3 More Miles

In the several years, I have begun to create an informal "bucket list' of sorts. Things that I never thought I would be able to do, or would want to do. And as 40 loomed nearer, these items were definitely far-fetched dreams for me. Then, I had a glimmer of hope, as my  insurance started paying for bariatric surgery. Was this something I would consider? Maybe. I started researching, and I started the process, with the idea that I could stop it at any time. Then, I had a surgery date...That was cancelled. Another date was set, and I reached the BMI my doctor wanted... I had lost 50+ pounds on my own. Then, another disappointment when I woke up in the recovery room in excruciating pain, but no sleeve. Depression set in. Then, another surgery date was set - Finally...It happened! That glimmer of hope grew brighter. 

Then, the list started...My clothes grew too big. I fit in sizes I haven't seen in 10+ years. Then, I weighed less than I did when I got pregnant with Sadie...Even smaller sizes. My students started to notice (in the best way possible - "Mrs. Reid, you look more skinnier than you used to!"). My stamina increased. I rocked Disney World. My shoes were too big, and I had to get new walking shoes! And my list just keeps growing...

Friday night, my friends Janet and Leigh Carol asked me to walk the Color Vibe 5k with them. I doubted myself. I have never walked that far at one time. Could I really do it? How embarrassing would it be to be the final person straggling in? Should I even try, because I am not in the shape I want to be in yet... I have wanted to complete a 5k since I started this journey, but was I really ready? Maybe the next time...These thoughts kept going on and on...But, I signed up. Janet told me she would drag me across the finish line if she had to. Both kids decided they wanted to go with me. So we registered.

Saturday, April 11, 2015. 8:15 am. Dan drops us off at Fairpark. I was getting excited. We finally started in the 3rd group and a shower of pink. I fell behind my group, and my kids went ahead of me. I just kept going. I was in the group stopped by the train, so I had a little rest. Then, we started again. At about mile 1.5, I caught up to JC. We encouraged each other, and headed on. Sadie joined us for a few minutes, but got caught up in the excitement and ran off to join in. I kept going. I wasn't the fastest, but I wasn't the slowest. No worries about being last, as I was safely ensconced in a crowd of people. We saw people cutting corners, taking short cuts. Not me. I was bound to do it. Then, there it was. The Finish Line. I could see the end in sight, and I crossed it with Jon Carter! Wow! In a few minutes, Sadie crossed over too. How great to share this accomplishment with these 2 special kids! We all completed our first 5k together, and we are planning the next step.

I would have never believed it. One more item marked off the Bucket List, and added to the "Look What I Can Do" list!