I RAN IN A TROPICAL STORM

I was a little hesitant. I could have stayed in bed. I thought of all kinds of reasons to skip my exercises, but I put on my sneakers and went out into the rain and wind. I didn't like it at first. My neighbors were all snug in their beds.

The road was full of puddles and the rain came down so hard at times that I had to squinch my eyes shut and spit the water out of my mouth, and run blindly. It reminded me of when I was a skinny kid at summer camp and just learning to swim.

I STILL CAN'T RUN A MILE. I start wheezing at about 600 yards and so I adapt by alternating running until I can't breathe and then walking. It works for me. I read about all these people that run 2 and 3 miles and I wish to do that someday, but I am making progress.

It felt awesome. I ran for me. I didn't care what I looked like. I could feel my body gaining strength. I could feel the endorphins kicking in. I splashed into puddles on purpose like a child.
The sound of the tropical storm was soothing. I didn't think of anything except how my body felt and how the rain felt on my body and how glorious it was to be a live! WHOO HOO!

I stopped at a mile and a half to dart into my house and grab some shampoo and soap and I lathered up outside in the rain. I returned to the house grabbed a quick shower and a cup of coffee and felt content. I did it. I didn't make excuses. Yeah! I did it for me and nobody else. I am not the invisible, fat lady anymore. I am going to hold my head up high and be proud of who I am and what I am doing!

I felt all of you spark people with me on my run this morning, cheering me on and it made a huge difference. A special thank you to Rhonda and Teeny Bikini for all your encouragement.