Just Because I Can

Those of you that have been following my blog for awhile know exactly how I feel about running.

Running..................well, I HATE it.  It is not in my top 10 of favorite ways to exercise.

But, sometimes I just have to prove to myself that I CAN do something. 

So, when my pocket pal, Kim, asked told me that I was going to run today, deep down I wanted to say no.  But I didn't.  What I said was:  Okay, but you don't have to keep up with me.  Run at your own pace.  I don't want to hold you back.  

Because, I would hate to think that anyone (especially a friend) did not get a good workout because I am too slow to keep up.

It was decided that I could fall behind if needed.  Kim could run ahead of me and keep her pace.

We weren't running a marathon.  Just one mile (don't laugh.......you have to start somewhere) at a steady pace.  Then we would walk a mile to cool down.

In my head, I know it is just a mile.  I know that I can do it.  But still, sometimes, that voice gets into my head and says there is no way I can do something.......because I see myself bigger than I really am. 

I really wish that voice would leave me alone.  Let me be.  Let me realize that I am an average size now.  But, even as the voice gets fainter, I can still hear it. 

Will it ever go away?  Probably not.  But, I am learning that I need to prove it wrong.  To prove to myself, that I am capable now.  That I am no longer that 318 lb. woman.

I ran a whole mile right beside my friend.  I did not stop.  I did not need a break.  I did it.  Because I can now.  Because my body is physically capable.  Because I am strong. 

I ran...........JUST BECAUSE I CAN. 

Kim and I before our run. 

And after..............but smiling.  Even though I am sweating like a pig in the Texas heat.