I began the Couch to 5K program about a month ago and let me tell you, running with a migraine is hard.

It’s hard, but it’s lovely. Running is the only place I feel strong and capable. I plod along keeping a steady pace and feel pleasure at something physically difficult that I can do. I even feel a lessening of symptoms for an hour or so after the run, which just makes me want to run again.

It’s wonderful.

So despite my deteriorating health situation I am training for a 5K. I hope to get to the point where I can run one in October. I turn 40 this October and I would like to celebrate with a long, hot, sweaty, run. I feel that running my first 5k is a good goal for my 40th year, and my second, third, etc.

I may be faltering but I am not giving up. I keep finding things I can do, to replace the things I can’t do. I will, eventually, reach a point where I am simply living my new life and no longer mourning my old one. That’s my goal anyway, to reach a place of acceptance for the gracious plenty in my life. My head may be weak but my legs are strong and they can carry me fast and far.

That’s something to be thankful for.