5K's

I used to HATE running. In high school, I was good at running. I was even asked to join the cross country team, but I hated it. I quickly declined. 

When I started my weight loss journey, my trainer decided to take me on a run. We were working out on the campus of a college. He decided to run around 1 of the buildings with a trail. Let me tell you, that I couldn't make it half way around the campus. Let me tell you that I couldn't make it a quarter way around that campus. I couldn't breathe. I was tired. Side stitches. My legs hurt. 

So when my trainer told me shortly thereafter that I was going to be doing a 5K with him, I was not exactly happy. 

Could I do it? I don't know. 
Could I push myself ? I don't know.

It was going to be a lot of work. But I persevered. 

I ran often. Slow, but a little more each time. I ran outside. I took in the sights. I fell in love with nature. I learned to breathe when I ran. I learned how to talk to myself. 

My trainer pushed me. He gave me tips and tricks on how to breathe, and stretch, and stride. He showed me trails and paths. We ran during the day and at night. We ran in the heat, and in the rain. Things changed. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't love running. It's not always fun. Somedays, I can't breathe, my legs hurt, my lungs hurt, I'm tired - the list goes on...but it also allows me to clear my head, get stronger, think things through, outrun my dark, get confidence and more. 

Tomorrow, I will be running in my 3rd 5K. I am proud of myself to say the least. Whether I run it fast of slow, it doesn't matter. I'm excited to be able to run it at all. 

My goals have been set. I know what I want and what to do to get there. I just have to go out there and do it!

For all those who don't think they can do it, set a goal. Work toward it. You may not think you can do it, but I promise you can. Keep working, keep trying, and never ever give up hope. 

A little update since I last wrote this: I have since run my 4th 5k. And it didn't go as planned. (Read Runner's Block block for more info.) I had goals and did not meet all of them. However, this has only fueled me forward to want to run more and train harder. 

Don't get discouraged. Keep going. Again, never ever give up hope.