I set out to run 10 miles today. It was, without a doubt, one of the hardest things I've ever done in my entire life. I started about 3.5 miles away from where the trail begins, and the shins were aching right before the trail entrance. I stopped and stretched again , focusing on the shins, and got going.
About a half a mile into it, something inside of me just kind of stopped. I took about 5 minutes to sit down and do some serious, deep thinking. Why was I running 10 miles? Should I be running ten miles? What reasons were behind me running in the first place? I started to tell myself "you're being too competitive, you're not a marathoner!" While part of that is true, it was nonetheless hogwash.
I decided to walk the next half mile to the mile marker there. Mile marker 1. "Okay" I thought...if I just start I know I can keep going. I made it to mile 2,3, and 4.
You guys...mile four was BEAUTIFUL. The state had not gotten around to shoveling this stretch of the trail yet, and oh my GOD. It was covered with FRESH white snow, only about a half inch if that. The trees were bowing towards the center of the trail from both sides, many of which I had to run THROUGH. I t hought that was super cool. I was SO tired, but I know I didn't feel it, because I was just so into the scenery. I wanted to hang out there all day, but I had to keep truding along. Mile 4 was straight ahead.
I stopped here and stretched once more, then hightailed it back.
The rest of the run was pretty strong, a couple more stops and a few water breaks between the way. Maybe 10 miles is a bit much for me right now, but it feels good to finally complete a double digit run after all this time of thinking I couldn't get that far.
I had a lot of thoughts going through my head, and what I ultimately decided is that it is super easy to doubt yourself when you become tired, trudging up hills when everything around you is turned to ice, and you are SOOO cold. You just have to find your stride and crest those hills, your body has a way of feeling better mentally and physically once you've done so.
Brings a whole new meaning to "its all downhill from here."
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3 comments:
Wow posts like this really make me want to get out there and run. Great job hanging in there and I appreciate you describing the doubts you had along the run. It really helps people like me to know I am not alone in that.
Great job!
Robin
Congrats on the 10 miler. I hope to get there one day!!!!
nice job. i totally get the mind over body thing! later.
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