This post comes from my Mom, who completed her very first 5k this past weekend!

Ten years. That is at LEAST how long it has been that I have talked of running in the Freihofer's Run for Women. It could have been longer, like fifteen, or even more. If wishing could have made it so, it would have happened many times over by now. There was one attempt two years ago that ended up with weeks of physical therapy. In retrospect, it was probably the best thing that could have happened at the time, as it led to a fifty-pound weight loss over the next year.

Fast forward to 2FNs and a friend who wouldn’t take no for an answer. Twelve weeks ago, thanks to Jonathan’s motivation and my friend Sue’s encouragement, I began again to seriously train for a 5k. Jono will attest to the fact that initially I could not even go around the block without stopping. Three miles seemed like an impossible goal. But, by following the plan I had gotten two years earlier (Couch to 5k), little bit by little bit, lamppost by lamppost, I increased my distance. When I got up to two miles, Jono’s dad ran with me (I think in case I died of a heart attack along the way).

Running last Saturday was a thrill of a lifetime. Watching the wave of runners start up the hill when the gun went off was awe inspiring. Finishing ahead of almost four hundred people far exceeded my goal of not finishing last (never mind the 3,400 that finished ahead of me). But more important to me was having the support of Adrienne, Ellie, Susan, and my friend Sue (who sacrificed her own time to run the entire race with me), plus Scott, Mike, and Jono (complete with sign!) cheering us on at five different vantage points! The boys ran their own 5k just trying to keep up with the runners! Thanks also to Dave and Brooks, who couldn't make it in time for the race but made it for the celebration afterward.

I am living proof that ANYONE can run a 5k if he or she chooses to pursue such a goal. Find a plan that works for you and STICK WITH IT. Don’t set out to conquer the world all at once. One lamppost at a time will get you to your goal. Jono, thanks for your motivation and the time you put into the 2FN blog. You ARE making a difference. Sue, thanks for your patience and confidence in me—I’ll never forget it. Scott, thanks for running with me when you hated every minute of it. Adrienne, Ellie, and Susan and Mike—thanks for being there. The rest of you FAT NERDS—get out there and start moving! Don’t let an old lady show you up.

 

***UPDATE***