I'm a runner.

For as long as I can remember, I have admired runners.  They are strong and healthy, and usually a fun-loving bunch.  I was born into a running family - both of my parents are runners (even though some health issues keep Mom from running these days - she's still a runner at heart).  As a kid I remember handing out water at many-a-water station and having pancakes with the Park Forest Running and Pancake Club.  Sometimes I even got to help make the pancakes! 

My husband, who is naturally athletic, is a runner too.  He's one of those people who can go out and run a few miles with little to no training and make it look easy.  (Well, just so you know, it's not easy.)  So, Josh asked me a few months ago if I would like to run a 5k with him in November. 

"Sure!", I said.  November is a long way away - I've got plenty of time to train!

So I began the journey to my first 5k.  Thank goodness it cost $55 non-refundable dollars for the entry fee because my body did not enjoy this new request I was making of it.  It was rather accustomed to the non-running we had going on.  But, I would not let myself down!  I trudged through the first few weeks of the Couch to 5K and it started to get a little easier.  I gained confidence and thought maybe this was something I could do after all! 

And here I am today, 3.2 miles later.  I know in the grand scheme of running-kind 3.2 miles isn't very far and my finishing time wasn't very impressive, but now I know what it feels like to cross this finish line.  It feels pretty great!  And you know what feels even better?  Calling myself a runner. 

At the finish line!