Last summer I ran a mile race in a small local festival and came in last. No problem - my goal was only to finish since I had just begun running in February 07, was 59, and "round." I kept running (really, just jogging as I'm very slow) through the summer and fall, off and on through the winter, more off than on this spring, but since my family had signed me up for the Indy mini-marathon's 5K, I went ahead and "ran." My goal was to finish standing up. Fun, fun, fun! I finished in the top fourth in my age group (female, 60-64), even by walking most of the way and slow jogging here and there. Weather was perfect, volunteers and spectators very encouraging, and the feeling of accomplishment I had afterwards was too great for words. My husband very patiently listened to multiple recitations of my stories and race descriptions all weekend. Yesterday we went to a family party where I met a nephew and niece who both ran the mini. There we stood, one 60-year-old (me) and two thirty-year-olds, all sharing our race stories. I have never ever been an athlete, and here I was, being looked at with awe by the non-running-family-members. But as I've told everyone, if I can get off the couch, so can they. And almost anyone can walk-and-talk for the 45 minutes it could take for a 5K. I lurk on many threads, so probably the race story you wrote about encouraged me. And, yes, I'm definitely doing the Indy 5K again, other local races, and will run more consistently this time.

Roberta, how great! You've come a long way, & climbed over many obstacles. Very cool about the time with your family. Now your race story encourages me, just like the ones you read encouraged you. Congratulations.

This is great: "But as I've told everyone, if I can get off the couch, so can they. And almost anyone can walk-and-talk for the 45 minutes it could take for a 5K." Wow, you said it well. Enough with the excuses, people...! Congratulations on taking charge of your life like this. I love it. And your family will get used to it and deal with it. I'll bet they're really proud of you... I know my DH brags up my runs way more than I do now... it's pretty funny actually.

Every day, when you go out to run, remember that you are doing something for your health and sense of well-being that many people are not doing. You are a runner, and every bit as much in the fraternity and sorority of the other runners here. I hope you continue to grow in this and stay motivated, and above all, keep posting about your running and after today, never put quote marks around words that describe your running. You are one of us. Spareribs

Roberta - congrats on your race and thanks for the RR. I'm 47, still too "round," and still often feel I'm too slow to justify calling myself a runner. But we are, aren't we? I'm so glad you had such a fun time at your race and even more fun bragging to your family about it. Eliz

Congratulations on a great race! And it is so cool that you can feel some love from your non running relatives. Your husband is a prince, too. Keep on running and keep on writing! You have a great story to tell. We love race reports here!! huskydon

Started -- finished -- enjoyed every step between. It don't get much better!!!

Gee........talk about motivating !!!! Your story motivates the daylights out of us as runners. That really is why this forum is SO powerful. Everyone of us have a story with a running career that is special and vital to who we are. Please keep posting so that we can learn from your experiences and also maybe help you along the way. Joey