5k

August 9th was my 34th birthday. Since I've been working on my health and becoming healthier I decided that for my birthday this year and every year to come I wanted to do something hard, something challenging. For my 34th b-day I decided that a 5k was a good start. We would do it a few days before my birthday, August 6th, in the evening.

I let all my family know about it and wanted as many of them as possible to join me, not just in the 5k but in the quest to becoming healthier. They agreed. I was happy!

The day before the 5k, I was reminded about a photo shoot I had previously scheduled. Oops! So, the 5k plans had to be moved. However life got busy and I didn't think about it much, until this past weekend. Sharon (my sis-in-law) sent me a text that said "we should do the 5k on labor day". Perfect!

So, we did it. But unfortunately not everyone could make it on short notice. So, It was just me and Sharon. Ryan and my nephew Aidan rode on their bikes together while we ran.

I gotta say, it was hard. I hadn't trained for this AT ALL! Mentally I was ready, but physically I wasn't.  But I did it. Sharon pushed me and told me to keep going when it got hard. She kept saying things like, "keep going all the way to the light and then we'll walk for a little bit". I'd then focus on that light and reaching that little goal, and reach other goals along the way. She was a great running partner.

We finished in 39 minutes. Not great for those other natural runners, or those who prepare more, but it was so much better then I have ever done. I did two 5k's at my work, two years in a row and both times I was around 50 minutes. So, although it averaged out to be 13 minute miles I was proud of myself.

I've known this for a few months now, but I realized it even more today... I CAN DO HARD THINGS. I really can! We all can if we put our heart and mind to it.

I found this quote on Pinterest that I really love..."if it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you'll find an excuse." I have always found an excuse for things in my life, and I finally feel like that was the old me...but this is me now... I CAN DO HARD THINGS. I CAN DO CHALLENGING THINGS. And I do them because it's important to me, and I will find a way.

I'm excited for the many other 5k's to come, and someday and half marathon, and a Ragnar or two. The possibilities are endless.

Now, I just need some ibuprofen and a good ice bath. I hurt.