2:05:13

This is me running my heart out. I actually think this is where I was walking on Lafayette's most uneven sidewalks trying not to fall into the street. Anyway, my whole heart was in it. This is also where I first saw Danielle and Annabelle on the side of the road holding signs, cheering me on. It was just the boost I needed. I had been running alone for about 1 1/2 miles so I was happy to see them and quite surprised. I didn't know that they made signs for Katie and me.

After seeing them, my determination and focus really kicked in. It was me, the road, and the music...to the end! I made it through main streets, as well as side neighborhood streets around the city. I saw parts of the city I had never seen even having lived here all my life. I even had the opportunity to see Cajun Field, the Cajundome, and landmarks downtown that I probably never would have noticed driving by them. It was truly more than a race. I took in the scenery while not losing focus of my goal.

At each mile marker, there were people waiting to tell the time it took you to reach that mark. Each mile became a little easier knowing I was near the end. At mile marker 5 I knew I only had one mile left, but it felt like miles. Just when I started to feel the slightest of discouragement,  I would receive a text from family and friends pushing me on my way. When I rounded the corner at about 5 1/2 miles, I noticed my brother and sister-in-law running toward me with signs to encourage me. Then came my niece and then a running friend from church. The next person to meet me was Edie, a runner from Geaux Run, one of the organizers of the Cajun Cup. Everyone followed me until the final stretch. When I turned the corner onto Jefferson Street, I finally saw what I'd been wanting to see since this all began. The finish line.

Until you've trained for even a 5K or a mile run, I cannot explain in words the feeling I had as a small crowd gathered to cheer me to the end. There my family, friends, and people I didn't know were waiting for me. I felt so supported. And loved. The cheers and all the people were so overwhelming to me. As a person that was ridiculed all my life by classmates and co-workers for being overweight seemed to all go away right at that moment. All of that did not matter at all. I was so proud of myself. I had finally set a goal. And completed it.

2:05:13

Thanks to my wife, Danielle, who believed that I could complete the training in just nine weeks. When I put limit on myself, she would remind me of the purpose behind the running. My daughter, Annabelle, who ran with me when I couldn't run anymore. She also provided much needed support along the 10K course. Thanks to my niece, Katie, who got me into this running thing. I still think it's a crazy idea! Thanks so much to my family for supporting me along the way and being there for me when I finished.

Thanks to the Saturday running group at Crossroads Church who patted me on the back and gave me words of encouragement even when I thought I was at my worst. A big thank you to Preston Blair, who started this Couch to 10K small group at church. His words of support and emails helped me get there and hopefully will keep me going.

Thanks above all to God who makes all things possible in my life. I  give Him all the praise for making this happen. And for keeping my feet moving!!