The Fit Dish: Favorite Fitness Accomplishments

Hello fitfam and friends! Welcome to Tuesday's Fit Dish! Today we're bragging a little (or a lot) so grab a seat and get comfy while we dish the fit!

Per usual, I'm linking up with Jessica @ The Fit Switch and Jill @ Jill Conyers.

Today's topic: Your Favorite Fitness Accomplishments  

As a runner, I've had my share of ups and downs. I've dealt with numerous injuries (most of which were caused by my own stubbornness) had times of burn out, but I've also had many triumphs and victories.

I'd like to share with you all the mile that started it all. 

Finishing my first 5 mile race!
So relieved I finished!

When I first started running almost 3 years ago, I couldn't even run for more than 30 seconds at a time. I remember the pain in my lungs like it was yesterday. I remember how my bouncing, heavy body felt with each step. I hated every second of it but loved it because it didn't take much brain work to put one foot in front of the other. I was bored with working out in my living room, waving my arms and kicking my legs as I watched thin women in tights and leotards prance around as if they weighed nothing. So I laced up my casual Sketchers and went for my first run. By the way, newbies: invest in New running shoes. Do not wear whatever you have laying in your closet!

Our first 5k together. We both placed 2nd in
our age group! This picture shows sheer joy,
despite my broken thumb...

I, like many others, used the couch to 5k training plan. It worked wonderfully to keep me moving but why couldn't I run an entire mile without a walk break?! My husband began running soon after I did but it was much easier for him since he didn't have 50+ lbs to lose.

We started running at the high school track so our kids could play on the field while we ran. (And walked)

I had a couple miles planned but I knew there would be walking. Until my amazing husband gave me some advice: try to run one entire mile without stopping. I was so intimidated by the challenge but I wanted to be able to run a full mile non stop so bad, I said ok.

Then I ran. One glorious, yet painful mile. My lungs felt like they exploded and I'm pretty sure I tasted blood. I will never forget that feeling of accomplishment when I slapped his hand at the end. I get a little choked up thinking about it. That mile changed my life. I felt set free. I did it! I went on to run my first 5k, finishing 4th in my age group and not taking one walk break! Since then I've run several 5k's, a 2 miler, and a 5 miler. I am now training for my first half marathon-which I never even thought would cross my mind!

That day I learned I could do anything if I wanted it badly enough. I also learned I love a good challenge! ;-)

So, what is one of your fitness accomplishments? Go ahead, brag a little. :-D