Inspired

OK, so in my last post I mentioned that one of my goals was to become a healthier person. I also said that I would exercise. My friend Kristine runs marathons - she says half marathons, but hey, ANY marathon is a marathon to me!!! On one of her posts I had commented that I don't run - even when being chased. Well 2 weeks ago we were at church and started talking about running. I told her I would love to start running, but I just can't do it. Then she made the comment that inspired me to give it a try. In one short, quick sentence she said "when I started I could barely make it to the church around the corner from my house." I don't know if it was the competitive streak in me - that has been a little dormant the last 6 months - or something else, but I thought 'If she can do it, I can do it!' And now she runs marathons! Well, I am happy to report that I have been running for two weeks now! I couldn't run very far that first day - like maybe a tenth of a mile!!! But each day I have tried to run a little further. Even if it is just 2 or 3 sidewalk squares. My route is 2 1/2 miles and I run a little more than 1/2 mile of it. Usually I run in two increments and sometimes - if I am feeling really good - I will run three times. I can't believe how hard it is. Today she told me I could join them in a marathon! Ha ha... Let's just take this one day at a time!

I am enjoying my time alone, and I find that I am so much more patient with my kids when I take the time for myself. It clears my head and calms me down. It is weird. But, if I don't get out there and walk or run, I am less patient and more irritable. So I guess there are other benefits to becoming a healthier person!

So, thank you Kristine, for INSPIRING me to run!