Day 48: All About Day 47

It's true what they say about taking care of yourself. When you do, good things will happen for you. I started this journey of Becoming a Follow Through Girl with the intention of making change in life. I did not realize the true significance in it. Because I had never embarked on such a journey, I could not grasp the power I held to effect to my own change.

Over the past 48 days I have: grown more confident, become stronger, said goodbye life long hypertension, come to terms with giving up cigarettes, obtained employment and given myself a sense of pride never before felt.

As I move along through these changes I began to question whether my largest goal is large enough. 13.1 miles is not as far away as it seemed in the beginning. The distance has not changed. 13.1 is 13.1. It's the vehicle that has changed.

I waited so long to come forward with my decision because I needed to be certain I was on the right path. I needed the Idea Girl to stop being the one who always wins. The one who gets in my way of completion. I needed to be sure I was doing this for myself and not instant gratification. In finally realizing I was the only one who's opinion mattered in the choices I make for my life, I have inadvertently grown more positive opinions from others.

Yesterday my cousin sat next to me, big smile on his face. "I'm really proud of you and excited for your 1/2 marathon. It's on my 19th birthday and we're all coming to see you finish". My heart filled up immediately. To have someone, like him, realizing what this means to me and being there to offer support was totally unexpected and wonderful. Imagine spending your 19th birthday supporting your 30-something year old cousin. Selfless.

So today I'm going to give it even more than I thought I had. I'm going to push harder knowing in the end I hold more power than I can imagine. Locked doors will not stop me because the key is in my hand. I'll do it for myself, the Follow Through Girl, and I'll do it to inspire him the way he has inspired me.

Day 46: 1.5 Down and a Week to Prepare

Good news: I got a job! One with a lot of potential too. So/so news: I have one week to get myself together before it starts. I have a feeling all this change is going be more difficult with a work schedule. So for the next week I've got to focus on my sleeping patterns. No more staying until or past midnight. No more sleeping until seven. I've got to be more strict with my workouts and try to get them in at the same time each day. Most importantly, I've got to be prepared that at first I'm going to be tired after work and still get myself into the gym.

Some more good news: Lost another 1.5 lbs. Goodbye and so long...never want to see you again.

Worked some more with the free weights today after a mile warm up on the treadmill. Not supposed to walk today (according to my schedule) but I may go back this afternoon. Starting to freak out a bit because my new job requires "tucked in shirt". Ah, the nightmare of chubby girls everywhere!

Day 46

My postings have become less and less. This is one I habit necessary to break. If I'm not posting, I'm not following through 100%.

Spent the last few days in a lot of pain. Tried to accomplish my daily goal yesterday but had to stop after just one mile and was in near tears. Today was much, much better. Got my mileage in along with some strength training.

It is definitely time to amp up the strength training! Got the courage up to make better use of the free weights since the universal gym is sketchy at best. I'm beginning to notice that parts of me that were plump with excess fat are now jiggly. Jiggly = no good. Got to get a handle on that best I can.

Another walk along the river planned for this afternoon. The sun is supposed to come later so I shouldn't come home a drown rat this time.

Day 43

Walked in the pouring rain last night. When I was finished I was drenched through my coat, sweatshirt and t-shirt. Once you're wet you're wet so I decided to keep moving. End result: freezing cold but accomplished goal. Getting easier all the time!

Had a second job interview today with my favorite coffee company. Since I don't want to plug them I'll just say it starts with an "S" and ends in a "arbucks". Went very well. I think I would be a great addition to their team and they a great addition to my life. We'll see by Friday.

Need to get into the gym tonight. Just waiting for...actually I don't know what I'm waiting for. I think my adrenalin to go down a bit. Got so excited about the possible new endeavor it's been like I'm high ever since I left the interview.

I did notice more confidence than ever going into it. No more feeling inadequate because of my weight. I know this body will not be mine forever and frankly so impressed with my improvements I feel like I can conquer anything.

Day 42

I didn't mean to skip day 41. In fact I didn't skip it, just didn't blog about it.

Went to the gym with every intention of making my 5 mile goal. Treadmills can be boring. To fight this boredom I tend to really challenge myself. Agony makes time fly! Yesterday I even ran for, what was for me, extended periods. Apparently my ankles don't think running is a good idea yet. My left ankle seized up. Realizing injury is the fasted way to end this journey, I rounded off the mileage at 3 and come home.

Today I'm going for a walk along a trail that follows the river. It's supposed to be nice and I'm intending on having a do-over of my 5 mile goal. Should be better in the great outdoors. More interesting, less intense. 2.5 one way, 2.5 back.