A year ago today, I walked in the Ra.ce for the C.ure event here in Philadelphia. It was my third year participating. Knowing so many women that have both survived and succumbed to Breast Cancer, the cause was near and dear to my heart.

Last year, while walking the race, I thought long and hard about a few things. I knew that I was done having babies, I had given up eating red meat and pork and lastly, I was creeping up on the BIG 4-0. I was inspired to make yet another change. I WANTED TO RUN IN A 5K BEFORE MY 40TH BIRTHDAY.

I will be 39 this July so I had a two year cushion to get it done. I started out walking. My friend, BK Diva encouraged me and sent me links to online training that I could do to take myself from walking to running. I watched as my Soror Roycee trained and ran marathons. I was inspired by my boy Fresh who worked hard to OSAG (Operation Shrink A Gut).

I began by walking. I moved to walking for 5 minutes and jogging for 5 minutes. Slowly, I increased my times and eventually I was running a mile.

It may not sound like much to real runners, but for this mother of two with asthma? It was huge.

Today, I said a silent prayer as I stood at the starting line. I asked God to give me the strength to finish the race and to not give up. I looked around at the sea of shirts that said “Cancer Survivor” or “Running for My Mom/Sister/Aunt/Godmother/Daughter/Friend” and I was truly inspired. I was surrounded by survivors. They battled a deadly disease. Some won and others lost…..but they all lived to run in the sunshine on this beautiful Mother’s Day morning.

I am proud that I can now say that I, 1969, am a runner. My first 5K time was 30:12 and I fulfilled a personal goal today.

On Mother’s Day, we celebrate the women that loved us, nurtured us and taught us the life lessons that we carry with us. My gift to myself today (and my family) is working towards improving my health and the knowledge that with hard work, and believing in yourself…..you can accomplish your dreams. If I can pass that on to my children, then I have done all the mothering I need to do.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL OF THE MOMS, GRANDMOMS, AUNTIES, GOD MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS, SISTERS, COUSINS that help to nurture another person. This is your day……enjoy and be blessed.