When I turned 40 I wanted run a 5K. So over the course of the next five years I would start the Couch to 5K program numerous times, always quitting for one reason or another. I'd quit because I was too slow, it was cold outside, I just didn't feel like doing it, or any number of other reasons. I'd quit, months would go by and then I'd start wishing again that I could do it, and the cycle would repeat. My whole family runs. My husband is an avid runner who does half and full marathons and runs 20 miles per week on average all year long. My kids are both in the running club at school and they go for runs outside of there, too (my husband also volunteers in the running club). For five years I wanted to join them in being a runner, too.

Seven weeks ago exactly my husband offered to coach me to do a 5K. I just knew this was going to be a much better route than the Couch to 5K program I had tried so many times before (which after doing his method I feel the Couch to 5K program is not good for various reasons). I agreed and we set out to get me trained. I ran every other day for seven weeks. I ran when it was raining, when it was cold, and even when I was sick and had to run slower (slower than I already run). Meanwhile, he road his bike alongside of me, sharing with me his knowledge and passion for running. He also motivated me every time we went out. There was probably 5-6 times that I would have absolutely quit over the last seven weeks, but each time he helped me work through that and keep going, and keep pushing on. My husband was also adamant about me going to Spike's to get proper running shoes.  You can read about that experience here. I love my shoes!

His program worked better than anything I had ever tried. What he wanted me to do on day one was to set out and run as long as I could before needing to stop. That way we could see where I was at, and build from there. I surprised him on the first day, because I could run one mile straight (although it as difficult near the end). He thought I'd set out and do half of that. We built it from there. Each week we added on distance, going to 1.5 miles straight, 2 miles, 2.5, and then 2.8. I would take one break in that time, where I would walk for about three minutes to catch my breath. We never went over the 2.8 miles though, because he felt strongly that the day of the 5K should be my longest run yet, so that it motivated me to finish. He felt I should "leave something in the tank," so we trained to 2.8 miles. 

My goal was to run the whole 3.1 miles straight, without stopping at all. And that's what I did today! I participated in the "Run with the Rangers 5K" at Canaveral National Seashore.It was a wonderful event that was laid back, offered a beautiful course, and there were just a lot of nice people there. Being a nature lover, I loved the course, which took you through canopied streets and along the main road where you can see nature all around and hear the roar of the ocean. I am a slow runner, but I finished and ran it all. That's what matters!

What I learned along the way in this journey is that running is more mental than physical. You have to overcome the mental barriers that hold us back and make us doubt ourselves. During my training, my husband put a quote on my desk by Sakyong Mipham, which says "Determination is required, for without determination, we feel overwhelmed." Little did he know, that quote would stick with me and help get me through every time my mind would begin to doubt what I was doing. I was determined to finish and I had to remind myself that the determination would carry me to the finish line. During my training I also read Sakyong Mipham's book called "Running with the Mind of Meditation," which is wonderful! The book combines information about running and mediation, and I learned some good things about running from reading that book. I highly recommend it! I also learned that the time doesn't matter. Running an 8 minute mile is the same distance as running a 14 minute mile. Everyone runs at a different pace and the most important thing is finishing and running it all. I also learned to be gentle with myself mentally. I am so grateful for my husband for coaching me to do this. He is so awesome!

For some people, running comes easy and they make it look effortless. I can say without a doubt that running the 5K without stopping was the most challenging physical activity that I've ever done. It was hard for me! But at age 45, I did it, and I'm so glad that I accomplished this goal I had been wanting to do for five years. I plan to continue running. My goal will become to run three times per week and continue to strengthen and build my base.

On another note, my two kids also ran the 5K today. My son came in second overall in the whole race! My daughter was first in her age group. They both did wonderfully. My husband did not sign up to do it (he never does 5K's anymore, because it's too easy for him), but he trotted alongside me the whole way. He has been such an amazing coach and I'm so grateful that he did this all with me! After the race, they randomly drew names for people to win restaurant gift certificates. All three of us won a gift certificate! We paid $65 for the three of us to do the run, and we won $70 in local restaurant gift certificates, which was really cool.

Today I accomplished a goal that I had eyed for five years. I actually cried when I came across the finish line, because I had achieved something that I worked so hard to do. Now I'm working on getting my sister in Michigan to get training (she has had the same goal for five years) so that we can run a 5K together this summer when I'm back there on vacation at my mom's house. If you have a goal of running a 5K, go for it. Be gentle with yourself, overcome the mental barriers, and remain determined so that it doesn't seem as overwhelming! If I can do it, so can you! 

- Jacqueline Bodnar