Why were you inspired to do this?

Over ten years ago I was in better shape and I ran a few 5ks for causes I believed in - AIDS and breast cancer research and support. When I look back now, the girl who ran those races seems a world away. In the past ten years I've been focused on my career and given too much to my job - to the detriment of my health. Running a 5k now, at age 38, will help me feel empowered and help remind me of the importance of my physical health.

What were 3 things you did to make this happen?

Motivation - the belief that I can do it!

Time to train.

A basic level of fitness - the stamina to run that far.

How did you feel once you had accomplished this?

I've gotten very out of shape in the past ten years while I've been focused on my career. Getting into better shape is difficult, and it's probably going to be the hardest part in achieving this goal.

Additional notes and tips:

 My brother and I ran the Bank to Bay 5k today! I still can't really believe we did it. It was a hard race - there was a mammoth hill near the end - but my one goal for myself was to run the entire thing without having to walk at all. And I did it! I had to fight a lot of negative messages playing in my brain about needing to run faster or about not being the running "type" (whatever that means), but my brother encouraged me a lot and I just tried to focus on my goal. I feel proud of myself.