So I am guilty -- I ALMOST wussed out of my long run today. I was not feeling very gung-ho about tackling 13 miles and wondered if I would be really at a loss if I skipped it. However, I had a pep talk from one of my most inspirational sources, and someone who happens to be President of my Fan Club (j/k): my mom.
She really got on my case about not running today, and it was exactly what I needed to push my way out the door. I had set up an aid station just inside my garage door and did a four-mile loop around my neighborhood three times (the final time, I extended the distance by one mile to make 13 miles total). Each time I stopped at my homemade aid station to swap out my waterbottle, my "Fan Club" was there cheering me on with great zeal. Who couldn't be motivated by that?
It made me think during my run (on these long runs, BOY do you have time to think!) about how important it is to have someone -- anyone -- in your corner to help you stay focused. Because being unmotivated is normal, but we have to find something that makes us go after our goals anyway. And in the times we can't find that something within ourselves, it is so important to have positive people around us to keep cheering us on. Today I had my mom, but I also know that I have great friends following my progress, posting comments on this blog and on Facebook, and asking me how my training is going at work or school. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to give me a positive word -- everything you have done helps me remember my goals and keeps me focused towards them.
So, surprisingly enough, on a day that I felt even a three-miler down the road and back would obliterate me, I finished 13 miles strong and happy. That's about half the marathon distance. With 12 weeks of training left until the marathon, I'm well on my way!
No comments:
Post a Comment