Never in a million years did I think the statement that I had started my day by running 5 k would leave my lips. I was wrong. That’s exactly what I did yesterday morning.

I don’t run fast but rather I pace myself at a nice even tempo. I will more than likely never win a race and that is a fact that I acknowledged and accepted a long time ago. I am okay with this.

Yet despite telling you all of that I am aiming to do my first Triathlon this year, a component of which (you guessed it) is running. If I’m not doing it to win then why do it you ask?

I do it because there was a time when I thought I was never going to run again in my life. I do it because after the ankle fusion (hopefully a long way off) there is a very good chance I won’t be able to run again.

I do it because even though I might not finish in the top 3, top 10 or even top 100 I am achieving my own personal bests and winning simply by doing something I was told I wouldn’t be able to.

I do it because my son watches me. He learns from me if it is okay to test his own boundaries, push his own limits and overcome his own challenges.

I do it because even if my time is not fast I FEEL fast and free. I feel empowered every time my foot strikes the ground, every time the sound of my runners meeting the pavement hits my ears.

I do it because the burn in my lungs, the stitch in my side and the pain in my ankle are NOTHING compared to having my heart feel like it’s going to pound out of my chest from tying up my shoes or the pain of knowing that death would come all too early if my ways didn’t change.

I do it because I love it. I do it because I can. I may not be fast but I am without question determined.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing I hope you’re finding your own tempo and running with it.

Love D.