.
.
Hello Friends!
.
Do you remember my blog post (here) that I wrote back in November about how hard the winter months are for me? And even though I had so many good intentions and so many helpful ideas from all you wonderful readers, by the end of November I felt myself slipping into that awful state of wintertime blues. My husband and I have joined the local gym for three months every winter with the hope that we’ll drop some inches and make the long evenings a little more profitable. And every winter is a big fail. I hate working out in the gym. Could there possibly be anything more boring? But the last day of November found me at the gym, signing up for another 3 month contract. However, here is where it all changes.
The contact info of the Fitness Coach that teaches group classes at the gym was shared with me and so I found the courage (yes, it took a tremendous amount of courage) to send her a private Facebook message telling her that I needed help. I’d never been to fitness classes before, was 55 years old and out of shape, need to lose about 20 pounds, etc… All the stuff that we never really want to admit. From the very first response back from her I felt like maybe, just maybe I could try a class. One thing she said that helped me so much was this: “The hardest thing will be walking in the door; once you’re there, it’ll get easier”. So, I went to the first class, I was treated like I belonged, I got encouraging smiles from everyone, I felt like I could at least sort of do the class in the modified version, and I left with a smile.
.
My fitness coach, Marcie. The picture of health and happiness.
.
But before I share with you where I am now, 14 weeks later, I’d like to tell you a little more about Marcie, my Fitness Coach. Not having ever attended fitness classes before, I can’t say this for certain, but I’m quite sure she isn’t your average coach. She posts daily motivational things on the private Facebook group page, she holds challenges to keep us all motivated and moving, and she knows how to laugh at herself. But what I have appreciated more than anything is that she has always taken the time to answer my many questions, encouraged and helped me through some of the rough workouts when I really thought I’d never go back, and always, always has praise for everyone. Regardless of our level of fitness, we are all treated the same. Do you know what that does for people like me that have never done this sort of thing before? It gives tremendous confidence. I will be forever thankful for how Marcie has helped me over some big hurdles that she didn’t even know I had. I absolutely would not be where I am today without her. I do not say that lightly.
And where am I today? Fourteen weeks and 48 classes later (yes, I have been keeping a fitness journal so I know exactly how many I’ve attended!) I feel amazing. I could tell you about the pounds and inches lost (a whole bunch) or that I can actually handle looking in the mirror during class now, and that my arms don’t jiggle as much when I wave (smile). I could tell you about the friends I’ve made (I call them my “gym sisters”), or how on the three evenings each week that I attend class I look forward to it all day long, and that I’m comfortable towards the front of the class now (instead of keeping an escape close by). But instead of focusing on all those things I have this to say: I feel strong. I feel confident in myself. I feel capable of doing hard things. And thankful… I feel so thankful.
.
Oak Barrel Half Marathon – 2015
.
When I started this Fitness journey back in November, I had already registered to run/walk the Oak Barrel Half Marathon in April – this will be my third time. The picture above is from the race in 2015. (I wrote about that race here if you’d like to go back and read it.) But my goal for this year was to run a lot more of the 13 miles than I have in the past. My son, who is a long distance runner, told me over and over that my Fitness classes would help build strength and stamina and in turn help me run further. And Marcie confirmed that. And now through the last three months of averaging one day a week of running, I’m so happy with where I’ve come in that area too.
.
.
So now… the story that I actually set out to tell you today! My son promised to fly from Colorado to run the half marathon with me, my daughter and her husband signed up to run it with me also. And my daughter had this awesome idea of running a training run first. The one she chose is a run called the Tick Ridge Trail Run. (Yes… trail run. Not road run!) You can choose a distance of 10K (about 6 miles), 25K (about 15 miles) or 50K (about 31 miles). My daughter and her husband, their friends, and I chose the 10K. My son, the ultra runner, chose the 50K. We all trained from where we lived and checked in with each other continually for encouragement and motivation. My daughter and I were able to start running together on a trail around our farm so we felt great about our trail run training!
.
.
