Just Keep Going

The last two runs I went on, I had such a hard time even running two or three miles, when every week prior I had added about a mile to my run. This time, I was determined to get back up to speed. I ended up running about 6.75 miles, which is kind of insane (to me) but I was so proud of myself. 

After the first two miles or so, I fell into a comfortable pace that I could keep for awhile. While it was by no means a fast pace, I was surprised I could keep it, because I often have problems where I get tired and start slowing way down. But this time I was running about the same pace for about four miles of the run. For the last .75 miles or so, my pace slowed way down again, and that's when the run started to hit me and I felt like I was dying, but that's beside the point.

For the four miles, it was wonderful. It was hard and I was tired, but keeping that pace didn't seem like an impossible feat. It was simply about putting one foot in front of the other, and looking forward. Once my mind wasn't consumed with worrying about how slow I was running or what route I needed to take, I was able to let my mind wander and enjoy the run more.

I'm so glad I didn't give up after those two tough runs. I have a habit of quitting when things get little hard, especially when I was younger. But this time, my competitiveness one out. My desire to outrun myself won over my frustration with not doing well. And that same competitiveness (combined with the fact I'm entirely too stubborn) is helping me to add distance.

Running can be hard. I've been trying on and off for the past three years or so to get to the point where I enjoy it, and where it's something that I'm good at. While I'm certainly not "good" at it in terms of speed, I think there's something to be said for my refusal to give up and the distances I'm starting to run. I do know that I'm to the point where I'm starting to look forward to it, which I never thought I'd be able to say. There's definitely something to be said for when you just keep going, even if you want to quit.

My legs are going to be so sore tomorrow, though. They're already pretty sore.