This vlog is my last 5K of the year, and I’m not even being dramatic when I say it felt surreal. Two years ago, I genuinely couldn’t picture myself running again after taking so many years off. My only goal for the year was simple: run three races—no perfect runs, no PR pressure, just show up. And somehow I ended up doing four, which made this final one feel like a full-circle moment and a quiet celebration of keeping a promise to myself. I take you with me through the NYC Runs “Go Nuts for Donuts” 5K on Governor’s Island—yes, it was extremely windy (my hat literally flew off mid-run), and yes, there were two uphills I had to plan for. I share my strategy (short strides, pump my arms on the hills, then leverage the downhill), how I paced each mile, and why looking up the course on YouTube beforehand helped me finish strong. I set a goal of 38 minutes or less and finished in 36:58 on a 3.15-mile course. More than anything, this video is my reminder to you (and to myself) that progress isn’t about speed—it’s about commitment. Start small, be patient, keep showing up, and you’ll surprise yourself with how far you can go.