Running has always been one of those things I wanted to do. I can’t count the times I’ve seen someone jogging down the sidewalk and thought “Man, I wish I could do that!”. Within the past year, I have slowly been working to turn that dream into reality.

There is something very personal about running that I love. God has let the process help me see some things about life. I’ve had some physical ups and downs that almost discouraged me altogether and sent me back to “start”. But thanks to some prodding encouragement and more patience and hard work, I have made steady progress the last 3 months. It may seem tiny to others, but to me it is huge. So, I decided it was time to celebrate with a race!

My first 5k – 3.1 miles. The big day arrived at 8:30am this Saturday. I pinned on my race bib, strapped a timing chip around my ankle, and took off from the start line with over 200 other runners and walkers. It was GREAT!!

Of course there were way more people ahead of me than behind me, but the game plan was just to have fun and enjoy the experience! And I did, keeping a steady pace on my merry little running/walking way through the pleasant neighborhood. I was amazed and inspired to see the lead runner come pounding past on his way back to the finish while I was checking off mile 1. *smile*

Approximately 43 minutes later (I am unsure of my final time until the results are posted) – surprisingly under my “wishful” time of 45 and expected time of 50, I had the exhilarating feeling of crossing THE FINISH LINE!! What a thrill. *grin*

I’m already planning my next one…

Above and below: my support team! my brother & dad

The race staging grounds

Ready to go

And we’re off!

The blur is because I was going soooo fast…haha

And 40+ minutes later… I call this the “return of the lone runner” haha

Crossing the finish!

Tired and hot – but happy

I’m claiming this one!