On Strength and Willpower (with bunnies!)

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."
- Mahatma Gandhi

I certainly feel strong right now!  Today's walk was TOUGH from beginning to end.   I almost managed to convince myself not to go through with my training at all.   I had a whole list of excuses ready - it was too early (6:00 am), my legs were too sore, it looked like it might rain, it was too windy and I just didn't want to go out.   It took a tremendous amount of willpower to get dressed and get outside.   I started out my walk with the determination that I was going to finish my eight miles, no matter the pace.

About a mile into the walk, still feeling stiff and sore, I saw some adorable jackrabbits in the field.   Every time I would get a little close, they would hop away.   I probably "chased" them for half a mile.

Seeing the bunnies put a bit of extra spring into my step, but with the wind at my face, I just couldn't seem to improve my pace.   It wasn't until I made it to mile four and could turn away from the wind that I was able to pick up the pace.    From that point to the end of the walk, my pace improved every five-minute interval from 14:47 to 14:29.   Although I wish that I could have maintained a bit better time, I am proud that I was able to finish strong.

Although I was sore and tired, I still managed to go for about a two-mile walk with my family later in the day.    My next half-marathon is in 41 days, and although I may not be the most fit or athletic person, there is a power in willpower and at this rate, I will finish strong!

Weekly Stats
Total Mileage: 18.6 miles
Longest: 8.0 miles (14:29 minute/mile)
Weight:  199.0 (-0)

Welcome!

Writing the first post in a blog is tough.   Chances are, no one will ever read it, but if they do, you want it to be something impressive, something memorable, something good.     I doubt that I will be able to capture any of these qualities, but here goes ...

Welcome! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Megan and I am a 28-year old Disney nut from Saskatchewan, Canada. I am married to an equally nutty DH and have a wonderful 2-ear old daughter. I am also an EXTREMELY busy person – I work two jobs (I teach high school in the mornings and run a home business) while taking a full-time Master’s degree in History. I love what I do!

My weight loss/fitness journey has been a long and tough road. In 2008, after being told that I had high cholesterol, I decided to join Weight Watchers. From January 2008 to June 2009, I lost over fifty pounds! During this time, I also trained for a half-marathon (in the walking division), which I finished in a time of 2:54.

In December of 2009, I found out that I was pregnant with my daughter. I tried to eat well, but some health issues forced me to almost zero mobility for the last four months of my pregnancy. As much as I love my daughter, I struggled with some of the adjustments of being a mom, and soon I was past my pregnancy weight. I was also diagnosed with a gluten allergy, giving me another challenge in my quest to eat healthy.

After feeling hopeless for WAY too long, in December I decided that I was going to begin a lifestyle change. I rejoined Weight Watchers and started eating better. I had read a lot about runDisney races, but didn’t think I would ever be able to afford one. When checking out flight prices for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend (on a whim) in March, I found an amazing deal, talked it over with my husband and booked them the next day.

So here I am, registered to WALK a local half-marathon in September and chomping at the bit to register to RUN the Tinker Bell half next January.

I’ve started this blog in order to document my weight loss and fitness journey, as well as keeping me accountable. I am hoping to share the ups and downs of my journey, and hopefully inspire others to make the leap as well. I will also throw in some paleo/gluten-free recipes that I love.   Now, here is a terrifying thing for me - the "before" picture.

Here I am, today (25/07/2013) at 199lbs (down from 217)

If you've made it this far - I commend you!   Welcome to my crazy journey!

- Megan