I did something tonight.

Something big.

Something I’ve never done before.

I pulled a Tara in the gym. (Love you, Tara!)

So what do I mean by that? I went crazy hardcore and impressed everybody?

No.

I teared up. Emotionally, I had a freaking major breakthrough on the treadmill.

So, why did I almost turn into a blubbery, crying mess on the treadmill?

And what on Earth does Hoku have to do with it?

I put the song “Perfect Day” on repeat on my iPod. (Don’t judge me for my music tastes. It’s just too easy to do, and there’s no real sport in it.)

I turned on the treadmill, prepared to run one minute longer than I had yesterday.

I didn’t do that.

I ran for 1.55 miles.

Without stopping.

Did I mention that the farthest I’ve ever ran before without stopping was half a mile?

I don’t know what all contributed, but it was several things. I know a lot of you are supporting me in my efforts to become healthier and, dare I say it, become a runner. Thinking of you all helped. A lot. So thank you for being in my corner.

And it was this particular set of lyrics in the song.

I’m in the race but I already won,
And getting there can be half the fun,
So don’t stop me ’til I’m good and done,
Don’t you try to rain on my perfect day.

I realized I was making my body do something it had never done before, and it wasn’t even that hard. Challenging, yes, but certainly doable.

I realized I’m an athlete. I may weigh over 350 pounds, but I am an athlete.

And it hit me – I’m going to do this.

I’m going to make it to goal weight, and I’m not going to live the life I always wanted to have someday.

I’m living it now.

Related Posts:

• My First 5K
• Vlog 2: A Breakthrough
• An Open Letter from my Muse to Myself #2 –