Yall ain't gonna believe this!

Last night was the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge. My office apparently enters this every year, so I signed up. I want yall to know that I was terrified to do this - it is a 3.5 mile run. The corporations pay $25 for each employee running. The proceeds go to local charities in the cities this is run in. I did it - I ran the whole thing!!!!!!! I never ever in a million years thought I would ever try such a thing. I was thinking "I am not WALKING across that finish line!!!" What I did was alternate between power walking and running. There were 10,000 Buffalonians sprinting down the road. It was quite a sight, but ladies and gents, I am here to tell you: All those muscles I lost in my legs and fancy fanny? erm, I FOUND 'EM!!!!!!!!!! The point is - as I was running what was going through my head was that even 2 years ago, getting up a stairwell was hard work, let alone WALKING half a block. Finishing this race was validataion that we do, indeed, return to maybe even better health than we have ever had! Happy Friday!

GOOD FOR YOU!!! Way to go girl! I would love to be able to run, but my knees were abused for too many years. But I can do so many things that still amaze me! Gotta love it! Deb

Congratulations Angel, how exciting. Dana

That's awesome!!!!! Way to go and Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tracy B 328/152 5'9"

That is such a cool WOW moment...I can't wait till I can do something like that. What a good feeling! Debbie

How wonderful for you and what a rush that must have been!! I may never be able to RUN as I have a bum knee, but I know the feeling of accomplishment and it tastes very sweet!!! good for you Pat

Angel, I am impressed NO END by your accomplishment! Although I've been working out (either walking or going to the gym--cardio &/or weight training) since right after my wls, I've just recently begun adding a TINY BIT of running to my routine--and I mean just for about 2-3 min. at a time! If you'd have told me 2 yrs. ago that I'd be exercising like this nearly every day, I'd have laughed in your face--and then had to sit down and rest! Again, congrats--you are fabulous! Jo 295/155 (at goal)

Running has never been one of my strong points because even in the best case, it is very physically taxing and I was never into that type of sport. I try to be an example for my angelettes and new posties [as well as pre-ops] to see what they can do with themselves once they start getting their health back. Being part of the team was an important thing because I think most of us as fat people experienced the isolation of being the one not chosen for any teams. Finishing was important - not *winning* - but FINISHING, for my own personal validation that I could do so if I set my mind to it. In crossing the finish line, I won. and Jo, thank you for bringing me an early morning smile!

Congrats! Running is a wonderful form of exercise I'm 5 years postop and run 15 miles a day..sometimes 20..I also run and compete in adventure racing and triathlongs..who wouldve thought 5 years ago i'd run a 4 day race? I highly suggest it to anyone who can handle it..not only is it good exercise but its a GREAT stress reliever..and actually for me, im invigorated after a run..and not tired.. These days I also bike 15 miles a day and do an hour on either the elliptical or work the heavy bad..just training for an upcoming race. You've done great..you should be very proud! Mariella

Congratulations..... running is the best!!! I remember my first 5K run and crossing the finish line.... it was such a "high" for me.... I cried just a tear or two cuz I was so proud of myself!!!! Don't stop now... go for that 10K.... come'on you know you want a ribbon or a medal or a tee shirt or just that feeling of accomplishment!!! I remember my first 10K, I was the last person in by about 10 mins too... I did get a medal for finishing and I lost my big tone nail too! I truely am a runner now for sure!!! You go girl... it just gets better from here.... Congrats oon all of your wonderful accomplishments!!! laurie - minus 186 lbs!!