So had an interesting happening yesterday that kind of upset me a little. One of my best friends, who is very excited about my healthy me initiatives, and I were emailing back and forth about a few things yesterday. He's one of the people who has encouraged me to set concrete close and long range goals, and has said he'll do whatever he can to support my efforts. So I decided to tell him about my goal with the Stair Race and asked if he'd join in with me next year. I added that this year's race is next week so it is way too soon. He responded, "It's only like 600 stairs. I'll do it with you next week." His intention is support, but I just realized I don't think he really gets the shape I am in and how 600 stairs would be physically impossible at this point. I mean, I walk up about 15 stairs when I get home every day and that is a challenge with my stamina as it is and my knees as they are. I wrote back stating that I appreciated his support in doing it but I definitely need more than a week to be ready to do it. He didn't respond. Which is not odd for him, but I think he believes that I am just afraid to do it and that I could if I wanted to just apply myself.
And honestly, yes, fear is a part of it for me, but not fear that I could not make it up the stairs but fear that over exerting myself like that could injure my knee and set me back. I know that increased activity is something I need to transition into. I just wish he could see that. He is incredibly fit and I think he processes all of this in the context of how he feels. I think he thinks I should be able to do everything he can just a bit slower because I'm carrying more weight. He doesn't get that living for so many years so massively overweight has taken a toll on my body. I price I pay every day for my out of control indulgence. I think this is affecting me not just because of him but because it makes me reflect on how often people just do not understand what it means to live carrying 100, 200, heck 400 extra pounds. So just as I am feeling proud of myself for making some major changes and positive choices for myself I run into someone who seems to think I am already not trying hard enough. Sigh. I know it's not his intention but it still stings.
I'm glad you got some validation from your other friend, sometimes it's easy for me tos tart to doubt myself based on a friend's comment. Maybe your stairclimbing friend can wear 100 pounds of weights and try exercising that way - he'll have a different perspective on what you are going through and how dedicated you are. 
