My enthusiasm for YaYa’s baseball game was lacking. I wasn’t the only one. Huddled in the last bit of shade, we all grumbled throughout the 2-1/2 hour game. It was HOT. Thankfully, our little players did not catch our lack of enthusiasm; they kicked some tooshie. What’s more, YaYa got the game ball for, none other than, having enthusiasm and hustling.
Today it was my turn to have enthusiasm and hustle. I rose from my bed a few minutes after 6:00 am and began to dress for my long run. It was going to be another hot day, so I could not afford to sleep in. The boys were forewarned that I would be out. I pulled the shades down in their rooms with the hopes that they would sleep late.
Downstairs, I struggled to find my fuelbelt. I settled for my camelbak (which I cannot tell if it leaks or if it just causes my back to sweat a lot). Today was primitive due to a lack of preparations. I packed water and GU, then I was out the door with a PB & J sandwich. I even skipped my cup of coffee in the interest of saving time and preserving my hydration status.
The run itself consisted of 16 lonely miles. I ran along a trail that I frequently spend my Sunday mornings at, but today was a little different. One by one, I cheerfully waved at other runners, cyclists and walkers. In return, I got blank stares, glares, and a handful of half-hearted waves back. It was pitiful. I guess that I wasn’t the only one who skipped coffee today.
*Enthusiasm* people.
Where is the enthusiasm?!
I had completed 12 miles when I passed the park where my van sat waiting for me. The enthusiasm that I had started off with was quickly running out.
I moved along, feeling a little stiffness settling into my body. I began to rationalize cutting my run from 16 miles to 14 miles. Coach had indicated that I should run 14-16 miles. 14 miles was right in the acceptable range.
The thing is, I was already short 4 miles from my weekly mileage – since I never did make up Friday’s run. Additionally, *I* had asked to run 16 miles in order to prepare my mind for Quicksilver. I *had* to run the 16 miles.
And that is just what I did.
2:31:05
Good girl! Shows some mental toughness, which we know is necessary in a marathon. Glad you were able to get in your long run.
Yeah! I love it when I force myself to do something I just really don’t want to do. It feels like such a triumph. Smokin’ time, too!
stumbled onto your blog from runner susans… congrats on being the ‘good morning’ picture! you have a damn good blog here, i look forward to readings your posts in the future.
good job!
Awesome! Way to stick it out!
(I would have totally talked myself out of it…I’m REALLY good at that.)
You rock.
Good for you sticking it out to the end and not cutting corners. And I too congratulate you on winning the photo contest. You had some stiff competition, but I agree with the judge’s decision.
yes, congrats! (I’m so not bitter. at all.) :)
nice run and way to tough it out. I have been making a SPECIAL effort to make eye contact and smile at people on the trail. Mostly they smile back. Good thing too, because it’s hard work, all that smiling!
Way to hang in there for the full 16!