When All Else Fails...Begin Again

I have a well-documented history with the mental monster.  I have struggled with my runs and feeling confident in my body's abilities.  To squash the monster once and for all and to prove to myself that I can do it, I have started the Couch to 5K program all over again.

I know that I can run for more than 2 miles.  I have done it.  But lately, between feeling disgusted and taking time off, I feel it is necessary to show my body what it is supposed to do. 

Tonight's program was day 1 - 5 minute warmup and cool down with 6 repitions of 1 minute runs and 1.5 minute walks. 

I felt good.  Of course I can do 1 minute runs.  But if felt good to be relaxed in my run.  I wasn't stressing over my hand burning (long story short..was stung by wasp and hand was still swollen), my breathing, the heat, the fact that I forgot and left my reward water at home, etc.  I listened to my country tunes and did my program. 

I'm sure some people would question me.  "Didn't you already do this?"  Yes I did.  "Haven't you already completed two races?" Yes I have.  "Then why do it again?"  Why not?  Running isn't seasonal and there is no end so I'm always trying to do a little better than before.  But I don't feel as confident as I once did.  I have lost my runners edge, so to speak.  This isn't about comparing myself to my friends or any other runner.  This is about me and my ability.  It's about my enjoyment.  And I wasn't.  I wasn't able anymore because I didn't enjoy it.  Tonight was good. 

The program gets me about 1.5 miles but I went ahead and completed another .5.  I closed the program and just ran.  I walked when I had to but I finished with a run. 

I got a little too hot.  It was a scorcher.  And I wasn't properly hydrated for the day.  But I did it and I was happy with my activity level. 

All this to say, if you are feeling like you are failing or you can't run - stop it!  You can do it.  Just do it at your own pace.  Don't let anyone tell you how fast or far you should be moving.  The point is you are trying.  Find out where you enjoy running.  Find your own program or pace.  Find some running tunes if that helps.  Just enjoy what you are doing.  And above all, don't get mad and give up.  Get motivated and find a fresh place to begin again.

If I can do it, you can do it!

 

Running Nerds Invade the Coast!

Last week, all of the running nerds headed south for the holiday.  Ash's dad lives near Orange Beach, Alabama, so we crashed his pad for some beach fun.  Jim, Ash, and the Princess headed down on Saturday and Bob and I met up with them on Tuesday evening.  We had a great time despite a not so great weather forcast. 

Here's a recap...

1.  Shrimp Basket - AMAZING!  We arrived on All You Can Eat popcorn shrimp day!

2.  We visited the Dollar General in Orange Beach every single day.  We bought everything from poptarts to contact solution and ice to a nerf football.

3.  Fresh shrimp from Billy's Seafood in Bon Secour.  Their motto is "if it swims, we got it."  They have fresh seafood including 5 sizes of shrimp for unbeatable prices!  We had ours steamed in cajun seasoning and devoured it later with potatoes, corn, and hush puppies.  I took 5 more pounds home to my dad!

4.  Our car broke down behind Souvenir City on the evening of the 4th.  HUGE thanks to Hub City Towing and Wayne, the driver, for helping us out!  We got it fixed enough to get us home.  Although it was a huge ordeal at first, the entire adventure only cost us a $20 part once we got home!  Oh and thank God for roadside assistance!

4b.  While my car is broken down in a parking lot 250 miles from home, do not approach me if you are drunk.  The anger that spews forth cannot be matched.  Just keep walking buddy.

4c.  EK may or may not have peed in the bushes while we hung out in the parking lot.

4d.  Seeing what great friends you have while you are crying in the parking lot is a great feeling.

5.  We were very let down by the fireworks....or lack of.  It was crazy windy so they were afraid of blow back into the crowd and the condos so fireworks stopped after about 60 seconds.

6.  Bob finally got to try Lambert's Cafe.  He was in food heaven.  We all left full and happy!  Even the Princess enjoyed some "mashed taters." 

7.  Staying up ridiculously late and eating ice cream ridiculously late is not usually in a runner's agenda but it was this week and we all four enjoyed it immensly!

8.  We didn't run at all!  I know really - shame on us.  But it was a nice break.

9.  Jim and Ash probably brought back 20lbs of sand in their car.  It was our beach vehicle.

10.  After having ice cream everyday and eating not great bad ANYTHING we wanted, I didn't gain a single pound!

The B's with a little Bob in the background.

Our situation

Uncle Bob and EK

The A's

Right where I want to be!