Finished my first 5K -- running down depression

Well, I did it. I finished my first 5K run this morning, clocking in at just under 35 minutes. While that's hardly the equivalent of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, if you could have seen me just two months ago, it's pretty much the same thing to me.

I was at my lowest point physically, and it sure wasn't helping my mental health either. Being off work with depression has been difficult enough, without the added burden of being overweight and out of shape. It's quite common to see this in people who struggle with mental health.

Us depressives have little energy to work out and we also eat for comfort. We then get more out of shape and eat for comfort, which leads to even less energy to work out. And so it goes.

After my last physical on June 18, I decided enough was enough. I not only started the Couch to 5K program (which I've now finished more than a week early), I made drastic changes in the way I approach food.

Two months later, I'm proud to say I've lost 18 pounds, my blood pressure's down 20 points, I can now run 5K without stopping and yesterday biked 24kms.

Are there days I don't feel like doing anything? Sure. The depression and anxiety are still there but they seem more manageable lately. My self esteem is up and, for the first time ever, I'm looking forward to working out for its own sake and not just the results.

Today when I hit kilometre 4 I actually picked up the pace and focused on how strong and efficient my breathing's become. Not to sound corny, but it was a wonderful thing to experience, especially for someone who could barely finish mowing the lawn two months ago.

Next stop -- Base Borden 5K in October!