Bucket List - #1 - Run a 5K

I have always wanted to run a 5K.

Now mind you, I do not enjoy running, or working out for that matter.  I have always been the type that wanted to see results with any manual type labor or exercise I perform.  I don't mind mowing the yard, planting flowers, cleaning house etc., but running on a treadmill or outside without "producing" anything has never been of interest to me. My roommate and best friend from college, Abby, always ran throughout college and after (she just completed her first marathon!!) but I never had the desire to join her!

However, since having John Thomas, I had some extra baby weight that I wanted to lose, so I started out doing Weight Watchers.  It was the only "diet", and I use that word loosely, that I could do safely and still nurse John Thomas.  Once I started losing the extra baby weight, things were still not going back to the places they were before (my mother reminds me, they never will :)) so I decided, with a little gentle peer pressure from my friend, Ashley, that I would start going with her to a local church twice a week to participate in an exercise class.  Much to my surprise, I REALLY enjoyed going.  It wasn't a typical step class or all cardio, but combined cardio with strength training and the hour flew by!  Finally I could say I was beginning to enjoy working out!

During the class, I had mentioned a few times that I wanted to do a 5K before John Thomas turned a year old, and Ashley and my friend Crystal encouraged me to sign up for one to motivate me to go through with it.  Now I am sure when they told me that, they assumed I would sign up for a race that was a little farther in the future.  However, on some type of adrenaline rush one morning after class I signed up for one that was a little less than 4 weeks away. 

Crystal, Ashley and I - my motivators :)

I immediately started Couch to 5K and, much to my surprise, I was able to finish the entire 5K without walking and beat my goal time!

It was by far one of my proudest moments so far!  There were many mornings I would come back from running and tell Kris that I wasn't sure if I would be able to finish.  He was extremely encouraging, each time reminding me that I could do it!

Before the race began I was a little nervous, but once we started the 3.1 miles flew by!  I have signed up for a virtual half marathon relay at the end of July, so hopefully I will be able to complete it without walking as well!

The boys, John Thomas and Bronson, before the race.  This was Bronson's first 5K!  John Thomas stayed behind with Kris, I am not ready for running with him!

The race was to benefit and honor 6 year old, Nate, who is battling a rare form of brain and spine cancer.  It was such an inspiration to run with him!  He completed the entire race!  Kris snapped this picture of him starting the race!  Read his story here, Nate's Story

Starting the race....

Finishing the race...

Who wouldn't want to come back and squeeze this chubby boy?

Thank you, Ashley and Crystal, for inspiring me :) maybe, just maybe, I'll keep it up!