March 11, 2014

From Fat to Finish Line trailer!

Thanks for the feedback on Motivational Mondays. I would definitely like to keep doing them, as long as I keep getting submissions to post!


I had a very exciting start to my day when I saw that Angela, the producer of the From Fat to Finish Line documentary, posted the trailer for the film! I watched it about four five six times in a row, and I got goosebumps (and tears) each and every time. It brought back so many memories of the race, and it made me feel so proud of my team. Here is the trailer:


I still don't know when the film will be completely finished and ready for viewing. I feel bad, because I keep asking Angela for updates! I've learned over the past year that making a film takes a heck of a lot of time and money. I know Angela and Jen have been working like crazy to get this film done. But of course, I'll update here whenever I get any news!

The whole intention of this film was to inspire others to make some positive changes in their lives. All 12 of us on the team were sedentary and obese, and many of us were unhealthy before we started running. Running has different meanings to each of us, but the one common ground we all share is that we started from the couch. 

I can completely picture myself five years ago, and if I had seen this documentary, or just the trailer, I would have thought, "Yeah, that's awesome for them. But I can't be a runner!" My teammates felt the same way. We are all just ordinary people who decided one day that we were going to do it--and we did. We started by running down our streets. Then maybe around the block. We started to set goals: first a 5K, then a 10K, then a half-marathon. 

At some point along the way, we realized that we were doing it; we were runners! Some of us run for fun, some of us run to keep the weight off, some of us run to reach goals, and some of us run for cookies (okay, maybe that last one is just me)... but regardless of why we run, we love the fact that we are doing something we never thought we could do! Even if you have no desire to run, there is something empowering about picking something you think is impossible, and then going out and doing it. It could be a cycling, or mountain climbing, or any number of other activities.

Which brings me to an idea that I've been thinking about ever since Runner's World invited me to do the Heartbreak Hill Half & Festival. As I mentioned, I'm going to be doing the Hat Trick--a 5K, 10K, and half-marathon in two days. Something that I've really wanted to do this year is to help other people reach their running goals--whether it's pacing them to a PR, or running with them for a first race. 

Since I'm not planning to run these races for a PR, I thought it would be fun to run with someone for his/her first race. So, I'd like to offer myself as a running buddy for the Heartbreak Hill 5K to someone who plans to make that his/her first 5K. If you've been thinking of doing a 5K, but are nervous to do it alone, or if you just want some company, maybe it could work out! I have no idea if anyone would even be interested in this, but I wanted to offer. If you're interested, just send me an email at slimkatie (at) runsforcookies (dot) com. I'd also be willing to do it for the 10K, and possibly the half-marathon. Oh, and please don't worry about pace--I'll run at your pace, as long as you're not faster than I can go! haha

I got another email from Runner's World today with discount promo codes for the Heartbreak Hill Half & Festival. They are good for 10% off the 5 & Dime, the Half-Marathon, and the Hat Trick. To get the discount, you just enter the promo code while registering:

For 10% off the 5 & Dime: blogrunsforcookies5&10
For 10% off the Half-marathon: blogrunsforcookiesHalf
For 10% off the Hat Trick: blogrunsforcookiesHat


I was absolutely dreading my run today, because it's speed work day. Today, I had 8 x 600's at 5K pace on the schedule.

-1 mile warm-up
-8 repeats of the following:
     -Run at 7:30/mi pace for 600 meters (0.37 miles)
     -Jog slowly to recover for 0.25 miles
-0.25 mile cool down

I knew it was going to be super hard, and I was trying to come up with an excuse not to do it. But when I watched the trailer for the film, I was so inspired that I was almost looking forward to the run! 
At first, I didn't think that doing 600's would be a huge change from 400's (0.37 miles vs. 0.25 miles), but I quickly learned that the extra 200 meters feels like forever! I almost quit after four repeats, but then I did the fifth; and after that many, I couldn't quit with just three left. So I stuck it out, but it was a really tough workout!


