ABOVE AVERAGE RUN
July 15, 2013
Friday I had a very bad day. I don’t know about you, but when that happens, my brain starts to come up with all sorts of excuses and problems and reasons why I can’t/shouldn’t workout. Luckily I had already made plans with my best friend, Kristi, to get up and run at 6:30 the next morning so there was no getting out of it.
The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed while the others in my household slept peacefully. Oh how I wished I were them. My warm bed was calling to me as I headed out the front door.
It was perfect running weather– overcast, a slight cool breeze, and the sun was still coming up. We started out, and it was tough from the get-go. Within minutes we were trotting up a big hill. We made it to the top, panting, and my brain said stop! You can’t do this! I felt defeated, sad, and the self doubt in my head started to creep into the rest of my body. My feet felt heavy. My legs were logs. And my heart– it hurt. Like physically hurt. But on we pushed. I couldn’t let Kristi down.
We finished the big hill, and continued up a more gradual hill. Still climbing, still panting.
We crossed the creek and came upon a mother duck and her bunch of babies.
We ran past a mama bunny and her babies and they hopped away, and we waved and smiled at the other runners and cyclists out at that hour. We chatted about how anyone who is willing to get up at 6:30 am on a Saturday is part of the “above average” club. It’s tough! And we want to be above average.
Slowly, my mindset began to change and I tried to just take in the beautiful world around me. I tried to focus on how lucky I am that it was just my endurance that was suffering– my body is starting to feel more like itself again. I thought about how blessed I am to live in such a beautiful state. And I felt the most grateful for a dear friend who continues to be by my side, both in our running shoes and in life. She is the perfect running partner for me. We are the same pace, push each other when the other one needs it, and will pull off our headphones and listen when the other one needs to talk.
We finished up our run grateful that 4.75 miles wasn’t 6 and committed to train well this week. Today is a new day, a new week, and a fresh opportunity to be my very best me… to be above average.
Happy Monday.
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A run can do a lot to our mind 🙂 When I feel alone or just a tiny bit sad, I’m trying to kick my butt and go for a run because I know I will feel better after.
Glad you were able to change your mind !
Persistence and motivation is key! It is sooooo hard to get up that early! Kudos to you!