Sole Mate

I have never been a runner. Let me rephrase that, I’ve never even been able to run a mile. Even in high school (at my thinnest), I couldn’t run. I always finished last when we had to do the mile in gym, and usually walked almost all of it.

Then in the Summer of 2012, my friend Andrea told me about her 5k training. I remember thinking that she was crazy to train for a 5k in record heat and also being envious that she was able to do it. In November, she posted on Facebook that she was doing a 7k. She seemed so happy and a sense of achievement seemed to be spilling out of her. She wasn’t one of “those” runners (the annoying kind who constantly brag about how far and how fast they can go), she was just having fun. That was the push I needed, I guess. I decided that day to start running. I got a podcast from on-line and started the Couch-to-5k program.

Let me tell you, running is HARD. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. The first couple of weeks I could barely run for 60-90 seconds at a time…but I stuck with it. My first 5k was going to be in April (to benefit cancer research). From November to April, I had the flu, the stomach flu, my kids were sick, I got injured, and even fell (hurt my knee in the process)…but I kept going. That’s probably what surprised me the most, the fact that I kept going.

The big day was finally here; April 14, 2013…It was time to run. I was so nervous and excited. I really wanted to prove everyone wrong who thought I couldn’t do it, but more importantly I wanted to make myself (and my Mom) proud.  I started the race strong, and was running well. I even started to pass people which was a huge surprise to me. I figured I would finish towards the back (because I am SLOW!). I was able to run MOST of it, except for a MAJOR hill that kicked my butt (and everyone else’s I might add). As I finally turned the corner and could see the finish line, I could feel tears start to well up in me…I was running for my Mom. I was running to fight cancer. I was running to make her proud. I took a deep breath, pushed down the tears, and headed for the finish line. As I got closer, I could see my cheering section: hubby, brother, dad, and my little ladies. I smiled and waved at them, and then crossed the finish line. Getting that metal was one of the best moments of my life. I will never forget the sense of accomplishment I felt. I could literally feel my mom with me, and it was through the Grace of God that I finished.(I finished 424 out of 800 racers in 45:25 min)

I am planning to continue to run, I even have another 5k scheduled for June (hopefully I can run the entire time). But, I honestly don’t think anything will compare with that first race! :-)

Crossing the finish line!

Me and my medal!