My first of many.....

This blog is about a huge accomplishment.  I signed up to run in a 5K.  My first ever.  I have been running almost everyday for the past 3 weeks getting ready for this.  Every time I have ran, I have been doing 2 miles only.  Today I had to try the 3.  I knew it was time.  This whole week has had me so nervous.  Why?  It's not like I am going to get in trouble or scolded for not running 3 miles, lol.  I've had a nervous of...."can I do this"?  There is something to say when you have this feeling deep inside. Let me share with you why I think I've had this feeling....

All I can remember is in PE class in middle school, when we had to run, not gonna happen.  I was always told, your flat footed, you probably can't run.  Yep, that helped me a lot.  It sure gave me an excuse not to run.  I hated running.  I hated that we had to run a mile in PE, while the teachers/coaches just sat there talking.  An occasional "yell" was heard from them when they saw that we were NOT running.  Thanks coach!  Have another donut!!!

So as time has gone by, here I am 2014...who would of thought it.  I just remember 2 years ago when I started my "get healthy" life, I couldn't even run one mile.  I remember the first day at Asylum, I couldn't even run one lap.  Woah baby, I've come a long way.

44 pounds lighter, wearing a size 8 (had to throw that in there, hee hee), I can run 3 miles.  Not only can I run 3 miles, but I am fixing to run my first 5K!  It still blows my mind.

So back to today at lunch time.  I went outside and got ready to run the 15 laps that would equal to 3 miles.  Wow....the mind can talk you into something or talk you out of something.  35 degrees and a sunny day, I figured this is the temp/weather I will have on Sunday in Las Cruces.  Here we go.  By the time I got to my last lap, I had to stay focused.  I thought of me, my husband and kids and my dad.  No kidding.  Those were the 3 things that kept me going!  I told Ramon (the hubby) that it's funny that I hear people/see people that are running and when they get to the last stretch, they kick it in high gear and finish it strong!  I kept thinking, how does one do this?  By the time I was on the last lap...I wanted to stop!  I was tired, my legs were tired and I had snot coming out of my nose like nobody's business! Sure enough, when I made that last turn for the last stretch, I wanted to finish bad.  I kept saying out loud, "come on Lupe", "don't quit", "come on Lupe"........so yea, I did it.  All I could do was cry.  And cry I did.  I kept walking to keep my legs moving, but I cried like a baby.  More snot came out.  My jacket will be going in the washer today, lol.  I just kept crying.  I thanked God out loud.  I told dad that it was for him!  I cried and cried and cried even more.  I finally regained my composure and text Ramon to come outside.  He came thinking I was hurt, because I was hunched over sitting down.  He asked me right away if I was alright.  I said, "I did it", "I ran the 3 miles" and then I broke down again. He hugged me and loved me with his words....(getting choked up again as I am writing)....he said "you did this", "you did this all by yourself", "you have been working so hard for the past months".....words aren't even enough to express how I felt.

So this Sunday as I cross the finish line, it will be the first of many of these 5Ks that I will run.  Before 2014 is over, I want to run a half marathon.  Next year 2015, I will run a full marathon!  May 17th of this year I will be 48 years old.  I feel like a 20 year old.  I am someone that no longer has the haunting phrases of "your flat footed", "you are over weight", "you can't do this" to keep her down.

And here I finish with this...
"Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”  Joshua 1:9

this was after the 3 mile run today.  my nose is red, not from the cold, but from crying!!  LOL