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Introduction Text About one month before starting SP, I took a good look at myself. I weighed 242 lbs, was about ready to buy another size up in pants, and was ridiculously lethargic for a 22 year old woman. I was content sitting for hours playing video games, ordering in delivery about 4 or 5 times a week, and eating fast food the rest of the time. I was desperate for a change. I had rationalized my weight and poor physical fitness for years, telling myself that I because I had "always been a big girl" that I was destined to it. I imposed limits on myself because I felt that I was just too big to do the things that I really wanted to do. I was unhappy. I went on a fad diet (again) and took off 9 lbs that first month. That was when I found SP. I started SP on September 18, 2008 and haven't looked back since. The lifestyle change that I have made has helped me to realize that this isn't just another diet. This is something I can and will do for the rest of my life. The tremendous support and motivation that I have found here have pushed me to stop limiting myself and start reaching for (and ACHIEVING) my goals. Before SP I always wanted to, but never thought I could: - Run a 5k (or even run in general!) - Go horseback riding without feeling bad for the horse. (Yes, I'm serious) - Be photographed without making sure that I was standing "at the right angle" (i.e. the one that hid half of my body or more) - Be comfortable in my own skin. I've achieved all of these things, in just 3 months on Spark, and I can't wait to see what another 3 will bring. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I AM NOT A JOGGER I may waddle when I run, but I'm running all the same By John Bingham (modified so that it really works for me personally) I AM A RUNNER because my shoes are training equipment, not a fashion statement. The best shoe for me is the one that makes me a better runner. I choose the shoe that goes with my running mechanics, not my running outfit. I AM A RUNNER because I know what effort feels like, and I embrace it. I know when I'm pushing the limits of my comfort and why I'm doing it. I know that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate--things I once avoided--are necessary if I want to be a better runner. I AM A RUNNER because I value and respect my body. It will whisper to me when I've done too much. And if I choose to listen to that whisper, my body won't have to scream in pain later on. I AM A RUNNER because I am willing to lay it all on the line. I know that every finish line has the potential to lift my spirits to new highs or devastate me, yet I line up anyway. I AM A RUNNER because I know that despite my best efforts, I will always want more from myself. I will always want to know my limits so that I can exceed them. I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far. I AM A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not.

- To run my next 5k in under 40 minutes. (MB5k was 42:01) - To run that same 5k without walking. - To consistently exercise 4-5 times a week. - To be in a healthy BMI range.







Add a Link Just call me Allie :) Proud Member Of The Slytherin House in the Hogwarts Team! A set back is a set up for a come back. Running is my not-so-new addiction.
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