When?

When did it happen? When did I suddenly become 'athletic'? Well, I can say that I'm an athlete, but I still question my level of athleticism. When?

When did I start drinking protein drinks instead of soda? When did i start finding healthy alternative to yummy gu chomps?

I surprise myself! Three years ago a journey began...like life in general, I didn't know I had trekked a new path. My BFF asked me to join her for a 5K at Disney; I laughed of course because 3.1 miles is for people trained to do so. I wasn't 'fit', and I couldn't imagine being so. For some reason, I said yes. It was a long three miles; she left me after 100 feet. I was shocked that I finished, and I wanted to do it again.

Later in 2007, I did a 6.5K at Disney (Tower of Terror), a night race, and again, it was almost fun. That hooked me. I started exercising more, and in 2008, I did about 7 races. I even did the Minnie Marathon 15K. 2009 brought a half marathon challenge; I thought I was prepared but not really. I finished it, but I struggled; struggled more than I liked.

In 2009, I decided I was going to do a full marathon, 26.2 miles of craziness. Everyone I know thought I was crazy. Nonetheless, I signed up for Team in Training, and my journey follows in the older blog posts. I learned about sneaker shopping and rediscovering the joy of spandex. I ate Clif Shot Bloks and Gu Chomps. I even got addicted to the Biggest Loser season 8(?).

In January 2010, I completed the full marathon. It wasn't easy. I pushed through that event and finished. Aw, the glory. My pain would ease up quickly, while those I walked for were stuck in hospitals.

This year, I decided to do it again. I am a fast walker, and my new challenge is running a good distance of the half marathon. I joined the Y, and I'm even exploring new 'healthy' smoothies. Scary enough, I may actually learn how to swim and get back on a bike; not turning into a tri-athlete yet.

I've been pushing myself in new ways. I'm learning to train without machines to do strength training, and I just went to my first boot camp class. I've done some yoga too.

So I ask when did this happen? When did I actually get a little excited about going to workout? It's surprising, yet exciting.

What's great is that I can embrace, love it and leave all the sweat behind (or on the road, treadmill, weight machine or studio floor).

So thanks for letting me share my journey with you.