As the day the Tick Ridge Trail Run got closer and we were watching the February weather it began to not look so great. Those winter rains were setting in. Race week came… my son flew in from Colorado, our kids friends drove up from Birmingham, and we all had a really fun evening before the run. It was already raining and the forecast showed that there was no letting up in sight. Early the next morning we arrived at the race site.
.
.
All geared up and ready to run!
.
I honestly can hardly describe what it was like. There was so much water. Before we even started the race our shoes were completely drenched. But our excitement level was really high!
.
Sixteen brave runners for the 50K!
.
My son had started the 50K (31 miles) at 6:00 AM but the rest of us didn’t start until 8:00 AM and we were just totally pumped. Not one of us complained about the rain. How is that even possible? Just a few months ago I would’ve backed out. But I felt so confident in my ability to run this race, even in the rain, and I was really looking forward to the challenge.
.
My daughter Andrea (on the right) and her friend Stephanie (on the left)
.
We started out running through a few inches of water in a grassy field and very quickly were through the pasture to the muddiest trails I’ve ever been on. It was impossible to run. People were falling, sliding, dancing to stay upright, grabbing trees, grabbing each other, and laughing. I think everyone was laughing. Really it was about the funniest thing I’ve seen!
.
A flat spot!
.
The hills… oh my word, the hills. Try to imagine running uphill in slippery mud, then sliding down the hills! We were exerting so much energy just to keep upright. Occasionally we would have a nice flat area to run but we were ankle deep in water! So mostly slogging through!
.
Finishing to a cheering squad of my husband and grand-girls over there on the sidelines!
.
The end result is that we all finished. I was so happy that I finished and finished well. Thankful that I didn’t get hurt. And my confidence in my ability never wavered. I’m mostly happy about that.
.
Logan exhausted at his finish.
.
Our son Logan, finished the 31 miles in right under seven hours. He said it was one of the hardest ultra runs he’s done because of the mud and water. The creeks that were calf deep when we ran through were hip deep by the time he went through.
.
We wondered if our running shoes would survive! (They did!)
.
Stephanie and Andrea cruising on!
.
Mark (Stephanie’s husband), our son Logan, and son-in-law Justus
.
It was such a fantastic day and it was made so real to me how supportive my adult kids are of me and this journey. I’ve always valued the relationship that we have but the daily phone calls from my son, “How was class tonight Mom?” have meant the world. And my daughter, never acting like she’s running slower for me or that I’m holding her back at all. And what she has taught me about nutrition and wellness is worth a million bucks! (And Mark and Stephanie; you’re like my kids too!!!)
.
The last thing I would like to share came from my little nine year old grand-daughter. Marcie had us doing a move in class that I was really struggling with and I showed it to Jillian. She said, “Oh we used to do that in gymnastics class. I can do it.” And of course she promptly did. When I was asking how she did it so well, here was her answer: “Well Gram. You just put your mind to it and then finish it.” Commit and follow through.
.
From that moment, that has become my mantra.
.
Commit and follow through.
.
And in case you’re wondering… my three month contract at the gym is up. And I signed a new contract for a full year! Commit and follow through. {Smile}
.
Until our gravel roads cross again… so long.
.
Dori
I’m so very happy for you, Dori! You look fantastic-fit and healthy- but also happy and proud, as you should! The head game is often the biggest hurdle, speaking from experience. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
Oh thank you Joan. The best part is feeling better.
And yes! That head game. It can really do a number on us can’t it?
Farmgirl hugs,
– Dori –
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your words and stories have kindled a can do attitude in this girl today!! Commit and follow through. WOOT!!
I’m in!!❤️❤️
Dear Diane,
Oh I’m so glad I had the words… I was struggling to get them out, let me you!
Farmgirl hugs…
– Dori –
Your words & feelings about your fitness coach…I know EXACTLY how you feel. Years ago when I started my boot camp journey my coach was just like that. I never felt like she thought this dumpy, frumpy, out of shape gramma wouldn’t be able to do this!! You go girl!! Commit & follow through!
