From fat to fit

What an amazing story! And I love how you didn't use numbers on a scale to define this story/blog. Going from fat to fit is truly a motivational way to define what you have done -- gotten FIT.

I, too, was in the same boat as you. My doctor shot me a wake-up call telling me I was fat, I had been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and osteo in both knees and I was only 33. I started to run, like you did -- and I perserved and ran a 10 miler and 3 half marathons last year. What a sense of accomplishment to move and push yourself like you said. You'll beat me to the marathon -- I'm hoping to run the Philadelphia full in November. Good luck -- I'm excited to hear about your experience!!

I ran my first 'training' marathon today - just because I wanted to remove any self-doubt that I had about being able to do it. My time was 04h:28m. The Knoxville marathon is in 10 days, so I finally feel 'ready.' This was my last long run before the official race, and I'll be taking it easy until then.

My experience so far can be summed up easily. Marathons are hard!!! :-)

I had all sorts of thoughts going through my head and that little voice telling me to quit... telling me 15 miles was enough.. 16, 17, 18, 19, etc... was enough. It really takes a lot to fight through that. I had to shut everything else out. It takes grit and determination to grind it out. I had run 20+ miles before, but that last six or so miles is veiled in self-doubt, fatigue. and pain.

Oh, but it is worth it.

That's awesome! I will be doing the same race, except I'm just starting my journey and doing the 5k! Good luck!

Awesome! Do you live in Knoxville too?