No applause...just throw money!

I was exuberant Saturday when I finished the United Way Spooktacular 5K run/walk. It was my first official 5K run, and I was proud to be able to finish it -- and I didn't even have to stop to walk!

I was still somewhat sore after my practice run three days before the official event, and I must admit, I wanted to quit at least five times. But I dug deep and was able to tough it out. A little perseverance can go a long way.

Of course, I've found in my experience that success is seldom a solo act. In order to succeed, we need the support of others. And I've certainly had my share of help.

On Saturday's run, I started flagging at the one-mile mark. I could no longer keep up with staff writer Sadie Fowler, and she began pulling away. My calves were super tight, my ankles and knees were straining, my lower back was throbbing, and my lungs were burning so that I could barely gasp a full breath.

It was at this point that I first thought about walking, and if I had been the only one out there, I would have. But I really felt like I needed to do this thing -- not just for myself, but for everyone out there facing the same struggles I am, and for the United Way.

Frankly, I didn't want to have to write about quitting.

I have learned that when difficult challenges are before me, it helps to break them down into smaller, more digestible parts, and that's what I did when my resolve started flagging. I told myself I just needed to make it to the halfway point, where there would be water, and I could go on from there.

The Scouts who gave me water at the halfway point, and the Scout mother who encouraged me to keep going gave me the strength I needed to go on, and I thank them for being there for all of us.

After the water, I was still flagging, and during the next half mile I thought about quitting a few times. Then I rounded the curve and saw city editor John Carney standing in his parents' driveway near the two-mile mark, offering more encouragement.

It worked.

The encouragement gave me the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other for another hundred yards or so. And then the miracle happened -- all of a sudden, I caught my second wind, and I could breathe again.

I had just one more mile to go, I was breathing better, and for the first time that day, I felt like the finish line was attainable. My pace picked up a little, and by the time I crossed the finish line, I had enough energy left to mug for the camera. Turns out, I finished 54th out of more than 80 participants.

We took photos of everyone as they crossed, and doctored them up with the Spooktacular logo (see photo). These can be purchased at our web site at www.t-g.com. I think I'll get my mom a coffee cup resplendent with my victory pose. She's always been my biggest fan.

I have come a long way since I wrote my first column back in June, and I wanted to thank some others who have helped me along the way.

Fit and trim T-G publisher Hugh Jones was the first to offer me encouragement, and gave me two books to read. Although I didn't get too much into the books right away, I've begun reading one, and will talk about some of the things I've learned from it next week.

Staff writer Sadie Fowler dared me to visit her aerobics class and has offered me tons of encouragement ever since. I can't thank her enough.

My aerobics instructor, Tabby Stem, has been a huge encouragement, along with the rest of the class, and I owe them all a debt of gratitude -- particularly Nancy Sorrells and Dawn Holley.

Head pressman Martin Jones and I have begun doing some things together, and we intend to hit the weights together twice a week, beginning Sunday.

I also want to thank the person who secretly bought me the subscription to Men's Health magazine, which started showing up at my apartment a few days ago. That was very thoughtful of you, whoever you are.

Most of all, I'd like to thank all my readers for all your nice comments and encouragement since I started. You guys are great! I probably forgot somebody, so if I did, thanks to you, too. Thanks to the Fit Club for the T-shirt.

Let's remember, the 5K run was a benefit for the United Way. If you are interested in throwing money, call Dawn at 684-6685.

I lost two pounds this week and weighed in at 227.

-- John Philleo is editor of the Times-Gazette. He can be reached at (931) 684-1200, ext. 218, or by e-mail at editor@t-g.com. This column is scheduled to print every Friday.