https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/promotions/2007-12-12/571454/

Trail that Lighted my Path

, December 12, 2007, 11:30am,

Oh my gosh, there were so many people there. I could not believe it. I was so excited, that nervous thing I was talking about earlier, yea that went away fast. I was so excited that my diabetes was going low (weird) luckily I had some pick me ups. This was very exciting , I can wait until the next one. We even had Ian there, actually a picture of Ian was pinned to Lizzy's back! it was just so exciting.

During training I assumed that only people that showed up would be skinny to average people attended these events. Yea, No! There were all sizes of people. So I finished not last as I dreamed the night before, but at 1 hour and 9 minutes. I stopped twice for 15 seconds and pushed my self by jogging down hill. This event was so refreshing. I could not completed this if it wasn't for everyone giving me support.

Now for real!! Yes there were times I wish it was over and I could not myself going for more. I almost died after I saw the two mile marker. My shirt was completely soaked. I was hoping for that hot coco stand to be open. Though I did notice on the way back they had a shortcut for people that did not want to walk the complete 3 miles. Yea that was very tempting, but then I thought of: I wonder if anyone was waiting on me at finish line? If Ian was here which he do? If I quit now then I would be back to my old self. Starting something and not finishing it. So I went trucking on. I pushed myself hard As I was coming to the finish line I saw Ingrid, I almost cried and asked her if she would carry me, but back to reality, she and little Becky walked with me back to finish line. Drew and his women was there at the finish line waiting for me. I really did not know If I was going to complete this, I was hot, tired, legs were killing me, and yea... 1 hour and 9 minutes later I crossed that finish line, and felt accomplished of this goal. I was not huffing and puffing, I had a steady breath crossing over.

After cooling off and eating some fabulous chicken with vegetables from my sponsor Zen Food Fast. I saw Cassandra and her BF, and ate with them. I drove home, while texting everyone that was not there my finished time. I was so proud of myself. I felt accomplished. I am glad that I pushed and had been pushed during training. As Patrick asked me if I wanted him to stop pushing me, (I thought hmm he could just push me in a wheel chair tonight), but before I could answer he said he will not stop, cause he believes I can do this. I can do this and with me completing this unforeseeable goal. I am going to take the offer from Adam owner of Zen Food Fast. I will continue to show up every Saturday and train, for a better tomorrow. Now that I have a set time, I will strive for a faster time. When I got home I needed a shower I was totaly drenched even my socks were soaked. I stayed in that night and just relaxed. The next day, I though to my self I just did something to changed my life I completed a 5k, so most people I would probably rest the next day. Not me I went to the gym and worked out. did about 10 minutes on the bike, and then did various weight lifting. After talking with some co-workers and Drew. I will no longer use treadmill unless it is a bad day outside. I will be using the gym for my weight lifting and and cardio classes, and swimming.. Walking and soon to jog will be done outside.

So Yes If your there you will see me next Saturday, I also encourage you all to come out!! Here some information about what goes on out there:

"Team Zen. Team Zen is FREE and promotes getting our community to live healthier and fuller lives. Zen Japanese Food Fast partnered with RunTex and the Brain & Spine Center to create a running group open to anyone and everyone. Every Saturday at 8:00 a.m. you can head down to Auditorium Shores on Lady Bird Lake, and coach Patrick Guy from RunTex University will be on hand to help you achieve your goals. Zen will provide you with a Tokyo breakfast and coffee after your coached walk or run. Once a month, in partnership with Team Brain & Spine at Brackenridge, there will be a seminar on nutrition, injury prevention, and running programs to help your training. Additionally, Zen Japanese Food Fast has worked with a nutritionist to offer three different meal plans to help you in your quest to eat healthier and smarter."

If it was not for the Chronicle, I would have never received the opportunity to better my life style, and learned how to be physical healthy. Thank you Erin and Sadie. I am pumped, my sweat glands are ready, my spirit is high as a Marvin Gaye said "Let's get it on" (exercising that is).