Saturday's Run

Yesterday I was so tired I really wasn't sure I wanted to go out and run.  But then there was this desire that come over me to go.  I needed and wanted to go and run and just be out there.  So I headed off to Rockland State Park.  I decided to drive the outer loop which will be the first part of the race in a few weeks, just to see what it would look like.  Then I thought I would run the inner loop which is 3 miles.  I got out and stretched and began to realize just how cold it was.  I was not prepared. I had on my capri pants and a dri-fit running T-shirt! I warmed up and realized if I ran from this particular entrance it was measured. (Nice) I started my timer and started my run, and was about 20 steps in when I realized how cold this run was going to be! As I began running I just couldn't settle into my pace.

No idea if this happens to others but it takes any where from 1/2 a mile to 1 mile for me to settle into my pace and feel comfortable, but it wasn't happening I was just not settling in.  I kept thinking it was the cold and I kept thinking that maybe I should stop. I kept saying to myself all the reasons why I could stop, but this tiny little part of me just couldn't, and I was amazed at how well I was justifying my quitting.  My new running mantra has become.  "Will not Quit, I will Finish"

I am coming around a corner and there is a man with large St. Bernard standing there. He makes eye contact with me and says "just keep going, don't stop running, don't quit" Wow, talk about a perfectly placed word of encouragement. After I heard that I focused again and before I knew it I hit the one mile mark, i looked down at my watch and nearly fell.

I have been running just around a 12 min. mile. Which while in comparison to many isn't hot, but good things running is not about comparison but about 'my run'.  Looking down at my watch I saw 11:03!  No wonder I wasn't settling in, I was running fast than I ever had!  I walked a little and was surprised at how quickly I recovered.

I came to the next part of the trail which I had measured to be a mile the other day and the whole time leading up to it I just wanted to do the same mile time again or maybe even a little faster.  :)  I started running again but by this time after walking I was cold, my muscles were warm but my skin was cold. (wishing I had long sleeves at that point) I got about what I thought was half way and began to defeat myself again, but I refused.  I knew I would finish and whatever time my watch said would be great. I crossed the line at 11:00 flat!  I had no idea that this was in me.

What an amazing thing to watch my body begin to do things that I never thought it would do!  Pretty crazy.  All I can say is that I am really thankful for the amazing people in my life that encourage me, push me when I want to quit on myself, and run this journey alongside me. (some physically do run along side me  :)   )   I am thankful.