Friday, January 23, 2009

Send your good thoughts my way

Something just happened to me that made me decide to be really blunt and honest here. Okay, it's no secret that I am overweight. I realize that I am carrying around an extra 30 pounds, even though I have lost 22 pounds since October. Recently, I started a training program that you may have heard of called couch to 5k. This program is designed to take someone who does very little physical activity to running a 5k in about 2 months. I am currently in my third week of training for this program, so several times a week I go out running in my neighborhood as soon as Keith walks in the door.

And now to the point of this blog post. Today while I was running, I passed a group of kids, and one of them shouted out, "Look at that fat lady trying to run!"
Yes. This happened to me.
I have not been fat my whole life, and this is the first time something like this has been directed at me. It made me think about people who were overweight as kids--they must have had things like this happen to them pretty regularly. We all know kids can be mean. I have never been known for having thick skin, and I will admit that this really bothered me. At first I just tried to brush it off, but for the rest of my run, I just kept hearing that twerp yelling, "Look at that fat lady trying to run!"
I'm serious about training for a 5k and trying to get in shape, but I am feeling a little frustrated right now.

20 comments:

Sam said...

What a bunch of meanies!!

Good luck on the running thing. I tried last summer, but did not have the commitment truly to keep it up. We (Angela & a few friends) would go to the local school track at an early hour, so no one around but us (and all the little twerps were still asleep so no nasty comments)! But I personally did not care for running, did not like how my knees felt. For me, it's any excuse not the exercise though!! Angela might have some ideas to keep you motivated? She was an inspiration to me - without her I would not have even tried. But she was ruthless ... "'cmon Sam, you can run 1 more lap!" No... I can't!! (whine, whine) and she'd make me do it anyway.

Anonymous said...

Where are they? I will go kick them for you! Then they can laugh at me to...

Sorry that happened to you.

Vicki said...

Well, you're looking good! That kid needs to shut his trap!

John R. said...

Like you said, those kids' parents were probably inside sitting on the couch, doing nothing productive, and chowing down on who knows what. You're the one doing the right thing. Right for you, right for your family. And, little do they know you're actually setting an example for them. Isn't it better to try to do something unexpected than not at all?

You keep it up. I had firefighters make fun of me--people I would typically hail as heroes because of their jobs. But just keep looking forward to the day people say hello, smile at you and cheer you on. Chin up!

Jolynn said...

I want to go slap him right now. But I am glad you didn't lash out, and just ignored him. I'm sure that is the rational thing to do. But you just have to keep on a goin', and you'll show them in a month or two! Seriously, you are doing so well, and you can't let a mean little *#@% make you feel bad. I guess he hasn't been taught anything about couth and kindness.

cassidy said...

I think you look really good and it's really cool that you have already lost 22 pounds! Like I told you earlier, kids have a warped view of people. They're ruthless, but they really don't know what they're talking about. You really do look great. Little do those kids know...they're going to gain weight real soon if they just sit around in their yard watching other people exercise. Anyways, it sounds like couch to 5k is going well - keep on a goin!

Lexi said...

i agree that you look really good. its awesome you have lost that much weight already. lets go running next time i see you. keep on a goin!

Sarah & Eddie said...

What bullies! I used to go running all the time before Kaylee was born and I'd hate to be spotted by someone I knew....my biggest fear was always someone at church telling me they saw me run. Thankfully my parents bought us a treadmill, and though it's not the same as running a "course", I enjoy the privacy.
Sorry you had to be bullied...totally not cool!

Charlene said...

I think it is horrible the way some of these kids act. I personally think you look fabulous. You are a true inspiration to me. Keep up the great work and ignore the little punks out there, who haven't been taught better!

The Frosts said...

Teenagers can be such idiots!!! When I saw you at preschool I thought you looked AMAZING! I swear with each baby it just gets harder. I wish you lived closer, cuz us "fat ladies" could run together:).

Maylene said...

That is so mean. I would be horrifed if one of my kids ever said something like that. I think it is really cool that you are trying to do something like that to become more healthy :) If I lived closer I would love to join you for a run. Good luck with all that and keep us posted how it is going.

Melanie said...

22 lbs since October?? That is AMAZING! Keep it up, when I started running after I had my 3rd baby, it was so discouraging. At first I could only run for 3 minutes at time, then I would walk 2 and run 3 ect. I was ready to quit when my sweet sister in law encouraged me on. That was almost 9 years ago and hundreds of miles ago. Today she doesn't even remember the kind words of encouragement she offered, but getting into shape changed my life! I still struggle with my weight, but reading your blog and Vicki's has really been inspiring for me! Keep it up and lets do a race together sometime! YOU'RE AWESOME

Lexi said...

my friend natalie says you should bring eggs next time...

Fritzsche's said...

That makes me furious! For one thing you are not FAT! I know what it's like to be a little overweight but I would never think of you as that FAT lady. That's insane. Keep it up and don't be discouraged by some stupid kid who obviously has a huge lack of respect for others. I have recently started up my treadmill and it is extremely hard to do everyday but every time it's hard just remember that one day you'll be running and that same kid might just whistle! You look great and next time you should either go talk to that kids mom or punch him in the face. That's just disgusting that someone is raising a child that shallow and disrespectful.

linds said...

kids are mean, i know i work with the worst of them everyday. keep up the good work. i loved gina's comment. next time, that same kid will whistle....what a weasle. i am proud of you, keep working hard.

Meghan said...

what a silly little man. ty also had a mean comment from a kid (his) about his weight... i blame biggest loser. in any case, you are in no way a fat lady. nice work on the progress so far. i wonder if you will share the program. i could use some incentive to get off the couch...

Michele Anderson said...

Unfortunately kids can be so mean. You are by no means a "fat lady." When I was riding my bike a few weeks ago - helmet and all of course - I passed a kid who called me a nerd. I bet he wouldn't be saying it if something happened to him w/o a helmet. It's so easy to make fun of people, especially when you don't think much of yourself.

By the way, Congrats on losing 22 lbs already! That's amazing dedication! I'm going to try my first 5k this Saturday and I'm pretty nervous. We'll have to try to run something together some time!

Brandi Jo said...

Hey keep it up. You are looking great! If anything else... use it as motivation. That is what I do! :-) So, what 5k are you going to run? or is it just a goal! You'll have to let me know. I was planning on running a 5 K in December, but had back surgery instead. Now, it is like starting over again. :-(

Amy O'Neill said...

It is terrible the lack of respect some kids have!!! I know it is hard (because I am self conscious when I run!!) but don't let what a bunch of punk kids think keep you from your goal. That is awesome that you have lost 22lbs. so far!! Keep it up!!

Gardner Family said...

I'm going to TRY and leave my comment--AGAIN!!! I don't know what happened before....
So, those kids were scabby punks!!!
You are an inspiration to us couch jockeys. Keep it up. You looked great when we went to Real Deals the other night. And good job on less spending, too! I can only dream of the day when I have as much restraint.