One Step At A Time

It's pretty obvious that my blog post frequency and motivation to run tend to go hand in hand. It's not that I haven't been running. I have been averaging 40 miles per week over the past month. It's just that my runs have all been lackluster, at an easy pace and basically boring. I don't feel great when I am running; I don't feel great once I finish. I just feel cranky. It is not a physical thing at all. My body feels awesome. I have about 95% of all the strength back in my right leg. It's 100% mental. The only thing that has been getting me out there is looking forward to spending time with my friends.

Today was a different story though. Today was the first hill workout of the Spring training cycle. To say that I was dreading it would be an understatement. I had a pity party for myself last night and kept getting depressed thinking about what good shape I was in last year at this time and how far away from that I am now. This is never a really productive or motivating activity. Nor is looking back. I am where I am. I know where I want to be. It's not going to be easy but I have to start somewhere. I had to mentally prepare myself to know that I would be far behind the pack I normally run with today. I have not done any speedwork since August 24 - again, to reach my goals, I have to start somewhere.

But guess what? That somewhere turned out to be pretty great.  Why?

• I did everything I could to set myself up for a good workout. I drank a lot of water yesterday; I got 7.5 hours of sleep, ate a healthy dinner, and a little snack before the workout.
• I saw some faces I see all the time and some I haven't seen in awhile who inspire and motivate me.
• I wasn't alone at the back of my pack. I didn't let anyone know I was feeling this angst - but she knew. She stuck with me. She could have blown me out of the water today, but she pushed and pulled me up and down that hill. That warms my heart. Thanks, Steph.

Was I feeling slow? Yes. Did it hurt? Yep, my lungs were burning. But I left feeling invigorated and have a renewed sense of confidence which I did not have when I arrived at the workout this morning. 

Baby steps...one workout at a time...I will get it back.