Hawaii Ragnar Hopeful....

So.....Im in the running along with dozens of other awesome MRTT leaders across the country, to go with our fearless leader, Pam, to Hawaii (!!!!) as a part of the Bondi Band Ragnar team.  Which by the way is awesome, since I love Pam and I love Bondi Band anyways! And...running?! In Hawaii?! No brainer. 

Wish me luck...it would be an amazing experience. Thanks especially to my hubby for giving the okay...in the event I actually win.....

If you follow me on Facebook, you'll see me post about this a lot over the next 2 weeks.  Apologies in advance. Kinda. 😜

#mrttbondibuddy #momsrunthistown #mrtt #bondiband #ragnarhawaii

Epiphany

Obviously, running has become my go-to fitness outlet. It's convenient and efficient; a great way to burn some calories, build some strength, and clear your mind. I started because I was trying to lose weight. I continue because I've grown to love (well, love-hate) it. And when I first discovered Moms RUN This Town, I never imagined I would meet so many amazing, inspiring people. Or make so many good friends. Or feel connected with so many women I've never even met thanks to social media and the connectivity it allows for MRTTers all over the country and the world. 

My old life was sedentary. I slogged my way through the days weighed down by an always-exhausted body. The thought of being a "runner" was about as realistic as the thought of traveling to Mars on a unicorn accompanied by my cats. 

Really, it did not matter that it felt unrealistic - it also sounded miserable.

I mean....Run? Like...RUN? Why would anyone want to do that?  I really didn't know many people who ran. As ration sounded like a crazy and rare feat. 

Fast forward. I'm a runner. And I love it. Thanks to MRTT, my social circle is also full of runners. This means that, rather than a rarity, it has shifted to feel like the norm. But that's the thing, and it's hard to remember - it's NOT! 

I heard that only 10% of the population runs. 1 out of 10 people you see on the street. The other 90%? I think they see it much more accurately than the 10%...running is something to be proud of! It might not always seem like a big deal when you're surrounded by runners, but that's not the norm. 

Runners may have a conversation that goes something like:

A: I didn't have much time this morning so I only ran a quick 2 miles.

B: I hear ya...I'm so busy this weekend that I'll probably only get in an 8 miler. 

And a non-runner would think that is insane. I know 5 years ago, I would have thought so! "Only" 2 miles?! Ha, I could barely run 50 feet! 

So with all that being said, one of my goals this year is to get away from saying "only". This is also closely related to saying the word "slow" but that could be a whole other post. Anyhow, I want to stay appreciative and proud of every run, even if it's "just" a mile....because there was a time when "just" a mile seemed like a pipe dream. 

You don't have the be a runner to be healthy or fit. You can choose countless other forms of exercise all with their own benefits. I urge you to find what works for you if you haven't already. It can change your life. 

I chose to be in the 10% who runs, and I know it has changed my life! 

And there was movement!

After being stuck since August....so....6 months... I FINALLY lost! My weight this morning was 140.4, putting me at just about 87 lbs lost. So close to being in the 130's, and so close to 90 lbs total... AAAAH!!! There was a point in time...well for much of my life, that it was unfathomable to me that I would ever be a normal, healthy weight. Now I'm staring the 130's in the face. I really wish I could remember what I weighed as a kid or young teenager. The farthest back I can remember is when I was 15/16...I wore a size 13 and weighed probably around 160? I wish I knew. Perhaps the last time I was 140 lbs was when I was, I don't know...12? And for 12, 140 lbs wasn't a good thing.

Why did I lose all of a sudden? I have 2 gueses. These are the 2 big things I've been doing differently. First of all, I've been drinking more water. Second, I have increased my running mileage. Same thing happened last year after I had been stuck - I started running more this time of year, and the weight started coming off again. Apparently the key for me, is running.

And speaking of running, my mom's running group is going WONDERFULLY. It is growing fast, we are currently at 42 members with more joining almost daily. The feedback has been absolutely amazing. Amazing enough to make me cry at times. There are some awesome ladies in my group who I am thankful to be able to call my friends.

I don't think a lot of local people read my blog, but if so...and you are interested in joining me in Moms RUN This Town (it is very laid back and member driven) all you need to do is REQUEST TO JOIN our Private Facebook group. That is where all of our communication, planning of events, etc. happens.

I also do a blog for potential new members to check us out and for current members to see the latest and greatest about whats going on with us. You can find that HERE.