Tears of Pride

Today I completed 100 miles in 29 days for the challenge, Just Do It June, created by my dear friend, Stephanie. There were days I didn't want to go to the gym. There were times it was flat out difficult to get motivated. Thankfully, those days were few. I missed three days out of 29 and managed to make those days up. Doing the intense cardio became such a stress relief that I really enjoyed it. The support group that developed as a result of the challenge helped immensely. Stephanie is creating another challenge for us in July and I can't wait. My chiropractor wants to join now!!! I had to do five miles today to finish and when I did I walked right into Sonya's office. (Sonya, owner of the gym, my cheerleader, and friend) I said, "I did it. I did it. I did 100 miles in 29 days." Then my tears came. And so did Sonya's. (This is what makes her such a great cheerleader! Sonya cries when I cry in pain, sadness, or joy. Mostly, Sonya reminds me of how far of I have come in this journey. She vividly remembers the day when I walked into the gym. I told her I was going to give it a try. She reminds me of the lack of self confidence I had on that day. The growth has been amazing.) I'm so blessed to have Sonya there to share these celebrations and milestones with me. She is a blessing for sure. As I left the gym I called my mom, "I did it mom. I did it. 100 miles in 29 days." "Oh Honey, I am not surprised. I knew you could do it." I cried again. My mom has been a big cheerleader for me in this as well. I came home and saw my honey. I said, "I did it. 100 miles in 29 days." He said, "I knew you would and I was the first person to respond to your post. Read it." Dave gets to see me at my worst through this whole thing. Whether it be the time commitment (19 hours and 20 minutes this month) or the sore muscles. He is another great piece of my support system. All my messages on FB from followers. Wow that helps so much. Keep em coming. I appreciate them so much. We had another member of the challenge who was doing no exercise, started the challenge 10 days late and is already doing 5 miles in an hour and five minutes. It's stories like this that continue to inspire me. We all have to continually seek our inspiration from others because it's never easy. A weird thing happened last Sunday. I had to go give a presentation for the Northland Childhood Hunger Fund (great charity with which I am involved). Anyway this presentation took place in a very nice home. I was standing in the foyer and I happened to glance a person. I don't know how to really explain this except that I was looking into the biggest mirror I had ever seen. It was 14 feet long. Once it occurred to me I was looking at a mirror I did a double take. The person I had caught a glimpse of was ME!!! It was ridiculous. I didn't readily recognize me. It's a strange phenomenon for sure when you don't realize you are looking at yourself. It reminded me of a conversation I had with Trainer Mike on the phone before ever meeting him in person. He asked me what my goals were and I said, "I want to be able to look in the mirror and not be disgusted." Readers, I'm not disgusted anymore. I'm PROUD! During the challenge I didn't measure...EEEERRRR! I'm going to do that soon. I did weigh. I'm 5 pounds down. 5 in a month. I realized I haven't added some pics on here in a while. The following one was taken this week.

Tears of Pride...I was moving. I did more cardio for these past 29 days than I have done in any month since beginning this journey two years ago. AND I was going for longer periods of time at much higher intensity than ever before. I am proud at how far I've come. Thank You to each of you for cheering me on and supporting me! If you hear of some random girl announcing to everyone she sees..."I did it. I did 100 miles in 29 days" Just say, "Ya. I know. That's my gal Bunchy. :) Cause seriously, I told the checkout lady at Wal Mart. Now...I'm getting off of here. We are leaving for Yellowstone tomorrow morning. VACATION HERE WE COME!!! When I get back, I'll post about the newest challenge. And even though I will miss the first week, I'm going to make it my goal to meet the challenge. :)