I am SO looking forward to tomorrow. Jerry has been doing a special project at work, and he's worked the last 17 days in a row. I miss him! Not to mention that I've felt like a single parent for the past couple of weeks. So tomorrow, we're going to spend the whole day together, assuming we don't get snowed in--we're supposed to get 4-8 inches of snow tonight!! 

Speaking of the never-ending winter, Detroit is 10 inches away from 2013-14 being the snowiest winter ever recorded!


The last time Detroit has gotten this much snow was in 1880-81. It was interesting to see 1981-82 there, because that was the winter I was born (January 1982). Whether we hit the record or not this season, this winter has definitely achieved notoriety. We deserve a fantastic summer this year ;)

28 comments:

  1. Holy crap. I didn't expect to start crying watching the trailer. Maybe it's because I'm super emotional lately, but everyone's stories hit really close to home. Thank you for sharing all of your teammates (from both Ragnars) stories.

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    1. You're not the only one with tears. Cannot wait to watch the full doc!

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  2. I was SO excited to watch the trailer today!!! Yes, the tears were definitely flowing and I don't even know any of you personally. You, and your entire team, are such incredible inspirations. I'm constantly saying that I want to be able to walk farther, possibly start running, get in shape etc and keep telling myself that there's no way i'll ever be able to accomplish anything like what you've done...losing weight, starting to run and now inspiring people around the world! But a funny thing happened as I watched this trailer (and after reading your RW article today :))..I'm starting to believe that I might actually be able to. I know I'm going to have to start slow but the key is, I just have to start. One step, one minute at a time. You've done it. Your team has done it. I can do it.

    Thank you Katie. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such an incredible inspiration and for giving me something I haven't had in a very long time...hope.

    Bridgette <3

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  3. I wish I was running the Heartbreak Hill races! I would love to run with you!(can you believe I just discovered Sunday how awesome it is to talk to people on your run?!)

    The trailer was so awesome! I love your stories! Every one of you are amazing.

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  4. I can't wait to see the film. It looks amazing and I might need to just watch this trailer anytime I feel lazy. Y'all inspire me so much!

    Kelly

    Www.3from1tolosemyself.blogspot.com

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  5. I'm so excited to watch the whole film! If I'm this inspired just by the trailer, I can't imagine how great the whole thing will be! I'm wishing I lived anywhere near the Heartbreak Hill so I could run with you... I'll just have to do it in spirit :)

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  6. That was more moving than I expected a trailer about strangers to be! I look forward to seeing the completed film.

    I found the snowfall records to be interesting -- isn't 1880-81 the year of the Long Winter that Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House on the Prairie) wrote about? Amazing to be getting even close to that. After predictions of a harsh winter we didn't get any snow this year (the Netherlands). Gotta admit, I'm a little disappointed :)

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  7. cant wait to see all the movie looks awesome. HAHA......born in jan of 82 I graduated in jan 81, just made me smile:)

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  8. In Central NY, we have had 109 inches of snow and the forecast is for another 20 inches today into tomorrow. This feels like the winter that just won't end.
    Can't wait for the full film.
    Pat

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  9. Watched the trailer and it brought tears... I think I'm a little emotional this morning, but you really rock!!!

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  10. That's a very generous offer, i know for me, sometimes having another person there makes a challenge not so scary.

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  11. Loved the trailer, can't wait to see the entire movie. I'm going out today to buy Runner's World Magazine too. Wish I could run, I'd take you up on your offer to run with me at the Heartbreak Hill runs, which would be my first run ever. But the way my knees feel lately since I'm off aspirin due to my recently diagnosed ulcer, I can hardly walk. Stairs are so hard. Might have to think seriously about that knee replacement surgery I've been putting off.

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  12. When I am looking for running motivation I usually watch The Spirit of the Marathon. After watching that trailer I'll be watching your documentary. I cried because I saw myself in all of you. Thank you for inspiring all of us to eat better and run farther. I save your email for last so I start each day with your sunny confidence.

