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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.

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?"

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."

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."

It's finally over. I've hit my goal and it's time to cool down. But there's more work to be done, so sometimes, I just keep running - because just as Megaman promises the City, I promise myself: "I can't change the past, but I know now, I see now, I never should have left you behind."