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I'm running my last day of Couch-to-5K this morning, a 3-month journey that represents the first time I've ever truly cared about improving my health. My first 5K is next Sunday with a few good pals. Protomen Act 3 has been my go-to for each run: the story of an uprising against impossible odds.

4/10/26, 1:22 pm0 reposts10 likes

richard (scary)

@suchminutiae.com

The run begins with a storm of guitar and drums that pumps blood through my veins as the Girl challenges Dr. Light to find his courage. "When the voice from the shadows calls you, when the wind whips past your ears, will you stand when the weight is upon you, or will you go to your knees in fear?"

richard (scary)

@suchminutiae.com

I've noticed that by the end of the first mile, my legs are starting to burn. But I won't give up, because Dr. Wily is facing me down, needle buried in the red, running the City on fear and never looking back. "You've only got yourself to blame if you get left behind."

richard (scary)

@suchminutiae.com

I'm now around the 22 minute mark, and I'm usually digging for the will to keep going. I'm still so out of shape, and trying to fight on. The Girl urges me on: "We're gonna keep getting stronger, not afraid to risk it all; but the choice now is yours, how we'll stand or how we'll fall."

richard (scary)

@suchminutiae.com

In the last few minutes, I'm often searching desperately for my resolve. My legs are weak, my lungs are burning, but I can't give up. I haven't yet, and I won't now. "I'll give you one more word of wisdom: when you stand and face the gates of Hell, you're on your own. You're all you've got."