Days since surgery:
702
Weight loss to date:
190 lbs
Read about my weight
loss journey here: http://giving.nwh.org/AubreyPodell
My journey to Boston began in a dark gym on a cold, March morning. Just under a year ago and exactly one year out from life-changing gastric bypass, I undertook the biggest physical challenge of my life post weight loss surgery – to run a full mile without stopping. Embarrassed and unsure of whether I’d be successful, I set out to test the waters in the privacy of my own home. No music, no light, no spectators. Just me and the treadmill. Twelve minutes later, feeling very accomplished, I celebrated by crying tears of joy on the floor of my apartment. The next day, I ran two miles, and a week later, I signed up for the Harwich Half Marathon. I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge, but even I was surprised at my willingness to run a half marathon shortly after finding out that I was capable of running a single mile. I had caught the running bug, and there was no hope for a cure.
The next few months would test me in every way imaginable. I
was injured, and awoke most mornings chronically sore from training. But, despite
that, the endeavor still thrilled me, and I fell in love with challenging my
body. Sadly, the excitement of overcoming the physical struggle was soon offset
by the emotional storm brewing in my mind. Suddenly, I felt an immense sense of
fear. Without warning, hesitation and
anxiety found their way in - am I strong enough to run 13.1 miles when a year
ago I was incapable of climbing a flight of stairs? What will people say if I
am unable to finish? Would I let myself give up? In my mind, I was still
weighed down, not by pounds, but by my doubt.
On a cold, rainy morning, very reminiscent of the one a few months
earlier, I sprinted across the Harwich Half finish line into the arms of my
boyfriend who had also completed the race. “Runner’s high” doesn’t really do it
justice. Fear did not win – I finished, and I was elated. Before my tears of
joy had even dried or the muscle cramps subsided, I was already combing the
internet for marathon training schedules. I knew it was just a matter of time
before I’d want to undertake another challenge (a much more daunting challenge),
but I had no idea how quickly I’d get the chance.
A couple of months after Harwich, I half-heartedly submitted
my name to the NWH Boston Marathon lottery. I had my mind set on the Dublin
Marathon in October, but why pass up a chance to run the world’s most
prestigious road race? Not really
thinking I’d be selected, I enjoyed the holidays and took some time off from
the gym. Little did I know, the opportunity of a lifetime was waiting for me in
my Outlook inbox. The rest, as they say, is history. Here I am, icing my feet after
my Sunday evening 12 miler, typing out this post, and perusing REI.com for new
GPS watches. Pinch me – am I dreaming? Needless to say, I am overjoyed and
still in shock that I have the opportunity to run Boston as a first time
marathoner. I really do feel like I “won the lottery!”
Though I half-heartedly submitted my name to the drawing, I
whole-heartedly have committed to training and fundraising for Team
Newton-Wellesley. As soon as I got the
news, I was back on the treadmill, logging the first distance run of my Hal
Higdon training schedule. Making the time to train has been challenging but rewarding.
Speed work, hill circuits, distance days…these phrases somehow find their way
into my daily lexicon more often than they should. I’m sure all of my friends
and family are looking forward to April 22nd
when they will no longer have to hear about how sore my hamstrings are or what the
latest training craze is according to Runner’s World. My rigid and time consuming training schedule
has made me feel guilty and antisocial. I have more dates with my Asics than I
do my boyfriend, but thankfully, he understands – everyone does. The outpouring
of support and generosity has been truly humbling. Over these last few weeks, I’ve
received a multitude of calls, Facebook messages, and emails, and I’ve exceeded
my fundraising goal twice. I feel
incredibly lucky to have such wonderful people in my life. I could not do this
without them. Not only am I sure their encouragement will carry me across the
finish line, it’s all but drowned out the voice in my head that tries to fill
me with doubt. Come race day, I know I’ll be ready, and I look forward to
soaking up every minute of the Boston Marathon experience. See you at the
finish line!
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