One year rolled up into 33 minutes.

I did it. omg I did it. I can't believe I did it. I finished a 5k less than 10 months after a major orthopedic surgery; a year after being diagnosed with cancer, after chemo and radiation, after being told I may never walk normally. I didn't think I'd be walking without a limp or playing volleyball, but to be able to run a 5k (and not be in last place) after such a major procedure (not to mention an emotional rollercoaster) is unlike anything I've accomplished in my life (aside from creating 2 amazing daughters of course!).

I knew this run would be emotional for me. It symbolized a lot of things: my mere existence, my successful surgery, my will to overcome. I ran with Libby-or should I say she ran with me! It meant a lot to have her by my side, after all that's where she's been this whole past year (without fail I might add!). She could've run this race at her own pace, challenging herself to go faster, beat her last time. But no. She elected to run next to me. With me. She's been through the rough stuff with me and it was nice to go through something so positive together.

As we neared the finish line, I could sense something was overtaking me. And, sure enough, the very millisecond I crossed the finish line I started crying. People were probably thinking "get a grip lady" but I didn't care.

I set a goal at the beginning of this race to run it in 33 minutes. I reached that goal. This race meant so much to me. It made me focus on what's truly important and it helped me set new goals. I am going to continue to challenge myself. I am going to appreciate each day. I am going to cherish my friends. And most importantly, I am going to beat this!