Marathon Woman

Okay - I am going for it.

I have two friends I'm thinking of who have become marathon-ers since I have first met them - both moms who turned to the marathon to be their next challenge. I am continually inspired by them and get the privilege of following their progress via Facebook.

A life-long-struggler-with-weight, I have come to the conclusion that exercise is my only hope for peace and balance. I have had two major weight-losses in my life: Jenny Craig & Weight Watchers. The weight gain happened gradually over 10 years after my Jenny Craig stint - and 2 twin pregnancies happened after the Weight Watchers' success. I am now at my weight before the 2nd twin pregnancy in 2006, which is 20+ pounds up from the 1st one in 2003.

I have, at the age of 43, flirted with accepting myself at this new weight - after all, I read once that Kathleen Turner, that 80's sex symbol, commented that after a certain point a woman has to choose between her face and her rear-end. Hmmm; I could live with having a more full, youthful face and a little more booty - after all, "Baby Got Back", right? But, try as I might, I can't shake the memory of how great it felt to be a little bit farther down the scale. And those few times always came after a season of disciplined exercise.

Besides, I am so tired of watching what I eat. I have read "French Women Don't Get Fat", "The Weigh-Down Workshop", "Stop The Madness", and any other number of books on the subject. There are great concepts in them all. This time, I am going with my gut.

I am going to eat what I like, within reason, and stop counting calories and points. And, beginning last week, I am going to slowly work up to the Disney Marathon (one of my favorite places on Earth) and, for my 45th birthday in December of 2010, I am going to run it. If I like the experience, I am going to work towards the New York City marathon, because (cue the music): "I ---- love New York!!!!" And then, maybe I will try the marathon in Hawaii since I have always wanted to go there, too. I REFUSE to spend my young children's lives being unfit and unhappy - plus, I want to set an example for them to be athletic and fit all their lives long.

So - Cheryl and Libby - thanks for inspiring me. Keep it up and pull for me as I walk and run out this dream! I know you've been there and are cheering me on already.