Guys! I finally did it! I ran the whole 5k distance! It was the first time I was ever able to hit that distance without needing to walk! I went out for my run on Wednesday intending to do just 2 miles, and when I hit that mark I started thinking to myself how amazing it would be to be able to say I finally ran 5k. I wasn’t hurting or out of breath and decided to go for it. However, I was completely exhausted and my body was starting to hurt before I finished (especially the area next to my kneecap), but I knew I only had to last another half mile at that point, so there was no way I was giving up. I focused on the music I was listening to (Arashi, because they will always be my favorite), and told myself it was only about two more songs. I made my final turn and knew I had it. The only traffic light downtown changed to red on me when I approached, so I made a quick turn and crossed the street a little ways down and then went back to the direction I was originally running. No way was I going to let that light stop me when I was that close. I felt so amazing when I finished that distance that I took a selfie right there at the side of the road to commemorate the moment! I had never run that far. My longest distance to date had been 2.17 miles back in November, so I really surprised myself. My time was absolutely terrible (49:27), but the most important thing is that I know I can do the distance now and my mind will have a harder time convincing me that I can’t. I have a number as a starting point, and as I work on improving my running, it will get better. I’m not going to be out running that distance every time I run since that’s the equivalent of a “long run” for me, but I’ll aim to do it once every 7-10 days for now until my fitness improves more.