I signed up for another 5K Walk today. This one is a fundraiser — Making Strides Against Breast Cancer — organized by the American Cancer Society in communities around the country. Co-workers and I are forming a team to walk together.
Right now a friend of mine is battling breast cancer. Another dear friend is a 17 year cancer survivor. I’m walking in their honor.
I absolutely love that the thought of walking five kilometers holds no intimidation and creates no trepidation in me. I’m holding onto that thought even though I spent the day periodically feeling complaints from the muscles in my abs and legs. I’m sticking with my determination to do these daily exercise routines and trying to remember that the soreness means that the muscles are being worked. The effort I put out ultimately will strengthen my body.
So what if every once in a while I need to break down and take an over-the-counter pain reliever to quiet the complaints? This is a far cry from the days when I came home from work and swallowed 800 mgs of Motrin every night because just the daily exertion of living my life resulted in significant pain and throbbing joints.
By comparison, this 5K will really be like a walk in the park.
Weighty Matters 
Mary, you’ve come so far! And you have such a great grasp of the important aspects of this journey… the fact that your quality of life is so vastly improved. Even if you didn’t lose another pound, I’d say it’s all been a success. You went from having to park right near the doors to the grocery store to riding your bike around the keys, paddle boarding, etc. You are living an amazing life these days. It’s so great to see.
Whenever I go on a really long run and I’m struggling towards the end of it, I like to remind myself that there are shorter distances that seem easy by comparison. If it’s a 5 miles run, I say “well, I’d have already finished a 5k at this point.” An 8 mile run might earn a “well, I’d be done with a 10k.” Sounds kinda silly, but it helps me to put things in perspective.
Thanks, Susanne! I always appreciate it when people drop in and say hello. After reading your comment, I looked at the photos again. I like thinking that I looked determine!
Hi Mary,
I thought I’d pop by and see how you’re doing. You never cease to amaze me with trying different things as you go down your chosen path. I look at these pictures and see determination.
Continued best wishes,
Susanne