Today was a not-so-easy running day. I don’t know if it was the weather, my hormones, what I ate (or didn’t eat), or just things I am dealing with in my personal life… but today’s long run was a hard one. I struggled. It was not easy. My mind wasn’t in it. I didn’t want to do it. Yet I kept putting one foot in front of the other. I completed the task at hand… even though it was hard.
My training plan had me running 12 miles at a certain pace today. Before I even started my run, I knew it was going to be a challenge. My mind wasn’t in it. I wanted to walk. I wanted to give up before I even hit 3 miles. That is not a good sign for what is to come.
When I realized what my mind was doing, I had to make a conscious shift in my thinking. I may not hit my target goal… that is okay. I may not run the entire distance… that is okay. I may walk a lot (and I did) … that is okay. The important thing is is that I cover the prescribed distance… and just run for running sake. Try to do my best to enjoy the run (even if all honesty, I didn’t want to be out there). So I did.
Nothing, not even pain lasts forever. If I can just keep putting one foot in front of the other, I will eventually get to the end. Because I kept moving forward… I reached my end point. I covered my scheduled 12 miles plus an additional .75 miles to walk/cool down home. Yes, extra walking never hurt anyone (except maybe the new blisters on my toes).
Just like in life… and running… we may not always have awesome days. Some days are harder than others. Some days we struggle to do the easiest tasks. It is life. The important thing is to remember that just because today is hard… it doesn’t necessarily mean that tomorrow will be hard too. Who knows, tomorrow may be the best day of your life! You just have to keep the faith and keep pressing towards your goal… challenge yourself. You can do it!
Though I struggled with my run this morning. I am not shaken. I am not dismayed. I am proud of myself for covering the distance I did. Completing the task at hand. I did not give up. Who says that *I* had to run the entire distance at a certain speed… it was my training run. I ran it to the best of my ability. Tomorrow is a new day. Next week is a new long training run. I may rock it! I may bonk it. But the point is is that I keep trying and keep moving forward.
I love how you’re so determined!
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com
Good for you!
Thanks for the inspiration and good advice. I’m trying to talk myself out of my run today. I’m on week 4 of C25K, which has been super hard for me. And I’m kind of sick and have sinus things going and a whole slew of reasons to avoid it. Maybe I should suck it up and jog!
We all have those days. The important thing is that you kept going!
You are so right… some runs are just HARD! Way to push through it!
Just like you said, this applies to life in general! All that matters is you keep on trying.
I can totally relate — running is such an outlet for me to relieve stress! The other day I made it half way through my usual run and had to stop and walk … never happens! Some days you just need that extra push.
you still got out there and did it! Good for you!
We all do have those days. Love the inspiring quotes and good luck!
YES! Thanks so much for the inspiration, I needed to read this today! Raced a tough half yesterday, and it’s so frustrating when your body just does NOT want to cooperate — but as long as you get it done, that’s all that counts! 🙂