Can I toot my own horn for a second?

When I started this journey, I could only run in intervals of 30 seconds. 4.5 minutes was my top around a month and a half ago, and then I got shin splints so badly I could barely walk the next day.

Yesterday I ran for EIGHT MINUTES STRAIGHT! I was in such shock I almost cried on the treadmill in the middle of the gym. I wasn't out of breath, my legs weren't killing me, my lungs were not even burning too much. I think that if I would have pushed myself I could have made it 10, but I was afraid of shin splints and I didn't want to ruin a good thing.

8 minutes to those who can just go out and just run a mile or 5K means very little, but to me, it means the world. I've wanted to run my entire life, but just couldn't. I always gave up too soon. I've literally dreamed of just getting on the treadmill and running for 10 minutes, and I almost did that.

Although I'm here to toot my own horn, I also hope that this can encourage somebody out there. Just keep at it!!! I wish I would have those so many times I tried.