What a Sweetheart!
Today I’d like to tell you a story about my friend Marlene. Well I’m going to let her tell you. She will be my guest blogger tonight. If you want to get inspired by someone with rock strong determination you will find it HERE. Marlene is one of my exercise muse. She helps me get on my treadmill. I think of her when I am doubting my workout. I think “I know what Marlene would do!!
She’d tell me to get out there and get active. Appreciate the gift I have. Do the right thing!
Recently Marlene ran a 5 mile race. I asked her to write a blog post about it. Here is her story:
My name is Marlene and I was banded on March 19, 2012.
At 315, I never dreamed that I would be active or even think of running a mile but I followed my surgeons rules. I started by incorporating 30 minutes of activity a day into my life. At 231 pounds, I started to set activity goals for myself. Setting goals works well for me.
There are no excuses allowed in my book. Every day whether it is early or late I dedicate myself to being active.
As December 31 drew near I decided that I would once again set my goals for
the year. Setting goals keeps me motivated from month to month to see if I can make them.
One of my goals was to run no less than 4 races this year.
Even though I tell myself “I am not a runner” and don’t always enjoy running, I know it is beneficial in so many ways for my mind,body, and soul.
January 1st I started looking for races in my area and immediately signed up for one.
“The Sweetheart Race.” It sounded perfect.
I started running on the treadmill. I wasn’t really focusing on my pace but just taking my time and finishing.
I would run on the treadmill at least twice a week preparing my body so it wouldn’t get winded the day of the race.
Race day came so quickly but it was time.
I was ready. It was time to show myself how dedicated I am. Dedicated to myself and my body.
I got to the race site and waited in line.
I kept saying to myself
“I got this.” ”Today is my day”
Well let me tell you I ran like never before.
I took my time and enjoyed my race. I focused my thoughts on how far I had come, all the support I receive from the people in my life. This support makes it possible to be successful.
I found that my mind was such a powerful tool during my race.
While running I just kept telling myself to “keep going, don’t stop!” “Even if you are just jogging at a walk pace, You are going to finish this race!”
When I saw the finish line there were bells and whistles for me! Cheers and hands clapping from people who were my support at that moment. I didn’t know one person at that finish line but at that moment that was my support and I was proud to finish.
Knowing that the reward didn’t need to be food. The reward was the tears coming from my face, the tears that told me that I was amazing.
The dream that I thought could never come true at 315 pounds was now a REALITY.
It can happen if you want it too. If you stay focused and know to never give up.
You can find more Marlene on her YouTube channel.
Please consider leaving Marlene a comment. How do you stay active? How do you keep motivated? Do you make goals for yourself?
Once you leave a comment you may be eligible for my monthly raffle.
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Comments (6)
Pam Schill
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Marlene is an inspiration to me also. I was sleeved on October 1,2012. I immediately joined the YMCA. I didn’t go regularly. One of the first people I met after Tracy was Marlene she sent me a journal. I started watching her. I decided I needed to start setting goals and focusing on my exercise. I am now working out 6 days per day. I follow Marlene on Facebook and MyFitnessPal. I also watch her videos. When she signed up for the race I signed up for a 5K. It is March 16,2013. I will think of both Tracy and Marlene that day. Even though they live on the East coast I will feel like try are running with me. As of last Saturday I am down 80 pounds. That was the goal I wanted to hot by March 1,2013.
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my tiny tank
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Pam, great update. You are doing so well with your weight loss. And one thing I know for sure is that exercise is a must in maintenance! There is no way we can maintain our weight loss without regular exercise. I’m convinced of this. So finding what works for you early on is so smart!!
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Marie Hahn
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I’m having trouble respecting my pouch, my body, and my gift, not to mention myself. I’ve been post-op going on six years now. For the past few I’ve gained back a total of 30, have not done anything in the way of exercise and have broken every rule I accepted before my RNY. This post was an inspiration for me. I need to start putting me first again. I can’t run (per my cardiologist) but I NEED to revisit my treadmill and follow through with a plan to start again. I applaud your persistence and devotion to your health!
(if you bottle it, I’d buy 5!!) If it were only that simple. 
But then, I’ve always been told that nothing worth having is easy. Thanks for your post!
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my tiny tank
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Hi Marie, sometimes our challenges look big but in fact if we broke them down into little piece we could get through quite easily. I find this true for health challenges. Take out your WLS RULES. Decide which one you will work on this week. Then when you feel as if you have that one under your belt then move onto the next. When I learned not to try to do it all at once it got much easier. Take on one change at a time.
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Michelle R.
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I LOVE this post!!! What an inspiring story!!! I’d LOVE to get into running but need to train up to do that.
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my tiny tank
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Hi Michelle, I agree a very uplifting inspiring story. Marlene inspires me.
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