Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Momentary Lapse of Sanity


I was going to blog about something else entirely tonight and then something happened that turned my brain around. My dad thinks I'm crazy, my mom is cheering, my husband and younger daughter are laughing (as am I), and my older daughter thinks I'm cool.

Last week, one of our local TV stations, WPTA-TV Channel 21 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, issued a plea for people to apply to be one of ten chosen to go through a training program for running a half-marathon later this year. They wanted people who'd never run before, people least likely to do this, basically people who are out of shape. And I guess, people who are a little bit crazy to even think about doing something like this, but do it anyway.

That would be me. So I applied.

When I got home from work this evening, there was this e-mail waiting in my inbox:


Congratulations!

You have been selected from the large number of applicants to participate in the Fort 4 Fitness Half-Marathon Training Group!

We will be having an introductory meeting on Thursday, February 28th. We will be getting to know each other and discussing the rationale and structure of the program as well as scheduling the training sessions. Please reply to this email to confirm your attendance. The meeting will last about 90 minutes.

We are extremely excited about your potential and the motivational impact your efforts will have on each other, your families and our community!!


They know I'm 50 years old. They know I've got fibromyalgia. They know I'm not doing it to lose weight. They know I don't exercise AT ALL. Surely they know what a challenge this is going to be for me, which is probably one reason they chose me.


I know you're asking why I would even want to do this if I hate exercise, don't do it, and have aching muscles much of the time. I have my reasons.

  1. I know I need to exercise. My doctor has told me this and that it will help my fibromyalgia.

  2. I hate to exercise and while I know I should do it, there is no way I will unless I'm in a regimented program where there's ... and here is the really important part ... ACCOUNTABILITY.

  3. I love a challenge, and believe me, this is a big one.

  4. It sounded like a good idea at the time.

At the meeting next Thursday night, when we meet with the physical therapist/athletic trainer that is in charge, I'll learn more of what I've actually gotten myself into.

Stay tuned ...



17 comments:

Chris said...

WOW! Great job! I'll be your cheerleader all the way :)
I exercise but I DON'T like it, you'll be amazed at how much new energy you'll have though. You'll do great...good luck!

Earth Girl said...

You don't count gardening as exercise?? Since this is a local channel for me too, I'll be watching. And one of my talks at the Home and Garden Show in Allen County is Thursday from 5 to 6.

Shady Gardener said...

Ohmygoodness! Keep us posted! :-)

Nancy said...

It sounds like a great opportunity!

Enjoy yourself.

Anonymous said...

The T-Shirt will be your bragging rights!! You go for it. I think you can do it. Course I'm 50 and wondering what would happen to my body--but I'll it through you and you'll post back to tell us how many band-aids it took!! Good luck.

Ewa said...

Good girl! I am proud of you :) very good decision - this will change your life.
I also want to do something different for myself concerning staying fit for next 50 years that are in front of me :)

Lisa at Greenbow said...

You Go Girl!!!! Just taking the step of signing up is an accomplishment. You will do just fine. Just think maybe this year you won't get so sore when you fist go out into the garden!! This in itself will be a great benefit.

A friend of mine turned 50 this past year and it was her goal to "walk" a half marathon. She did it. You can do this...

I on the other hand am a great Cheerleader. I will be behind you cheering every step of the way.

Frances, said...

I guess this would be the best way to make yourself exercise, there will be medical supervison so you won't damage anything, hopefully. We'll be rooting for you!

Frances at Faire Garden

Anonymous said...

What's the saying? Every day do something that scares you? You're doing it, and I think it's great. Way to go!

B said...

You Can do it Kylee...we'll be cheering for you!! On the sideline of course....smile!
Hugs,
B

Anonymous said...

I think this is just great. I don't know if I would have the guts to do this. Write a post on the meeting - I'd be interested in what you find out there.

Jan

Paul Myers said...

Congratulations. With the training you'll receive, I know you'll do well.

Katie said...

Kylee - that is amazing! You're going to feel so awesome once you really get into it. :0) Be sure to inform us of your progress.

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

I hope your going ahead and embracing this opportunity!

Wow! This sounds like so much fun.

Keep us posted!

:-) Beth

Kylee Baumle said...

It's taken me all evening just to get all your wonderful comments published. I don't know if it's the frigid temperatures or the lunar eclipse, but my internet connection has been hanging by a thread all night, so I'm going to answer you all in one.

I may be being idealistic by thinking I can do this, but I'm not in it to win it. I'll feel good if I can survive the training! I've always been a positive thinker, and I think I'll be able to do it, even though it will be far from easy.

I've decided to document the whole experience on another blog that I just set up tonight, entitled "See Kylee Run." That wasn't the title I wanted (See How She Runs), but that was already taken. When I get it all ready with the first post, I'll let you know!

Thanks so much for your encouragement! I'm sure going to need it!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!! I have never been a runner, I would rather walk, but it sure sounds like fun! Good luck!

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

Congratulations! What an honor to be chosen! You're going to be great. I can't wait for you to chronicle this journey on your blog.

YAY!
Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage

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