My journey to the 5k

So I need to get in shape....desperately! Soooooo, i came up with a brilliant idea to train for an upcoming 5k (one for a good cause, Breast Cancer Awareness). I really do hate to run....that is why I had to set a specific goal......and then on top of that, i need the accountability aspect. So I invited my friend Betsy to join me in my journey. For some insane reason, she agreed....so here we are, embarking on the adventure of a 3 mile run. To many that may not sound like much, but to a 35 year old, lazy, selfish mother of three young children....it's a mountain! As if my life schedule isn't enough of a deterrence, my health sometimes gets in the way too. But one quality I do have that should work in my favor is my stubbornness.....just the fact that the odds are against me drives me even more.
So, I began today...the running part, that is. On average I swim 4-5 miles a week.....I like the pool.....no sweating (at least none I can recognize!) But I started my "land" training today....ran a mile and it wasn't pretty. Actually, I ran 1/2 a mile, walked 2 laps, then ran the other 1/2 mile. I had a hard time breathing, my lungs hurt, my legs felt like rubber and i could barely speak....but I was proud of my accomplishment!
My race is tentatively May 3rd, but I may possibly have to wait until the one in July (impending move to a different state). My goal is to increase a mile a month.....if I did the math right, I should be up to 3 miles by the end of March....from there I will just work on making it through without throwing up or passing out!! :) I'm not in the race to win, just to finish.
One other small reason to pursue this particular race is in honor of a dear friend who just passed away from breast cancer....Sue Murphey was a mentor of mine, many years ago. Although we had fallen out of touch the past few years, her role in my life for the short year we spent together still holds a special place in my heart. Although I have some hindrances I will often complain about along the way, I also have a sweet motivation that I will often cling to during the journey as well.
And of course, if along the way, i lose a couple of pounds.....that is just an extra bonus! I'm overcoming a very prideful fault of mine right now.....but as of today, my current weight is 192 pounds........I would love to lose the 20 pounds i just gained back from this summer!!! I'll keep you posted!