Hey Fat Girl (Read this before you react . . . . .)

Hey, Fat Girl.

Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we 
cross paths on the running track. The one not even 
wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re slow, you 
breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make 

you cringe.

You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes 
making larger loops on the gravel ring by the track 
just so you’re not on it. You sweat so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay 
for more than 20 minutes at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go 
back home.  You never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.

You are awesome.

If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and 
respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is tremendous; it leads to a 
better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand new kind of freedom. The gifts 
you will receive from running will far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show 
up here, to face your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others.

You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this physical state 
of numbness and 

passivity. You have taken a difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every 
hard breath you take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever 
so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your wake, 
creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and forward-
looking, one who knows that anything is possible . . . . 

Read the  rest on François Flint Bourdeau Clemens'    blog

Used with permission

Read the real story behind this post

.

My Running Story: Holly

How I started running: I remember seeing my friend, Katrina, constantly post about her weekly runs through an app called runkeeper on her facebook page. I was intrigued by it because this was a mom of three kids and she looked AMAZING. At that time, I was not feeling amazing. My college and work hours made me gain around 25 lbs. I constantly had headaches, and my stomach was causing me a lot of digestive problems. I started walking on the treadmill in December 2011, and then I did the beginner 5k training on runkeeper which was a lot like the Couch to 5k App. I absolutely dreaded each treadmill run for the first two months, but my friend told me that the more I stayed on my training schedule, the easier it would become. I ran my first 5k in April 2012 at the Chick-fil-a 5k in Athens. I finished around 36 minutes, and wow, was I sore and miserable when I crossed the finish line. However, 15 minutes later, I felt that satisfaction of finishing a race (yep, I was HOOKED!), and while my husband was driving me home, I was looking for another 5k to register and run! In 2013 I ran my first half marathon, while in 2014 I ran my first marathon. To this date, I have ran 20+ 5ks and 10ks, 14 half marathons, three marathons, three ultramarathons, and other various distances on the pavement and trails. 

Holly's first 5k- 2012

Why I started running: Like mentioned above, I started running because I saw my friend's facebook posts about her training runs. In the beginning for me, I really just wanted to lose weight and look better, but wow, much more happened to me than that. Yes, I did end up losing a lot of weight and toning up, but my stomach issues stopped. My thyroid, which had fluctuated for years that made me have to change medication dosage quite often, started to stay stable. Running also has helped me control anxiety and depression which can be associated with thyroid disease. Finally, but more importantly, I met so many amazing people in our Huntsville running community. We Run Huntsville and this sport called running has enhanced my life, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.

What keeps me running: the happiness and health that it brings me, race bling, marathon race swag, the early start to my day, runner’s high, running pals, and so much more. I LOVE TO RUN. I love the feeling that it brings me during a run and after a run. There is nothing like it! I tell people all the time that if I, Holly Keeton, can run (especially a marathon), you can too! All it takes is following a great training plan (I prefer Hal Higdon) and a great pair of running shoes that are fit for you! Go for a run, it just might change your life! 

Marathon #3- Rocket City Marathon 2015

Still Forging Ahead

Paul and Me before Frantic Frog 2013

I started running in 2013 when I had the bright idea of competing in (or at least completing) a Sprint Length Triathlon.  I did not run at all, I never had, nor did I swim or bicycle for fitness or fun.  SO, I decided to take a No Boundaries class through Fleet Feet, I took several Masters Swim classes at the YMCA, and I bought a really nice road bicycle and started to ride outside.  I didn't love running after finishing NOBO, in fact I actually hated running but I had a goal in mind and I continued to run.  Eventually running and I grew from hate to tolerance then acceptance and now I actually miss running when I don't get out and see her for the day.  After finishing the NOBO class at FF, I took Tri-101 and 102 there as well  to get ready for what ended up being two Triathlons that year - The Huntsville Sprint Tri, and Wet Dog.  My friend David Kyle who has MS is a world class athlete in the world of para-triathlon.  He is such an inspiration to me for many reasons, and I was inspired to try to Tri because of him.
I am going to side bar here so you can understand where I am coming from.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in July 2012 after dealing with physical issues since February 2009 that turned out to be MS.  One day that February I just woke up after what I thought was a back strain turned into pinched nerve.  My feet and hands were numb, not like the numb you feel when you've fallen asleep on your arm to have a "dead arm," but instead it was a dullness to sensitivity.  I would describe early symptoms as though I had a pair of socks on my feet and hands, and could feel things but the sensation was reduced.  This grew in intensity and the numbness spread up my arms, and legs.  I found myself stumbling when I walked.  I still remember taking my first Body Pump class at the Y, and lifting the weight bar while doing chest presses wondering if I would be able to hold on to the bar and weights and not drop them on my face.  We are all guilty in this day and age of computers and instantaneous access to information via google, Web MD, etc. to self diagnose what is going vs. actually going to a physician.  So instead of talking to my family physician what was going on with me I went to a chiropractor who adjusted my back twice to three times per week for four months.  I went to a optometrist, and ophthalmologist when I had visual disturbances.  And I went to an ENT when I thought what was going on with my eyes was sinus related.  None of these doctors could find out what was going on with me.  It was during a routine annual physical that I was discussing what all was going on with me to my wonderful doctor (she is awesome).  She said "I don't want to scare you, but I think you might have MS".  Early 2012, I had two sets of MRI's, a spinal tap, and a neuro-feedback study (that was fun NOT) where they stuck needles in my body that were live with electrical current and watched how long it would take for my brain to register what was going on.  They were testing for neuropathy.

