My running journey started exactly two years ago this month (October 2007). In September of 2004, I had my first child and by June of 2005 I decided that I wanted to lose weight. 25 pounds came off by watching what I ate and not really exercising, but I wanted to lose 30 more pounds through exercising so that I would not be skinny fat when I reached my goal.
My neighbor was running in the mornings at 5 AM and I joined her. It helped knowing that she was going to be in the street waiting on me. My partner moved in March of 2006 but I continued to run. I worked my way up to do my first 5K in April of 2006 and I loved the rush it gave me after crossing the finish line. I realized I had to keep doing this so I ran my 2nd 5K in June of 2006 where my buddy Jessica ran with me. I continued my running through that summer until baby number two was announced.
Once I got pregnant again I counted down the days to where I could run again. I knew that after I had the baby I wanted to set my sights on a 10K. I found one in October of 2007 and figured if I had my baby in April I could be back in shape and ready to go by October. Ten weeks after I had my baby, in June of 2007, I ran the same 5K that I had run the previous year with Jessica. It was a major accomplishment for me that I was able to get back into running shape just 10 weeks after having my baby. I actually teared up as I saw the finish line approaching because I could not believe I was actually about to finish it. I just wanted it that bad. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.
My dear friend Jessica was right with me all along the way, although she was in better shape than I was. She stayed at my pace and even let me cross the finish line first during that 5K. After that I had a few months to prepare for the 10K and that is what I did. I would typically run either early in the morning at 5:15 or late at night sometimes as late as 9:00. Often by myself since I do it at odd times.
The 6.2 miles this past weekend is the longest distance I have gone thus far. I truly cannot believe that I actually did it. It is so gratifying to know that you set a goal and then you meet it. It is often difficult to find the time with a 3 year old and a 6 month old but I just make time. At the 10K, again, Jessica was by my side going at a slower pace to stay with me. To have someone by your side pulling for you every step of the way means the world to you and to know that you accomplished it together is just so special.
Words can’t describe how I feel about myself. Crossing that finish line and having that feeling of accomplishment makes you feel like you could do anything that is presented to you. I wish I could encourage everyone to do something for them selves that make them feel proud of who they are. I know I have. I am living proof that if you believe in yourself, set a goal and take small steps to get there that you can be successful and get the rush of crossing that finish line. I promise you IT IS WORTH IT!