Day of Gratitude #running a 5k

Even when life gets tough, you should push through with a smile upon your face.

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I feel like I have said this before, but I will mention it again, just in case you didn’t know…

I went into the hospital two weeks ago and was diagnosed with vertigo. If you know about vertigo, you will know that it’s a symptom of another underlying issue. It stinks. I slept away three days straight, my vision became blurry, I was dizzy, I was sick, I couldn’t move my head and so on… It’s just now starting to clear up.

I signed up to run my first 5k of 2014 on New Year’s Day. 38 cities share in this race and I wanted to run the Commitment Run in Baltimore. I can only tell you how ‘bummed’ out I was when told to put running to a halt. That I must see a cardiologist and be cleared.

Really? Why has my health “all of a sudden” just dropped off? There are lots of answers that still need to be answered.

On New Year’s Eve, I sat thinking about the race I could run. I was irritated, annoyed and upset. How could I possibly start the New Year by not achieving my first commitment? And there it was…the words just rolled off my tongue. It was a commitment.

I made a commitment to having a healthy year.

I made a commitment for me.

I made a commitment to try my best…and that means…putting one foot in front of the other.

I was told I could not run, I wasn’t told I couldn’t walk. I can still fulfill my commitment to myself, just differently. Not the way I saw fit, but I am grateful I can still do it.

I am grateful to have my feet.

I am grateful I can breathe.

I am grateful to have energy and breathe in and out light.

I am grateful to be me.

So, I packed my clothes and got ready, because I was going to finish that race.

Did I mention I called my step-mom and asked her to walk it with me?

I have never been so proud walking through the finish line with her.

True. We talked the whole time …. and even took photos along the way…

I feel like you can do that when you’re a walker…you know? Just take in the scenery?

Like that red fire-hydrant… or take a photo of others taking photos…

Or interrupt other walkers for more photos…what-evs! We did return the favor!

It turned out to be more amazing than what I could have hoped for. I finished and with a long-time friend. My time was far less from impeccable, but it was pleasurable.

I am more than appreciative for this day. I am grateful to have all the things needed to walk this 5k. I am quite happy that I kept my commitment to myself as well.

For the 30-Day Health Challenge, I want you to think of things that you are grateful for. You have a lot to be appreciative about. Just like I do. The lists are endless. 

How do you show your day of gratitude?