Finally a sunny day

Queen of the castle

Goofing on the slide

And a handsome stick it is, too!

After him!

Cavorting

Wavering

My motivation to complete the training program is faltering.  I have managed to keep up with most of the runs so far, but this weekend I hit a wall.  The long run was supposed to be 15 miles and I went out with my teeth set against the cold wind.  The sun was shining, I wasn't sick or injured, the kids were all being taken care of; there was no reason not to keep running until it was over.  But I could not stomach the entire run.  I came  home defeated and ready to quit on the whole deal.  Why am I running all these miles?  What do I need to run a marathon for anyway?  I have two full months left of the training plan, and the runs are only going to get harder and longer. 

Kent was disappointed in me at first, but he must have had second thoughts because he did his best to bolster my spirits.  He promised to run as many of the long ones with me as possible so I wouldn't be alone out there, and he assured me that it would all be worth it in the end.  What a man! 

I have chosen to stay on the plan a little longer and see where it leads.  For now, I am still trying, still keeping my feet in the tracks, still slogging endlessly toward the possible goal. 

Get up and go!

I know I haven't posted in over a week.  I haven't had much to say, haven't taken any photos, haven't worn any worthwhile outfits.  But I did have an experience yesterday I thought was worth sharing.

According to my training plan, I had to run 6 miles at race pace (slightly faster than my usual pace) yesterday.  But I really didn't feel like it.   I kept thinking of excuses why I might skip this one.   But I told myself I'd just put on all my running gear and start.  Sometimes making myself start is the hardest part.  So I dressed the part, and began the warm up, but I still didn't want to run the rest of the run at the faster pace - and again, I had to force myself to just start.  Once I was going, it was a simple mind game to keep myself at it until it was finished, but the battle had been fought at the beginning. 

Along the way in my life I learn things about myself.  One such thing is that I can do more than I feel like I can do.  When I feel like I won't be able to keep up, won't be able to go on (with anything, from running, to parenting, to anything else in life) I tell myself that as long as I can, I will.  And then I do.  If I wait until my body actually gives out from exhaustion rather than anticipating that it will, it never really does and I can continue on even though I didn't really feel like I could.