Marathon this Sunday! Finishing what I started...

Well! It's been a year of training, trying to figure out how to eat more like an athlete and less like an RNYer, and reflection.  

I had my RNY March 2011. In April 2012, I reached the hospital's goal (the one we came up with together). I then ventured further and lost a few more. I happily stay at 5-7 pounds under this goal.

I tried running a few times during the beginning of 2012 and hated it. So I kept up with spinning classes and other boot camp-type classes. I ran a few times in the summer, and started to realize that it wasn't so bad, as long as I wore compression gear to help out the old panni situation. In September I ran 10k....and I couldn't believe I could do it. I started running regularly, and decided then and there that I might be able to finish a marathon. I wanted to do the GoodLife Marathon in May, but lucky me...I was approved for panni surgery in January. This kept me from running for two months, so I signed up for the Toronto Women's half marathon in May, and the full....October 20th.

Completing the half in May was amazing, and taught me a lot about racing. The full will take a lot more energy, which means different eating. I'm starting my version of carb -loading today, (and which i've done the previous nights before my long runs). Our muscles need carbs to sustain such long distances. If I had listened to this a little more, I might not be in such a bad way right now.

Which brings me to my IT band. In my left leg, for three weeks now, I have been struggling with distance running. I've been doing different kinds of therapy, but the fact is, a tight IT band takes rest and months of work to fix. I've been struggling with coming to terms that I most likely will be walking across the finish line on Sunday. I have made this in memory of a promise I made to my dad just before he passed away (my facebook page is in my tagline, if you want to check that out)...that is to get healthy. It took me a long time to get to this point of health in my life, but i'm here.

And with that.....I will finish what I started a year ago...whether I run, walk or crawl across the finish line!

You got this!!!

Kelly, Reading this brought tears to my eyes. You are an inspiration. I have followed your posts and you are one of the peole on here that helped me to follow through and sign up for a running program. I cant say i even have marathon running in my sights right now, but who knows maybe someday. No matter how you cross that finish line, you WILL cross it. Congratualtions, can't ait to hear all about it.

You have worked so hard. I know one way or another you will make it over the finish line. I am sorry you have not healed but you have done amazing no matter how far you run. I am sure your Dad would have been very proud of your accomplishment

Kelly, you are such an inspiration!  Good luck to you on Sunday - your Dad would be so proud of how far you've come!

Kelly - your gonna do super fantastic - after we talked i started running again and will be attempting a 8km (massive hill) run this sunday ...  hey im not gonna finish first - but im gonna fini**** - thats all that matters - then im gonna focus on 10Km and more for next year - rest that leg and ill see you on the roads

You really are an inspiration to all of us waiting in the wings! I hope your IT band situation gets sorted out soon. Nothing is worse than being injured while trying to train.

Keep up the great work!!

Blondie, you just made me teary eyed!! You will finish this and it matters not how you cross that finish line, only that you cross it and we all know, you will do that! 

Enjoy the euphoric feeling!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a super run!

Marla

Kelly:

Just a little hitch in your giddy up, doesn't matter how you cross the line, you'll do it.

Laurie

Best of luck on your run this weekend - I'm sure you'll do great!