Many years ago, my friend and I wrote a bucket list of "forty things to do before 40." A few items have been crossed off. Some have a slim chance of ever being crossed off, but hey you never know. And one, well one has always been in the back of my mind as a real dream. Running a 5K. Actually, I think I was probably playing it safe and just put "finish a 5K" on the list. I was going to start jogging this summer. I even bought a jogging stroller for the baby as motivation. It never happened.
And then September 1st came and it was like a New Year had begun. I bought a Couch to 5K app for my phone and decided to do it. Of course, I worked a full day, then had several errands to run, and had to pick up boys, and put over tired boys to bed, and I fell onto the couch that evening after 8 pm. I hadn't eaten since lunch at 11 am. I still had emails to respond to. Jogging was the last thing I wanted to do.
And so it would begin. The game of prioritizing. I have to work. My kids have to have dinner. My kids have to be put to bed. So when do I get thirty minutes to do something just for me? I was starting to sulk a little. In fact, I may have been outfit pouty.
But I put my big girl panties on....err my running shoes, and I just did it. I got out there. And you know what? It felt so good. Not only was I starting to do something I've only ever dreamed about, but it made my body feel good. And my mind, heart, and soul.
That was a week ago and tonight I completed my fourth iteration. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. I haven't given up yet. And best of all, I've continued to take just a half an hour and focus on me. Wish me luck as I take the time to rediscover me.
