Stronger

This morning I nearly talked myself out of going for a run. The real reason the Run won over the Coffee was because I really wanted to try out this new app - jog.fm - pretty darn cool!

Anyway, I sucked up and got out there. Once I got going felt pretty good. I made it all the way to the end of the road without stopping at all, crossed the road and turned around headed for home. It took a little work going back up the hill, but I knew the down part would make it worth it. It was about the time I was working my way through that hill that I started saying things like; "You can run faster than you walk, don't stop." or "You do this with Sam, you can do it on your own, she'd be disappointed if you stopped."

I made it down the hill, over the bridge, around the curve and over the next bridge before I started adding in things like; "You will not stop until you reach the city limit sign" or "You will not stop until you reach the cottages" and finally I said to myself, "running really is a mental sport isn't it? and this is just one way I'm making myself STRONGER."

When I did the Sprint Triathlon I really had to give myself a lot of mental talk. That swim was not easy, but I was determined to make it, determined I would do this! Since then I've thought I wouldn't mind trying that again or some of slightly different distances with the proper training. Thoughts like that made me realize I need to become 1. a more confident swimmer and 2. Stronger mentally.

Most the time when I'm running what happens is my brain quits before my body and then it tells my body that it needs to stop. If I'm with Sam that's not an option. If I'm alone it tends to happen, except for today :) I made it a whole 2.38 miles on my very own without stopping, other than to check traffic before crossing the road - if that counts. I also ran my fastest mile ever, 8:45, of course it was the 1st mile...but still, I'm kinda excited about that. I highly doubt I could keep that pace for long but once upon a time running a 10 minute mile was a goal, to know I hit that above and beyond is thrilling. Who knew such short little legs would be capable of such a thing?

 

I also got my totally awesome new running shoes dirty, boo!

Speaking of running, earlier today people started receiving their packets for the London Marathon. The entry for it was through a ballot, if you were lucky, you'd get in. I started feeling the butterflies and getting all jittery as soon as they started talking about it on Facebook. I had no idea if I wanted it to be yes or no. If it were yes, then yes I'd do it and I'm positive it'd be one heck of an experience. If it were no? What would I do? I don't know. Would I be sad, disappointed, relieved? If I got in what would I do? Train, train and train, but would I flip out, be excited or scared out of my mind? I just didn't know.

Then the mail came:

So there you have it. I will NOT be running the 2013 London Marathon. I will however, put my name in the hat again for next year & if it works out I will end my England adventure with it. How did I feel? I still felt as if I were on the fence. Only 1 other person (as of right now) that I know got in. I would not want to do it alone, so in that way I'm very relieved. I enjoy participating in the events I do because I'm usually with a group of friends and that makes it fun. Yet, at the same time I was slightly disappointed. How many people can say they ran the London marathon? What an experience, right? That and I think deep down, I just want to know if I am capable of finishing 26.2 and yes, I know that sounds absolutely crazy. I know I can do 13.1 and I'll do it again Oct. 28th...but could I, would I...26.2? I still want to know that answer. So...................

 

Paris??? I think so!

 

If I had gotten in on the London marathon I'd be running it in April. If I get in for Paris I'll still be running in April...just before my 33rd birthday and when I sit down and look at all I accomplished during year 32 of my life I will know the answer to 26.2 and a few others. I think of the things I've done since Nov. 2011 and I shake my head. I still can't believe I did half of it!

 

New goal + new plan = wishes coming true. Or actually it equals "accomplishments being made". Right? So stay tuned...