It wasn't long after I started Weight Watchers that two people I love dearly joined in the program - my sister-in-law (and best friend), Kirsten and brother-in-law, Matt. I had learned from other weight loss programs that if you have a group who are working toward the same weight loss goal it works out much better for all involved, especially of the members of that group are folks you spend time with on a regular basis. It was not long after they started Weight Watchers that my sister-in-law said she wanted to prepare to do the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Throughout the months we would talk about it now and then, and I would reluctantly agree to do the 5K walk on September 20th, all the while knowing that the day was a long way away and surely I could find some excuse to get out of it. After all, it was 5K and I had never thought of myself as being able to do 5K of anything.
Well to make a fairly long story short (the story of my various plans for backing out), I have just returned home this afternoon from a wonderful weekend with my best friend and can tell you with a smile on my face that we did it! We walked the 5K in the Race for the Cure in Portland. And...we did it in about an hour (or a bit less we think - the timer that was posted was for the other race). We talked a lot on the bus ride back to our car. Mostly we talked about the accomplishments of the goals we had set during these past few months. My first goal was to be more active, something I worked towards back in May and June when we not once, but twice, walked around the trail of the South Falls of Silver Creek Falls. The trail which is definitely partially inclined, and probably about 2.3 miles. That may not seem like much to some, but for me it was my first mountain. The secone goal was a funny one I guess - to ride a bicycle. Done. We went camping with Matt and Kirsten last month and for the first time in over eight years, I rode a bicycle - a lot! And now, we've completed the 5K walk in the Race for the Cure.
Now I'll admit that when Kirsten asked me today if I wanted to run in the 5K race next year, I was very non-committal. My mind is saying baby steps. But the truth is, I've compelted three things in the past few months I never thought I'd be able to do - or do again in the case of the bicycle.
So I say all this to say that I am so grateful for Kirsten for the last several months. Her encouragement has been wonderful and I've accomplished things that I really didn't think I could. It's made me a better person and I will be eternally grateful.
Now it's time to set some new goals. I don't know what they are yet, but I know I can reach them. I may need a kick in the south end now and then, but I know I have someone on my side who is more than willing to dole it out. I'm thankful for this friend who challenges me to be a better me. Thanks Kirsten.
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