This past Sunday I conquered the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 miler in Washington DC.

I was always inspired by my mother to run. She began her first couch to 5k program during my father's struggle with Pancreatic Cancer. She has always said it was a way for her to have something for herself while being the main caretaker for my Dad. Her running groups through Fleet Feet Gaithersburg has been a supportive community where I have seen her flourish after the passing of my Dad. She would continuously invite me to run and join races but I constantly denied her invitations because I would probably look like an idiot.

Something about me: I am a very prideful person. I don't like to look weak. Also, my mother and I have a competitive relationship...probably because as I grow older, I realize how similar we really are. Showing up to run with my mom and have a 50-something beat me was not the most ideal situation. She started running when she was in her 50's people!!! She committed! Even at one of the hardest times of her life; because she knew how important she had to make herself. Running kept her focused and on track. Running saved her emotionally from the loss of the love of her life.

When I began to run on the Biggest Loser Ranch it was inspired by my Mom. I wanted to be able to come home and build a stronger bond with her through running. I remember the first time I ran 3 miles, it was during the second week on the ranch, and it took me almost an hour. I felt so exhausted but at the same time accomplished. I began incorporating it into my daily routine and week by week built up my endurance and pace.

It began to be my sanctuary. The place where I could zone out and file through all my thoughts, my struggles, my strengths, and just be with the person I was becoming. Week after week I just kept running. The fitter I got the more capable I felt. The more committed I was, the better my times became.

This WAS NOT an overnight process. This IS NOT and overnight process.

So how did I do?

I look forward to my next run and my next race. One foot in front of the other.

p.s. I beat my Mom

Race Day