This is from one of our long time members and close friend.  X-FIT wants to say congratulations to Rosie and share her story:

As many of you know that last weekend I ran my first half marathon. It was an amazing experience! I just want to express my gratitude to all my friends and family that have encouraged me. Let me tell you I wouldn’t have done it without the support and love people have expressed through out the year.

That morning on Sunday I was so nervous and happy that the day I have been waiting for the past year had finally arrived. I woke up with mixed emotions and lots of butterflies! I was trying to remember what my trainer Derek said on Thursday about prepping for the race, about eating breakfast and my dynamic preparation. (Thank God I wrote everything down!!)
I got into the t-shirt the marathon organizers supplied us (a very dark blue with my bib number pined to it…I felt like a true athlete), my tights and my running shoes. As my sister Anna and I were walking to the metro Anna was saying “Rosie, we are going to do this, we are going to be fine” The more she said it the more nervous I was getting….I guess I didn’t know my own strength! When we got to Jean Drapeau Park I saw the person that has been one of my cheerleaders in my life for the past 17 years…my best friend Elda. She woke up at 6 am on her only day off to meet us at the Metro just to send me off to finish what I started one year ago. I was very happy!

As we walked to the Jacques Cartier Bridge I was excited and happy to be there. I couldn’t believe that a year and half year ago I couldn’t even climb a fight a stairs without stopping to catch my breath and now I am actually running a 21k Run with other athletes! I was almost in tears!

As I ran through the streets of Montréal, (especially when I ran in front of my old high school Vincent Massey ) I remembered the days where I struggled in getting to my third floor classes or when I felt uncomfortable in my own skin. Now I am running with confidence and strength right in front of that place that made me feel awful! As I was getting closer to the finish line I was in TOTAL PAIN! From my hips to my feet (I was actually feeling this pain from Kilometer 10 to 21!) At that point I wasn’t sure I was going to make it but I remembered what I kept on saying to my self while training …. NO OPTION BUT TO FINISH!!! So I continued through the pain until the finish line…I was so happy when I saw the finish line! That meant that the run was done and my goal was achieve! At that point I knew my own strength! Wow it was a great moment!!! I think I was somewhat in shock! I didn’t cry (surprising…) but I was glad I finished standing and feeling strong! My sister Anna ran to me in tears screaming “Rosie you finish in less than three”!!! OMG!!! I couldn’t believe it! Another goal I achieved!!! I was the happiest person! At that moment I was thinking about the people that have been there through my journey of transformation.

I was thinking about my parents that have been there for me every step of the way even though they really didn’t understand why I wanted to run. They actually came and cheer me on near the finish line!

To my sister Anna that planted the idea in running a 21k marathon (this run was her second run!!) two years ago! I am very proud of her for running the race a second time and was very happy that we experienced this together.

To my AMAZING trainers Eric and Derek, they have been there from the day I walked in their gym a year ago. I remember walking in their gym searching for somebody to help me! And WOW did I find the most knowledgeable and caring duo! Eric and Derek helped me to achieve my goal in becoming fit and run a marathon and they saw me through the end! The environment in the gym was something I was looking for for years! And I certainly wouldn’t be in the best shape in my life with out their knowledge and expertise! I thank you Eric (Mr. Sledgehammer) for being by my side as we ran around the Plateau (especially in the winter) and you telling me “don’t stop, keep on moving, you could do it!” Thank you for pushing me to be the best than I could be. I will never forget. To Derek thanks for being the “professor”, your knowledge and your patience helped me get through this point. I am looking forward in working with you guys for my next adventure….The two day bike rides to Montréal to Quebec City and maybe another half Marathon…2010! I also want to thank the whole X Fit team! You Guys are amazing! Keep up the amazing work!

To all my friends, THANK YOU! You guys have stuck by me from the day I decided to change my life! I wouldn’t have been able to do this without any of you guys! Your good wishes and prayers we greatly appreciated! To my co worker past and present thank you for your support. I know I drove some of you crazy about how much my legs were “killing me” or when I was complaining that I was “tired!” Sorry!!

To the staff at Pharmaprix Pincourt….Thanks for running around the pharmacy on the morning of the run…you guys are too funny!

People have asked me what I have learnt through this process. There are many things I have learnt about myself during the last year and that is, when moving one foot forward I will get to my goal no matter how long it takes as long as I never give up and believe in myself!

Until the next Adventure!
Bye!
XOXOX
Rosie.