Two weeks ago I was at church. It was Sunday morning and before the sermon started two people got up and told us about the World Vision Marathon team. Last year my church had a team that ran the Chicago marathon to raise money for World Vision. I knew a few people who ran. I also knew two other people who ran last year's marathon just on their own. I was so inspired by those people. I can remember thinking, "Man, that is such a cool thing. I wish I could do that, but I know that I never will." Two weeks ago, however, when I heard those two guys talking about the World Vision team I felt deeply called. So I went to the information meeting. I listened to the presentations and I collected all the handouts, but I didn't sign up. I went home and spent 24 hours thinking. I talked with my mom and decided that this is something that I can do. So I signed up and started training that same day.
I am now starting my third week of training. In the last two weeks I have been overall very positive. I have not regretted making this decision. I have even started to (sort of) enjoy the running. Today I ran for 35 minutes with a run 3 minutes/walk 1 minute pattern. Up until now I have been running 2 minutes and walking 1 minute. I would be lying if I said that today was not a struggle, especially toward the end. But when it's over and I'm stretching, I always feel exhilarated and very proud. I have noticed a dramatic change in my body. The most notable change I have noticed is that my jeans are now so big on me that I can slip them off without unbuttoning them. Before I even thought about running the marathon, however, I was working on losing weight. I signed up for Weight Watchers and Curves in the middle of January and lost about 11 pounds before I started training for the marathon.
When I started this new year, my plan for 2011 was to get a job and move out of my parents house. I still would like to do those things, but it is looking like 2011 is instead going to be the year of getting in shape. I think changing my body will do just as much, if not more, to alleviate my depression as moving out. I have mostly been met by positive attitudes when I tell people that I am running the marathon, after they get over their shock that is. There have been a few bumps along the road, and I am sure there will be many more before October 9th, but I am committed to this. I am committed to raising money for World Vision, but I think I am even more committed to changing myself.
