Phat Girl Running

Last year, after I had number 4, I got a heel spur trying to run.  It was so disheartening, so say the least.  Here I was at 285 pounds and unable to exercise at all.  I got depressed.  Then just as I was feeling better and getting ready to go for it again, I found out I was pregnant again and my heel got worse.  My midwife banned me from running for the rest of the pregnancy.

 Slowly my heel healed, and I got the go-ahead to start running again at the 6 week postpartum checkup.  But here I was now at 325… The last time I was able to run at all, I was a good 40 pounds lighter.

Full of hope, I hopped on the treadmill telling myself I wouldn’t stop until I did at least a mile!  I mean, come on, I ran a half marathon 3 years ago!  I got this!

 I didn’t have it.  Not even close.

 I couldn’t even run a quarter of a mile… And even then I thought I was going to die.

 I gave up. Plain and simple.

I was fat and that wasn’t going to change unless I could run and I couldn’t.  I hate walking.  I just hate it.  Once you start running, walking is ruined forever.  It’s so slow and boring.  And my heart and soul longs for the speed and feeling of complete freedom that running gives me.

 So, I’ve been doing Just Dance and other Wii programs at night to get me going and ready to run again.  It’s been okay.  I even challenged the family and kicked butt every time. But my true love is running.

 Today, I had a doctor’s appointment and I weighted in at 303… Soooo… Since Doctor scales suck, I am guessing I am just under 300 now, YIPPY!  And even though I am still huge, it gave my spirit a burst of determination.

 When I got home, I put the Littles down to nap, and hooked the Tweedles and the Middie up with a Wii game.  Then I went upstairs to face the treadmill once again.  I dusted off the cobwebs and shoved all the toys over, and got on.  Turning on my jams, I faced the treadmill said a silent prayer, and made a goal.

  Cat, you got this.  Just one mile. Just. One. Mile.  I thought, giving myself a pep talk. I have to do this, I CAN do this, even if I am going a snail’s speed.  

Remember: my body is mortal, but my spirit is divine!

I started out with a 3 min warm up walk.  Then I adjusted my treadmill so I had a slight decline, yes, my treadmill does downhill, how cool is that?  Every little advantage helps, anyway.

And I started running.

Okay, so my run right now is the pace that some people can speed walk.  But that doesn’t matter right?  Since I am so chunky, to a bystander I look like I am booking it.

I was feeling good as I passed my 1 mile mark and thought, woo hoo! Going strong!  Let’s go for 2!

And I did!!!

When I got passed the 2 mile mark, I thought, do I dare?  Do I dare go for the 5K??  I dare!!!

And I did!!!!!

I am a 35 year old mother of 5 and I weigh 303 pounds.  I just RAN a 5K.  Feeling badass.

-Cat