Im just like so many women out there. Single mom, 32 years old, full-time job, a string of unsuccessful relationships, stressing over money, searching for Mr. Right, and how best to raise a challenging but wonderful kid.
I was down in the dumps, overweight, feeling like all my failed attempts to lose weight, or maintain a lower weight were a sign that I just wasnt meant to be thin. I had almost begun to believe that this was the destiny I had carved out for myself.
Once, when I had actually reached my ideal weight, I had even run a 10k race and was feeling on top of the world, I ran and ran and ran in an attempt to train for a half marathon. Then one day, while running on the treadmill in the gym, my leg started to feel funny but I kept pushing. All of a sudden, I felt as though my right leg would buckle beneath me and I was forced to stop mid-workout. This was the start of a downward spiral for me. After many failed attempts to keep running, including doctors visits and sports therapy, nothing was working and I was eventually advised to stop running and opt for a low-impact sport.
This wasnt the news I wanted to hear.
I had always had this stubborn resolve that if I really put my mind to something, I could overcome any obstacle, yet here I was being told that I simply could not overcome this one. I had failed, at least that is what my internal dialogue told me.
Fast-forward a few years and 92 pounds gained back, I had to have a serious talk with myself about why nothing seemed to be working in my life, why I let obstacles get in the way of success. I was miserable with who I had become and I needed to change.
I cant pin-point a grand a-ha moment, it was a gradual acceptance that it couldnt just be about losing weight, it had to be about changing my life, finding activities I could enjoy, but most of all, gaining back my health and living life.
I had already returned to exercising, watching what I was eating and losing weight when over the Christmas holidays I had a desire to pick a fitness goal, something that wasnt dependent upon the number on the scale, but something that required me to work on my health and fitness.
I wanted something I could be proud of achieving when I finished. That's how I found the Tour de Jasper.
Biking was a low impact sport that I always enjoyed (when I was in shape enough to enjoy it), and doing the 400 km bike trip over 4 days this summer was something I knew would challenge me but I could be proud of when I finished. Only a few days later, I borrowed money (Thanks, Dad!) and sent in my registration. Goal set, commitment made, and this is where I feel my real journey has started.
This week's stats:
Starting Weight: 257 lbs
Current Weight: 220 lbs
Lost this week: +1
Total lost: 37 lbs
{italic}Grace Flack is an award-winning graphic designer at the Prince George Citizen. Her column will appear weekly, leading up to this year's Tour de Jasper, a four-day bike ride from Prince George to Jasper. {end italic}
