What a difference a year can make!....plus 5K pics.

[Maren]

Wow! What a difference a year can make...seriously.....its just crazy! Last year on the 4th of July....I ran a 5k in the little town that my husband grew up in. Its a family tradition and something we try to do every year. Last year, I ran it and I was 20 pounds heavier. I had just lost 20 pounds and had started to run the April right before. I was right in the middle of my weight loss journey. I had only been running for three months or so, but did my training and felt good. I ran the race in 26:53. I was extactic about that time last year and was so proud of myself. Well...this year...I wanted to break my time and run faster. I was worried and often questioned if this was possible. My husband kept telling me that I could do it and to remember that I had another year of running under my belt. He really encouraged me to to be confident in my abilities. I listened to him and made some goals. I was hoping to come in before 26 minutes and my ultimate goal was to come in before 25 minutes. I decided at the starting line to just go for it and try my best! I ran strong and felt good. During the race...there was a girl right in front of me most of the time...so I did my best to keep up with her and ride her tails. There was another girl right beside me most of the time and I could tell that these ladies were probably in my age bracket. The one ahead, got a bit in front of me and crossed the finish line right before me and the one that was behind me sprinted at the end and came in before me. They ended up being 2nd and 3rd place in my division...so I came in fourth. I saw my husband at the finish line and he was happy to tell me that I ran really fast and that he thought I came in around 23:00 minutes. I couldnt believe it! Me? 23 minutes? My final time was 22:59. I couldnt believe that I shaved off 4 minutes from the previous year. It goes to show you that if you put in the time and effort to become better and faster ....that you will reap the rewards of your hard work. You can compare this lesson to anything you are dealing with in your life. If you work hard...and give it all youve got...you will only get stronger and better. I didnt just show up at the race without training in hopes of doing well. I worked really hard training for this and even added some sprints in hopes to become faster. I also think spinning three times a week also helped me condition myself for this as well. I know if I didnt put in this effort..... that I wouldnt have become faster and stronger. I did better...because I tried harder. I made a goal and worked to get there.

Running this race was such an incredible feeling! I actually felt great and felt fit. I hardly even struggled. I felt even better than the previous year. It was so worth all the hard work! I also have to say, that my husband did well too and took 7th place over all and ran it in 18:30. He took third in his division and shaved off three minutes from his time last year! He has also lost 20 pounds since then. We both feel wonderful and love the way we feel. I have never felt better physically or emotionally in my whole life! Cant wait for next year....maybe I can come in even faster!

So remember....hard work pays off. AND....as you put in effort towards the things in your life that you want to change...you will only BECOME better. Thats just the truth! You get out of it...what you put into it. You and I CAN do anything! So make a goal and and test it out. I bet you will surprise yourself!

One year ago...

This year...

[StEpHaNiE*]

Congrats on shaving that much time off!! That is insane! And you can see such a huge transformation between the pics of the two years!!

[Dani]

Big congrats! You are definitely an inspiration!

[Tanie]

you are awesome! Congrats on the time!

[Christy]

Congratulations! I have just started running with a friend and hope to be able to do a 5K soon.

[Katrina]

Congrats Maren, you did fantastic and both you and your hubby look amazing!

[Alison]

Congratulations on the race time, that is so awesome! Isn't it interesting how we always doubt ourselves and those around us see what we can really do? I am so glad you listened to your husband's encouragement and made those goals. I think believing in yourself is probably the biggest reason people either succeed or give up on their health and fitness desires. When I try to encourage someone new to this site or a friend, I always say the same thing: never give up on yourself.
I find you such an inspiration because you are a mother like I am and you continue to invest time in your health, which is so inspiring because too many mothers let themselves get lost and become so unhealthy. You are such a great example of how to balance both! Congratulations on being totally awesome ;-) Have a great day!

[Wendy W]

You both are just GLOWING!!! You should be SO proud of your accomplishments - what a fantastic time! Shaving 4 minutes off of an already great time in a year is just amazing. Thinking I will take a look at that clean eating book now...As cliche as this sounds, you are such an inspiration.

[Jen McDonald]

Wow, what a fantastic time! You should be very proud of yourself.I always like before and after pics. It's such a nice reward to be able to see how far you've come. All your hard work and dedication has really paid off! I think that being physically fit is very empowering! It is much more rewarding than just being skinny. There is no better feeling in the world than pushing yourself and achieving the goals that you set for yourself!

[Bec]

Wow, congratulations! Your story is so encouraging, thanks for sharing!

[Erica]

Your story is very empowering Maren! It just shows how all of your hard work has paid off! Very inspiring to me, to see those pictures too! Way to go!