Becoming the Athlete I Never Thought I Could Be

A little over a year ago, a friend of mine talked me into participating in The Exygon and Baptist Hospitals Gusher Marathon, SETMA Half Marathon, and Kinsel Ford 5K. I of course signed up for the 5K as a favor for my friend. I made sure to tell her that I was so going to walk this because I only run when in danger. So I participated. I walked 99.5% of the race. I finished in 55 minutes and 35 seconds. Thought I did pretty well for my first 5K. I've always enjoyed walking as an exercise. Later on during the summer I had heard on facebook of the Sea Rim Striders and their summer run series. I attended two of the runs that they did at Claiborne West Park in Vidor. Each time I improved my time by a few seconds. This December after graduating from Lamar University with a Master's in Educational Administration, I decided it was time to get in shape. I had made a few friends and they talked me into joining Exygon. Which I love by the way. I made one friend in particular who is addicted to racing. Albeit that she walks and is usually the last to the finish line but never gives up. She has been such an inspiration. I have now participated in 6 races this year with one coming up this Saturday. With each race my time is improving and it feels so good to have a new goal in my life. No matter how slow I am, I am still lapping everyone sitting on the couch. Everyone is so proud of everyone that participates. It is amazing to belong to a family of friends who strive to make each other better. This November I will complete my first 10K at the Pleasure Island Bridge half Marathon, 10k, 2 mile race. Then in March 2013 I will complete my first half marathon. I never thought I could be an athlete. But with hard work and dedication anything is possible.

Thank you Lord for matching my stride.