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Race to Recovery

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The painful body images I carried for more than fifty years of my life have slowly evolved, moving from a fat girl in gym class, full of self-loathing and self-doubt, to a healthier image of a fit person who regularly exercises, and now to a triathlete. This new body and new life became possible only through working the Twelve Steps of Overeaters Anonymous, one day at a time for almost four years.

The physical recovery I have experienced has allowed me to compete in and complete a sprint triathlon for the first time in my life. My new truth is I feel best when I am working out. Training for a triathlon event is similar to working my program of recovery from compulsive overeating and compulsive food behaviors. I need to put my program first. I need to call my sponsor and coach. I need to do my daily spiritual work. I need to be willing and teachable. I need to face my fears. I need to express my gratitude. And I need to be honest about my actions.

The nicest thing about competing in a race with over 700 participants was knowing I wouldn’t have to come in first to succeed. I knew I would probably be able to finish due to the science of the physical training program my coach had planned for me. Just finishing was good enough, but I also knew my approximate times for running, biking, and swimming, and I had my secret, best-possible scenarios in mind.

The day before the race, I went to pick up my race bib and a sign read, “Triathletes this way.” I was flooded with tears. There was no sign saying, “Other.” “My God,” I realized. “That sign means me.” This program is a miracle.

Race day arrived. I trusted in my Higher Power and my training, and I turned it all over. I completed that sprint triathlon because of my physical recovery. My mental recovery also played a part since I had been able to complete the necessary workouts one day at a time. My spiritual recovery was another essential part of my program. I couldn’t cross that finish line, sucking air, without taking a moment to look skyward and offer a thank-you to HP and OA.

When people ask how I did in the race, I tell them I crushed it. I had never run so fast in my life. I beat all my secret mental best times. It is clear to me I wasn’t alone on that course; my HP and the Fellowship was with me.

In OA, we say that things happen beyond our wildest dreams! This program is a miracle if you work it. I am so grateful that I am willing.

— Anonymous

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