A huge NSV and a new perspective

 If you read Ruggie's post earlier, we did a run together which was totally awesome. Even though I shouldn't gloat cause he's a newbie, I did beat him slightly at the 5K. 

I had a very solid 10K run with a 12min/mi average throughout which was amazing for me. I never thought I could run 6 miles. 

I think the most striking part for me was that I did this same event last year - one month before surgery, and weighing 350 lbs, and walked the 5k in 50 minutes. Now, I doubled that, ran the whole thing in 1:16. And I didnt even want to die - except for some hip pain, my legs felt great. 

While I was running, it made me stop and think about what was going on. Ive spent the last year obsessing every day, and every week over a number on a scale. But that's not what this journey is about. Change is not something that happens on a daily or weekly basis - it cant be measured by a weekly weigh in. Every week I'm upset that I'm not losing more, im not losing fast enough, but today I had the perspective of being able to look back over the last year and seeing what I could accomplish. I don't care that Im clinically obese and deformed looking with all my loose skin - I outran a few skinny people! I did something most normal people cant do. I did something I couldn't have done in my dreams last year. 

Oh and seriously, the most exciting part - i couldn't wear the 2x shirt last year, and this year, I was rocking a large :) 

 Awesome!

I'm so proud of you!  You did great!

As someone (Gary, I think) told  me last week--- "it's not about a number on a scale, but about the ability to enjoy life."

Congrats!

 Please remind me tomorrow when I get on the scale!!!  I have a short term memory - no idea if today's lessons will still apply at 6am tomorrow!

Thank you!!  

You continue to inspire me everyday gurl. I love that about you! You deserve every positive experience that comes your way. You definitely are rockin' more than a size large shirt!
Congratulations Alison!!!

Congratulations!!! I wish there was a "like" button.

That's an awesome "AHA MOMENT" Since i joined OH i've read your post.You've come along way and you are totally ans insparation to me.Especially being that i'm in the FOURREST and you've been there and now your out.It only gets better from here..Congrats.

Thank you! When I saw 420 on the scale one day, I never thought I'd see these moments. It's just been one day a time, one pound at a time. Keep up the good work!

You really are my inspiration, and I'm not just saying that! 

When I stop to look at my life 2 years ago, when I started making drastic changes, and my life today, it's hard to believe I'm even the same person.  If I look at things from that perspective, the number that I stress over every morning is a joke.  It's hard to see the big picture when you're fighting a battle of details every day, but that big picture is really something, isn't it?

Do you know what percentage of the population could run a 10K today?  Less than 1%, I would imagine.  How does that feel?  You kicked more than 99% of the populations' asses today just by finishing!  That is astounding and I hope you feel as amazed and proud of yourself as I feel for you!

Trust me - proud would be understatement.