Ever since the horrible half marathon and maybe even way before that I have been in a running slump. Injuries, stress at work, and the summer heat has taken it's toll on me. I have been tired and having to really talk to myself to get out the door. My runs have felt very hard and even getting 2 miles in have been a challenge. My mind game, which had been the toughest part of my game has been plagued with insecurities about my knees, my endurance, my speed. Everything has been in question. Pretty ridiculous to have so many doubts.
So today after work I came home and dreaded the fact that I needed to get out and run. I knew I would do it but as a self-prescribed running addict it seemed weak to only do the 2-3 miles that I felt I would be able to squeeze out of my tired, tattered, old body. So disappointing. It was National Running Day. Something magical needed to happen.
And so I ate some honey wheat pretzels, drank some water, and put on a cute running outfit and shoes. Knowing that I didn't have it in me to go long I didn't bother to pack gels or water. I was going to knock out 2 miles and be done with it.
As I ran up the hill that leads to my running route I began to map out my run. I was going to avoid large hills and start on the route that would take me at least 4 miles. As I began running I was grateful that the sun was hiding behind the clouds and I was surprised to find that my legs weren't too tired from squatting and that my body seemed to have enough fuel. In my mind I mentally changed my route to one that would take me on a 6 mile flat route.
At mile 4 I came to a cross road. Left would be a 6 mile flat route, straight would be a 7 mile hilly route. At that very moment the running Gods sent me a sign. A mother pushing a double jogging stroller was heading up the hill. Well if she could run the hill pushing two kids in a jogger then I sure as hell better haul my lazy butt up that hill too!!
And so my fate was sealed and I put my head down and powered up the hill, passing the woman with the stroller and running as hard as I could, breathing in to fill my lungs with needed air. When I reached the top of that hill I knew that I was going to be able to hit 7 miles and my stride quickened and my posture got a little higher. I was going to beat the mind game and get the run in that I so badly needed for my confidence.
I cruised home for the last 3 miles constantly checking my stride, my foot strike, and checking to see how my tattered body parts were holding up. A little bit of pain here and there, but over all the strongest 7 miles I had run since the North Shore Marathon.
And so National Running Day 2013 and day 527 of my Run Streak has come to a close. I was able to fight hard and win the mental battle. I am back in the game. :)
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