Mar 11
28
I Did It!
Did what? I met my goal. This past Saturday, according to my training program, I was set to run 6.5 miles. I was a bit nervous, since my longest run before that was 5 miles–& though I finished the 5, I didn’t feel like it went really well. Of course, looking at the 6.5, I felt a little intimidated.
Since I know that running longer distances is mainly mental, I started earlier in the week to talk myself into running the distance. I would say things like: “It’s basically like two of your morning runs put together,” or “Once you can run 6.5, you’re about half-way to your half-marathon distance,” or the ever-promising “You can do it!”
Well–the self-talk, determination, support, & prayers worked. I pushed through (& prayed through) some terrible pain in my left foot that began at about 2.75 miles or so, ran even though I felt some dizziness & lightheadedness at times, and kept going even with the feeling that I couldn’t get enough air.
Guess what? It was hard. Sometimes it hurt. Sometimes I felt happy. Sometimes I had to remind myself that I could do it…and I DID IT!!!!!!! I ran 6.5 miles. I felt amazing when I finished. I met my goal. Yes, I was tired, & yes, my blood sugar was low, but I DID IT!!!!!
Through this process of running, I am leaning about myself, increasing in confidence, & finding out that I can do hard things. Through the support of others, I feel strength & courage to keep going. I am excited. 
So–what will you do this week to stretch yourself?
(I signed up for my first race–a 5K–for some race experience before my half…! If I can do that, you can do something hard, too!!!!!!!!!) Happy Monday!!!!
