I believe in miracles

This month, I'm participating in a marathon.

Sort of.

I'm raising money for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta through the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' Miracle Marathon. From Oct. 1 through Oct. 27, I have to move a mile each day, culminating in one extra mile for the kids.

It's only my third day of my marathon, but already a strange thing is happening. I'm remembering how much I like to move.

Throughout this journey, the exercise part has been easier for me than the food part. I'm no athlete, but I'm more likely to push myself physically than deal with the mental (food) part. That's why, despite my eating being out of control several years ago, I was able to earn my black belt.

But lately I've struggled even with the exercise part. I haven't pushed myself. I've barely even pushed myself off the couch, much less worked out on purpose. I am fortunate enough to have a lot of workout-class options through my job, but I'm not really taking advantage of them (except Cardio Fusion, my favorite). I don't belong to a gym anymore and my favorite Zumba class moved too far away for me to make it after work.

So instead of looking for more options, I've just kind of sat still.

When I heard about the Miracle Marathon, I knew it was not just a chance for me to make a difference in the lives of the children we serve through my hospital, but it was also a chance to make a difference in my own life.

I'm committed to this thing. Every day, I'm moving a mile at once. And that's a lot more than I have been doing lately. It feels good. I've even found myself making better food choices the past couple of days.

It reminds me of Lent. When I was in the height of my eating issues, I would still give up fast food for 40 days. And I'd actually stick to it, because, you know, Catholic guilt = fear of hell and all that.

So, yeah. Maybe I'm doing this marathon for a bigger reason, but maybe, just maybe, it will mean a miracle for me, too.

P.S. I can't post this without inviting you to visit my page to support me in my Miracle Marathon, or search to support someone raising money for your own local children's hospital. I also promise this will be the only time I post it. :)