August 02, 2016

It's FINALLY here!

It's been over four years in the making, and I am relieved to say that the documentary, From Fat to Finish Line, is FINALLY available! I had nothing to do with the making of the film, other than the fact that I was one of the subjects (and I put together the team of runners)--but this is a big day indeed. It was so crazy to see the documentary on the iTunes movies page today!


I've been writing about it on my blog for, well, YEARS now; but, if you aren't familiar with the documentary, here is a brief explanation: In 2011, a reader of mine named Rik contacted me about my lower body lift surgery. One thing led to another, and, in short, we put together a Ragnar Relay team of 12 people who had all lost a lot of weight and become runners (our team lost about 1200 pounds total).

The documentary shares a little of each team member's history, and shows how we all came together as a team to run the 2013 Ragnar Relay Florida Keys. This was filmed over a period of a year, and then hundreds of hours of footage was condensed down to a single film. If you'd like to watch the film, on Amazon (digital or DVD). I think it may be available on some other VOD platforms, but I'm not sure. It will be on Netflix later this year (we don't have an exact date). (If you pledged money toward the film, you will get your DVD shortly as well).

I hope you enjoy the film if you choose to watch it!   I learned that producing a film is an actual art form, and the producer is the artist. Angela (the producer) has been fantastic through all of this--I can't even begin to imagine how much work it was to make this film!

The best thing to have come out of this film is that I have met some of the most amazing people that I never would have met otherwise. I've also had some crazy opportunities that never would have come my way--being on the Today Show and in Runner's World magazine, for starters! This whole experience has been so surreal. Sometimes, I feel like I'm not deserving of all these opportunities, but I have to remind myself that I earned this. I worked SO hard to lose the weight, to become a runner, and to keep the weight off. I've had so many successes and struggles over the years, I've lost count of each ;)


Speaking of struggles, I've been feeling a little better the past week or so as far as this depressive episode goes. It's interesting, because you would have thought that Chandler's passing would make me feel even worse. Before Caitlin came for the weekend, I was worried that I would be a terrible host considering my mood lately; but almost as soon as she arrived, I busied myself to make sure that she was having fun, and I almost forgot about my depression. I had so much fun over the weekend--it was just what I needed!

I don't feel 100% back to normal yet, but I do feel like that dark depression cloud is lifting, and I'm hopeful that I'll feel back to normal soon (a few weeks ago, I felt like it would never end). It's interesting--I've cried over Chandler several times over the past few days, but it felt like "normal" crying, from grieving a beloved pet; but, when crying from depression (for no reason at all), it doesn't feel "normal". I hope that makes sense--it's hard to explain!

I wasn't eating well at all while I was feeling so bad, and I've actually been afraid to get on the scale--I think it's been over a week since I weighed myself. Over the weekend, I took Caitlin to a lot of my favorite restaurants, so I was eating junk then, too. I don't feel bad about what I ate on the weekend, because it wasn't emotional eating; where before, I was eating to make myself feel better.

Interestingly, after Caitlin left, I was craving some healthy foods (probably because of the junk I ate over the weekend)--I made a giant fruit salad (just cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and grapes), so I've been eating tons of fruit. I've also eaten more salad in the past few days that I have in the last six months, haha. For dinner last night, I made a recipe I found on Pinterest for Southwestern Chopped Salad. It was SO good!


Anyway, Jerry started a super crazy project at work yesterday that will continue over the next few months; and since he's going to be working so hard, I promised myself that I would work just as hard at being my best self. I'm back to counting calories how I was doing before, and I'm following a running schedule again. I'm going to finish our bathroom project, which will take a while. And I'm going to do my best to ensure that the kids have a great last month before school starts!

I am beyond thrilled with my new therapist--I've seen her twice now, and I actually really look forward to going again. She validates my feelings, and I love that I can tell her anything without feeling judged. She gives me "homework" to do, which has been helpful in keeping me focused.

I haven't really decided on a running goal for fall, but I'm following a half-marathon training plan for now. If I decide that I don't want to do that distance, then I'll switch to a 5K plan in the fall. Right now, I just want to get back into a running routine. Also, my therapist suggested that I replace one of my runs with swimming each week (I have chronic back pain due to arthritis and a couple of bone spurs). I think I may take an adult swimming class this fall. I've always hated swimming, but maybe if I learn how to swim properly, I'll actually enjoy it. If nothing else, it will be good cross training!

I am so glad to report that I am feeling better, and I hope that those of you who could relate to what I was going through are feeling better as well--if not now, then soon! Thanks for being patient with my not-so-happy posts lately. I tried to keep them positive, but it's hard when I'm not feeling very positive. I can't even tell you how much I appreciate the support from so many readers!

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24 comments:

  1. Hi, Katie! I can't wait to watch the film. I'll be downloading it from Amazon soon. It's great that you are feeling good. Sounds like you have some great goals in place. Have a great week.

