Journal Entry - Tues 3/17/09

Since that day back in August, I have worked slowly to build up my endurance and ability to run. I spent the first 48 years of my life avoiding running so taking this feat on at this point in my life was not easy. Because I have a physical disability, I have to work on everything in baby steps. I knew I could run at least a mile so that is where I began. I worked through many different pain issues as I strengthened muscles that had never been expected to carry me at more than a walking pace. I had setbacks and even went through a period of time where I had to settle for walking. Most days I ran about a half a mile and did about 5 miles on the elliptical machine at the YMCA. Two things kept me going....the first, I realized that I was actually getting much stronger and therefore, this exercise stuff was allowing me to make positive changes in my life. The second.....I was very motivated to dedicate each mile to someone that had stepped up to serve on my behalf. I had to come up with six names a day, one for each mile, and that was causing me to think beyond the people I knew personally. I was now interested in finding out about others that served for me even though they have never met me.