I am still a newbie to the sport of running. The only running I have really done in my life is to run to the refrigerator for a bite to eat, or running after my kids. I am the mother of 3, Step-mother to 4 more, and Step-Grandma of 2= a total of 9 kids in one shape or form that make a fantastic family for my husband and myself.

I started a new job roughly a year ago.  A new co-worker had been discussing her "runs" and the enjoyment that she got out of it. To be quite honest, I didn't know anything about running. I had no idea that people would just show up and pay a fee to have the privilege of running in a race, supporting a cause, and get a t-shirt to boot. I didn't know what a 5K was- how long it was, or why people would bother to run it.  After a lot of encouragement and explanation, my co-worker, Susan, finally talked me into signing up for my first 5K. 

My first 5 K was on Mother's Day 2009- I did not properly train (I did start walking several times a week- but not near enough to really make a difference.)  I think I kept telling myself that I have more time, and kept putting off.  Well, I wish I would have had more determination to stay on a routine, but I have the glamourous job as a Nurse in the ER, that happens to work nights (strike one), and has a rotating schedule (strike two), and I work 12.5 hour shifts (strike three). There is no "routine."

The day of my first race, I got off work at 7:15 in the morning after working all night, headed to the event.  Upon my arrival I found about 3,000 other people that were far more prepared than myself. Not to dwell in all the gory details, but I did finish, I walked most of it, panting along the way.  What I did enjoy was the atmosphere, just being involved in a activity, and the people- I cannot tell you enough of how amazed I was at all the people cheering everyone on, supporting and encouraging me along the way- despite how ill-prepared I was. I was not fast, I was not graceful, and there was not a stitch of elegance as I trotted across the finish line.

I did a lot of thinking and decided that despite my misgivings, I throughly enjoyed my experience so much, that I decided to make this my new hobby. Since that initial run I have participated in a handful of 5K's that include:

• Sancturay of Hope- run the good race
• CTK 5K
• Race for the Cure
• Head for the Cure
• Levee Run

What I have the most difficulty with is having any sort of consistency with any type of training regimen.  I have struggled so much with this one issue.

I have tried to sign up for about 1 run a month.  I did take the month of October off- my 12 year old son, Joe, also running partner, and overall motivator, decided to join his Middle School Cross Country team. I took that time to support him, return the favor and be his motivator.  He was fantastic...

My next run is November 22nd.  I just finished fighting off a nasty upper respiratory infection, so I feel like I am back at square one. I am going to try and use this blog to track my progress, and to hopefully motivate me to have some regularity in my exercise schedule.  I just want to really run or jog the entire 5K- without stopping, walking or panting.

We will just have to see.... wish me luck!