Just Do It

Before starting my run, each time I stretch a little then say a prayer for continued good health, strength and focus. I am a person who overanalyzes everthing. I mean everything. And I was was not going to overanalyze this running thing. I decided that I would just go for it. No diet. No weight loss goal. No plan. Just do it. I didn't study running on the internet. I didn't even purchase running shoes. I just used what I had and decided to get out there. So khaki shorts and my Saints T-shirt was my choice. Who dat?

After the first week, I can't say it got easier. It is not impossible, but it's not easy for me to run before work so I chose to run after work. On rough days at work it was hard to get off the couch so I would have my shoes and clothes ready for when I got home. Annabelle would run with me when I needed motivation. I never  thought it was important to live a healthy life for Annabelle to learn. Even though we eat candy and chips at times, most of the time we choose healthier foods and this running has incorporated exercise. On other days we get outside and do something or play our Wii. My niece, Katie, who is also a runner, was a big factor in my start and helping keep going. Encouragement from my wife, friends, and family was the boost I needed.

Another motivation for me is feeling better at 40. Not only by blood test results, but physically feeling good, as well as mentally. It's always been on my mind to "do something" but it took turning 40 for it to remind me how my body is not young anymore. I need to trick it to feel younger. And the only way was to get off the couch. I guess I'm analyzing again, right? Whatever it took I was determined to get started and keep going! Enough excuses already.

When I run, I sweat. A LOT. I think of that sweat pouring out as a detox of all the negativity I have felt about myself for many years. At first glance, I convince others that I am very confident, but on the inside I don't always feel that way. When it comes to my health, I feel terrible, but now it's getting better since I'm doing something about it. It's up to ME! Sometimes there are tears and I'm not ashamed of that either. There hasn't been blood, but I'm not hoping for that. Sweat and tears is enough. I've been through 91 miles of a rough road these past weeks and I truly can't believe it. With only SIX days left of training I am feeling some doubt, but I have to work through that this week and just do it!

"Never limit yourself."

---Me