Winning and "Winning"

Winning

Determination and a positive attitude had already made me a winner as I jogged across the finish line during October's Run for the Cure. Imagine my surprise and delight upon learning that I was proclaimed a winner in another way as well. Apparently, everyone who managed to fund-raise at least $300 for the charity run had their name entered in the Run's sweepstakes. There was a wee part of my brain that wondered why the Cancer Foundation was giving away prizes whose value could have been used for research or cancer patient care. However, upon further research, all prizes are donated. Shortly, I will be the proud wearer of a Pandora breast cancer bracelet. Isn't it beautiful!!

"Winning"

After enjoying a relaxing two-week Spring Break from school, Monday marked the brutal return to the real world of routine and work. I had been to one 6 a.m. workout class during spring break, but hadn't attended on a regular basis since before my February 11th surgery. Thinking that Monday was the ideal time to reinstate routine of all kinds, including early morning workouts, I won the battle with my lethargic alter-ego, and managed to survive both Monday's and Wednesday's brutal boot camp.

I am thrilled to report that I am "winning" on another front as well -- my commitment and lung capacity are both steadily growing as my RUNClub weeks tick by. What started out as cycles of 5 minutes walking/1 minute running, has progressed to 3.5 walking/2.5 running. It might not sound like huge progress, but it certainly feels like massive improvement and I so appreciate the momentum I receive from running with the group. Here we are pausing for a photo during our Wednesday night run this week.

Can you spot me?

(3rd from the right in the front row)

There is definitely energy in running and being together.