I was a runner in middle school, on the track and field team. I was a cross country runner in High school and a recreational runner in college. I wasa still running, though not as foten, once Garion and Laney were born. After Logan, I started having pain and medical problems and ended up diagnosed with systemic lupus. The running stopped because I was sick. They put me on steroids to lower my immune system and I gained weight. The lupus has taken its toll on my connective tissues. And there have been 2 strokes (that the doctors are sure of, but the MRI says I've had others and could have been for years, but we thought they were seizures). Physical activity has been, to say the least, difficult for me for quite a while.

But, in October, I started taking a Zumba Gold class. It was something I let my sister talk me into. Funny enough, I discovered I love the class and attend every Monday morning. I'm into the 7th month of classes, about 40 pounds lighter, and happy that I decided to do it.

Well, today was a beautiful day out, her in Florida. Low 80's, lower humidity, a really nice breeze. Definitely not the kind of day to stay insode, even if it would have been in the art studio. So, I took Monster over to the park. He was excited because he thought he was going to the dog park, which we did, but not right away.

After I parked the car, we headed to one of the footpaths. It's total length is about 2 miles. I thought that was a good walk for us. It was beautiful out, Monster and I were the only ones on this particular path and I was enjoying finding our stride and being in the fresh air and sunshine. I was enjoying it so much that I picked up the pace and actually JOGGED about half a mile of the path. Monster started out very surprised, but he quickly fell into stride with me and we had a good time. We finished up the path with a walking cool down. After that, I walked Monster over to the dog park part of the place for a little romp with other puppies and some water. We were there about another 30-45 minutes. Whem Monster started slowing down and not wanting to play with the other dogs, I knew it was time to take him home. So, we came home, I gave him some doggie ice cream and a hot dog (he LOVES hot dogs, but they have a lot of fat, so he doesn't get them often), then I took a much needed and well earned shower, extra long, letting the water beat down on my back and legs.

We finished the afternoon, and are spending our evening on hte couch watching movies with a shared bowl of pop corn.

The fantastic thing was that I had the courage to let my brain and body go and see if they remembered how to run again. It wasn't a jog that would break records. I don't think I even fully got my breathing or stride down, but the fact of the matter is that I DID IT!!!!!

I haven't had the courage to try jogging before now, even before the strokes. I really thought running was something I woudn't do any more. But then, I also thought dating and working at all were things I wouldn't ever do again. It's interesting the things you allow yourself the courage to try once you realize that you are still a person, still vital and still valuable to yourself, if to no one else.

I'm still learning all of who I am now, but I've found I'm also rediscovering who I still am and thought I lost.

Here's to the IMPROVED (not just the "new") Lydi!!!