From 5K to Boston! The change of my LIFE

by Jen Arruda
(Dartmouth, MA)

Well lets see.. lets just start by saying I started running after my third child was born very ill I delivered him prematurely weighing in at a whopping 260 pounds probably stemming from me being so heavy! He was very sick and sent to Boston I stayed with him a grueling 3 weeks with two other children at home. I had a lot of time to reflect and think while caring and praying for my sick baby. I said to myself please let my baby come home.

I was done living unhealthy so I was going to turn my life around. I waited for my 6 week check up and started at the gym. I told myself ok, you're going to do the hardest thing which for me was to run well let me tell you. I was lucky if I could run for 5 seconds. But determination I had I increased everyday!

A friend told me about a 5K so I signed up to run. I had 2 months to train and hopfully lose weight. Well the weight was coming off and I pushed hard with the running. I went to my 5K and I finished struggling every heavy step but what a feeling when I was done -WOW I did it for myself. This is all about me and I loved it. I loved everything so I said Im signing up for a half I completed the the New Bedford Half
6 months later and YES 100 pounds lighter.

I was well on my way. I love how running makes me feel and how I was looking. After that day I said to myself I just really want to do the Boston Marathon. If I was going to do a marathon it had to be the BOSTON and of course for a wonderful Hospital... The Boston Medical Center.

I raised my money and thats how I met Franc and Reno online they helped me through my training with lots of obstacles including a fractured pelvis from what yes running! I also have gone for my personnel training certification and train others to do what I did!

With lots of support I found myself on the starting line in Hopkinton. No words could describe the feelings and thoughts in my head. My life had changed. I am healthy and sooooooo lucky and greatful. Every mile I had a smile from ear to ear as I cried happy tears more than ever I had before. I had no pain anywhere in my body. I felt pure energy and a happiness that is undescribable! The crowd, the runners, everything was perfect. I crossed that finsh line and that memory will never ever leave me! I love running it has changed my life and my families I am a better person friend and mother!