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| Running truly does translate to life. It makes me strong in everything. |
This morning was one of those mornings that I woke up and just questioned everything. Why I'm training, what I'm doing with my career, and the differences (or not) that I'm making in the world. As I pulled myself out of bed to run before my kids woke up, I was not feeling any desire or motivation to do it. It was a battle. So much of me wanted to just fall back asleep for another hour. With one eye open, I growled at my husband, "Why am I doing this? What's the point anyway? I mean, it isn't like I'm an Olympic athlete or anything so why am I taking this so seriously?" I know the answers to these questions but it sure was hard to see them clearly as I pulled on my workout pants and tied my shoes.
My husband said something to the tune of : "You're training because you want to push yourself and see what you can do with this one life. You're a runner and you want to challenge yourself. When you do this with running, it translates to other areas of your life and you're stronger in everything." This really resonated with me. I didn't instantly jump up and get all perky or anything. I was still grumbling and feeling like a limp piece of lettuce but it did make me feel better and it got me out the door. Once I was out there running, my body started to wake up a bit and I was able to use my five mile run to focus on my life, what I wanted to make of the day, and where I'm at with my goals. It didn't take long for me to remember why I'm doing this but it sure was a struggle to get up and at it this morning.
We all have our reasons for why we do it. Why we push ourselves. Why we train. Some of us do it to challenge ourselves and see what we are capable of. Some do it to escape. Maybe we do it to lose weight and be healthy. Others are doing it to qualify for something. And there are those that start training for a cause that is dear to their heart and then they end up realizing how amazing it feels to be taking control of their fitness and health.
Whatever our reasons for training, there will always be those times when we just don't want to do it. We'll have those days where we battle with ourselves just to put on our running shoes and get out the door. I think this is true with any big goal we are working towards. If it wasn't somewhat of a challenge then it probably wouldn't be a goal, right? But when we push ourselves and stick to our goals even when they are hard, IT. FEELS. SO GOOD.
Today I'm THANKFUL For:
- Getting out of the door this morning for my 5 mile morning run. 2 of them were at 7:30 pace with the last quarter mile at 6:31 pace. Just getting my legs used to moving faster.
- Afternoon 6 mile run. 4 of them @ 7:30 with .5 of that @ 6:59 and an 8:00 mile to end. Felt strong. Ready for some more structured workouts.
- 20 week marathon plan starts on Saturday. Yes, decided to do the 20 wk plan.
- Thanksgiving is this week. My favorite holiday. I love that grandparents, cousins and so many more family members pile into our small home to eat, give thanks, play games and just BE together.
- Being a mother! I am absolutely certain that I am doing exactly what I am meant to be doing. Although there are times that I miss teaching and going to graduate school, I know that I will have this again someday if I want. My doctorate can wait. Right now it feels good to be right where I am.
- Movie night with my husband tonight as soon as the kids go to sleep. He has been working so hard the past few days so it will be nice to just be together without other things to do.
- Friendships
- Good food.
- Feeling motivated and excited to train for Boston.
Choose one. Or all. I love to hear from you.
1. What do you tell yourself when you are struggling to stay motivated?
2. Why do you train/run?
3. Please share one of your big goals that you are working on. Running or other. I would love to hear.
4. What are some things you are thankful for today?
Amanda