I think it truly is a gift don’t you Cyndie? Not everyone has it and wow… you sure appreciate it when you find it.
Hugs to you dear friend!
– Dori –
Congratulations! All of you did great! And you are setting an example for your grandchildren!
Thank you Ramona! And they are so supportive! Helping me learn to do all sorts of things! 🙂
– Dori –
Great job!
Thank you Deb!!!
– Dori –
How very inspiring. I signed up at the gym but haven’t made it yet. I have started walking tho and it feels great. What you said – gyms are so boring but my next step is yoga and I think you just gave me the kick I needed. Thank you.
Hi Marlene,
Walking is great isn’t it? My husband and I have been speed walkers most of our marriage and it has always been such a help to us. And YES… do Yoga!!!
Keep me posted!
– Dori –
Commit and follow through! Love it! I’m energized after reading your post…My daughter and I are starting a new program at her new gym Monday night! YIKES… I feel all the same trepidation you did! But i’m going for it! For her and for me!
Great job, Dori!
Keep at it… you are an inspiration!
xoxox Deb
Hi Deb,
Oh I’m so excited to hear how it goes for you at the your gym. I hope your experience is like mine. One thing that helped me so much is that Marcie taught me that it’s okay to modify any of the exercises to your level of ability, just DON’T STOP MOVING! Keep me posted, I’ll be so anxious to hear!
Tight hugs,
– Dori –
I love that you went through all the rain and mud and laughing at yourselves and enjoyed every minute of the run with family and friends. That is the making of precious memories and good times. It’s great to feel good about doing something for your self and benefiting the family too. Loved the pictures.
Dori:
I am so proud of you! You go girl! That’ll keep you young. My dil runs too, whole marathons!. She didn’t start until she was 50. So great of you to have the whole family with you. Keep it up farmgirl!
Thank you Bonnie!
I want to meet your daughter in law!
Farmgirl hugs,
– Dori –
Dori you are such an inspiration. You could say I am running in a marathon now to beat cancer. And I will. I don’t listen to no cure. I believe in new research every day and doing all the treatments offered. In a year I will be reading about your marathon.
Irene
Dear Irene,
I went through the Breast Cancer “marathon” too. All the surgeries, chemo, more surgeries… but the great news is that was 13 years ago. So I’ll be thinking of you as you fight the fight and sending warm hugs and wishes your way. Email any time you need some extra moral support.
Tight hugs,
– Dori –
What a bunch of super people! I remember, when as a kid on the farm and we had to bring the cows in from the wet mire of the fields, not easy. So running had to be very difficult. Thanks for a fine report. God bless.
Awesome post, Dori. I can relate to the trail run part but not the rain part. Good for you for pushing through. Your smile says it all!
Congratulations, Dori, and thanks as you have inspired me to get on my exercise routine. I always love your posts, and this one really touched me. You have a great support network as well…so important! Best Wishes!
Well done! I laughed and I cried and I cheered for you. Keep up the good work,and keep us posted
Well done Dori!!! Loved loved this post. So inspiring. I just ran my first 1/2 marathon this past Sunday. I did it in 2hrs 19 mins. My husband ran it with me at my pace since it was my first time and he’d run some already and I loved the feeling of finishing. Committing to the training back in November and training all the way through, getting an injury three weeks out, but a few physio sessions abs strapping it helped so much. At 46 I can finally say I’ve run one, been a goal for many many years. We’re planning on running more this year and getting back into the gym to build strength, less injuries hopefully.
Wow I don’t want to come across as condescending in anyway at all but I’m so super proud of you. Woohoo you go girl. Can’t wsut to hear about your barrel run. Happy running
Love this! You are doing GREAT and I have enjoyed doing class with you so much! I love that your fitness journey is a family affair and I’m stealing your mantra!! See you soon Dori!
Dori just wondering do you every sale any of your product’s you make. They are so cute. Would love to purchase some if they are available. Don’t find much like this any more. I try to sew but have no patience in doing. Thanks PAT
Thanks for this wonderful post it makes me feel that maybe there is hope to get strong again.