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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'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."

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."

Running 3 miles is nothing to runners. It may be nothing to you. But to me, it's something I've never been able to achieve. I always quit. I always give up. The only direction I've ever run is away. But now I'm proving to myself that I can do it. I've nearly gone the distance. Next week, I will.