For me running is like when someone scratches your back in the same spot for a long period of time; it feels really freakin’ good…until it doesn’t. That is kind of my stance on running long distances. I am great at short bursts, which is why I only ran the 4 x 1 relay from middle-high school and also why I love HIIT workouts, but when you make me run long distance; there are a few things that are a must on my list. A motivational factor (Like running for a cause), cool temps, ridiculously orthotic sneakers, music blasting, knee braces and cheering crowds could never hurt. All in all, basic necessities of every mediocre distance runner; wouldn’t you say?
Before we go any further I want to say kudos to my friends who avidly run 5k’s, 10k’s and marathons on a regular basis. I have yet to experience running high, but I hope that it will one day get me to run an even longer distance. That is if my poor knees that ache after years of dancing will allow me to.
I thought I would give you a little insight into my brain and all of the thoughts that ran through my mind during the 30 minutes it took Cory and I to run 3.1 miles…
1-I don’t want to go…Cory I really do not want to go.
2-Ooooo I get a cool T-shirt and a Number. I’m so fancy…let’s do this.
3-Why are we starting in the back? I don’t want to be last. “if youre not first youre last.’
4- “and the rockets red glareeee”…Oh I love this song…3,2,1 go!
5-Passed you…passed you too. Gosh we are such athletes. (Rolls ankle trying to pass people early on)
6-Mile 1 was a breeze…I’m like an olympian.
7-Is that rain? Why did I get a blowout yesterday?
8-Smile for the camera (Insert biceps curl pose here.) Did Cory just raise the roof? lol
9-Just get me to the next water station…ugh Gatorade.
10-I think I’m gonna pass, no I’m not, YES I AMMMMMM!
11-OK Mile three I am gonna make you my bbeeeeppp.
12-How much longer? So close yet so far.
13-I cant do this…yes I can.
14- I Love my body….I am thankful for these legs. These legs have given me so much.
15-Jesus take the wheeellllll.
16-Oh hi dad with 12 babies hanging from your body. Thanks for cheering.
17-Where are my cheerleaders ? I need my cheerleaders…Cory cheer me on pleaseeeee.
18-Finish line is in sight! Cheerleaders….we MUST beat our time from last year.
19-Sprrinntttttttt—-but in reality you cant because your knees are going to give out.
20-Wahoo! We did it. Grabs medal, a water and walks back to the car…happy that I made it out alive.
Heads home feeling accomplished…I can’t wait until next year!
To all of my running readers …I admire you. Long distance is a grind on the mind, body and soul. Positive self-talk and my husband by my side definitely helped propel me forward in times of weakness . Long distance running is kind of similar to this little thing called life. There are any times we want to give up, throw in the towel, but if you dig deep and stay positive you will make it through. There may even be a medal waiting for you at the end.
Happy Monday everyone! I wanted to keep today’s post pretty light hearted and fun! If you can relate, let me know in the comments section below. Everyone have a great week! I actually left my phone in the car during the race this year so there was no social communication or photos to document our run. However I do have a medal and sore knees and back today! ahhhhh memories.
