a moment to refocusonlife ~ just believe

Hey everyone! Life has a way of getting in the way of things, doesn't it? I've been meaning to write this entry for over a week now...but alas, here it is!

On May 17th, I participated in the Warrior Dash #warriornation! Up until the VERY second I started running, I was scared out of mind. I wasn't scared of the potential that I might not be able to finish. I wasn't scared of the obstacles. I was scared of something much more obvious...

Mud puppies May 17, 2014

I was scared of running! 

My heart was beating out of my chest as we lined up at the start line. I mean, I was terrified that I would run a few hundred feet and be walking the entire course after that initial burst. But that wasn't the case! Until my feet started moving, I was not sure how I would do. But then the strangest thing happened: I was having fun. 

I was running, no one was chasing me, there were no tigers, no rabid dogs, absolutely nothing was chasing me and I was running! It was exhilarating! 

Then, out of the blue, I had ran for an entire mile without so much as a slight distress. We had passed a couple obstacles and I was still moving. I was confused. I was even able to carry on a conversation with Charlotte and Mark. Maybe I wasn't exerting enough effort? 

Then, another strange thing happened, I passed a very physically fit man that I had admired at the start line. That gave me even more hope. I was thoroughly confused at this point. 

All of this to state, I was afraid of running. Someone had suggested that I run the ALFA Hike for Hope 5k back in April. I literally laughed at that suggestion. I was fearful that I could not finish, so no way would I even attempt. 

It was all in my head. I was mentally blocking myself from enjoying something that it appears I may actually like! I wonder how often I've done this in my life? 

I am now registered for a timed 5k in July. The Athletic Quilt Streetlight 5k scheduled for 7/12/14. I'm not sure what kind of time I will post. I'm not sure I care. All I know is that, by gosh, I enjoyed the heck out of running and I'm excited about the possibilities! 

Big, huge thank you's go out to my #warriornation peeps. I love you, Mark and Charlotte (and you too Spectator Lisa)! You all rocked it out with me thru thick (mud) and thin (beer). 

See ya on the flip side. Don't forget to take a minute to refocusonlife...you might find something you've been blocking yourself from enjoying!