More than just an NSV...

When I was a kid, I could remember doing the 'Monday Run Day' in my gym class. Okay, not actually doing them so much as hating them and having a near asthma attack every time I did anything faster than a brisk walk. Kids would lap me time and time again, it was the most defeating feeling in the world. I thought to myself, 'Why even try? You'll never get to be where they are.'

Fast forward about 10 years to early July. I had just lost 20 lbs and wanted to get something I had wanted to get for so long, a real gym membership to the YMCA. Early morning, July 1st, I got up and went to the gym before they even opened, anticipating getting something I had looked forward to for so long. Looking back, even just a month, I had no idea I would be where I am today.

Earlier this week, I stepped on the treadmill at the good ol' Y and did what I do every other workout day, walk as far and as fast as I could. But Tuesday was different, I wanted to prove to myself that I was able to do something that was, well, incredible. I amped up the machine to 5.0mph, jogging in my book. I told myself 3 minutes, just do 3 minutes. But you know what, I didn't go 3 minutes. You how how long I made it? 12 minutes! 12 minutes, a mile! I WENT A MILE. A WHOLE MILE, NOT STOPPING, NOT PANICKING, STILL BREATHING.

The guy on the machine behind me saw me struggle and want to give up the entire way. After I was done, he came up to me and tapped me on the shoulder. I thought he wanted the machine after me, but instead all he said was 'Good Job, that was really good.' He walked away and I didn't see him the rest of the night. No greasy hamburger, no milkshake, no food could ever make me feel that way.

Thank you MFP, you have given me a happiness I could have never had without you.

Ali