Mom's First 5K
This weekend, my 45-year-old-in-September mom strapped on her tennies and ran a 5K. While a first 5K is a huge milestone for anyone, this particular run was especially meaningful to my mom.
You see, three years ago, this would never have been possible. My mom was clinically "morbidly obese" (a definition create by BMI scores), and was told that if she didn't do something about it, in 10 years her knees would not be able to handle it, and she would no longer walk on her own accord.
After many failed attempts at weight loss, my mom and her doctor decided that gastric bypass would be the best route for her. So, she began the LONG process--support groups, exercise classes, losing 10% of her body weight, evaluations by doctors, psychiatrists, and more.
Finally, two years ago in June, she had the surgery.
It has not been easy. I think there is a misconception out there that having surgery is the "easy way." In fact,that couldn't be further from the truth--to say that it is a life change is an understatement. She can only eat a 1/4 cup of food at a time, and her tummy will not tolerate certain things--no pasta, no sugar overload, no chicken, just to name a few. And if she DOES eat these things or eat to much? She throws up--violently. Despite all of this, though, my mom swears it was the best thing she's ever done for herself.
So, this Saturday, my 45-year-old-in-September mom laced up her running shoes, and hit the pavement. 3.2 miles later, she crossed the finish line--of the race and of her journey to change her life. She's finally arrived, friends, and I couldn't be any prouder of her!
You see, three years ago, this would never have been possible. My mom was clinically "morbidly obese" (a definition create by BMI scores), and was told that if she didn't do something about it, in 10 years her knees would not be able to handle it, and she would no longer walk on her own accord.
After many failed attempts at weight loss, my mom and her doctor decided that gastric bypass would be the best route for her. So, she began the LONG process--support groups, exercise classes, losing 10% of her body weight, evaluations by doctors, psychiatrists, and more.
Finally, two years ago in June, she had the surgery.
It has not been easy. I think there is a misconception out there that having surgery is the "easy way." In fact,that couldn't be further from the truth--to say that it is a life change is an understatement. She can only eat a 1/4 cup of food at a time, and her tummy will not tolerate certain things--no pasta, no sugar overload, no chicken, just to name a few. And if she DOES eat these things or eat to much? She throws up--violently. Despite all of this, though, my mom swears it was the best thing she's ever done for herself.
So, this Saturday, my 45-year-old-in-September mom laced up her running shoes, and hit the pavement. 3.2 miles later, she crossed the finish line--of the race and of her journey to change her life. She's finally arrived, friends, and I couldn't be any prouder of her!
5 comments:
YAY!!!! I am so proud of her!!!! Tell her WHOOOT WHOOOOOOOOOT!! from me!!!!!
That's awesome! Congrats to your mom :)
What a proud accomplishment, she must feel great!
Congratulations to your mama! That is such a huge accomplishment and an inspiring story!
Congrats to your awesome mom! She must be an amazing women!
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