Long story shorter, it was all encompassing, and very time consuming to go through this.  I am thankful to have found out what was going on with me so I can deal with it head-on.  I am of the opinion that how can you deal with something unless you know what is going on.  I have friends that have some physical issue going on and do not either want to take the time to find out what is going on with them or quite frankly I think they are scared of knowing what is going on.

Karen Paulukitis, Paul Erickson, and Me at Warrior Dash 2015

I have been running longer distances lately preparing to run in this year's Oak Barrel Half Marathon in April.  It will be the second time I have ran this race as I completed it last year in 2:45.  My reason to run isn't motivated by my running performance in some race or someone else's running performance, and I am not constantly trying to best myself, THAT IS NOT MY REALITY.  What gets me out there to run again and again are those bad runs, where everything falls apart.  I am inspired to continue to try when it hurts the most because I don't want to lose what I have.  It is easy to quit when it is tough, it builds mental strength and fortitude when you don't quit but continue to try.  There have been some issues this week with my training, something new is going on with my body in not a good way. Having said that, as long as I can continue to run I will because I can.  And as long as I can I will.  Whether or not I will be able to run another half-marathon remains to be seen.  The new issues that appeared this week have me concerned, and honestly I am a little more than pissed off about it all.  What can I do about it except to find out what if anything has changed with my brain.  Yes, I am scared.  I am worried about what may happen.  Worry does no good, and creates more stress.  So I am trying to work through this mentally, and find the positive in this.  I am trying to "Stay Out of My Head" and find a way to overcome this latest obstacle and continue to Forge Ahead.

Paul and Me after Oak Barrel Half 2015 - Miss Mary Bobo's Porch

My Running Story: Kim

My name is Kim and I am not a natural athlete. I was forced to play sports growing up and I was terrible. And terrible is probably an understatement. In middle school I finally got a rebound during one of the few times they let me off the bench in basketball, and I was so excited I took the ball down for a layup AT THE WRONG GOAL. Luckily I was terrible and missed, but it was still plenty humiliating.  I always stayed active growing up, I liked to find things to keep me healthy, but I was never athletic by any means.

This pictures is me after the Cotton Row 5K in 2009. My finish time was around 39 minutes and I thought I was dying when I crossed the finish line. I barely trained for the event and mainly just did it because my brother and husband were doing the 10K and I did not want to be left out. It was terrible. I swore off running indefinitely and consoled myself with boxes of donuts.

But I still needed to get healthier...so I had a dilemma. If I hated running, what should I do? I joined Huntsville Adventure Boot Camp in 2010 which was an all female group that met at 5:30am weekday mornings. After about a month with that group I started getting some confidence and thought...maybe I should try running again.

In 2011 I revisited the Cotton Row race, but this time I did the 10K and I LOVED IT. It's amazing how much nicer running is when you've trained properly. The problem was, my past failures at running taught me that I'm not very disciplined on my own. The boot camp helped me get into 10K shape, but I knew I'd need more if I wanted to try longer distances. That is when I made the best decision of my running life...I joined the half marathon training program at Fleet Feet Sports.

Not only did that program help me to train for a half marathon, but it introduced me to the joy of running with people. I fell into a wonderfully supportive community that I have been a part of and expanded every since. After my goal race was over I kept signing up for new challenges and even started trail running! Since that half marathon in 2011 I've done 17 half-marathons/25Ks and I've done 18 marathons+. I've done one 50-milers and one 100K. I've done a local stage race (3 days of trail racing) twice.

In other words? I am now an athlete. It didn't come naturally, and it took me a long time to admit it to myself, but I am.

I still like to refer to myself as a "completer" not a "competer" - meaning my goal is always just to finish. But I do finish.

The funny thing is, running not only made me an athlete, it made me a friend. I suffered from incredible social anxieties (still do in many ways) for years, but running has helped me cope with those because getting to know people during a run eliminates all need for pretense. You can't fake be someone you aren't when you're discussing boob chaffing. That's a fact. Running has become my therapy and I've made friends on the road and on the trails that will last me a lifetime.  We do more that build strength and endurance in this community, we build support networks and families.

