This Monday, according to my training program, I was supposed to jog 40 minutes. Monday's experience was like pulling teeth with no anesthetic. P. A. I. N. F. U. L. L. I wanted to cry, scream, throw a fit. "How can I run 26 miles in 4 months if I can't run 40 minutes now" I thought to myself. I was pretty devastated the rest of the day.
Tuesday's workout consisted of 30 minutes of cross training. I decided to take a walk in my new neighborhood. One of the perks of living in this community is the many walking trails it offers. I had a great walk! Those doubts about my running are still lingering in my head though.
Wednesday's workout assignment was Six Quarter mile runs at a 2:05 min - 2:15 min pace. So, it is basically running 1/4 mile fast and then resting a bit, an then repeat 5 more times. I did this at a different gym than I usually do. I was going the Mountainside at Greenfield and Brown but now I am going to the one in Gilbert. Their treadmills are older and are harder for me to run on. This workout was difficult, even though it shouldn't have been. Thankfully I managed to push through.
Something remarkable happened to me on Wednesday. I was really starting to feel sorry for myself. Until I reminded myself why I had decided to run this marathon in the first place. It wasn't to lose weight or be the fastest runner. It was to help myself grow and to allow myself to do something that makes me happy. I imagined how amazing I will feel at the end of that race. Then I realized that everyday while I train I will have the opportunity to feel amazing. It is not just the marathon itself, it is the entire marathon process that will make me grow.
Running - or in my case very slow jogging :) - enables me to come home from each run feeling like I accomplished something great for myself. It energizes me and makes me a more confident person and mother. Every morning run is like this great big self- esteem booster.
After realizing this, I was so excited for my thirty minute jog this morning. I had trouble sleeping even. Finally it was time and out the door I went. I started off pretty strong, but by the mile and a half marker I felt tired. Knowing I still had half of my run in front of me, I was a little disheartened. However, Miss Diana Ross, The Supremes, and my pretty pink ipod helped me out.
I don't know why, but "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" gives me a rush. It certainly put more energy in my step. Gratefully, this song was followed by Queen's, "Another One Bites the Dust" and "The Eye of the Tiger" from the Rocky IV soundtrack. {I have a pretty eclectic song list}. These great songs pushed me to the end. Even though I didn't run as well as I would have liked, I drew on my run all day for emotional strength.
Running, cheaper than therapy!
I think every person should have their version of running; maybe sewing, baking, reading, whatever...this endeavor has really helped me.
Tomorrow I have 20-30 minutes of cross training and Saturday is a 7 mile run!
**I am following the training advice from the book, "Four Months to a Four Hour Marathon" by .
1 comment:
Go Jenny! I agree with you, music is the best to help me feel motivated!
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