Let's take a short trip down memory lane.
Once upon a time, in a small town in Virginia... there was this girl (with a really bad perm-gone-wrong):
This girl claimed she was not athletic and a total clutz (she was right). She lived in nerd-ville and liked it. Her mom's boss ran marathons... she thought he was totally out of his mind. She hated even 40 minutes of gym class.
Then came college. This girl was a little different:
She put on weight fast in the first year of college, so by year 2, she took up running. Don't ask how far or how fast... she didn't know... she just ran in the early mornings - rain or shine. But I'd guess it was no more than 2-3 miles, ever. She lost the freshman weight and got healthy...
Finally graduation came, and it was time to get a big girl job. This girl continued to run, but again - no clue how far or how fast. Probably only a couple miles. And then a co-worker convinced her to race... 5ks, 10k, then a marathon relay... (most the races were in 1998 and 1999...)
Then somewhere after that... she fell off the wagon. Job, then marriage, then this:
Then #2:
Then leaving the big girl job, which also added some stress weight. Then #3:
About 50 lbs more than before she had kids... it was time for a change. She committed to a half marathon...
She said she would NEVER do a marathon, but she did...
She said she'd NEVER do another marathon, but she did...
Also, finally down the 50 lbs she gained during those child-bearing years...
Pretty sure she also said she'd NEVER do an ultra, but she *WILL*...
And at this point, there's only one thing she'll NEVER do... she will NEVER promise not to go further or faster or harder in her running.
I don't know what lies ahead, but I have learned that limitations are only self-imposed.
What would you NEVER do?
26 comments:
I would *NEVER* post my bad perm pics, my freshman 15 pics and my baby weights from #1, #2, #3! But you did... and I loved it seeing myself in each one.. Maybe "never" is too strong a word! Thanks for the fun post. :)
Great post! It's nice to learn the stories behind "why you run."
"Limitations are only self-imposed" SO TRUE. Awesome post! Good luck in your Ultra!
Great post. I loved it! I will "never" break a 21-minute 5K. What?! Maybe never will be in a couple years. :)
Loved this! Somewhat similar story to me (minus the kids and running at some point in the past). I just never thought I'd run in general and never a marathon or an ultra, done both so far with more to come!
LOVE IT!
So many things I swore I could/would never do. Look at us now! Congrats!!!!
That was a great post that we can all relate to as runners (or, as people!) I still can't believe all the things that I "never" thought I would do that I do- all the time!
Love it!!! I swore up and down that I would only run if someone was chasing me... and look at me now. I too am a runner!
It's amazing what we can do when we don't listen to the limits we put on ourselves. You are BEAUTIFUL and you have achieved so much. Hugs and congrats! Loved all the pics. :)
Love this! I NEVER thought I would be where I am so I will NEVER think I can't at least try something new.
I never thought I would run just to run. But I do.
I never thought I would really be able to run a marathon. But I did....and will continue to.
I never thought I would find the time to run a little...every day....but I am.
I never thought I would go longer than a marathon....oh my, now you have me second guessing myself.
Such a great post!
I thought I would never run a marathon, but I am going for it in September! I also thought I would never want to do an Ironman, but that is my our ultimate goal!
Loved reading this post! Oh and, uh, I'm too afraid to tell you what I think I'll never do sooo...yah. =)
Love your post. I did bust into a Justin Bieber song though...of course my 2 girls love him. I try to say never in regards to anything...I learned from saying I would never do X when I have kids....I broke every one of those and learned my lesson, LOL.
love the post :D
and thank you.
I LOVE THIS POST!
You are a beautiful, strong, inspiring woman. Thank you for sharing your pictures and your story.
This is so inspirational - you have helped me realize I should never give up on my running dreams!!
I will never ride a mountain bike. NOPE NEVER NOT GOING TO HAPPEN
<3
Same as you -- I'll never be a runner! Period. No running for me.
Yeah, I was wrong.
I said I would never be a runner! I did sports up the wazoo in highschool and running was always my least favorite part! Whooda thunk it!
What an inspiring story!!! I saw my best friend finishing a marathon and said never ever! Well, so far I ran2 marathons :)
Aw lesley - I live this soooo much.
I was never doing any of it either! and then there I was in San Diego with YOU crossing a finish line of a marathon… 6+ hours later… but i did it :)
I LOVE this post! I was a "NEVER" girl, too. Congrats on all you've accomplished and for being such a wonderful inspiration!
Winks & Smiles,
Wifey
I love this post Lesley! It's funny how the things we say we will never do normally wind up being the ones we will do.
I swore six ways to Sunday I'd NEVER be a runner; now I'm shooting for my first 5k in June! thx for the pointers, I feel like I'm getting off to a good start :)
~~Tanya
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