Friday, May 25, 2012

The End of the Project.

It's been nearly a week since I ran the Pasadena Marathon, and I've spent most of that time thinking about this Project and what it has meant to me.

One hundred days. Five hundred actions. And a goal big enough that I really wasn't sure I had what it took to see it through. But I did. And it's truly changed my entire life.

I wrote a detailed recap of my marathon experience for my blog at Runner12, but I will say here that it was an amazing day for me. I spent four hours, forty minutes in my own head, and I crossed the finish line happy and comfortable with the person that I am. One hundred days ago, I wouldn't have been able to make that same statement.

I started Project One Five to help me prepare for the Pasadena Marathon. I hoped that it would help motivate me to stick with my physical training and healthy eating. I knew I would be posting five actions a day to the blog (and through to Facebook), and that sort of public activity would make it harder for me to quit or ignore.

The element of public accountability is huge with me. Telling my friends and family upfront about me doing something is my way of fully committing to it. I mean, once it's out there, I can't take it back. And so this project began.

Somewhere along the way, though, it began to be more than motivation to eat healthy and be active. It became a true journey for me, heart and soul. It became my outlet for things that I have needed to talk about but just hadn't. It became my therapist, counselor and cheerleader all in one.

Through Project One Five, I've shared things that I might never would have otherwise. I've shared dark moments and realized that I am stronger for having survived them. I have discovered that I truly am a good person living a great life.

I've had so many great moments, too. I stepped up to teach a class, I ran a relay in Arizona, I gave interviews for TV and print, and I made future commitments to myself and others that will ensure the legacy of this project lives on.

Most importantly, I've learned that I have an unbelievable circle of family and friends. I am loved so much more than I ever knew. And in this life, I can't think of a single greater lesson.

Thank you, everyone, for sharing this journey with me. It's been quite a ride. I'm going to take a few weeks and let this entire experience settle. After that, I see another project starting. What else is life for if not to challenge myself, right?

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