Thank you for this posting!

I actually a a woman behind me tell her friend line up behind me, look at me and say,"Let's move over, I don't want to get stuck behind any slow, fat people."  Can you believe that?

Thank you for this article. 

Shannon

Thank you for your post.  Your message mirrors my sentiments exactly.  I got to meet you at the WDW Marathon weekend speech you did and told you of my husband and my weight loss.  Together we have lost over 180 pounds.  We have changed our lives with our own two feet.  Both growing up very overweight and extremely inactive.  We have turned our lives around by working hard and learning to eat right and exercise, but it certainly hasn't been easy.  When my husband finished the Goofy Challenge this year, it was an extraordinary accomplishment for someone who was over 300 pounds three years ago and was over 200 in the seventh grade.  I myself have lost 63 pounds and have to work very hard to lose the rest due to a thyroid disorder.  Over the past three years, I have done many 5K races, a 10K, a half-marathon and a super sprint Danskin triathlon.  This has pushed me way beyond my limits.  I love it! 

However, I get very upset at races where people talk about the slow people who won't get out of their way or the guy at my second 5K who asked me why I was there if I was just going to walk. I was so upset that I haven't done that race again.  I wanted to show him that I once was a fat teenager who never even went outside to sweat and I had lost over 60 pounds, but I was pushing harder than him because I couldn't even talk.  Who did he think he was? 

I purchased a shirt with a saying of yours, it says "I'm Slow.  I Know.  Get Over It."  I love that shirt!  I'm out there pushing...working everyday to get healthier and love the journey.  It's something I'll work at everyday for the rest of my life no matter what the number is on the scale because even when I get to my goal weight, I'll still need to stay healthy and I think that truly is where people get messed up.

You are so right movement is THE most important part of getting healthy.  I think it's very important to start by getting the kids moving.  Many of the schools don't even have gym class anymore due to funding, or they may have it once a week.  Of course the best way to get our kids moving is by example.  I love when the races have kids runs connected with them and I also love seeing parents walking or running with their children in 5K's and other races.  Get the kids moving and it will carry through to adulthood. 

BTW, my husband would totally buy a book with that title as I'm sure lots of men would - you'd make millions.

thanks John - you are an ongoing source of inspiration when I lose track of my health/fitness goals. I epsecially appreciate your heart for those of us who will never medal in an event but know we are blessed to be there!