Day One

And so it begins...
Last night my younger sister presented me with a challenge. Like I need more of those, right?
Her challenge was for me to use the next year to train for a half marathon in which I would run with her.
Now, I'm a bit of a hard head and not one to shy away from a challenge, this could be though, the most difficult thing I've ever been through.
Where my sister has always been athletic, I was more artistic. She excelled on the field or on the court and I could be found center stage, mic in hand.
My life has been a roller coaster and my weight has always been a good indicator of which twist or turn I might currently be navigating.
I know why she wants me to run - she wants me to be healthy, she wants me to be happy. She wants me to get reacquainted with that young woman I knew in my early twenties, who if only for a moment, had a handle on her weight AND her emotions.
I would drag myself to my parents basement 5 out of 7 days a week, get on that treadmill, press play on the boom box (yes, this was even pre-MP3 player), find a spot to stare at on that cinder block wall, and run. Whatever I was feeling, whatever I loved, hated, wanted, whatever was wearing on me weighed less as I ran, going nowhere.
So much has changed since then - I've moved, completed undergrad and graduate degree programs, I have an extraordinarily wonderful husband, a fulfilling job, an adorable home, and the most loving little puffs of fur a girl could ask for.
Because we have been so busy, studying, working, traveling, dreaming - I have again lost control in my lifelong struggle with my weight. Adding to that is, for the last two years we have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive.
Not a single person out there who has not gone through the infertility process can identify with what we're going through. Because of that, most of what I'm feeling has been internalized, and that void has been filled with food.

So, here's the challenge in the words of my "coach". The gauntlet has been thrown - let's see what this girl is made of!

"First things first...start slowly. One mile three to four times a week walk/run until you can steadily run your one mile without walking or becoming too fatigued. Once that has happened you will be able to progress. It may take a few months, but once you have that first mile down that you can run it without walking and being winded you will be able to move up in mileage weekly. Keep me posted every week on your progress and I will guide you. We don't have to register until Sept. of next year so if things change, no big deal. Let's just see what we can accomplish. Another thing is proper gear. Running in the winter is some of the best running you can get, just make sure you dress appropriately. A hat/ear warmers, light gloves, comfortable pants (not too heavy so sweats are out) and a long sleeve shirt that is warm, but breathes. Put it to you this way, you start run/walk one mile M-W-F for one month On Dec. 6th if you are still doing it and getting the benefits from it, we will go shopping and get you some gear (on me). Well tomorrow is day one...you keep me posted with progress! It helps if you drive your car around a route you may do to get an exact mile that way you know how far you have gone and how long it takes you. Let me know after each run; the time, and how many times you had to stop and walk. I will keep track and progress you when you are ready. This could be really fun :-)"