Saturday, April 10, 2010

The Results are In: 5K Complete


Last year was my first 5k. I was 2 months (and I think one week) post op. I had been walking since surgery, starting with 1 mile and building up until I could complete 3.2.

The day we did the 5k, I was 50 pounds down, weighing in at 277. I finished the race in 53 minutes, as a walker. And it was awesome.

Today I am 195, so 80 pounds lighter. I haven't walked or timed myself since last year, so I was hoping to shave off at least 4 minutes.

Today I walked the 5k in 43 minutes! Ten minutes faster than last year!

Let me give you the story, now that you have the stats.

We got there and I was feeling good. Nervous. But good. Once we took the obligatory Amy/Tracey modeling shots, we lined up and the race started. I encouraged Tracey to actually leave me and walk as fast as he could (he can't run bc of his knee). I wanted him to beat one of male coworkers who is also a walker. So Tracey took off walking like a bat out of hell and I lost sight of him in about 4 minutes.

Now it was just me and my brain. No iPod. No music.

I was walking as fast as my stubby little legs could take me. I would see a skinny person walking in front of me, get them in my crosshairs, and try to catch them. Oh...I caught them. And then I passed them.

Buh Buh Skinny Person.

On to the next one. And that is how I progressed. I couldn't believe I was passing people. People that looked like they actually walked once in awhile to stay in shape.

I chatted with them of course as I passed. Making little jokes to make them giggle. I didn't want to crush their spirit...as I stomped their ass into the ground.

Do you know what kept me motivated? Zumba. Stop signs. And you. First, I kept telling myself that I was not yet as winded as Zumba makes me...so I knew I could give more. Second, everytime I saw a stop sign, I thought the universe was using reverse psychology on me...taunting me. I said OH NO YOU DON'T UNIVERSE! I am not stopping. So I started going faster. And then there was you guys. I kept repeating, "Bloggers, Bloggers, Bloggers...you are doing this for the bloggers".

I will tell you that the longest part of any race is the last mile. Sweet mother of longevity...it seems to never end. Well, I lit whatever fire there was left under my ass and started walking so fast I thought I might fall over.

I crossed that finish like strong, happy, and smiling. I took third in my age group.

Tracey took Master Male...which in 5k lingo means the second fastest male out of ALL the male walkers!


Let us take a look at the photographic evidence. This first montage is me last year. I think you can click on it to make it bigger.
The "hold your number" pose.

Look at poor Tracey couldnt get his arms around me last year!
Next, here is me winning my award. I was doing the two handed pump here to the crowd.

I love this picture. I look happy, healthy, and...like Amy.


Showing off our medals!


Loves you guys! Hope your weekend is FABULOUS!


45 comments:

  1. I am so proud of you!! GREAT job!! ;-)

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  2. Awesome job Amy!! You rocked that 5k!! And Congrats to Tracey :)

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  3. Amy you little speed walker you! I had the SAME TIME :) , only that was at my "run". Way to rock it girl!

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  4. that is soooo awesome and you looked soooo great!!!

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  5. AMY!! I am a blubbering fool right now. I started crying while looking at your before photos. I knew how much you have changed in one year...I knew it was going to be a HUGE difference. AND IT WAS! You look so happy and healthy. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for being you and inspiring me every day. Seriously..I'm still crying. I'm so happy for you!!

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  6. Congrats to you Amy! Looks like a wonderful time. You are inspiring me to try something like this too. Oh, and kudos to Tracy as well, getting 2nd place!
    Thanks for sharing with us. You have done some amazing things in a short time.

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  7. I already commented on some on Facebook, but Dammit, looking at them on here got me all teary eyed. Your before and afters....wow. Amy...You.Are.Beautiful. Well, you always have been, but my god, you are freaking gorgeous and you really do look so happy and healthy :)

    So proud of you!

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  8. Congrats, hun! That is awesome!!!

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  9. That's FANTASTIC!! Congrats! I'm going to try to get Shannon to do a run/walk with me...I showed her your pictures, maybe that will motivate? AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!

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  10. Amazing job!!!! You are just beautiful! And you and Tracey just make the cutest couple!!!!