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  13. Thank you so much!! I just started my journey in Jan and lost 24 with probably another 175 to go. I read your blog daily. I finished my first 5K a couple of weeks ago (walked the whole way, but I finished). I really appreciate the trailer, had me crying cause I hope to be there one day. Thank you so much!

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  14. Thats so amazing!! It looks like such an inspirational video!! and stay warm during the snow! Im just over the border and we're getting hit too!!



    Lauren
    http://stayathomewifey-lg.blogspot.ca

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  15. Love this trailer! Can't wait for it to come out.

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  16. The trailer looks SO good you must be so proud of yourself! Even just watching the trailer made me want to go out running let alone the whole film :) xxx

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  17. Lise from IndyMarch 12, 2014

    Yep. I teared up watching the trailer, too. Then I wished you had a link for your weight loss progression video in the sidebar. I wanted to watch that next! Thank you for working so hard every day, whether running, blogging, or both. You're proving to us (and yourself) that it IS possible to get your life back -- and KEEP it. Pray for us while you run. Then one day we *can* join you in a race! :'-)

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  18. Ok, first of all I got teary watching the trailer. Keep us posted because I want to see the finished product when it's done!

    Secondly. I think your idea to run with a random person that needs the support for their first race is absolutely AWESOME! I've always thought that after a race I'd like to walk back to the last person and walk in with them, I just may have to do that (well, I have to work on building speed so I'm a little closer to the front myself!)

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  19. before I even read the rest of your post I have to say that this brought me to tears. It really hit home. I too have lost 120 pounds and the proudest moment of my life was running a mile without stopping. It's an overwhelming feeling.

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  20. I've been pacing for the Kona races. We had a pacer meeting on Sunday. I believe that they are looking for more pacers for the future races. (don't worry, they don't have lots of meetings and it's not even required) I've really enjoyed doing it.
    I also had tears in my eyes watching the video clip! I can't wait to get my copy of the documentary that I will receive for contributing to the fundraising campaign!

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  21. The film trailer makes me cry. How exciting for you, and your team!

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  22. I'm so looking forward to watching the film. The trailer brought tears to my eyes. I am an overweight runner, have lost 36lbs but have a whole lot more to go. This is so inspiring to me. You all rock!!!

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  23. Got chills down my back watching the trailer. Very inspirational.

    The only thing that hit a sour note -- and it was a huge one -- was the male member of your team who said the bit about "that means that 2/3 of Americans are unhealthy."

    There are those of us who exercise like banshees, and eat healthy... and still aren't thin.

    To see that kind of judgment is... super painful. To have it spread as gospel is even worse.

    To eat healthy and to exercise is to be healthy as you are able. Some people have better results than others. The difference is a genetic luck of the draw.

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  24. I'm planning on running the Five and Dime! Thanks so much for the discount code. I'm very excited to try something new by running two races in the same day :) I have run two half marathons before, but I'm not sure I'm really ready to run one the day after the other two. If I feel like I could maybe handle it, I'll try for the Hat Trick next year. All your Ragnar talk, and this trailer, make me really want to run one some day! It's on the bucket list.

    I know what you mean about suddenly realizing that you are a runner. When I first started out doing run/walk intervals, I thought it was kind of funny that people driving by might only see me running and would mistake me for a runner (as if!). Eventually it hit me that I wasn't tricking anyone--I really AM a runner :)

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  25. I'm running the half marathon May 18th in Cleveland, Ohio. I'm not sure how far you are from me but I would LOVE to have you run with me if you are interested. I feel woefully unprepared and will be running alone. I'm nervous and feeling a bit overwhelmed. Knowing you did a half with no training makes me feel a little better. Slow and steady still finishes the race, right? It's a lucky person who gets your pep talks and inspiration through their race. What a sweet offer to make! :)

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  26. Wow, the trailer brought me to tears, Katie. Beautiful.

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  27. I cried watching this trailer. This is how I feel about running, becoming stronger, and losing weight. i cannot WAIT for this movie to come out!!

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