Feeling Good

Today I finished my 3rd 5k race in just over a month, but today's was a little unique for me in that, except for the first mile, I ran the whole thing by myself. Now it may only be 3.1 miles, but without talking to anyone, I had the opportunity to talk and really listen to myself. Luckily I kept the dialogue internal as not to worry the onlookers, some of which were my wonderful friends and family. There wasn't too much to report on this race, it was fairly straight forward, and I felt great. I was able to better my 5k time by almost 2 minutes, a tribute to how much easier running without hills is. The best thing I took from today is that I really do feel like a runner. Every race is a big deal, especially one with a new PR, but where as my first race and even my second were sort of monumental events, I'm getting the impression that they are becoming more routine, and that's a good thing. As I said I have wonderful friends and family that cheer me on and support me as I am still at the beginning of a very long road to a healthier life, but I'm starting to feel as though running and succeeding at running IS becoming my lifestyle, and not the anomaly that it was a few short months ago. I don't know if I'm communicating well how I feel, but I feel good. I'm feeling healthier and stronger than I have in a long time, and although I know up and down days are ahead, I'm optimistic and excited.