Those of you who know me know that I am a task-oriented person. Before I set a goal I really weigh whether the goal is within reach or not. If it's not realistic then I will not term it a goal. To some that may seem like a sign of a person who is short-sighted but in my cuckoo world it means that if I set a goal I will do whatever it takes to achieve it.
At the end of last year I had gone through my first year of re-making my life. I had found much success in my attempt to get healthy and I was in need of a challenge. Through the I <3 Facebook Page I learned of two challenges. One was to run 1212 miles in 2012 and the other was to run at least a mile every single day of 2012. I did the math, evaluated my life and decided I was up to the challenge. I knew it was not going to be easy but I wanted to try. I signed up for the challenge on Daily Mile and found support from the 1212 Face Book Group, my Stay Fit 2012 Group, the Daily Milers, the Honolulu Marathon Clinic peeps and my other friends and family. Everyone's positive energy, cheering, positive comments, tips, and advice encouraged me every day.
Today, September 4, 2012 marks the 247th day of the year 2012. To date I have run at least a mile every single day of this year with my actual run streak dating back to December 27th. So far this year I have logged a total of 1218 miles as of today. That puts me at completing my goal at almost 3 months early with an average of 4.93 miles run a day.
Many people have asked me how I got started and how I did it. The secret? It was all in my mind. I made the running a habit similar to brushing my teeth. No day could be complete without my run. My running became my sanity, my saving grace, my savior, my best friend. Every day I wake up excited to know that I will be able to run far away from everything, be able to escape, and for an instant have just me and my thoughts. On some days it was much more than my craving for silence. Some days the fury of insanity in my world was beat out by pushing my body to the limit. Willing myself to go further, faster, to sprint up the hill. To feel the burn. To leave it all out there on the road. Being able to conquer all demons and make my body and mind strong as steel has been empowering beyond anything I could attempt to explain.
Others have noticed the change in my body, and to be honest it's not something that can be ignored. I have lost 33 pounds on this journey in the last year and a half. The weight loss has been a definite bonus but honestly not the greatest prize. While I am undoubtedly much happier with my body today, it's moreso because it has become a source of strength for me. The feeling I get when I run fast is of pure elation. It takes me back to the days of my youth when I could run and run forever. Laughing. No cares. Joy.
This journey has been one that has taught me a lot. It has brought great change to my life and to my family as well. I am thankful for my mom and dad who have stepped up to watch my kids so that Mike and I can train. I am thankful for Mike who has stepped up to the challenge and is on his own way to running bliss. I am hopeful that I am setting a good example to D and N and inspiring them to embrace and healthy and active lifestyle. I am thankful to my training partners in cyber-land and especially those in real life: T, S, G&C, K who make running hilarious and fun. I thank all of you who follow me and send me messages that keep my going every day. I could not have run these miles if it had not been for your encouragement, support and most of all if you had not believed in me and my ability to do this.
And so I will continue to pursue my goals, work hard, train hard and be accountable to myself. For those of you who are contemplating starting. Take that leap of faith and just do it. You never know what you are capable of doing until you try.
Van mommy is out.....taking a rest so that I can run some more tomorrow.
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