A Positive Change

A few years ago I accompanied a friend to a 5K race in Indiana. The diverse running community present at the race that day faced a common challenge: to finish. They supported and cheered each other. I saw seasoned high school and college athletes cross the finish line first, followed later by some first-timers and some older runners who seemed pleased just to finish. Since that day, running a 5K seemed like something I could do. It was, and is, to me, the pinnacle of good health.

I cannot run a 5K. I remember in high school attempting to run a mile for gym class, and this friend (who was at that time the top runner in the state) straggled behind cheering me along and intentionally finishing after me so I wouldn't be the last. Truth be told, I recall walking most of it. The furthest I am able to run right now is probably around two blocks, and that's if I push myself. Which brings me to my goal. To run.

It's a goal I've attempted several times already, always abandoning it after a few weeks. It's not going to happen this time. My goal is to spend the next 3 months working on a "couch to 5K" program. The program is divided into 9 weeks of gradually increasing intensity, but I may increase the intensity more slowly than the program dictates depending on my comfort level. I will use this blog as my motivation to continue, and as a place to vent my frustrations and share my successes. Hopefully at the end of three months (or perhaps a little longer) I'll be registering for a real 5K race. If you'd like to participate with me, feel free. Let's make positive changes in our lives together!