Chewing the Fat on Skinny: Make Your Own Finish Line

Today was a great day! Some of my Weight Watchers members and I met to walk or run a 5k. Since I’m not a runner (unless I missed the ice cream truck), I knew I was walking it. When we got there, several ladies in our group were feeling spry and decided to do the 10k. Since I had a spring in my step, I thought to myself- why not?

The funny thing about this race was that it was- well- a race. It wasn’t a walk, it wasn’t a fun run, it was a race. There were serious athletes there, set out to achieve their best times. The start of the race was a flurry of activity, we held back to let the runners go (or they plowed through us) and then we started on our brisk walk. Honestly, I was just there for some fresh air, warm sunshine, to get my body moving and to connect with some really fun gals, in no particular order.

The scenery at Gring’s Mill in Reading is breathtaking. The park consists of several covered bridges, an old mill, an abundance of wild flowers, gorgeous old stone buildings, tall and lazy shade trees and a winding trail that runs along the river. I must say that I enjoyed the scenery as much as the company.

As the morning went on, our group split up as some ran, some jogged/walked and some walked. While we all might be at different fitness levels, we all have one thing in common- the desire to be well. As we were strolling along the trail at a reasonably good clip, the 10k runners had since turned around and were now passing us on their way back. I enjoyed watching their muscles move and their faces set with determination. I also appreciated that these focused runners took the time to cheer us on as we kept on keeping on.

As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t really think about the fact that this was a race or that if we walked it, we’d come in dead last- which we did. The race was done by the time we finished our 6.5 miles, yet who cares? We finished.

There are two really hard things about exercise- the starting and the finishing.

One of my team mates shared what an 81 year old run/walker said as he was walking along “it doesn't matter how fast you walk but that you are out here doing it. You’re a step ahead of those still in bed.” Can I get an amen here?

Start somewhere.

It doesn’t matter where. If we spend too much time comparing ourselves to others, we won’t even begin because we’ll think that our best is not good enough.

You’re good enough.

You are here to delight in your potential. You are here to do only the things that you can do.

Every time that you decide to make a small change, you’re investing in your potential. It doesn’t matter where you end, it matters that you began.

Finish anywhere.

You can make your own finish line.

Choose goals that are right for you. Make sure they’re stretch goals, push yourself slightly more than the last time. The only person you should be measuring yourself against is your best you.

As my team mate and I crossed the finish line, dead last, we gave a little victory shout along with a giggle. We finished what we had set out to do and we had a darn good time doing it.