guess what i did this morning?!
i ran a 5K.
i really can't believe i wrote that sentence.
but i really did it.
(i was adjusting my headphones)
shana is our coach/motivator/hero because she is a real runner.
she didn't run with us today because tomorrow she is running a half marathon…
that is only a measly 10 miles more than me.
it was jana's goal to run the whole thing in 40 minutes.
i decided to sign up too because i wanted to support her.
(and i wanted to lose weight.)
pam was going to run it too but her husband got stuck with the volcano stuff so she needed to be home.
we missed you pam!
stupid volcano.
WE DID IT.
jana ran the whole thing!
she ROCKED it! she was 34 minutes.
at the mile 2 marker i thought it was the mile 3 marker.
so when he said "MILE 2" i let my mind get the best of me and said "UGH…forget it!!"
and i started walking for about a minute.
then i saw jess and amanda and their smiles were all i needed.
i started running again.
i finished at 35 something.
shana grabbed my hand and finished the end with me and of course….i started crying.
because that is what my body does when it's tired. (or happy or excited or nervous or confronted or or or)
i wish i would've run the whole thing.
next time.
i prayed "God…show me what my body can do" over and over.
and "thank you for this healthy body" and "open my lungs and let me breathe!!"
i am proud of myself.
and grateful.
it felt good.
Christina - What a huge deal! Congratulations! I have been away, but am catching up…I missed a lot! I might have to check out that book. I agree with your winner, Matt Damon is a pretty good choice! 🙂
Art Cant Hurt - run, meg, run!
you earned that awesome feeling of accomplishment! yeah!!!
Corinne - Congratulations! 🙂
Lauren - Wow, your blog is always a source of inspiration to me.
Julie - way to go!!
purejoy - holy COW (not that i actually believe in holy cows) i am so proud of you!! i really want to run a 5k even though running and my name in the same sentence makes me gag just a little (okay, a lot!!)
so proud of you!!
ps
adore your shirt.
have one just like it! 🙂
kristine - CONGRATS!!!!
Trish - on my bucket list… even though i loathe running. i just want to prove to myself that i can do anything through Christ who strengthens me 🙂
good job
Nicole - I check your blog about everyday but I never leave any comments (shy?) when you had the giveaways I thought perfect chance since there will be so many posts! I broke out of my shell and now I am here to say Congratulations! That must feel amazing! I have been thinking about doing a 5k, and with your inspiration maybe I will! Oh! and I found a pillow at Homegoods with “Whatever” on it while I was shopping the other day, it reminded me of you! (I took a picture even… if you ever wanna see! LOL)
miss r - That is awesome! Congrats on completing it. 🙂
Stephanie Carroll - Get it girl! It’s amazing what God can do with us if we let him. My first 5k in December was in 22 degree weather. Glad to see yours was a better experience 🙂
Kristin - So proud of you!
amy jupin - two things: 1) WOOT!!, 2) WOW!
that’s all i got.
Mary - I really want to train up and run a 5K. You’ve given me even more inspiration. And you’re right, God can help; he wants my body to be in good physical shape.
Sarah - Good job, Meg! I’m doing a 5K this weekend and planning on running the Prairie Fire half-marathon on 10-10-10. You should do it. I’m a little anxious about the training for that one but it should be good. Keep running. Keeping our bodies healthy is one of the best things we can do for our families.
Lynn - I read your blog but rarely comment…just wanted to say CONGRATS! I know how that feels! I ran my first ever 5k last October and just did my first half marathon on Saturday!!!! It’s amazing what your body can do! I couldn’t even run a full mile last summer, and I just ran 13.1. Running has shown me that I can do so much more than I ever thought possible. Congrats to you! Well, done!!
P.S. Running really is the best weight loss exercise… keep at it and you’ll definitely see results!
Georgia - Well done meg!!! Looks like it was a hot day too …. 🙂
Pat - Outstanding! Congratulations ~ way to go!
Cate O'Malley - Awesome job, Meg! I did my first 5K last weekend, but, um, I didn’t run. Truly awesome job!
Tara - very proud of you…you’ll be addicted to it in no time.
Dick - Congratulations! I’m so proud of you for trying let alone finishing. Way to go
Dianne Avery - Congratulations!! I’m proud of you! I’m to chicken to even try one. 🙂
Valley + Madigan - You flippin’ ROCK!!! I can’t even imagine!! I was running 5 miles a day hoping to run w/ my brother who’s amazing and does the Marine run….but I got pregnent and all you moms know something happenes to our bodies after babies…my size 4 turned into a whopping 16 and I stink!!
You make me proud Megster!!!
tara pollard pakosta - GREAT!
that is so awesome!
I haven’t ran in an actual race in 12 years!
I really should! I miss it!
The most I have ever done was 4.5 miles!
