I’ve Reclaimed Over Half of My 5K!

I’m halfway there and then some! Insert happy dance here. I have been smiling all week but I am not going to lie…I could be in bed every night by 9:00! I guess I haven’t realized how many breaks I have been giving myself while out walking trying to build up my stamina. But I realized today how many gifts were in those breaks…

On my “race training circuit,” I’ve stopped to speak more often with people out walking their dogs, and played with lots of puppies. I’ve laughed out loud watching kids try to run around in their overstuffed winter coats and snow pants. I’ve snapped amazing winter photos and studied the lights and decor in trees. I’ve even meditated on the sunny days – lots of available benches in winter!

Reclaim My 5K – Race outfit Katie K Active

I met some lovely and encouraging women today at GoodLife Fitness​ who were asking about what I was up to. So nice to have their support! It was also nice to walk, talk and look sideways and not fall over! That is one of the side effects of gluten ataxia and I am happy that is no longer happening. I have already fallen off the treadmill….don’t really need it to happen again!

Reclaim My 5K – Race outfit Reitmans Hyba Activewear

I’ve had such amazing support from my friends and family and the community on social media!  Every comment leaves me grinning, several have moved me to tears and the encouragement from complete strangers is quite lovely. My amazing friend Shelli was my coach and photographer on Day 1 and my wonderful sister Cheryl has been out helping me reclaim the treadmill throughout the week. I laughed out loud listening to an incredible voice mail from my nieces and sister Karen wishing me well on my big race. That’s a keeper for sure! And my head coach?  That would have to be my mom Fran. She has literally been with me every step (wobbly or otherwise) of the way. She travelled with me to find a diagnosis and came with me to physiotherapy and let me cry on her shoulder many times.  She will be with me when I cross the “finish line.” I am one lucky woman.

With 3K down and 2 to go, I am simply thrilled this week is happening. Thrilled the inner and outer athlete have met up again. Thrilled to be in an energetic busy gym.  A big part of healing from gluten ataxia is being able to be in a busy environment without having system overload. Just going to a gym is an accomplishment – getting on the treadmill is an added bonus! Walking on that treadmill? Even bigger bonus! Thanks GoodLife Fitness!

Reclaim My 5K – Race outfit Katie K Active

Have to mention my amazing race outfits from Katie K Active​ and Reitmans’ Hyba Activewear line.  I greatly admire companies that know fitness comes in all shapes and sizes.  That’s really important to me!  I feel like a true athlete with their support. I look forward to following up on the pieces more after the race because I really must brag about how fun and fabulous they are! Keep catching them this week as I share photos from each leg of the race on Facebook and Instagram.

I have been excited to share this race with you because it’s for all of us who have had to reclaim something be it health related or otherwise. I am glad to be on this journey with you and look forward to being a part of your race one day, whatever that race may be. I will be cheering you on!

See you at the finish line!

Psst! Katie K Active has extended a race discount to my tribe. Until April 30th, enter code LOL15 for a $15 credit towards an order of $25 or more (cannot be combined with other offers, sale items or used for gift cards).