Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Wednesday, September 2, 2009...A Day To Remember

It started out like any other Wednesday...I woke up, read a few blogs, went back to sleep because it was still dark out (gotta love not being able to sleep through the night), woke up again when my alarm went off at 7:00 am, dressed and went to my workout. Brad divided us into two groups of three - my group went with him to the gym first, where we did some killer arm exercises which were very challenging. Then we switched over to Linda and cardio - I knew something was up when she told us to take a potty break if we needed it (she never does this) - and then as it was dawning on me that she had changed into a tank top, she got this funny smile on her face and said "we're going running."

Outside.

Half a mile to Bee Creek Street, and half a mile back to the gym.

I had a moment of panic, and then she said "I'll run with you the whole way. You can do it, I know you can."

And by god, I did it.

I ran the entire way, up to the street sign and back to the gym. Time: 11 minutes 55 seconds. I could not believe I did it! Tears were shed and hugs were exchanged - it was very emotional for both me and Linda. She's really been incredible with helping me get to my goals - and I had mentioned in July that I would like to be able to run a mile without stopping.

Someday.

I figured I might get there by the end of October. But today?!?

Well, I ran for six minutes on the treadmill on Monday, and then six minutes, followed by two minutes of walking and then another two of running on Tuesday...and apparently that's when Linda knew I could do it. Because if you'd asked me, I would have said there is no way I was ready to run a mile. But she knew. And stayed with me the entire time, talking to me, encouraging me, pushing me - and celebrating with me when I finished. I can't remember a time when I felt so accomplished. So thanks, Linda (she reads this blog) - you are amazing!

Later on, I checked Brad's Twitter page and look what he wrote - how very cool is this?!?

30 comments:

  1. What a wonderful day! I'm super excited for you! Wish I could have been a fly on the wall to see the tears. I love hallmark moments.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, this gave me goosebumps!

    CONGRATS Shelley!! WOO HOO

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, WOW! What a wonderful moment - well done. WELL DONE!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's great and at 11:55 that's a great time too. Double great!

    ReplyDelete
  5. THANKS SO COOL.

    all of it from the running to your amazing support team.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Brava! You are made entirely of awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wonderful! I love how she sprung it on you so there's no time to worry about it...just had to do it - great job!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a great accomplishment, you should be so proud!!
    WTG!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Roxie said it best - and I have to admit, my eyes welled up. You have done terrific!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I can't give enough high fives for your accomplishment. Excellent!

    ReplyDelete
  11. How did I miss your post yesterday? I swear I was here and didn't see it because if I did, I would have commented then to say

    CONGRATULATIONS

    Shelley, this is totally a testimant to everything you have pushed for and continued to fight for. This 1 mile you ran, it's not just a mile. No, this is you shining through, this is you making a difference in your own life and in effect, inspiring others. Did you ever think you would run a mile? OMG, I am totally wishing I was there with you to run it with you!

    YAY YAY YAY!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Congratulations! That is so awesome :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! What an amazing milestone!!!!! You are AMAZING!!!!! :D

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh my goodness. I'm all misty-eyed -- so very happy for you, woman!

    Fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congratulations on the big mile! Woo hoo.
    I am proud of you and envious of your abilities.

    I will om shanti while you're running.
    ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Congratulations on this big milestone! You are a runner!

    ReplyDelete
  18. You surely do rock, Shelley! Congrats on your latest accomplishment! And many props to your team as well.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The first mile is the hardest!!! Way to go!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh Shelley I'm so proud of you! Well done girl! What a wonderful day you must have had!

    Big hug and kisses for you!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh my goodness Shelley....what an amazing sense of accomplishment you must be feeling right now! You are such a terrific inspiration to me...I can't wait til I look as good as you do, and can have the stamina and endurance with the exercise that you've worked so hard to achieve. Just so darn proud of you girl! :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am so proud of you. It sounds like you are working with some very special people at your gym.

    You made me tear up. I must be on a good old crying jag...lol

    Again Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  23. YESSSSSSS!!!

    You go Shelley! What a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great job...and....a VERY great time for your first mile ever. Well done!! And you know...if you can do one mile....I bet you could do two! :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. So proud of you! Running outside is so different than on a treadmill! Yay you!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Congratulations! As a beginning runner myself, I can imagine just how satisfying it was to do the whole mile outside . . . I AM SO PROUD OF (AND INSPIRED BY) YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wow Shelley! Tears welled up in my eyes too. I remember the first time I ran a mile as an adult, at 44 years old, and I was just astounded that it was possible. Thanks for helping me remember that moment!

    ReplyDelete

Comments are now moderated to prevent spammers from leaving, well, spam - but rest assured that as soon as I read a real comment, I will publish it. So please, comment away, even though the blog is officially closed. Thanks!