Sunday, April 11, 2010

Introductory long run - done and dusted.

I didn't sleep very well last night, all I kept dreaming of was finishing my 8km run. In my head I knew I could do it - but I guess self doubt was sitting on my shoulder and giving me some negative input. I wish it would just BACK OFF. Haven't I proven enough to myself that I am capable of anything. What was it going to take?

Well, when I woke up this morning I made myself a cup of coffee, grabbed a banana out of the fridge and a yoghurt, turned on the computer and jumped on Facebook - as you do at 0600hrs. I jumped on my horoscope - which is a daily ritual and it said . " This could be a very fortunate day for you, in that you could see the fruition of something that you have been working on. You could also have very clear vision or purpose, especially if you take a few moments to look at where you have come from, where you are now and where you will be if you remain on the same course. It's not that you are seeing something about your vision coming to pass, it's about the revelation of how to carry it forward into the future".

Having read this, any negative trace of self doubt flew out my window. I was going to rock this morning. I wasn't going to settle for anything less than running the whole 8km. Walking was not an option. Not at this stage. I had procrastinated enough and today was the day to either "Put up or shut up". I was going to make this 8km happen. I just had to feel comfortable with the fact that it didn't matter about the pace, I just had to last the distance. So I grabbed my Ipod and mobile and placed it in my arm pocket - took two puffs of my Ventolin and set out on my run at 0730hrs.

What a beautiful morning - the air was crisp and there were hardly any cars on the road. It was totally perfect for my run. So in went the ear pieces pounding out some hard core music and off I went. Nice and steady is all I was wanting - nothing fast paced or at "Speedy Gonazalez" pace, I was happy to be like the tortoise - slow and steady wins the race. Atleast for now. I just need to watch out that I don't injure myself.

I got half way and I assessed how I felt. Were my legs sore? NO. Where my lungs sore? NO. Was I doubting my ability? HECK NO. I actually felt fantastic. You heard me, FANTASTIC. Something in me said "Go on, go a little faster". But I quickly nabbed that thought in the butt. I feared this may set me up for defeat. I didn't want to tire and then have to walk. I wanted to finish this run feeling proud of what I had accomplished. I wanted to finish feeling like I could do anything if I just set my mind to it. And that is what I did.

As I passed my driveway and headed for my last 300m loop to my father in laws driveway and back I said " If you are going to finish strong - now is your chance to do it". I knew I had heaps in my reserve tank. Now was the time to just let it all out and finish strong. I lengthened my stride and pumped my arms nice and hard - not like Rocky Balboa as he is climbing the stairs but enough to help propel me forward nice and strongly. Even my husband commented about good I looked running. I am so happy. Another step forward, what more can I say "Done and dusted"

Your hard work will be rewarded.

"The path to a dream is paved with sacrifices and lined with determination. And though it has many stumbling blocks along the way, and may go in more than one direction, it is travelled by belief and courage and conquered with a willingness to face challenges and take chances" Barbara Cage