Food Revival

One day I'd like to bring you up to speed on the work we are doing in Jefferson County to combat childhood obesity. Really, I would. This chapter is proving to be one of the most life-changing, challenging, and rewarding experiences I've ever had. Each day I'm moved by something different or have to completely rethink everything I've ever known. Mostly, I get to sit at a table and learn from some truly amazing folks: non-profit folks, community members, grassroots folks, policy makers, kids, teachers, business folks, city planners, bike advocates, child care directors, pastors, etc. You can read about Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities here.

Here is my promise: I, Amanda Storey, do solemnly swear to update this site more regularly with the AMAZING things we are doing. Okay? Okay.

First, let's revisit last year shall we? I was laid off, volunteering and filling up my life with amazing stuff, freelancing for some rather cool folks in the non-profit and food worlds, planning my farm to table wedding, and living in complete excess (butter, bread, and cheese every single day as documented on Food Revival). When I was hired to coordinate a four-year grant aimed at preventing Childhood Obesity in Jefferson County, I decided to turn on the switch. You know the switch: Less bread, cheese, and butter and more exercise. If I'm representing childhood obesity, one would think I might want to tackle the 15 pounds I gained last year. Not that "overall health" is determined by how large you are, but let's be honest folks... it's not like I was living a healthy, balanced life.

In order for me to tackle exercise, I had to have a challenge.  I need something that has a start date, a plan of action, and a pat on the back at the end, so I decided to run. Yep, the Couch to 5K program everyone swears by: Run University with Danny Haralson. Now, let's talk about running for a second. I don't run. In fact, I think (prior to this program, of course) the only way to get me to run would be if a pack of wild animals decided to chase me. And even then I'd probably find a detour. Running for me seemed boring (a stretch ahead of you that seems to never end), hard (continually asking myself if my lungs could explode is not what I'd call optimistic), and intimidating (um... have you seen the runners I've seen? Let's just say the spandex would surely look different on me). Sounded like a challenge, right?

On New Year's Eve, I looked at my friend Tiffany (as I stirred the Boeuf Bourguignon I made for dinner) and said, "Do you want to..." and she said, "Yes. Whatever you are about to say I probably should do, so yes." Then I finished the sentence and we both agreed to attempt the unknown together. Off we went. A few things to note: We began our training in what would soon be determined as some of the coldest weather Alabama's ever seen. I'm serious. We looked like the kid in "A Christmas Story" all bundled up and attempting to complete small jogs here and there. But we did it: FIVE times a week we walked a lap, ran a lap, walked a lap, and ran a lap. Then over the course of the next couple of weeks, we began running two laps, three laps, and eventually finding ourselves on a bona fide trail. I was running one mile without stopping half-way through and couldn't believe how great it felt (afterwards, of course). Let's talk about that for a second: I find NO joy in the first mile, but after that first mile it does get a little better so trust me on that. I'm here to offer the truth.

Having a partner like Tiffany made the experience even better. We caught up on our week, laughed (and almost cried) through some of the tough parts, and encouraged each other every step of the way. I never in a million years thought I would be able to run 3.1 miles without stopping and on February 13 I completed the 5KBR. Tiffany and I (along with some amazing women/men we met on this journey) ran across the finish line. The city was covered in snow (which was appropriate if you considered how we started our training) as we chanted what our coach Danny kept telling us, "Just cover the distance!" And we totally did.

So in my quest to "get moving" and practice what I'm preaching all over this county, I'm pleased to say that running is rewarding and totally possible no matter who you are or what you look like. My short legs did it. My extra 15 pounds didn't get in the way one bit. So all of this to say that if you are wondering how to jump start your health or find a program that makes you feel like you've found success, this one is it. And trust me-- I'm not one to hoot and holler about a running program, so just see this as the miracle it truly is and if it inspires you then all the better.

Next up? I'm going to try for the 10K.