This was a tough run today. I over dressed for the weather...So about mile 3 I had to start unzipping the jacket...and the by mile 5, I tied it around my waist. Then my IPod started acting up...and I started working on it as it as I was running...trying to figure out what was happening. So, I'm running and working on my IPod and headset...and figure out it's my little Belkin adapter that had gone out. I switched everything over to my IPhone and got my music up and running again. This all took about a 1.5 miles out of my focus. When I looked down at my Garmin finally, I had dropped my pace way down and my stats were not going to be good now.
I tried to refocus and get moving again. I was about 20 minutes off my pace for finishing already.
I picked this route today for the hills. I want to be ready for the hilly route I will be running in Austin for the half marathon. The Austin course is very hilly. So, I was about to reach Double Creek (a big hill) when I saw Michael's car come around the corner. He came out to do some banking errands for our daughter, Cara Jane and he came looking for me on the route. This helped to encourage me as I approached the DC hill.
By the time I got to my turn at Rusk Rd...I my right heel was hurting pretty good. I was on now 9.1 miles into the run...and the pain in my foot won me over. I stopped running and started walking. I was so close to my car...I was so tempted to cut through the back of the middle school and call it quits. BUT, I kept walking down Rusk.
I told myself, you only have 3 miles left...you can do this. KMF! So, I started running again, then I would walk some. The last 3 miles were done run/walking. I hit Collingwood and I ran up that big hill...and then I had to walk again. When I finally got back to my car at the school...I was just glad it was over.
It was hard to be excited about my accomplishment because I want to finish strong...and I didn't feel this is what I had done. I let my fatigue win over in my mind and felt I gave up. That is not like me...I've had one other long run like this...it was last summer when I got over heated. I had to stop and walk, then when I tried to run again my legs started cramping and said, "No your not!"
I went back out the next week and ran the same route again and finished strong. I plan on doing this very same route again next weekend. I am going to finish this one strong too.
I really only have one more long run that counts toward the training for Austin. So, I'm good for running this same route again next weekend. Then I can start my taper and rest my body for race day.
Running can really be a mental battle. You have stay focused and get it done. Not mess with IPods and headsets, jackets and really just stuff. Same lesson with my walk with God. When I'm focused on Him, I reach the goal. BOOM! Lesson LEARNED!
Mama Barb
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