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(If you can name that movie – points for you!)

I just have to brag – I made it to week 8 in the Couch to 5K program.

(Insert wild applause here!)

The reason why I am bragging is that I started and stopped and started this program so many times before that I never thought I would make it this far. I figured I would give up and let myself down again.

There are 3 things that I can think of that helped me get this far.

1. I downloaded from iTunes the podcasts from 5K101.com/Running Mate. I started off my journey using a different podcast.  It was okay, but she talked to much and I did not like her. I did a little more searching and found these. I really like Todd and his style. The music – it’s “eh.” I don’t really crank my tunes up very loud.

2. I have made it a priority. I plan my day around my run. I run in the morning. I get up at 4 AM 2-3 days a week to run. If for some reason I need to tweak my schedule – I make it a point to tell my husband that “I need to run at night.”  And he’s okay with that. I get over the guilt of leaving the house and I go for a run. Running at night is not ideal for me. There is so much happening at my home during that time – homework, dinner, dishes, bath, reading, cuddle time – but you know what? I am a better person when I run.

3. I have a partner. I started off running in the morning on my treadmill. I dreaded my runs, but I was worried that I would not be able to figure out how far I should travel away from my house. I was worried about cars and people and really just silly stuff.  So one day on a weekend, I asked Henry if he wanted to go for a run. Well, he was hooked.  Henry’s the best partner I could have every asked for. He is willing and eager to go – even at 4 in the morning. If it is raining outside, I feel bad not going because he looks at me with these brown eyes. And I feel more comfortable with him.  By the way – Henry’s my dog!

So here I am. Running 3 miles with no fear. I run. I am a runner.

I am not a 100 pounds. I am not built like a runner. I have asthma.

But I run anyway. The side effects of running are so worth the effort it takes.

I signed up for my first 5k! It happens on Saturday!! Sure, I am nervous. (See the “I am not 100 pounds”…line.) But am I proud of myself – you darn right I am! I started and finished something I set out to do. I cleared my mind of the negative thinking and I just did it.