Mommy CAN run.

     “I don’t like to run.  I can’t run.  I don’t want to run.  It will hurt.  I’m too big to run.”  These were all the thoughts I had on my mind when I decided I was going to try and run for the first time.  I had already done everything else I could think of to lose weight, mostly on the food end since I didn’t like to work out, but I still had a long way to go.

August 2016, weight 235

      Sure, I had lost about 15 pounds by watching what I ate, but I wanted to really lose ALL the weight.  I wanted to feel good in my skin.  I wanted to be able to play with my kids.  Here I stood at 235 pounds, thinking it would never be an option.  So, I decided to give running a try.  It wasn’t a big goal at first, only 30 seconds of running 6 separate times with a minute to rest in between.  But… IT. WAS. HARD.  I couldn’t breathe.  I was sweaty.  My legs hurt, especially my knees.  I looked into what I could do to help with the hurting.  I started taking Vitamin D, Glucosamine, and Ibuprofen.  I also started wearing a knee brace.  I looked into ways to make the running more fun.  I downloaded a podcast, C25K (Couch to 5K).  I bought fun running themed shirts.  I didn’t give up.  I ran at night, so no one would see me and because it was summer and it wasn’t as hot.  I ran until I could run for 1 minute without stopping: then 3, then 5, then 8.  It was probably the hardest thing I’d ever done, other than childbirth!  But, I kept at it.  I listened to my podcast, I found friends to join me, and it started to get fun.

First starting the C25K app (Couch to 5K)

     I practiced until I finally could run a 5k (3.1 miles) without stopping.  Then, my first official race came.  I was so nervous and excited.  I started off great, but once we hit the 1 MILE LEFT sign, I lost it thinking, “I can’t do another mile!”.  I had to stop and walk to catch my breath.  I started to cry.  I was able to finish, but my spirit was crushed because I didn’t run the whole thing.  I stopped running for two months and I put some of the weight back on.

   

After the New Year began, I decided it was time to get back on the wagon, weighing in at 207 pounds.  I thought it would be easy, just start where I left off.  NO, it wasn't.  I had to start from the beginning since running for 1 minute was now hard again.  It didn’t take as long to get back, but it was not an easy road.  I had to buy new (expensive) shoes and I really had to get my eating in check.  I signed up for another race.  I had a whole team of friends to support me.  I ran the whole thing without stopping and finished a whole 6 minutes faster than my first race (a PR-personal record!).

2016 Detroit Turkey Trot- my 1st 5K with my friend and co-worker, Sarah Stickney

One of my running partners, Melissa Paquette, in our fun running costumes

               

     I started to view myself as a runner again.  I signed up for virtual races to keep myself motivated between live races.  I found several running partners so I would always have someone to run with.  I found awesome Pandora stations to get myself pumped up to run. Pop and Hip Hop Power Workout is a favorite!  I ran longer distances and registered for longer 
races.  I found a race that included obstacles and started doing weight training to prepare.  I ended the summer weighing in at 158 pounds and happier in my skin than I had been, well, ever.  I found a way to make running fun and motivating for me.  Now, I call myself a runner.  

My best friend and ride or die running partner, Lisa Riera

I have set a goal to double my running miles from last year, so I’m on track to run 600 miles this year.  I also have a long term goal of running a half-marathon one day.  Mommy CAN run.  And... she loves it!

My son, Brennon (8), has started to get into running as well

Meet Annie

Me, January 2018

I’m Annie, a Reading Specialist and Reading Recovery teacher at a charter school in Pontiac, Michigan.  I am a 35 year old wife to Nathan and mommy to two beautiful children, Brennon (8) and Quinn (4).  I enjoy reading, drinking wine, spending time with my friends, and dark chocolate.  I have battled with my weight for most of my life and decided to make a change in April 2016.  I have changed the way that I eat and made getting active a priority.  I have lost a lot of weight, but still have some work to do to hit my end goal. I have good days and bad, but I never give up because tomorrow is always a new day. I am a new(ish) runner and am so glad I gave it a try!  I am always looking for ways to challenge myself physically and mentally.