Why didn't Mariah cross the road??? She didn't have guts!!!

Welcome to my blog! I have never written a blog before, in fact, I have never been interested in the whole idea of blogging. The only blog I have ever read was of my friend Jeanie and her journey with brain cancer. I am not sure what a blog is suppose to be, so I am just going to write what comes. I tend to be very open and sometimes blunt, so I apologize in advance for how "real" this might get!

There is a whole pre-chapter of this blog that will need to be written. I think I may write it at the same time, but not post it until the whole thing is completed. It will tell my story of my journey from  first getting sick,up until this point, where I have decided to take my health back!

I have a wonderful friend named Amy Parsons. Our paths crossed about seven months ago. Through ostomy support group and bonding through similar challenges, we have grown really close. Amy was the one who brought up the idea to create a team and walk in support of the "Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America." I had been feeling the need to do something like this for awhile. I wanted to give myself a big goal and get back to feeling great. I had been thinking of different things I could do, when Amy suggested the walk for CCFA, I immediately felt like this was what I had been looking for!

I finally decided to take advantage of the resources that have always been available to me. I logged onto ccfa.org to get more info. I was really excited when I read about the walk that they do each year. I felt the excitement began to grow! I explored the web page and found out that there is also a half marathon for the CCFA and instantly became intrigued. You see I am and "all or nothing" kind of gal. When I dream, I dream big. It doesn't matter that I haven't really exercised for 3 years right? If I want to do it, I will!!!
 So, here is what my dream is. I want to run the 5k, and feel really good doing it. I plan on training using the program, "couch to 5k." This sounds so simple, but here is the reality, I am NOT a runner! I haven't been a runner since I was 10. I have been diagnosed with a week heart muscle and because of this running just plain ole stinks! I cough, my chest burns, I have a hard time breathing, and I don't feel well for along time afterwards. But guess what? I am taking charge! I am not going to let things get in my way this time! Yes, I will be careful and not do more than is healthy, but I am going to build my body up, I am going to work and make myself strong.

There is a beautiful lady I go to church with. She has 4 young children and is an avid runner, swimmer, biker, do everythinger. Every time I look at her, I think, "She is what good health means to me. The ability to move, exercise, push yourself to the limits, and then go some more." For the last few years I have pictured myself doing those things she does. I want that!

I do realize that this is going to take a lot of work, but I am willing to do it. My ultimate short term goals are to run the 5k and feel good, and then go on to doing (run/jog/walk) the half marathon. I love the whole idea that while I am stretching and reaching for my physical goals, that I will be doing these things in honor of a foundation that I am tied to in so many ways.

Why does all this give me reason to write a blog?

Well...As I sat dreaming on day of my goals, I just couldn't contain my excitement! I wanted to share my adventure with the world! I am also aware that not everyone wants to hear my story or follow my progress. So I thought, a blog would be a great way for me to share my excitement, emotions, struggles and accomplishments. And if not even one single person read this blog, at least I would have it out there!
I also have to admit that I do really well when I tell people my goals. If I say I am going to do it, I do it!!!
So if your reading, thank you! I hope you enjoy the adventure. If your not, I am here any way!
I would love for comments and feed back. Thank you!