A little background...

I was sedentary and obese for most of my life. About four years ago, when I was 241lbs, I decided I needed to do something different and over the last four years, I have lost almost 80 lbs. Last year, I joined a gym and started doing elliptical machines and weightlifting. Last spring, I decided to try the C25K program. I have never participated in sports, or athletics of any kind.

I honestly don't know if my body is physically capable of being "athletic." But I don't know that it's not, either. Does that make sense?

Anyway, I sort of finished the C25K program in the spring, meaning that I could run for 30 minutes, but didn't really follow through with running. I've never been athletic, and with asthma, running is a chore. However...

The last week of September, my husband and I decided to run in a 5K to raise money for our university. It was my very first real 5K distance, my first time running that distance outside on a real road, my first time running in the morning (I usually work out after work) and I finished in 42.03, running the whole way!

The next week, I did it again - a charitable run at the park where I walk regularly. Again, I ran the whole way, and finished in 41.44.

Last weekend, I ran in another 5K race - and I finished in 38.52!

Three races in three weeks!

I am running again this week, in the Kansas City Marathon 5K. I can't wait to see all the people, and get a different perspective on my hometown.

I still don't know if I will ever be a real competitor, but I am so thrilled that my 38-year-old body is capable of what I've done thus far.