Monday, December 1, 2008

2 Heroes at the Gym

As I hit the gym this morning, trying to burn off all that yummy leftover peach pie I had last night, I saw two women who are definitely worth mentioning on here. I don't like posting without pictures and so was tempted for two seconds to actually stop my workout, go downstairs to my locker and grab my camera out of my purse, and then take a pic of these women when they weren't looking. I'm not the stalker type, however, and that's probably why I didn't end up taking the pictures. So, just imagine this... if you can. A woman in her early 50s. She's running on the treadmill at a good pace. It doesn't look like she's straining or pushing too hard. She's in the zone and looks like she's actually enjoying her run, earphones in and I can only imagine she was listening to some upbeat Jack Johnson song, or something like it. As I pass by her treadmill, I casually glance at her settings and see she's running at 7.5 mph. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!! I thought maybe 5.5 or 6, just by how easy and effortless she made it look. She had already gone 2 miles by this point, too, and then she went another 15 minutes at the same speed. Amazing!

Hero #2: I have seen this girl nearly every day I have been at the gym. She's a little taller than me, probably a couple years younger, and just a cute girl. I've watched her belly swell over the past couple months and have wondered when her baby is due (and how the heck she can be so diligent about getting up at 5:30am every day to workout while being pregnant!) I noticed her today on the elliptical, really pushing hard. I watched her while I ran on the treadmill, and then I decided today was the day I would talk to her. I started a 30 minute program on the elliptical right next to her and just waited for her to slow down enough to talk so I could ask her how she can be superwoman! Ten minutes later she is done and I interrupt her cool-off period and ask when she's due... THIS FRIDAY! Holy cow. Amazing! She burned over 400 calories on her workout and was dripping with sweat. I was so impressed with this girl and couldn't believe with 4 days to go until her due date, that she could still manage to push so hard. To be honest, she probably worked harder on her elliptical workout than I did! Again... amazing.

So, this post is dedicated to all you amazing heroes out there. I know some of my friends here have mentioned how I've inspired you and I just wanted to let you know what inspires me. Hope everyone had a Happy (and skinny) Thanksgiving! ;)

PS Check back on here Sunday morning and you will see pics of Jake and I in formal attire. It's his annual holiday work party and a black tie affair. It gave me a good excuse to buy a beautiful gown at Macy's and he is renting a tux. He's not exactly happy about it, but in the end I know we will have a wonderful time. It's Saturday night, so check back after for an update.

6 comments:

Ashleigh said...

WOW, that's awesome! I ran in the turkey trot on Thanksgiving and it was like 3.9 miles. I was trying to keep up the pace with Mal and Whitney, and honestly, I'm so disgusting. I did okay until the very end when I sprinted up a hill and burned out. I had to walk after that while Whit and Mal passed me to the finish line. I am yucky, but plan on keeping up the running. Someday I hope to inspire somebody too!

Brian and Carly said...

So cool! So honestly you've gotten to me Jamie! I let Brian sign me up for the 5 mile Moab run in March. I'm a little freaked but hey...what's the point of life if we don't live it up and push ourselves right! Thanks for the motivation!

Anonymous said...

You rock Jamie...and I think you deserve the dress at Maceys. And while Jake is complaining about getting a tux I'm sure he will stop when he sees you in your dress with your new hot bod!

Patrice said...

Hey, to let you know, you're not here in Indiana, but you're inspiration for me to get up at 6am (not 5:30, but maybe I'll push it a little earlier) and go exercise at the clubhouse. I've read your posts about exercising and the results you've seen over time. I've just put myself to it and hope to see the results in a month or two. So your motivation to go is motivating people too! Too bad you can't be working out with me. I'd love to have someone to go with, and you'd be my hero!

Chelsea said...

Absolute Heroes indeed!! That's amazing. I think I was contemplating jumping off of a bridge 4 days before my due date. Now I know, I should have been running my fat A off in the gym! :)

Dream Big Designs said...

I am so proud of you! Keep it up girl. You look great and sound happy too. I have been riding whenever I can, and let me tell you, sometimes it is just great to get your butt kicked! Well, we hope to see you guys soon.