FREEDOM

It's been 5 years. I don't remember the exact date, but I started my journey to health sometime in 2009 and it is now 2014. It took me 2 years to slowly drop 105 pounds. I dropped 8 sizes. I've kept the weight off. I went from not exercising at all to running a full marathon. I went from hating...and I do mean hating... exercising to become a woman who adores exercising. Running. Lifting. Cross training. Freedom.

I have become liberated in so many ways in the past 5 years. When I made the choice to become healthy, I dropped the chains that were holding me back for so long. The chains that were holding me back for decades, really. With all the extra restrictions that being unhealthy placed on me, I never knew how great I could really feel. How free I could feel. 

Running. I love the run. I am free when I run. I have overcome many obstacles in the past 5 years as I continue to pursue my love of the run... Epilepsy being one of the main ones. I am in my own world when I run and I clearly am a lone wolf. I own my runs and no one and nothing can take that from me. Since discovering running, I have rediscovered myself. Someone I lost a very long time ago. 

I have not blogged in almost a year. I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in October of 2012. I blogged in April 2013 before last year's half. A lot has happened since then. I have gone back to work, teaching nearly full time. I am helping my mother who was diagnosed with cancer in September. Many weekends, in addition to trying to catch up with things at my own home, I am at her home, helping her. 

This will be my 4th year running in Pittsburgh's Half Marathon. I run for the charity Genre's Kids With Cancer Fund. It is a wonderful organization that helps to raise money for children in the Pittsburgh area who have been diagnosed with pediatric cancer and are being treated at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. It is a charity near and dear to my heart. Genre Baker was diagnosed with A.L.L. in 2009 and was one of the main reasons I chose to run. Fortunately, now, he is in remission.

As I train for the half marathon this year, it is tough. Not only am I working and helping mom, I've had some more health issues, just like in years past. Some recent additional seizure medication, along with some BP medication has made me physically exhausted. So, less time for training plus physical challenges equals...some tough days.

And, 5 years has passed. I am 5 years older. I think when you are in your 20's or your 30's or even in your early 40's? It may not make much of a difference. But, let's face it. I am not a young chick. So, with 5 years passing, and going back to work nearly full time, and helping take care of a mother with cancer, and adding 2 medications that add to my exhaustion, and trying to train for a half marathon...well. You get the picture.

But. I am a fighter. Am I tired? Yes. Will I keep going? Yes? Why? Because, I am a fighter. And there are things worth fighting for...and...well, you, know. I love the run.