May 14, 2010

Participation Ribbon

Yep. I was that kid. The one the "participation ribbon" was designed for. I remember field day in elementary school. You know, the day toward the end of the year that is supposed to be fun for all? Pure torture for me.

The 50 yard dash was my nemesis. Gosh, the thought of it even now makes me want to throw up. I was totally the chunky little freckled kid straggling in all alone at the end of 50 yards. Visions haunt me to this day.

Fast forward 20 years and here we are on the eve of my first 5K. I wasn't supposed to run a 5K till the middle of June, but a buddy asked me to join her in this one so I thought, "What the heck?"

And after I thought "What the heck?" I began to think "What the HECK?" about me thinking "What the heck?" about entering a race that I was not forced into running. This is strange. This is not ME. This is very Twilight Zone-ish.

Listen. *shaking you by the shoulders* I AM RUNNING IN A RACE TOMORROW. That is unbelievable. No one is holding a gun to my head. No one is paying me. (Buddy did offer to pay for my entry but I didn't let her.) I know I'm not going to come close to winning. In fact, it will most likely resemble those elementary field days only this time I am old enough to have a heart attack.

The irony here and the whole point of this strange post is that the most coveted prize for me tomorrow will be getting that participation ribbon (or in this case participation t-shirt). I want it. I will be proud of it. It won't be something to roll my eyes at.

It will represent the fact that I am finally a participant in my own life!

Hollaaaaa!

While I'm on this topic--I have an announcement to make. You'll never believe it. I think I'll wait to say. Anyone want to guess? (And to the one person who already knows, don't comment!)
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21 comments:

Keelie said...

and no I am not pregnant. Come on people. Let's be a little more creative...

Sherry said...

I was that girl too. It still hurts sometimes to think about it. That and the National Physical Fitness test pull up portion. "Just hang there, Eggers! That's all you have to do!"

Jenny Garland said...

way to go, keelie!!! can't wait to hear how the race is. i'm going to guess the announcement is you fit into a size 8?! :)

Lynda with a Y said...

Let me just say that this healthy living is doing wonderful things for you. These latest pictures--well, you are glowing! Good luck in the race!

Norma Jean said...

Well I can't wait to see you walking or should I say running around town sporting your participation t shirt! Good luck tomorrow!
And as for the BIG announcement and not being able to comment....let me just say in the voice of Ricky Ricardo "LUCCCCY! Iiii Yiiii Yiiii Yiiii!"

Anonymous said...

You are going to look simply divine running around town in your t-shirt. Oh, Miss Keelie I am so proud of you.

Breathing In Grace said...

I love your blog...and your honesty...and your humor!! Wish I had taken control of my weight at your age instead of waiting until an old 55 year old gray-haired Nannie to try to get in shape!! But...it's NEVER too late!!!

Lindsay said...

I am new here! I love it! Congrats on your weight loss this far, your doing great!

Stacey said...

How unoriginal am I? I totally was going to say you are pregnant!

Since I am obviously wrong, let me think....hmmm.....are you out of the 180's? Wearing a size 10? Did you get a job as a fitness coach or working with first place 4 health? Ok, so I am still guessing.

What is it? Inquiring minds want to know!

Unknown said...

WOW!!! I'm so excited for you! A 5K race tomorrow. I'm totally jealous. I have been wanting to run one so bad, but have no one to run with. Is that an excuse?? Hmmm. I don't know.
Anyways, I can't wait to hear how it goes!! As for the announcement.. TELL US !!! I have NO guesses. I'm thinking you are in a new smaller size.. ??

Have a great race and run your little heart out. You'll do great!!!

Tania said...

I am going to second (or third or fourth??) the guess that you are in a new smaller size. Let us know what it is already!

Kate said...

You're in the 170s! I just KNOW it! And I saw some people running in a race with NUMBERS ON THEIR SHIRTS a couple weekends ago and I was all, "I WANT TO BE THAT PERSON! I WANT NUMBERS ON MY SHIRT!" And well? You GET NUMBERS! Whee!

Keelie said...

thanks for all the well wishes. NOT a smaller size announcement.. although I am now in a 12..

this is pure craziness I tell ya!!insane.

Anonymous said...

Wow, a size 12 and a 5K! I think that is totally awesome!!! I'm also guessing you're in the 170's now. Have a Great Run!!!!!!!!!

Sandy said...

Keelie, Have a great day tomorrow running the 5k! I can't wait to hear all about it and read your announcement!

Anonymous said...

Have fun running your 5K tomorrow!!! You are going to rock it. Can't wait for the big announcement!

Celeste said...

GOOD LUCK! You're awesome! SO...you got a little publicity today on my local network tv. YOU are the one who initially inspired me to start my blog so I did a segment on tv and they showed your blog as part of it. You can watch the segment on my blog

www.289andcountingdown.blogspot.com

THANKS!!
Celeste

ps -- I can't wait to hear your good news!!! Don't make us wait!

karen said...

I think I still have nightmares over field day ... and I only ever remember having one! I was part of the relay and, of course, was the one who lost the super huge lead my class had. Ugh.
Can't WAIT to read all about the awesomeness of the 5K and see the shirt and find out what the big news is!!!

Anonymous said...

"...I am finally a participant in my own life..."

Wahooo, you! :D Deb

Traci said...

Wow! What a huge day for you. This really is huge. I'm happy for you. What a big life hurdle you are jumping over. Enjoy it.

Jessie said...

Hope the race went well! I was the kiddo with the participation ribbon too...now I'd be proud to get a participation ribbon lol