As I mentioned earlier, my goal for today was 8 miles. As the hours passed, I decided I would actually run 5. So, around 1 in the afternoon (not a good time to run. Full sun does not help) I set out for my run. Right when I started I could tell this was not going to be one of my best runs. Around mile 1, I had a major cramp and was just feeling sluggish. I don’t know if it was the heat or if my body was just tired, but I stood there for a minute with tears in my eyes wondering what to do. Should I keep running? Maybe run/walk but complete the distance? Or should I call it a day and turn around?
I decided that it was hot, windy, and clearly I was not feelin’ it, so turning around was the best option. It’s hard for me to decide whether my body is tired and I should quit, or I’m just being a weenie and need to push it. I decided that I was indeed tired. Tomorrow morning, I’m going to try to run 8 miles, since that is the case, I shouldn’t push it today.
The feeling of “quitting” is extremely frustrating for me. I can’t seem to understand why my body hasn’t fully bounced back after my trip to Thailand. I understand that I took a few weeks off…but it wasn’t that long! I’ve been working really hard since I’ve been back too. I thought by now I’d be back in the swing of things but it’s pretty clear that I am not. It’s frustrating, especially since the marathon is a few weeks away.
On the way back to my apartment, I was thinking about all these frustrations and disappointments when a song came on my ipod that instantly cheered me up. The song is Ray LaMontagne’s “You are the Best Thing” and it was my husband and I’s first dance song. It reminded me that there are bigger things in life to care about than running a certain distance or pace.
I have nothing to complain about considering I have two healthy legs that work as well as they do. As much as I want to qualify for Boston, if I don’t, it’s not the end of the world. I have a husband that I love more than anything, an incredibly supportive family, and friends I can always count on. Basically, I have nothing to cry about! 🙂
All I can do at this point is try my hardest. Come race day, I will give it my all and if I qualify, then that’s awesome, if not, maybe next time. The Boston Marathon has been around for years and I’m pretty sure it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
What challenges do you face when running or working out? How do you overcome those challenges?
That’s great that you knew not to push it! I have had times when I knew I needed to head back but I’m so stubborn that I wouldn’t let myself! But I’m realizing now that it’s not worth it to try going out for a run if I’m just not feeling it.
I have to agree with the above that it’s good that you don’t push it. I think taking your time is what’s best for you in the long run. You’re not a quitter and I know that you’re body will pick up when it’s good and ready!
PS Love that song and pretty much anything LaMontagne! 🙂