First 5k complete....

I have been sitting here today, after my friends all left, thinking about what this day really means to me. Completing my first  5k run is something that I NEVER thought I would be doing.

I was so nervous this morning, stomachache and all. I have ran this distance before, but nothing like what I tackled today. My aunt, uncle and sister came up to run and walk the race. I was so moved by them being here to support me and so proud of my sister for walking her first 5k! My friend Kayla was the first person to say she would run it with me no hesitation at all. My friend Nate ran the whole thing at my side and kept me going when I felt like I "needed" to walk, when really I just needed to keep going.
My friends Justin, Cindy, their little ones, Jamie, Erin and Beth all came out to cheer me on for my first 5k. All of them knew how big this was to me and came out to support me. I was so happy to see them at the finish line!
The support that I got from the people who ran, walked, came and msged me is the most wonderful thing in the world. I am truly blessed for having such awesome people in my life.

Of course I picked the toughest 5k races to do in our area. HILLS! lots and lots of hills. I didn't realize it when I signed up, but the more I heard about the "hills" the more nervous I got. I trained yes, but the only "hill" I ran over was the viaduct! I was not prepared for the hills that I conquered today, but I did it. My mom always told me I could never do anything the easy way.

I kept saying this today and I need to repeat it again... 2 years ago there is NO WAY i could have or even would have thought I would be running a 5k. I have come so far it is really overwhelming to think about the person I once was. I still have my personality (a great one at that!) and values, but I am such a different person than I was back then. I am more happy and living life. Having new experience and realizing who I really am. I also absolutely love to go clothes shopping now!

I think this new experience has just shown me that I can do whatever I put my  mind to. I am so not finished yet and cannot wait to see how far I can really go. Stay tuned for my next adventure!