3 years

It dawned on me this morning that March 2009 marks the 3rd anniversary of my "do something about it" decision. 3 years ago as I was approaching my 30th birthday I realized that my clothes were fitting just a little bit tighter and my body was a little bit softer than I would like. Having no workout experience (Kara took me to a step aerobics class once and we quickly realized that I did not have the coordination necessary to succeed, so I never went back) I put on a pair of tennis shoes (found them in the back of my closet) and headed out for a little jog.

Pete sees me dressed in running attire and questions my actions. I answered confidently "I am going running!"

A flat, confused "oh" was the response as I walked out the door.

Our house is located at the peak of a street with a pretty good incline. I headed down the hill toward the stop sign approximately 1/10 mile away. When I reached the sign (it had probably been about 1 minute) I heaved a breath, stopped running, turned around and started walking slowly back up the hill to the house. I was so defeated. My thoughts were "I can't even run down the street! I feel like I am going to die!"

When I went back into the house Pete looked at me with big eyes and asked if I was OK. My face was bright red and I was breathing hard. I broke down and told him what happened and his response was simply, "just try to go a little farther tomorrow".

So I did. Everyday. My first goal was to be able to run 5k (3.2 miles). I remember that day so well. It had been almost 3 months since I first began running and I was out to do about a 2.75 mile run. I was feeling good, so I decided to go for it and I was able to do the full 5k without stopping. I burst into the house and announced my accomplishment to my coach :) who was not surprised at all. He knew all along that I could work up to it.

Meeting that goal gave me the confidence to try more challenging distances and with Pete's help and encouragement I have met each one with great success. 2 months after meeting my first run goal I completed my first mini triathlon; it was a 300 meter swim, 10 mile bike and 2 mile run. A perfect first triathlon distance that got me completely hooked on the sport. A year later I found myself in Arkansas completing a half iron distance tri (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, half marathon run) and the by next summer I had worked up to the full iron distance.

Exactly 2 1/2 years after the day that I could barely run down the street I was an ironman. Being active has become my lifestyle. It never was before and that is so hard to imagine now. It is such a great feeling and has impacted my life in many positive ways.

So for anyone out there who thinks "I could never do that"....yes, you can. Because if I can do it, anyone can. I highly encourage everyone to make some sort of physical goal and go for it. It is really amazing!

Yea for my 3 year anniversary of being fit!