Knowing

One day I’m going to take a compilation of these posts and write a…

 Ahhh…who am I kidding? I respect you all too much to lie and say I’d have the focus to do a book. I just like tapping out my thoughts here.

One thing that is a non-scale victory (NSV) that is hard to describe is that knowing. What the hell am I talking about, right?

I remember pre-op I had to take a gym class to complete college. And yes, I waited until my senior year. I didn’t want to be the fat girl in gym class. And I wasn’t sure I could the things they wanted me to do.

Incidentally the only class that fit into my schedule when I went to take it was walking and running. The class consisted of very little walking and a lot (imperative) running. Each week we did a timed mile. I was always among the last to finish at about 18 minutes or so. By the end of the class I’d made some progress to finish at just under 17 minutes.

These days I can run a mile in 10 minutes (not the fastest but certainly not the slowest) but that isn’t even the significant part of this whole story. I am ready, willing and able to go to any gym, any workout room, any anywhere where there will be physical activity. Why? Because I KNOW I CAN DO IT.

Do you know how valuable that is to me? Yes, it will be hard. No, I may not feel like doing it but I am capable of doing it. (“It" being whatever really big challenge I lay before myself). I took spin for the first time a few months back. I’d never done it, but I knew I could. I took up Body Pump a few years ago. I certainly had never taken an hour long weight lifting class wherein you do 800+ reps. But I knew I could do it.

So there it is. A big victory for me. I’m not afraid of physical activity anymore. Check me out. I even went RUNNING with a skinny chick (who…RUNS…like “I was on the track team" runs) and guess what? I knew I could do it and DID! I kept up with her pace for pace.

It’s a good feeling and one of many reasons I am grateful for this process. 

You go, girl!

 Way to go girl! I am amazed at how much I love to exercise now. I would never ever imagined this would happen.

I just love you Nik......I think I admire you and respect you and look forwards to reading anything you might write. I share a very similar thought process to you and I appreciate all that you do for all of us here!!

Thank you!

That's the funny thing.  Even after 7 half marathons and getting in great shape, when I'm off for 2-3 weeks (lot of work related stuff kept me busy), I'm still afraid to go because I don't think I can do the workout.  I was suppose to go to TRX tonight but since hubby wasn't going (had to hang flyers for our HS flea market we run to raise money for sports), and my knee has been bothering me, I just found it easier not to go.  In truth, it's been three weeks since I've gone and I'm afraid I can't do it.  I still don't believe I can exercise.  I'm not embarrassed at the gym, I just don't know I can do it.  Hec****il I finish the half marathon, I still don't believe I'm capable of doing such a thing.  I guess 49 years of not being able too...

Nik, you are so awesome. you have this amazing way of giving hope and encouragement to everyone. I love your positive attitude and authenticity. you are so relatable and I LOVE it!

Amanda

...appreciate the post.  One of my major unattined, yet, goals is to be able to run a mile or two w/o stopping.  I have not been able to achieve that goal.  I can manage 1/4 mile at one time - that's all.  I have not figured out why.  I don't know if it is an entirely mental thing or what. I think I'm kind of lazy and don't push myself.  I think I need a running coach/partner.   10 minutes sounds like a good time to me.

Too bad you don't live closer.  You had surgery only a month before me and I'm in the exact same place.  I can run 1/4 mile but then stop.  I think it's mental, but if I had a running buddy...  I don't know what it is, knees, age, mental...

That is me.  I'll be 58 my next birthday and wonder if subconsciously I can't do it, I'm too old, I'm not healthy enough - I don't know.  Then I come here and read about those older than I who have lost more than I and  who are running marathons  I try to figure out what my issue is.  It truly is a goal I want to reach.  I have always felt running is one of those great solitary things we can do for ourselves.  I wish I lived closer too because I do believe a running buddy would help solve this.

I hear you girl. I'm 52 and feel the same way. I want to sign up to run a 5K. You think after 7 half marathons, I could run by now but every time I feel like I'm starting over in training. That's why I don't read most of those posts anymore because the are too discouraging to me. Why can't I run? If you figure it out, let me know.

My girlfriend wants to run the first three miles and I'm positive I'll never be able to do that. Where does that come from?