This weekend I just finished the toughest race of my running career so far. It was a local 50K (Mountain Mist) and the conditions were challenging, to say the least. I spent a lot of time during that race thinking about how lucky I am to be in a community that pushes me outside my comfort zone. I had friends on the course and volunteering. Smiling faces at aid stations pushing me along. I've come a long way since 2009 - both physically and mentally - and running has enriched my life more than I ever knew was possible. I earned my athleticism as an adult, I was not born with it. I like to believe this means I won't ever take it for granted.

My Running Story - Chelsea

Me, starting No Boundaries in 2011 vs me coming
 back a year later as a coach!

Throughout my whole life I was a self-conscious person. I was constantly concerned about what people thought about me and how I looked, and I was obsessed with comparing myself to other people to see how I lined up. This mindset stuck with me all the way from childhood to my early 20s. In the fall of 2011, I was 21 years old, overweight (weighing over 200 pounds), I was struggling with anxiety and depression, and I had zero self-confidence. I cried in dressing rooms every time I had to go shopping for new clothes and I felt threatened by other women's beauty. I was a jealous and insecure person. I had a good and happy life, a supportive and fun family, and a wonderful fiancé who loved me no matter how I looked. But that lack of self-confidence always lingered in the back of my mind-- maybe if I was "skinny-er" I would like myself more? With that mindset, I decided to pick up running, as it seemed like the cheapest exercise I could do on my limited college student budget. One afternoon at work I saw a flyer for the Fleet Feet Huntsville No Boundaries 5k training program. I was such a shy person, and I HATED trying new things and especially doing things alone. So to this day, I cannot tell you what made me sign up for the program, but years down the road I am still so grateful to my past self for taking that step. It truly did change my life completely.

Finish line of the Rocket City Marathon

I should note that I have never been an athletic person in my life. I never played sports, I hated PE class, and the closest I ever got to exercise was the once a year powder puff football game I begrudgingly participated in at summer camp. When I showed up to my first No Boundaries meeting, I was a nervous wreck. WHY did I do this? Maybe I should just go home. There's no way I can be a runner! I was anxious and afraid, but somehow I convinced myself to get out of my car and gather with my fellow trainees. On that first day, we ran a one mile. I had never run a mile before in my entire life, and to be perfectly truthful, I thought I was going to die. While running that mile, I cursed running and swore off the group completely. But then I finished! It was exhilarating! I did it! I can't believe I did it!

No Boundaries was just a small taste of all the wonderful things that eventually came in to my life because of running. I finished my first 5k (Rudolph Run 5k) with that group, and throughout the training I met so many amazing people that I still run with to this day. After No Boundaries, I joined the Next Steps 10k training program and completed the Cotton Row 10k. After that, I got *really* brave and decided to join the Half Marathon training program and successfully finished the Huntsville Half Marathon. In the winter of 2013, I did something I always said I would never do: I ran a marathon, and of course, I trained for it with the Fleet Feet 26.2 Training Group. Along the way, there were highs and lows to my journey; I doubted myself constantly, and often felt like I wasn't a "real" runner yet. But thanks to the wonderful support system I found in the training groups, I never ever gave up... even when I really wanted to! Without the coaches and mentors I had in these groups, I never would have had the courage to keep going. They all believed in me before I ever believed in myself, and being a part of this community has taught me so many valuable lessons.

Somewhere in the midst of all that training, running became a lot more to me than just a way to lose weight and have a smaller pants size. Instead of looking at my body and feeling ashamed and embarrassed, I began to appreciate it for its ability to be healthy and strong. My weight has certainly changed a little throughout this adventure, but my mindset has been transformed completely. No longer do I cry when I can't fit into a pair of jeans in a store that caters to size zeros,  and no longer do I hide or shrink or feel ashamed of what I look like. Losing this obsessive mindset over my looks opened my eyes to see things about myself that I never had time to notice before: I'm a good friend, I'm fun, people like me because I'm not afraid be silly and laugh, I'm loyal, I'm a really good cook, I'm kind. My body is capable and fit, but it is not the most important thing about me; it is my tool to experience the incredible world we live in, and that's why I enjoy taking care of it, respecting it, and occasionally pushing it to its limits. Who cares how much I weigh right now or what I look like, I can run marathons!

These days I am an avid long distance trail runner (the woods are my happy place), mentor of the very same Fleet Feet training groups I was a participant in, and new member of the Huntsville Track Club Board. In the past two months I have finished two 50k races and full marathon as a part of the Huntsville Grand Slam series, just going to show that you should NEVER say that you'll NEVER do something!! My running friends have become my family, and my adventures with them have been some of the best times in my life. I am so thankful for what this journey has given me, because it has transformed into so much more than I ever anticipated. I fell in love with the active life, and more importantly, I fell in love with the way that being active made me feel-- vibrant, confident, happy in my own skin, and capable of nearly anything.

My trail buddies, aka, my family!

If you are interested in reading more about my adventures, you can find me at my blog home here: Chelsea Runs

My Story - What's it all about?

This blog is all about YOU and your story. Filled with stories of how you started running, why you started and what keeps you running. We want this to be a place where people can go to find inspiration and guidance.

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