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  2. Yay!! I'm a longtime reader so I'm glad it's finally here. Glad you're feeling better...been thinking of you.

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  3. I watched the documentary tonight. I. LOVED. IT. It was so awesome! I *may* have cried a tear or twenty. ;) Great work by all who were involved in the project!

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  4. I'm so excited to see the film! Glad to hear you're starting to feel better. A swimming class sounds fun. I go to the water aerobics class at the Y sometimes and it's really fun and I also feel like I get a pretty good workout without the stress on the joints.

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  5. Watched it tonight with my hubby. LOVED it! Inviting my Moms on the Run friends over to view it later this month.

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  6. I'm going to watch the film tonight and I'm really pleased that you are feeling so much better. Grieving for a pet is really hard, it catches you unawares and without warning, but it is a natural part of the healing process. I tell myself that I would much rather be feeling this sadness at losing such joy in my life, than never to have experienced the joy of living with and caring for, the pet. It helps me a little x

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    1. That's a great way of thinking about it! Having Chandler for all these years has been worth the sadness we feel now.

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  7. I was a lucky one who saw the film in Vegas and loved it. Can not wait for my DVD to arrive.

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  8. I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling better!! I know how hard it is to be "happy" when you're really not. {{hugs}}

    Seeing the film on iTunes and Amazon is just so cool!! *big cheesy grin* I'm so excited for all of you, including the behind-the-camera crew who worked so hard!! It's a great film!!

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  9. You wrote: "The best thing to have come out of this film is that I have met some of the most amazing people that I never would have met otherwise". My first thought was, hey, me too! I wasn't in the film or anything but I contributed after reading about it on your blog which led to being invited to join the facebook group when it was started which led to "online meeting" so many who became new friends. I went to Vegas and ran the half marathon with the group, meeting in real life many of those online friends! I can't even put into words what that was like! This film has had such an impact already, even before it was finished. I can't imagine how it will change lives now!
    I'm so sad that I can't go to the Virginia Beach event in September but I hope to go to a FFTFL group event again someday.

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  10. Can't wait for the film to come out on Netflix!

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  11. Can't wait until it's on Netflix!

    I've had a lot of depression the last 2 years, most of my weight gain I blame on that since it's hard to do things when you don't want to do anything. It's weird how when it lifts you are like ahhh I feel better! Like you don't even know how bad you feel until you aren't feeling that anymore.

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  12. Really loved the film and the FFTFL group. Such a wonderful, caring and inspiring group of people. Thanks for sharing this with us!

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    1. I'm so glad you liked the film! And yes, the FFTFL group is fantastic. So inspiring!

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  13. The movie was inspiring. Glad that I was finally able to view it. In Monroe, one school resumes the community Ed classes offered water aerobics and water walking. I enjoyed these programs and hope they are still offered but not sure since I moved out of the area. PS, I truly miss the 13-8 on 9. Take Care.

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    1. I used to do water aerobics with my mom when I was very young (probably middle school). It was fun! There is a class offered at the rec center, so I think I'll sign up for that this fall, too :)

      And yes, the 13-8-on-9 is the best sandwich EVER!

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  14. I'm so glad you are feeling better! I'm excited to see the film.

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  15. I just watched the documentary and it was great! I was actually very emotional watching and got teary-eyed several times. Although we've never met, following you on this journey now for 6+ years, I definitely feel like I know you and couldn't be prouder. Congratulations to you and the whole team, it looks like it was an amazing experience. I'm so happy for you--can't wait to see what opportunities come from the movie and being an actor! Hugs, ~ Janet

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    1. Thank you so much! You've always left such kind comments on my blog, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the film :)

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  16. First of all, so sorry to hear about Chandler -- that must be an unbelievable loss and I hope you and your family are able to find some solace.

    I did want to write and say how amazing the film is -- I just finished watching it. To me, the clear message of the film is that by making small daily changes, all of us can achieve huge milestones -- but at the same time, each and every one of you on the team is clearly extraordinary, and your story in particular was so compelling. Huge congratulations on this fantastic accomplishment.

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  17. I just rented the documentary from Amazon and watched it. Congratulations!!! You are so inspirational. Great job.

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  18. Katie, my husband and I watched your movie last night and I have to say I was more than moved. Being overweight and Diabetic for more than 25 years and trying everything to get healthy, except for moving my body on my own terms. My husband and I have decided to make a change together and we would love to make a goal and do a different Ragnar with you and your team and help inspire others. Even though I have my husband I still felt like I was alone in this and now I feel differently. This goal doesn't feel like all the others that I failed at, but more of I want to do this, and I think it is time. Please now that you are an inspiration to others no matter what.
    Jocelyn Nash Phoenix, AZ

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  19. I watched this sitting in the Dallas Airport Friday night. I am sure others thought I was nuts since I was smiling so much as I watched. You are your team are truly inspiring. I wanted to lace up right there in the terminal for a run!!! Thanks for all you do and congratulations on the success of the film!!!

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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