On April 18th I ran a 5K.

This is amazing because for 30 years I believed I couldn’t run.  I am physically capable but I had a mental block about running.

I started to believe I could run after doing 8 weeks of Seal Fit and eating differently. Each workout of the day consisted of various exercises that included short runs. One part of a workout might be 4 sets of a 200 yard run, 20 squats, 10 mountain climbers, and 15 push ups.  My endurance increased after each workout and I liked the way I felt after running.

I have a friend who trained for and completed her first half-marathon last year. She suffers with asthma but she learned to control her breathing and ran the entire race.  I was inspired by her resolve not to let asthma control her.

Last fall I began using the C25K app on my smart phone with no real intentions of doing a 5K.  I was so excited when I ran for eight straight minutes during the 5th week of training.  Then I ran 10 minutes, then 20.  The next thing I knew I wanted to run a 5K and set a goal to run one in 2015.

When I learned that Hospice of the Valley was hosting a Celebrating Life 5K I knew it was the one. I would be able to run in honor of Mom. We were blessed to have them care for my mother during her last 7 months battling COPD.  They were all very special to Mom and to us.

For two weeks leading up to the race I was a bit nervous.  I didn’t care about my time.  I just wanted to run the entire race.

On April 18th I ran the 3.1 miles placing 81st of 120 runners.

When I thought about quitting I thought of Mom who couldn’t run. I thought about how I would feel when I finished. I thought about my husband and daughter waiting for me at the finish line.

Needless to say that was a very happy moment for me. It was exhilarating to run that race.  More importantly I was excited about what it meant for me in other areas of my life.

The thing is, I can do a lot more than I think I can. My mind just has to change first.

Any deep change in how we live starts with a deep change in what we believe and how we think. The change can start with trying something new.  Or experiencing a job loss or health crisis. A tragedy can spark the change.  Even watching someone else change can inspire it.

Whatever that thing is you thought you could never do:  try it.

Want to sing?  Paint?  Start a business? Write a book? Lose 50 pounds?  Be a speaker?

Take a class. Get some information. Do something.  Just try it. You might be amazed at what happens.

I plan on participating in the Celebrating Life 5K each year. Not only that, I’m going to run another 5K in the fall.

And I’m going to place better than 81st.