Legs for Life 5K

SackPack, flyers for other 5k's and a t-shirt was in the goodie bag.

First 5K bib!

Finishing strong!

I did something today that I NEVER thought I could do. I ran a 5k. Not once did I walk. Not once did I ever want to. The adrenaline rush was insane. I loved, every freaking minute of it. I did not know any other runners, but yet it felt like we were all family. A little bit before the 2nd mile marker, I started to get a side stitch. I slowed my pace down a lot. A guy came up running beside me cheering me on. It was very encouraging to have this complete stranger cheering me on. For the rest of the race we kept about the same pace. It was like we had been running buddies forever. We cheered an encouraged each other. I sprinted like hell for the last quarter of a mile, I have never had that much energy around mile 3. Honestly I felt like I could of ran another 1-2 miles easy, there was just that much adrenaline running through my veins.

I am addicted! There was not an aspect of today that wasn't perfect. I ran on a beautiful course, I ran with great people, and I did what I set out to accomplish. I ran my first 5k, and I didn't walk. I finally for once in my entire life feel like I have found something that I am meant to do and love. It is empowering to know that I just ran 3.1 miles, without stopping. Even though I did it, I still can't believe it. It actually brings tears to my eyes when I think about how far I have come.

Race Date: Saturday March 27, 2010

Place: 167/299 overall 7/21 in my class (25-29)
Time: 36:01*

Weather: 38 F Sunny & 10 MPR winds

I am off to find my next race, I have an official PR to beat.

AN INSPIRING STORY FROM MY 5K
After the 5K was finished it was time for the younger kids to do their 1 mile race. The "little legs for life." When the gun went of all of the kids came out sprinting in a large pack. One little girl tripped and feel down hitting her head on the pavement. Her dad swooped in and picked her up. He carried her for half of that mile as she cried. It was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen. I really had to choke back the tears. She ran the 2nd half of that mile by herself. This reminds me so much of the poem Footprints. Because just as her father did, our father carry's us through the hard times in our lives.

*Disclaimer-we did not have the time chips or whatever they were called it was a good 30-60 seconds after the gun went off before I was able to begin, because of all the people in front of me.

Self Doubt

At the beginning of the year, I was not making resoultions, I was making goals. One of my goals was to run a 5K. I found one at the end of March that I was interested in. I began the C25K program. At the beginning, I could not run/jog for more then 4-5 minutes. 10 weeks later, I can run for 35minutes straight. The longest I have ran is a little over 3 miles in 34ish minutes. Is that fast? NO. Is that my goal to be fast? NO. I'm not running a 5K to win. I'm running to finish. I'm running to prove to myself that I CAN do it. I'm doing it because I NEVER thought I would be able too.

For the past 10 weeks. I have felt amazing. Not just physically but mentally. The first time (and the only time) I ran 3 miles, I nearly cried. I still see myself as that 225lb fat girl, and that girl would NEVER be able to run 3 miles. But you know what? I'm not that fat girl anymore, and sometimes we have to squish that little voice. That little voice has been a pain in my ass the past week and a half.

As my 5K is creeping up this Saturday. That little voice in my head, is making me have self doubt. Can I do this? You know you are going to have to walk. You haven't got enough runs in( do to illness) You have only ran 3 miles ONCE in your entire life, can you do it again? As much as this little voice makes me want to throw in the towel. I know this little voice is wrong. I CAN do this and I will DO this. There is two things I want to accomplish, 1. I want to finish. 2. I don't want to walk. If that means slowing my jog down to the pace of a snail, or crawling on my hands and knees. I WILL not walk.

Sometimes we just have to learn, to show that "little voice" who is boss, and that is EXACTLY what I plan on doing this Saturday.

About Me

Hi! My name is Ashlee. I am 25 (soon to be 26) year old married mom who is just trying to find my place in life. I have created this blog to share my journey through my weight loss and workouts. I am a FIRM believer in Weight Watchers. I can honestly say it has changed my life. It has made me a better wife, a better mom, and overall a better person.

I have picked up the sport of running in the past few months. Running is my outlet. It is my escape from the real world. I love pushing my limits, and running farther and harder then I ever have. I am a C25K graduate. Currently my PR is 3 miles in about 34 minutes. I have signed up for my first 5k it is March 27, 2010.

In June of 2006 at 224.6 lbs I joined WW. I lost 51.2 lbs in 7 months. I maintained my weight of 173.4 until I became pregnant in September of 2007. I had a beautiful baby girl in May 2008. After I had my daughter my self esteem, and confidence were low. It took me until the beginning of this year for my weight loss journey to "click" again. I am now currently 171lbs!

I hope to post progress pictures, recipes, tips and motivation through out this blog. If you have any question at all please feel free to ask.

Thank you all for joining me as I find my WEIGH.

BEFORE NOW