I totally agree with everyone, Marsha!  Go for it--it really helps to have a goal, keeps you motivated to get ready for it.

The SOTR group talked about doing another 5K as a group--we had so much fun!  There are so many, and plenty of them cater to walkers as well as runners.  I know that I am planning to to the Eagan 5K Your Way in May--there will be walkers, runners, bicyclists, rollerbladers, you can do it anyway you like.  And it's a family event, so there's a kids run and stuff, too.  I think that it is a long way for you, but a fun event.

Trust me, there will be people faster than you and people slower than you.  There will be people smaller than you and bigger than you.  It doesn't matter--what matters is you get out there and do it for yourself!

 Marsha,

Please let me urge you to sign up for a 5K. Any one, pick one, as it doesn't matter, really, which one it is.  The energy, fear, excitement and finally, the achievement will be amazing to you and to your brain. The sheer cumulation of the above emotions will let you finish. 

You'll run, then you'll walk for a while, then you'll trot for a little while and walk some more. Then, you'll find someone who inspires you to run even a little longer, then you'll walk and huff-and-puff for a while.  Finally, you'll decide that it's time to run so you can at least be running when you cross the finish line--and no, you won't be last.  Your cheeks will hurt from smiling. Your eyes will be swollen, holding back tears that only you will know exist.  Your inner-parent will pat you on the back and lift you up in the air like you're 5 years old again, having just ridden on two wheels for the first time.

Pick one. I ran my first one with no friends nearby because I didn't want to be embarassed or feel like I was holding them up--they ran way ahead.  I prefered the solitude with my ipod.  

Your next step is to pay the $40, get a free t-shirt. and do it.  (I'll pay you back if you hate it).

So what is everyones plans this weekend?  I see that there alot of 5k's coming up in different places in the next few months.  Who has done them?  I would like to but I hate listening to the flubber bounce all around people would have to stop and take cover not knowing what the hell is a coming.....  How long do you have to train for it?  I bought one of those big balls and my kids just giggle at me, so that is not really an option at this moment huh.
The weather is going to be icky this weekend so hang in there people............So feel free to chime in and play along.......

I am going to either St. Cloud or Mankato to shop haven't done that in awhile.  Wanted to go camping but it is going to be to icky out so will wait till another time.

I have no long, drawn out thoughts to share, just realized this morning that it was 5 years ago today when Dr. Jones saved my life.

It has surely been something of a roller coaster ride - mostly good, but as with most people, the economy has really messed things up for my family.  We're managing, and I'm glad that I can't often turn to food for stress relief.

I've made a lot of really wonderful friends on this journey, and, I've lost a few.  I always think back to that 'reason, season or lifetime' philosophy - I cherish everyone who has come into my life, whether they are still a part of my life or not.  I know I couldn't keep up at the pace I had going for the first 2-3 years post op, always planning the next get-together, running-running-running...  It had to taper off, or my family would have staged a social intervention on me!

I have, unfortunately, not been to PNC's support group meetings for probably 9 months or more - not that I haven't wanted to go, but since last August I have a part-time job in addition to my full time job, so if I'm NOT scheduled to work on a support group night, I tend to want to just BE HOME. 

Anyway, I'm rambling.  Sorry.  Just wanted to express how important this board has been to me since I embarked on this journey.  It's a lot quieter in here now than it used to be, no thanks to me, but - it's still a very good place to come with issues & all.

I wish you all the success in YOUR journeys ~ it's worth it all!

 Marsha, It is all a struggle. Some find new ways to ease the pains of life. Some stick with the oldest one for us.....food. EIther way we have to LEARN how to cope. Being here is a good first step/habit.