The One with My First 10K

Friends, I did it. 

I feel so accomplished. 

This morning, for the first time ever, I ran 6 straight miles. 

That's a 10k!

(I think "10k" sounds much more impressive, don't you?)

You may remember me asking if you thought it was possible for me to run 6 miles. 

Many of you encouraged me. 

Somewhere within me I knew I could do it. 

It was a mental game. 

One of which I was scared to death (not literally). 

The thought of running for an HOUR was extremely frightening to me. 

Why? I don't know. 

But it was daunting. 

I was so comfortable with my little 5k paths. 

But last week I started challenging myself. 

Changing my route. 

Not being afraid of going longer than 3 miles. 

Venturing out into the 4 mile field. 

And I was surprised to find that I felt invigorated. 

Excited about it, even! 

Last evening as my husband and I dropped off some fresh produce to Sara, 

(that's another exciting--at least for me--story for another day)

I decided to channel my courage. 

I asked if he thought I could make the 6 mile round trip run to Sara's house and back.

He said "definitely" without any hesitation.

"Just take it at a little bit of a slower pace than you usually do."

So this morning, at 6:30am, 

I laced up my shoes, 

grabbed my cell phone, 

and said, "I'm doing it. 

I'm running to Kyle and Sara's--

just so you know where to find me if you have to scrape me off the asphalt."

(I really did say that.)

And off I went. 

I started off breathing more heavily than usual.

It was nerves. 

I was starting to psych myself out. 

But somewhere along the way--probably on that first seemingly endless hill on US12--

I settled into a groove. 

And I actually enjoyed the rest of the run. 

I stopped for 2 minutes at the half way point just to be sure I could make it back--

another 3 miles. 

Wow. 

I did it. 

Over the countless hills.

(It's really hilly in these parts.)

And despite my fear. 

I accomplished a goal.

And I already have one of my best friend's mom challenging me to train for a half marathon and then a full.

She says if she can do it at her age, I can definitely handle it. 

The fear is already creeping in as I type. 

I think I'll take the challenges slowly.

But this time I believe I can do it!

someday.