I am 27 years old, a mother of two and a wife of a supportive and loving husband. I have never run a Half Marathon; in fact running for me has never been considered an option. I have been diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disc disease and sciatica, both as a result of a childhood injury and which resurfaced after the birth of our first child. I have also been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). 

I realized at the beginning of the year that I had become very close-minded to the idea of running and had let my mind take over telling me that I could never lose weight and conquer my struggles I was facing. I maxed out at 195 pounds, and for a woman my height (4’11”) I was plumping up like a blueberry. During this time, my sweet (crazy) husband came home and informed me that we were going to run a half marathon. 

My first thought was “Heck no!” My second thought was I can’t.” Then the thought occurred to me, “When did I allow myself to think I could not do something? When did I allow my mind to overtake my body in such a negative way?”

My husband showed me the video on the Big Cottonwood Marathon website. Watching that really opened my mind and I began to cry. After reading some of the experiences of previous participants we decided to register for the race. I still had concerns about my ability to do the race but for the first time in years I knew in my heart and in my mind that I could do it. 

Within weeks we met the most inspiring and encouraging person, who moved in right next to us. Jenny and her family moved here from out of state and we instantly became neighbor friends. As our friendship grew, we learned she is a certified trainer and zumba instructor. Jenny took both of us under her wings and showed us that we can accomplish anything that we set our hearts out to do. 

My first run was so hard! I only went 2.74 miles and I ran 16.87 minutes a mile. It was so brutal for me, but I conquered it! Every step that I am taking is so painful because of my sciatica and degenerative disc. There are some days where I think I just can’t do it. My back starts to hurt, my nerve pinches my hip and the pain shoots down to my ankle and my cysts are bursting while I am cross training. Even though I am dealing with so much I will not give up on myself. I am going to cross that finish line and I am going to prove that with just taking one step in front of the other, I can go farther than I ever thought I could. 

I am so grateful for the support from my loving husband and for my friend Jenny. They encourage me to push myself to the next level. My life is changing and I am ready for this journey and I hope to inspire someone to not give up even if your mind is telling you to or simply because you are struggling. It takes a lot of strength and heart to run a race, but I believe anyone can do it!
See you at the finish line...smiling...crying!!!! 

UPDATE: Kim and her husband Chris accomplished their goal and finished their first half marathon ever at the 2013 Big Cottonwood Half Marathon. Congrats to both!