I deviated from my training schedule. Heaven forbid! Despite the fact that Sundays are my "Long Slow Run" days (not Saturdays), today I took full advantage of the beautiful suburban Buffalo, NY weather. I ran over 15 and a half miles! The last time I ran (almost) that far was nearly 7 years ago when I got lost. That summer day in 2006 was one of the worst and most disastrous runs of my life. I got lost and walked a good portion of that. I worried the heck out of my parents. Dehydrated and sick, I could barely walk when I got back to my parent's house.
Today was nothing like that!
I knew as soon as I stepped out the door this afternoon I wasn't going to do my scheduled six-miler. Every ounce of my body, mind and soul told me I was going to run far... and so I did. While my legs do not move as quickly as they used to, and I get cravings for weird food products on my long runs (it was honey, today), it simply doesn't matter. Running is my true passion. Running is a means of meditation, prayer, and alone time. I think about all sorts of things... except for running, and I truly believe that's the way to do it! I feel healthier and happier than I have in years. I will never be the competitive runner that I could have been had I not gotten sick; however, I have accepted this and am okay with it. Today I ran farther than I ever have, and I finished feeling strong.
With each long run that I complete, the more confident I become in knowing I will be able to finish the Marathon this May.
When I walked in the door, my husband looked up at me from the couch and asked how I did. I let my Garmin speak for itself, excitedly sticking my arm out while saying "look!" I had run 15.64 miles and I was still standing, dripping sweat. "Wow, I'm proud of you!" he told me. I wasn't thinking about my accomplishment... I quickly realized I needed food. I ran right back out the door and up to Tim Horton's. I needed calories, and quickly. I gulped down iced coffee with chocolate milk flavoring, and two oatmeal raisin cookies. I breathed and relaxed before walking back home.
I'm still 11 miles away from being a marathoner, but I'll get there. I know it.
No comments:
Post a Comment