On Sunday, my 10k training plan said I should run/walk for 50 minutes. I ended up running almost 6.5k with no stops! It was far from easy and it was so bloody humid I think I actually started to melt, but it was mega rewarding. 

On hitting the 5k mark and not that far from home, a man walking his dog asked me - good naturedly - if it was worth it when I jogged slowly past him. I must have looked pretty bedraggled at that point - I know I felt it. But I was feeling pretty proud of myself too. Having someone randomly ask me that question at that particular moment gave me plenty to consider for my final stretch, and as I slowly and determinedly headed for the finish line, I thought about the many ways I could answer:

• It's worth it because I was very overweight and although I continue to struggle with what I eat, running enables me to look the best I can
• It's worth it because no matter what's going on in my life, running lifts me up and refreshes my mindset
• It's worth it because seeing such improvement in my abilities gives me a great sense of achievement and pride
• It's worth it because as a woman in her mid-forties who is fitter than I ever was in my 30s, it gives me and others hope that you're never too old to pursue something or develop a new passion

And it's worth it because I'm worth it.

I'm still very nervous, but also excited to break through to the next phase of my running journey and complete my 10k on 1 August.