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4 Years Of Running Strong!

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  • 4 Years Of Running Strong!

    Well its nearly official: As of November 1, I will have been a full-fledged runner for 4 YEARS!

    I remember back to Nov 1, 2003 when I asked myself: "wonder if I can run?" So I attempted ... well, truthfully, it was embarrassing, as I gasped for air after running past 2 mailboxes in my neighborhood.... I couldn't believe how difficult it was to take that first step (pardon the pun) on my running adventure. Still, I committed to running 'til the end of the month'.... In December of that year, I thought, 'I'll do this until the end of the year'... In January 2004 I remember asking DH if he thought I would EVER be able to run a mile without stopping...he, being the gentleman he is, said "SURE YOU WILL!" (what a great support he is!!!) Well, it took longer than I thought it would, but that non-stop running mile finally came ... I entered my very first competitive race in January, 2004, a 5k (3.1 miles) which I finished in a pretty embarrassing 48 minutes .. but I was ECSTATIC to cross that finish line, even at that!

    Now, here I am at the 4 YEAR MARK!!! Pardon me, but that's pretty daggoned exciting for this nearly-52-year-old-never-been-an-athlete woman!!

    I've kept running and my progress and accomplishments are shocking, even to me, when I consider I've run over 6,000 training miles, including 2 full marathons (26.2 miles each), countless half marathons (13.1 miles) and tons of 15ks, 10ks, and 5ks!

    All this to say, I am proud and yet I hope that my achievements can help inspire anyone who thinks their opportunities to become athletic are past ... its NEVER too late to try...you may just find out how capable you REALLY are to do what seems impossible!!!

    I am not special, folks .. just determined, disciplined and dedicated. I've found a hobby that I truly love; and one that helps me deal with the stresses of life while rewarding me with a way to easily maintain my weight loss for the past 6 years....

    IF I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT. The journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step. No experience necessary, just a will to keep on going!

    Hugs to all!

    Betty
    [/IMG]

  • #2
    Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

    I am so proud of you. That is a great accomplishment. I get a lot of joy reading about your marathons and running capabilities. Congratulations.
    Starting Date 3/12/04 285/165/145 - F



    Dedication gives wings to our dreams and keeps them in flight! In One Word...COMMITTMENT.

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    • #3
      Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

      Betty, this is a great thing to celebrate!! You are so inspirational and helpful and motivational. Thank you for sharing your stories with people like me, so that we can find it in ourselves to be bold and daring and try something new and exciting and HEALTHY in our lives.
      ~Joy

      Start 1/2/06 Goal 6/11/07 restart 1/2/09
      268.5/196/185
      QUIT SMOKING JULY 23, 2006 while on Atkins


      Just when you think you've eaten enough vegetables...EAT SOME MORE!
      http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/PublicJournals.html?Owner=ride2joy

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      • #4
        Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

        Betty--you are so inspiring! You don't look anywhere near your 50's. I bet if you had stayed overweight and not started running, you would look more than your age, by now. I'm so proud of you!

        Sunny!
        People who say it can't be done, should not interrupt those doing it.


        "Some men give up their designs when they have almost reached the goal; While others, on the contrary, obtain a victory by exerting, at the last moment, more vigorous efforts than ever before."
        ~~Herodotus


        Doin' the "Real Deal" Atkins 2002 since 9/15/2005
        Sunny's Secrets: My Journal



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        • #5
          Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

          That is so cool. My brother within the last 2 years lost almost 70 pounds. He too has taken up running. I swear he is addicted. He runs non-stop. He just did his first full marathon 2 weeks ago and is now getting ready to do a run in Las Vegas and is hoping to do the Boston Marathon. He is very inspiring.

          I wish you the best. It sounds like you really enjoy running. I seriously don't even think I could make it to two mail boxes...

          Take Care,
          Shannon
          started 3-19-07


          sw181/cw176 - will update on Thursday

          RESTARTING November 1, 2007...
          SW171

          ready for changes but will need help

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          • #6
            Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

            Betty- You make my heart smile. I'm SO proud of you and I have found joy in watching you as you've continued on over the last years. You've inspired me and countless others and are a constant reminder that our only limitations are the ones we place on ourselves.


            My Melting Page: A Picture Diary and Misc Other Stuff


            Highest Weight: 243lbs

            Atkineer since May 2002!!

            *****************************************


            General rule of thumb for success: If it requires a degree in chemical engineering to pronounce it, you probably shouldn't eat it.

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            • #7
              Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

              You truly are an inspitation Betty! Congradulations on all of your accomplishments and excellent health. "Determined, Disciplined, and Deticated", are so key to good health, and you are a perfect example of them. Hears to you Betty, so proud of you hon!
              MOTHEREARTH AKA SHERRI "HOW THE WORLD TURNS AS I SEE IT"
              HT: 5'10.5-Highest weight-374 lbs.
              Began ATKINS 07-07-04 @ 334 lbs.
              Maintaned 101 lb. Weightloss
              New goals-New start 03-21-10 @ 273
              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~inches lost~~~~
              1st mini-goal: 260
              2nd mini-goal:249
              2nd mini-goal:239
              3rd mini-goal:229
              GOAL :225




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              • #8
                Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

                I second all that's been said already! Betty you are an inspiration! Wow! You look so young and fit and healthy! It's so wonderful that you've accomplished so much and have so much to show for it! Congratulations!
                liz
                Highest wt 227
                Atkins start wt 215
                Restart 1/29/10 201
                Current 195
                Goal 149








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                • #9
                  Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

                  Betty, you continue to inspire me. I want to be you when I grow up... still running strong. Congratulations on this wonderful, healthy, active lifestyle you have created for yourself, and thank you for all your encouragement.
                  F/37/5'7" ~ Started: 8/1/06.
                  Links: My Journal~ On "loose" skin

                  sigpic

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                  • #10
                    Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

                    betty, you have inspired so many on our board over the last years and encouraged many to just get out there and run. thanks for being the running example that you are!

                    well done on you running anniversary date!
                    JIMMIE JOHNSON ~ NASCAR SPRINT CUP CHAMPION 2006-2009
                    4th STRAIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

                    JUST BECAUSE IT'S LEGAL DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN EAT 3 HELPINGS OF IT. REMEMBER PORTION CONTROL

                    What I Just Earned..

                    Current Challenges.....

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                    • #11
                      Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

                      Congrtulations! You are a big inspiration!
                      "I REFUSE TO BE DEFEATED"

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                      • #12
                        Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

                        Betty, you always are such an inspiration to me and many others around this board. Congrats.

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                        • #13
                          Re: 4 Years Of Running Strong!

                          Awesome Betty!!!
                          Before and after:






                          PLEDGING FLIGHTS
                          Completed: 1st set of buildings and mountains (Everest,M.Blanc & Kilimanjaro, twice); Tower Masts & Chimneys; More virtual buildings; Challenger's Choice x 2 (volcanos and mountains on Mars). Currently climbing: Mount Snowdon again: 416/475

                          Start 10 Jan 2005. Maintenance since Aug. 2005.
                          F/56yrs/5'.4"
                          SW:77.7 LW:56.5 CW:60.1 (kilos)

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