L. Nicole, one of the ladies in the Running in a Fat Suit challenge, was kind enough to share her story of how she overcame several things, even one last minute problem, to conquer a half marathon. Thanks for your story, girl, I know I am inspired!
In May of 2006 I was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. I felt very defeated and cheated in the beginning but in September I began to utilize an insulin pump. This changed my attitude and I decided I would beat this disease or at least begin to control it. Later in September I thought about doing something I had never done before that could also be beneficial to my current health situation. I decided to run a half-marathon.
The race was scheduled for April 15, 2007 so I trained from October 2006 -April 2007.
I did not use a plan. I started off with one that had me walk 5 minutes, run 2 etc., but that was not holding my attention. I decided I would do it on my own by keeping track of the distance I had run. I never did a practice run longer than 10 miles.
My greatest fear during this journey was failure to complete the run. I had told family, friends, co-workers and I was sure I would suffer huge embarrassment if I were not to finish what I started. Being overweight I believe this is what most people expected of me.
So the race began well. It was extremely crowded, about 10,000 participants. Miles 1-8 were a breeze and I had managed to remain with the 12 minute mile pace team. Once I reached mile 9 I was beginning to feel a bit tired, but not to the point that I was concerned about finishing. Well, right in front of the 10 mile marker my left knee popped. There was a popping sound and I could not bend it. I had not experienced pain like this before and I began to cry. Of course there were medics throughout the whole route and one suggested I let them check it out. All I could think of was completing the last three miles. So, being the superwoman I like to think I am, I began to drag my left leg towards the finish line. I wiped my tears and pressed on. I would cry here and there, but nothing was going to keep me from completing this journey. I was most surprised by my determination.
I completed the race at 3:50:52. A horrible time for a half-marathon, but all things considered I was overjoyed to have finished.
I have gone in for an MRI and all types of exams and nothing can be found. I am preparing to run this race again on Aprill 11, 2010 and I still feel discomfort in my knee from time to time, but I have decided to keep going. I am convinced as I lose weight the pressure on my knees will be reduced and things will be just fine.
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