in the seat. It was humiliating, embarrassing and unexpected. But, it changed my life.

I realized that my life needed to change. I also realized that I have missed out on so much in my own life because I never took control of my health. I missed out on serving in the military because I was too big, I missed becoming a police officer because I was too out of shape, and I missed achieving some of the dreams in my life.

Not any more. I threw away the fear of failure and dared to do something impossible. In one year, I lost over 100 pounds and did something that I never thought I could do – I ran a marathon. I achieved the impossible and it was the most amazing thing ever.

The next year, I traveled the country, seeing new cities 26.2 miles at a time on a marathon tour, all while training for the impossible - the title of IRONMAN!

On June 24, 2012, I crossed the Ironman finish line in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, listening to Mike Reilly announce me as an Ironman, after a long day and 140.6 miles.

I am continuing on my journey, getting through the ups and downs of maintaining a new, fit lifestyle. Life is good, and I want to live it to the fullest.

This blog celebrates our ability to achieve things that seem impossible.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Last long run before the San Jose Half Marathon

Today I went out for a 10 mile long run.  Not the longest by far, but an appropriate distance because I am tapering off for the San Jose Half Marathon in exactly one week from today.  The run was 1:33:00, about 9:18 per mile.  When I was done, I had plenty in reserve to finish a half marathon so I am in good shape.  In order to run the Half Marathon in 2 hours or less, I need to be running at about 9:10 a mile or under, so I am right there and running next weekend under 2 hours is definitely a possibility.

Next week my Wednesday and Thursday short runs are only 4 miles each, again part of the taper plan for the race on Sunday.  I hope everything goes OK with the taper week, but there is always a little bit of trepidation doing something you don't normally do, so I am nervous.  To help a little, I went on a brand new running route today to sort of get ready for running an unfamiliar route.  Maybe I am over thinking things, but I am trying to do everything I can to be ready for the race on Sunday.

I can't wait for the race.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)