As my long runs grow longer (I'm up to 45 minutes) I can't help but reflect back on my first run. July 1, 2012. Day 1 of Couch to 5k is a 5 minute warm up walk, 1 minute run + 1.5 minute walk (repeated 6 times) then a 5 minute cool down walk. I remember waiting for those 1.5 minutes walks... they never came soon enough! And now I am comfortable running a 5k and am almost halfway through 5k-10k training. I look forward to run days. As much as I look forward to run days, this next week is a recovery week. Tomorrow I'll run 15 minutes and my long run later in the week is a 30 minute run. (Perfect opportunity for a 5k this weekend!)

Here I am with friends last Friday at Belding's B-Foundation Glow run/walk. The theme is pink, so of course we made pink tutu's! It was fun, my first night run. Had to dodge a couple dead animals, but the rain stopped just in time for the run! Looking forward to it next year.

Around the time I married my hubby, I stopped jogging. We moved into a hilly neighborhood and it was difficult. My drive to work increased, we had two puppies, and a lot to do with a new house. Over the years, I've tried to stay active by walking and golfing. But the pounds are adding up and I weigh the most I've ever weighed in my life. Lately, I've been thinking about jogging again, but with the extra weight I've put on and at my age, I can't just start running and expect it to feel good! After jogging a bit on the hiking trail at Interlochen on Sunday, I decided to start the "Couch to 5K" app that I've had on my phone for a while.

Week 1, Day 1

It was... easy at first, then quickly became a challenge! It seemed that when it was time to run, it was uphill. Remember, I said that my neighborhood is hilly?!

I'm going to repeat Day 1 again on Tuesday rather than advancing right away. Remember my weight and age comment?

Tomorrow, my legs will be sore and stiff, but it will feel so good! I also did something that I didn't think I'd do. Took a "Before" photo in my skivvies. This is one photo that I do not plan on sharing!

This app also has motivational quotes on the finish page. That's where the title of this post comes from.

Have a great week and I'll keep you updated on my progress!