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  11. You Rock! What a great accomplishment

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  12. Way to go! And I'm so jealous of the lovely beach.

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  13. well done! the difference in the pictures is amazing as always :) have a good week end

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  14. Those before and after photos are AMAZING!! You should be very proud of yourself! xoxo, camille

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  15. Look at your pictures!! Holy mother. You should be so proud of yourself!! And to take 10 minutes off your time is awesome!!!

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  16. Amazing Amy!!! Way to go on 3rd in your age group!So proud of you! I must know where you got that shirt I want it! no I need it lol :) the tie die one! XO

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  17. Wow,Wow WOW!! I am sooo proud of you Amy!! That is a huge deal to shave off 10 minutes.

    I say it all the time but you are my inspiration. I will be doing the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in October which is a 5K run/fitness walk and I know I be thinking of the cure and you, Amy the whole way.

    go speed racer go

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  18. Well done Amy. Congrats to you and Tracey!

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  19. You look awesome! What a difference a year makes :) Thanks for the inspiration.

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  20. SO proud of you Ames!! You look gorgeous as usual and so happy. xoxo

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  21. I very much enjoyed the pictures! You are clearly a superstar! Well done!

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  22. OH my punky is all growing up and kicking ass and taking names. I wish we all could have been waiting at the finish for you - maybe some day. Wouldn't that be cool - can you imagine the tears? Congrats!

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  23. Third in your age group- that is fucking awesome!!!!!!!

    Rock on Workman. Rawk on.

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  24. You rock! And I agree, I love the pic you said you love, too. You look very happy and like the gorgeous sunshiney Amy that you are! I'm so proud of you!!!

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  25. We love you Amy. You are such an inspiration to us all. Congratulations!

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  26. You on that stage makes me smile. And giggle. I imagine you working that crowd. :)

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  27. That is awesome - what a great result!!

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  28. You go girl!!! woot woot! You look just fantastic. and strong and happy! I love your pics - and you and Tracy are such a great looking couple!

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  29. You go girl! What an amazing time you got too! I esp. like the two handed pump photo. Very Rocky-esque

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  30. You rock! So proud of you. You were my inspiration to start the c25k, I can't get passed that first week yet, but I know I will sometime post op.
    Congrats to you and Tracey! So very happy for you.

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  31. wow! that is awesome and you look amazing! the comparison pics are eye opening huh? def email me your address i think it's time for your jared shot! :-)

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  32. Hi Amy,
    I guess I am what you could call a baby bandster....well by 11:00 today I will be! I just wanted to let you know that I have been reading your blog over the last few days and have been so inspired by you. I hope that I can be as down to earth and open about this whole process as you are. Thanks for putting yourself out there. I will be starting a blog soon. After looking at all of ya'lls blogs, my biggest realization is that this network of support has been one of the most important things in helping all of ya'll succeed. I can't wait to start my journey and continue to learn from yours!

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  33. I just wanted to say, "Congrats." I wish I could've made it. :( I was going to call you, but this turned into a crazy weekend. I forgot about something I had scheduled Saturday AM too, so that turned out to be the nail in the coffin. :(

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  34. Fantastic! How can I find out where the next 5k will be? I think I would enjoy it too. Your profile picture is beautiful!

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  35. You have me crying at my desk again, Amy. You have to stop doing that! Just kidding, keep the motivation coming! Your pictures are amazing, you have come so far and are so beautiful.

    I am doing a 6K this Sunday and I am nervous as hell. I even thought about backing out of it, but that is just not a possibility after reading this! Love ya! <3

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  36. Love it!! You have accomplished so much!

    Sending good mojo your way...

    hugs,
    Keelie

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  37. well done Amy! Your walk was as fast as my first 5k jogging! You look great and happy and all I can say is WOW!

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  38. Did I ever tell you, you're my heroe....
    I'm so proud, you look absolutely stunning.

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  39. Amy you are amazing! Congradulations~!

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  40. YOU LOOK SO AMAZING AMY!! :o)

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  41. Congrats! You look great with your medal!

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