HUGE NSV for me!!

 This morning I decided to start the Couch 2 5K running program and I completed Day 1 of Week 1 with no issues. Knees and hips are ok. Jiggly bits were relatively contained. No passing out. No throwing up. I survived. Mind you, Day 1 is relatively tame. 1 minute running alternating with 90 seconds of walking. With warm up and cool down I only actually ran for 8 minutes total BUT those were 8 minutes I couldn't even have dreamed of running 9 weeks ago.

A major part of this NSV... I ran in public. Our small town is set up so that there is a side walk that goes around the center of town. This "loop" is about 5 Km. There are homes around the loop. Many of the people I work with live around the loop. I know because I get many comments on how many times they see me walk. Well, this morning I threw my embarrassment and shame out the window and ran in front of those homes. Funny thing is, I didn't even think about it. I just did it. And it felt wonderful to do something for me without worrying about how others would react.

I always wanted to be a runner but being obese has made that an impossibility for me. Since surgery, I feel as though nothing is impossible. I was reading the Thunder Bay paper a few days ago and saw that there's a marathon scheduled for September 23rd. I think that was the universe trying to tell me something. September 23 just happens to be my 40th birthday. How better to celebrate entering the next phase of my life than by doing something I've always dreamed of but never had the ability to do? Now, I don't in any way think I could run a marathon by then but I'm certainly going to aim for the 10K portion. 

Wish me luck, everyone! And if anyone else wants to join in the C25K with me, let me know.

Thea

Wow congrats! I too hold the thought that I don't want to run in public, but my four year old has decided she is my running coach "just to the green box momma then you can walk". Way to go, I have heard great things about the couch to 5k program, and wish you all the best. You are giving yourself an amazing gift for your 40th birthday; a dream and a great accomplishment.

What a great NSV, Thea!  Not just the run/walk, but the fact that you just went and did it without worrying about what people would think! Your goal for your 40th birthday to run the 5K is a wonderful idea. 

Gotta love those NSV that make you sat WTF!!!

Congratulations!!!!
Harold

 Wow Thea!  I'm so excited for you!  You're right, what better way to celebrate your 40th Birthday!  Maybe next year running will be one of my NSV's too!  Keep us posted with your training!  Best of luck & never give up on your dreams!  

That is wonderful!!

 Good Luck! Although I don't think that you need luck because you have a fantastic attitude and motivation to make it happen by your birthday. Keep up the good work because it sounds like you are knocking it out of the park.

Awesome! congratulations on your amazing NSV!!! 
Sounds like things are coming together for you!! I hope you continue to enjoy the running program! I hope to try that one day!!!
 Keep up the great work!!!
You ROCK!!!

Well done, Thea -- this is such an inspirational post.  Good for you!

(I don't think it's a coincidence, at all, that you live in Marathon ...)

Thoroughly Thea!

Marilyn

Thea - you are so inspirational - conquoring running and the fear of public opinion at the same time!  I am so happy for you!!  Every running step you take, is progress, and a leap in the right direction!!  Please let us know about yoru 10K success on your birthday.  What an amazing way to ring in your 40s!!