The Road to My Refinement
Everyone loves a good comeback story, right? Right. With the NYRR Women’s Half-Marathon approaching, we decided to share the story of one runner who is looking to change her lifestyle and compete in the upcoming half-marathon. Meghan Tonery, an aspiring NYC actress, will take us behind the scenes as she preps for the big race on April 19, 2015.
Here is Meghan’s story:
I have done something crazy.
I, Meghan Tonery, 31 years old, have signed up for a More/Fitness/Shape Women’s Half Marathon. Just that one sentence is crazy enough for me. But let me add this fun fact: the half marathon takes place on April 19th in Central Park. Today is March 30th. That’s right, folks. I have less than a month to build up the endurance, the confidence, and the muscle to make it through a race that is 13.1 MILES.
Running 13.1 miles… on purpose… what was I thinking? Here’s the deal: years ago, I was so many different things. I defined myself as an athlete, actress, student, leader, friend, daughter, and sister. I was healthy, vivacious, and busy. I was a very active kid. I started playing soccer when I was 5 years old, and continued to play competitively throughout high school. In middle school I played volleyball, softball, and was on the swim team. Once high school rolled around, I exclusively played soccer and volleyball, was a member of choir, drama club, student council, and varsity club. Oh, and I had decent grades. I was busy, I was fit, and I felt GOOD.
But lately, I don’t feel vivacious or healthy (and by lately, I mean the last ten years or so). I feel like I am floating around without purpose… like a sad, little balloon that has some helium in it, but is mostly deflated and stuck in a tree, and the tree has no leaves, and it’s 29 degrees out… Anyone else feel like that? No? Just me? Super.
I moved to New York City when I was 18 years old for college. A decision I think I largely based on the widely popular WB series, “Felicity”. I mean, who didn’t want to wear chunky sweaters and work in a coffee shop, and be in a love triangle with Scott Speedman and Scott Foley? I ask you, WHO? It was clearly an educated life decision.
Beyond the thrilling possibility of living a parallel life to Felicity, was the fact that I was moving to NEW YORK CITY. Broadway shows, comedy, museums, Times Square, Central Park, some of the best restaurants in the world, the Statue of Liberty, and don’t forget about TRL! What an incredible place to call your college campus! It truly is an amazing place to live. But, I hardly took advantage of the it. I barely knew how to negotiate the subway system (this was way before apps and HopStop, and Mapquest), so I strictly walked to and from class—a grand total of 20 blocks.
Other kids were out exploring the city and I camped out in my dorm room, and made pasta for lunch and dinner. Why? Because it was cheap, and the only thing I knew how to make, and was comfort food. I didn’t even put tomato sauce on my pasta, just olive oil, frozen peas, and canned artichokes (I was THE FANCIEST). And the dreaded Freshman 15 started to settle around my waistline. Fast-forward 10 years, and here I am. I never shed those adorable pasta pounds, instead I packed on another 15!
I never went to the gym, although I continuously joined them, paid for the membership, and then quit them. I always considered it to be my contribution to the economy. I never played on any recreational sports teams, but I did stress eat Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups like it was going out of style.
So, I went from being a hugely active kid, to not exercising at all. I became inactive, tired, and unhealthy… and that is how I define myself today. But, I don’t want to be that anymore. My lifestyle needs to change, and fast… I want to refine myself.
Feeling sluggish isn’t working for me any more. I’m tired of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. My body used to be so strong. It could run a 7:04 minute mile. It could swim a 200m butterfly. It could do endless pushups, and situps!
So today, I start training for the half-marathon because I have something to prove, to myself.
This is the Road to My RefineMEnt.
We invite you to book your stay at Refinery Hotel for the NYRR Women’s Half-Marathon. We’re celebrating all the women who run the world! #Womenruntheworld.