I want to be able to do 6 miles, that’s my goal!
but first I have to build back up to 1/2 mile!
oh, but before that i have to get my body adjusted
at the chiropracter cause my hip hurts really bad!
that is so awesome you did this! YOU GO GIRL!
tara
jen - awesome!! i hope i can say the same someday 🙂
Jen Christians - Was that Emma Creek? I wanted to do it so bad. All the girlies from my kiddo’s cross country team were there. (one of them who is 11 or 12 took fourth overall! Ran it in 21something.) But Leah had a gymnastics meet in Salina. Bummer. Now I REALLY wish I would have done it. I am so proud of you. An amazing accomplishment. I love your prayers too. I will have to remember that at my next race.
Meaghan - Awesome! You are so inspiring. I need to exercise!!
AshleyAnn - Congrats! I hate running. If I were in track & field I’d be a pole vaulter.
Amy Harris - Congratulations! I ran my first one this spring and I never thought I could do it. It’s such a great feeling to finish. Praise God for strong bodies, minds and hearts. Blessings! 🙂
kbonikowsky - Ugh , I hate running. Way to go!!
Andrea - That’s awesome! I’ve been thinking of signing up for a 5K. I will be walking, though because I’m quite out of shape!
Suzanne Gallagher - Way to go, Meg! I’m getting emotional writing this to you-I hear how proud you are of yourself through your words, sometimes we loose this in ourselves through our everyday life. Great Job!!!!
Suzanne
Courtney Walsh - so proud of you, meg. i have been thinking about doing this too this summer, though I am the farthest thing from a runner (especially with my back issues!) but my body is healthy and strong and there’s no reason i shouldn’t!!
🙂 go you!! you should be so proud!!
Kathi - Great job, you are truly an inspiration. Which seems kind of weird to say because I’ve never met you, but I feel like I have. We have so many of the same interests, I know we would be best of friends if we could.
Amy C. - Sometimes I am struck by how much I have in common with you. I am running my first 5K in two weeks. My husband just ran his first marathon yesterday, so it seems a little wimpy by comparison. I’ve been training for 10 weeks, and this week I have run the entire 5k a couple of times. As a girl who still has 50 lbs to lose, I am truly amazed that I can do this. When I started training I could barely run 1/8th of a mile. Isn’t God good? When I am out running and pushing my body to it’s limits, I always make a point to thank God for giving me the ability to do it. I think running and being a Christian have something in common…they are both quite humbling. Congratulations on your accomplishment!
Niki - WONDERFUL! Meg, great job! You inspire me…I need to get back to it!
Amy Lynne - That is awesome! Congrats on pushing through!
Amy Coose - This is too cool! Congrats!
linda@LimeintheCoconut - LOOK at what your amazing did!! You should be proud…I have a sneaking suspicion that this is just the beginning!
LouBoo - Similar to other comments – I did get abit teary reading this; there is something about this sort of achievement that does that! Well done – I run, but not in races yet, I just like the feel of it, but I think its a great great thing when people take it up. Its the London Marathon today so I am sure I will also shed a tear watching that as it gets sooo emotional when you hear all the stories behind why people run. Lovely. x
Jenn - Great job Meg! I don’t think I could run the whole thing either… you will get it next time! What a great accomplishment 🙂
Laura Phelps - I wish I ran a marathon today. Instead, I turned 40.
ugh
good job Meg
Kellie Dugan - I am so proud of you!!! Keep going and never stop.
DreamGirlLisa - That is so awesome, congrats! You should be incredibly proud of yourself 🙂
Julie Weaver - I don’t know you, but I teared up reading this. Way to go.
Sharla - Congrats girl! It is on my list for 2010 as well. You look great!!
Nicole Q. - I’m SOOO proud of you!!! It’s on my goal list too!!! To me it’s like a marathon!! HA! Good job!
Karen Gerstenberger - Congratulations! “The journey of a thousand miles…” and all of that good, philosophical stuff to you! I’m so happy for you.
heather - That is so awesome!!! Way to go!!!
btw— your hair is A*D*O*R*A*B*L*E!!!
Proud of you!
michelle - WOW!! you’re awesome Meg! so proud of you. this could be just the beginning 🙂
and yes, i love your new “do” too!
Misty Ray - Congratulations!!!! Loving the new hair, so cute!
Courtney - awesome! i love the *sound* i hear in your words…of doing something you didn’t think you could do before!
Liz - Congratulations, Meg! What an awesome accomplishment! You are such an inspiration.
Amanda - I asked about you at the end- “did anyone see Megan come across?” – not that you wouldn’t actually finish, but I wondered if you had finished it out running after we saw you? It was fun running into you. Dave saw you and said “yep, she came in not long after you and Jess” I was proud of you! I was proud of us too. The longest I had run in practice was 2.25 so I didn’t think there was any way I could run the entire 3.1. But we made it – together! I haven’t run in over 10 years. It’s the first 5k I’ve ever done. I think we may do the River Run on May 8 – 2 miles – wanna do it with us?
