“Robyn never even dressed out for P. E.”

I never thought I’d become who I am today. Never ever. Not a day in my life. My mom jokes pretty frequently with people, “Oh, Robyn never even dressed out for P.E.” and she is right.

I had weight loss surgery in September 2011. A lot of people take that as me “cheating” in my process or “faking” the work that I’ve done. I accept that criticism and bow my head to it. I had a truckload of medical problems including diabetes and surviving cancer. I was morbidly obese and my body felt like it had taken its own course over me.

I started running one week after surgery, thanks to a very dear friend who coerced me into signing up for a 5k while I was doing training for work in Baltimore, MD. Her notion was simple: it would be awfully convenient, because I would be in the area and it would be something we could both do to get our bodies into working order – and we’d be together and it would be AWESOME! The funny thing about that first race, was no matter how slow my completion time? I completed it and I was so PROUD of myself for battling my brain and keeping myself from giving up and giving in.

Here I am, a little more than a full year later – and totally grateful for that first experience. As Sarah and I trekked up a hill to her car, she looked at me and said, “I bet you’ll get addicted and start running these all the time.” She was right! I’ve done  six 5ks, one 10k, and two half marathons in a little more than a year.

If you’d have told me a year ago that I’d be training for a full marathon I’d probably have laughed until I was on the floor. Me? Run! Have you seen this body and how slowly it moves forward?

I’ve gone from a 14:00 pace to an 8:19 pace. I’ve gone from one breathless mile to thirteen miles with fuel left in the tank.

How did this happen? When did I become a runner? I tell people often “Oh. I’m not really a runner, I’m slow.” They ask me how often I run, my distance, things I’ve completed. I answer and they laugh. “You’re a runner!” I shrug it off, normally.

So? I run. My personal trainer appointed me a team captain of his run club, and I try my best to get people involved and active. I try my best to reach out to others – because I know we all have those moments of not being “there” yet.

My next goal is the completion of a triathlon and a full marathon by end of year. I’ve got plenty of things to learn and quite a way to go. But I’m ready! I’m so thrilled for the experience of joining this community and group of amazing people!

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Tags: 5K, cancer, diabetes, surgery, triathlon, weight loss