Never Thougth I'd Say This ...

Every morning as I drive to work, I marvel at all of the early morning runners. I frequently would watch them run -- wishing that I were the kind of person that could get up and run like them. For YEARS I figured that I couldn't do it. I have been addicted to my sedentary lifestyle. I allowed food and the TV to control my life.

Joe signed up for his Wasatch Back Relay and disciplined himself to get into shape. Multiple times a week he would leave myself and Jace at home so he could run. He was doing it. I didn't really want to be part of that life style. I was ashamed that I could barely run a block without giving up. Thinking about it, I don't know if I gave up because it was just too hard -- or if because I hadn't really succeeded at it before and I was afraid to.

As mentioned several weeks ago, I signed up to run my first ever 5k. I have ran 3xs a week for three weeks now, each day beating a personal record from the time before. Three weeks ago I could run .4 miles without stopping. I was so proud of myself (as I should have been). Each time got better and better. Earlier this week I completed my first two mile stretch. It hurt -- but I was so proud of my accomplishment.

I needed to run tonight in order to get my 3xs this week. The problem is that I am surviving off of less than an hours sleep last night. My body is exhausted. My mind is tired ... but I know I have to go. All I want to do is better than Tuesday.

We start and my calves just cramp. I stretched them out and pushed through the pain. Once I noticed that I had come pretty far I realized that I would be passing my 2 mile mark -- and I was still feeling pretty good! I could go 2 1/2. Once I got to what I assumed was 2 1/2 miles I knew I had to finish my 5K ... which is approximately 3.1 miles.

There is a website you can go to and track how far you ran. Immediately when I returned home I mapped out our course. My jaw hit the ground at the result. I NEVER NEVER thought I would be able to run 3.7 miles straight! AND there is still 2 weeks before the big run. I have far surpassed any of my expectations -- I now know not to underestimate myself.

I am so happy of the changes that Joe and I have made in our lives. Neither of our goals are to be stick thin -- or super model - ish ... Our goal is to be healthy. I want to be healthy for my family. I want to be healthy for Joe ... and for the first time in my life ... I want to be healthy for me.