I had a mile to go to finish my run.
I was beat. Totally beat. I told myself that I would quit a half mile early.
- It was hot – not as hot as in the middle of summer, but a hotter day then we have had lately.
- I forgot to take my Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) before my run. My legs were so tired and heavy. Was this the reason?
- I increased my mileage from 4 to 5 miles a day just this week. Was that why I was beat?
- I am running a hillier area and one hill is huge. Am I just worn out?
These are the thoughts of a runner perplexed at 4 miles as to why his run is going badly. Pace? What pace? I threw pace out of the window a couple miles ago. Actually all summer I have kept my love for speed away and just tried to be consistent on the run.
I tripped. Sort of tripped. I literally stubbed the top of the front of my new running shoes. I’ve never done that before, I thought to myself. Maybe I should walk home. I don’t want to hurt myself on a basic run. I don’t want to be stupid. I don’t… I can’t… I won’t…
Then the thought occurred to me. Just a year ago I ran a marathon. I felt worse at mile 25 of that marathon then I did now at mile 4 of my 5 mile run. My body needs to learn. I need to master my body. It must submit to me if I ever want to run a marathon again, let alone qualify for Boston. This feeling… The feeling of being spent, exhausted, tired, hot and having nothing left inside… Maybe this feeling is a gift. Maybe this is training for mile 25. Only a little over a mile to go and I’ll be done. My body will learn that it has to comply with what I am doing. Not to the point of getting hurt, but I need to teach my body, my mind and my spirit that I can run through this feeling. I can complete the race. I can run up that last hill and finish what I set out to do.
5.01 miles after I started, I finished. I literally had nothing left. It was hard to walk the rest of the way home (about 100 yards).
I finished. What a great feeling. I had the worst run of the summer and I felt like I just completed a marathon. I didn’t give up. I didn’t give in. I didn’t walk until I met my goal.
Today… who knows, maybe I’ll run 6 miles just for fun!
Have a great weekend.
Tom
278 to Boston 
Excellent post. It is truly great to keep things in perspective, especially on hard and frustrating runs. To remember what you are running for and that there could be worse often helps me get through it. The humidity has really made the summer a struggle. But a few months ago we will be freezing and likely missing the hot and humid days. Great work pushing through!
So true. Of course living in the south, I get to look forward to a 50 degree average for the winter!!! I can’t wait!! Thank you! 🙂
I agree about looking forward to 50 degree weather. I live further south, so we get that maybe twice a year here. 🙂 But it sounds that a few factors made the run a bit difficult, but it doesn’t matter since you overcame them and just pushed through. That’s the best way to teach your body! Great post.
Thanks. I was also just told that air quality was bad yesterday. I never thought about that, but maybe that was it. My youngest son said his run was rough also. Looking forward to October!!!
Your blog is very inspirational. I like reading about how far you’ve come.
I nominated you for a Lovely Blog Award.
http://transiteration.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/lovely-blog-award/
Thank you so much! That means a lot to me!!!
This is one of my favorite posts, I can feel your determination and its infectious, inspiring and exactly what I needed. I sure have missed you my friend, and you will make it to Boston! ❤
Funny. I had just mentioned to my wife that you hadn’t written in a while and then I saw your post. :). I’m glad my pits helped. I’ve missed you too! See you in Boston one day!!! Going now to finally catch up and read your post.
Good analogy Tom. We’re always in training for something, even when we’re not…
Thanks Bernie. You are so correct. I’m still impressed by your race last weekend… Thanks for the updates along the way!!!