I did not want to run today. I specifically did not want to run the 12 miles that I had on the calendar. I wasn’t feeling 100% mentally and I was having some minor GI issues and it’s super windy today. I nearly talked myself out of running, but when I looked at the weather, it looked like Sunday (my next opportunity to run that long) was going to be really warm with a possibility of thunderstorms. So, I grabbed my ipod and headed out.
That’s right. I decided that the only way I was going to make it through the run was to run slow and to listen to music. I decided I could only look at my garmin when a song ended or it beeped the end of a mile. I knew I wouldn’t make it to twelve miles and figured I’d finish up on the treadmill. I was afraid to go to far from the house, so I ran up and down all the streets in my neighborhood, which meant basically rolling hills.
Mile 1: 10:08 (mostly downhill)
Mile 2: 10:34 (long light)
Mile 3: 9:57 (oops, too fast)
Mile 4: 9:53 (gonna regret that)
Mile 5: 10:02 (a little better)
Mile 6: 9:54 (gotta thank Chumbawumba for a sub 10 mile)
Mile 7: 10:10 (ate a honey stinger gel – therefore must run at least 3 more miles to “justify it”)
Mile 8: 9:52 (really?)
Mile 9: 10:06 (running out of energy, thinking about stopping, head towards home)
Mile 10: 9:47 (huh? uphill into the wind and I pull that out? I bet the next mile is much slower)
Mile 11: 9:39 (Ok, that hurt)
Mile 12: 9:13 (Hmm, so that’s what you get when you do a flat out sprint for the last 1/3 mile of a 12 mile run)
I’m in a much better mood than before I ran. I was beginning to question if I could do a marathon (yeah, I got the “taper crazies”), but this run felt good. Even though my mind wasn’t in the game, my body apparently was ready to play. Now if I can just get my mind and body to both be ready on marathon day.
When I got home, I’d received an email from Jen at Setting You Free. I won her giveaway of a Kalyx bra! Woot! I’m totally excited because all my running bras are cheapies from Old Navy, Target, and Shopko. Can’t wait to try it!
And for your viewing pleasure… Remember how I mentioned getting to hold the banner at the end of a recent 5K? A friend got a small movie of us “practicing” beforehand. I’m technologically challenged and unable to pull out just a frame, so you get to see the clip.
awesome job, amazing what the mind can do….music helps a ton
I love your mile comments. So funny!I am so happy that you got out and did it. After a run everyone is always in a better mood! 😉
Fingers crossed that the mind AND body are cooperating on race day For now, way to get that 12 miler done! I love how you negotiate with yourself along the way (honey stinger = 3 more miles).
Glad you got out and did it! It always feels good to get those runs that you don't want to do, done. In some ways, they're more rewarding than the "perfect" ones!
Great job on the 12 miles, girl! Sometimes music really does set the tone!
Great job on your last double digit run before the race! I love all of your mile comments. Cracking me up!
nice clip! your mile comments are just like my every-step thoughts sometimes. nice job on the last double-digit!
great job getting out there!
Good for you for getting all 12 miles in, that is a tough distance! And you had awesome times as well : ) Loved the mile by mile recap, too funny!
Awesome run!!!! Even more of an accomplishment since you weren't feeling it from the start. 🙂
Good job doing it when you didn't want to. Love the "clip." I have held the timer at the finish but that is it.
See, you did it! Good job! Your run went better than mine did today:) It really is a big mind game:) Congrats on the sport bra win…Damn, I really wanted that one:)
Inspiring – love your comments!! You are so ready for this race 🙂
Way to get out there and run a great run!Congrats on the sports bra. I just ordered a new one because mine are so worn – my latest race pictures were showing a little too much sag for my taste!
Nice job on the run!
Overcoming those days when you don't want to go are such accomplishments.
Pulling off that run is awesome! You've got "mind powers."
Way to go on pulling off 12 miles when you didn't want to run at all! They played Chumbawumba during my half and I thought of you…
That's a fantastic run!!
As much as I dread a run, the only thing that gets me to do it is that I know I'll be much happier when it's done. Nice job!
I love your mind games. I can totally relate.And isn't it lovely how running always makes you feel better afterwards. It's the before part that is hard.
You got out there and did it, a lot said for that!!
Way to go – looks like your body outsmart your mind 🙂 Proves that the training is effective and that you can power through even when you have doubts…
i was so pooped today I didn't think I could run, but us runners are crazy good at mind games!