Melanie - Good for you!
jody - ongrats!!! i am a runner and triathlete…and mom of 4. i find that for me running is not only a way to stay fit and not have to diet, but it’s spiritual thing. the rhythmic striking of my feet on the pavement, being outside, working hard, reflecting, feeling the endorphins and gratitude! Keep it up! I’ve found that with lots of core work and some strenth training, I’m able to run faster than I did in my twenties. Once you get comfy running 3-4 miles, you’ll be able to work up to an hour of running, and wow, there is nothing better than crossing that threshold.
ok, can you tell i love to run? oh, and i always dedicate the hard miles to someone i love or needs prayers. that keeps me from stopping. xxoo
kristin - oh, this is the first year in several that i didn’t do this run. good for you. good for you!
Ruth H. - Way to go! I really hate running, but I LOVE running in races. There is something so exhilarating about being in a race. And something so rewarding about saying, “When I ran my last 5K….” People get impressed. So, good for you!
Cutzi Jobes - Yay! Great job!
I’m running my first 5k in a couple weeks – so this was good inspiration for me!
Carol S. - Very cool! I just did my first one a month ago (and honestly, haven’t run since!) I’m 47 and a ran the whole thing at a slow jog…pretty slow…and jogged the whole thing in about 42 minutes (one of the slower of my age group, but hey, I did it). Was suprised the couple months did nothing to lose any weight, though I think I was eating more and justifying it. This last month am focused on calorie counting and getting out walking or bike riding and have lost some poundage. Great job and you were really fast in my book!!
Grace - Hey! Great job! I just went off sugar this past week . . . let’s see how long that lasts! I’ve walked a 5k a few times in the past few weeks, but it would be great to run it sometime!
Btw, I love your shirt “water.” …pretty much sums it up. 😀
Elizabeth - Way to go! You’re an inspiration — first sugar and now running a 5K. I’m not sure I can be inspired that much, though…
Katy - Congratulations!!! I ran a 5K today for my daughter’s PTO fundraiser as well. It sure does feel good to be able to accomplish something like that! Way to go!!
Jeannette - That is so awesome!!!! Good for you :o)
Heather - That was absolutely fabulous. Good for you! Really really. And yes, totally inspirational – as you often are to me. Thanks!
Jennifer - That is awesome! I did a 4K 2 years ago, but I walked fast/jogged. You rock!
Alysa - That is a HUGE acccomplishment. SO proud of you, too! way to go. that’s a big deal. love it.
kathy eller - Very very cool! YAY!!!
Lisa - OH MY GOODNESS! I’m so impressed. Way to go. All I’ve done on this Saturday is some garage saling and cleaning. You’re the woman!
Kimberlee J. - CONGRATULATIONS! I am so proud of you!
Laura Lee - I’m tired just thinking about it! congrats!
Marie - Congratulations! That’s awesome and inspiring!
Melissa - WOW! That is AWESOME! Such an inspiration too. The other day I was thinking “maybe I could run a 5k one day”.. which was quickly followed by, “don’t be stupid!” Now, I’m starting to think, “maybe…” again! Thanks!!
Lacy Brauner - go girl. that rocks. you rock!
Lori - Way to go Meg!!! Congrats. And your hair still looked good! The sign of a good cut…
Lisa - Good on you girl! I get that you are annoyed you stopped, but dont let it subtract from the fact that today, you got up and you accomplished something you set your mind to. Running 5k is no small feat. You are amazing! Congrats!!!
mary elizabeth - WOW!!!! I am so impressed! I hope to one day be able to write that sentence myself!!! 🙂 Way to go!!!
Diana - PROUD OF YOU, MEG! Good for you! ♥
Kelly - Great wonderful fantastic job! And seriously, why do you looks so cute after running for 35 minutes?!? I always look a fright!
Jenny Pocknall - That is fantastic. Well done.
julia - Congratulations! I had some crazy idea about running a marathon before I turned 40 (this week). I didn’t do it. It’s like 26.2 miles, you know.
Flower Patch Farmgirl - So inspiring! Love the hair.
jennifer - Congratulations! That is so, so awesome! Love your shirt, too. 🙂
Donna - Whooooo-hooooooooooo! Rock on!
Julie - Congrats! That is soo great!
Megan - Congrats to you, I’m giving you a pat on the back, pat, pat, pat! Awesome!
Heather - fantastic!! i think you rock!! enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Kate - Oh MEG!!! I am so happy for you!
Congratulations!!! Wow!!!
Jaimie - way to go! how inspirational!
Rachel - Congratulations! That is truly a wonderful accomplishment. Now go and enjoy the rest of your weekend as you bask in your success and rejoice in the strength of a healthy body. WAY TO GO, MEG!
amy d - way to go…that’s awesome!
Heather - Congrats!! It feels so good to cross that line, right? I can’t wait to start running again!
Jonelle Ensign - Congratulations!! It feels so good to finish something like that, doesn’t it?! Next weekend I will be doing a 160 mile bike ride to support a friend of mine that has MS. I will be chanting the same prayer you did – “PLEASE show me what my body can do!”