Update

[credding]

So it has been quite a while since I have last posted. Have not running much lately, usually would try to get in a 2 mile run every Thursday on my prep period. Since my first post a lot has happened. The school year of 2016~17 was the turning point. I still remember those comments that were said that started this whole process. One was after my students ran the PACER and said, "how can you tell us 'you can do it', when you can't". The other was when one 8th grader was leaving on her last day and said, "don't die on us". But there was also another event that happened the previous year. In June of 2016 as one of my coworkers was leaving on her last day while giving her a goodbye hug, she said, "Aw you do love me". I know what she meant because we used to talk in the mornings and give each other crap, in a friendly manner. She showed up to school in June of 2017 to see some people and the students that she was with since they were 6th graders. Later that summer, of it settled in that I did love them. I also thought about her and how good she looked and that she was in great shape even though she had longer hours and was now working year round. These people were part of my family and I needed to do something to stay around. That is when I started to run and found the C25K program. Later that summer one of my brother-in-laws, quite a bit younger than me, had a minor heart attack and had to have a stint put in. Then just last year my other brother-in-law, only a few months younger than me, passed away due to a heart attack. I realize that I had already been doing something to help my health, but running was not enough. I have since joined CrossFit as well as a gym and have working hard to get into shape. I completed my first "Murph" this last Memorial Day and think I did pretty good, considering I have never done anything like that before. I think that we all need to find our inspiration and passion. I hope to someday personally thank the three people who really inspired me to change. As I grow in wisdom, I realize how powerful words are how much a simple "thank you" can mean.

God Bless

[backintime Graduate]

It's great how you turned yourself around. It's true that motivation can come from anywhere, we just need to run with it, and you certainly did. A very inspiring story, thank you.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Realising you matter to people is a great motivator. And you do matter ! Keep it up, and keep us posted, cos we care too x