Rest Day

Took a sundown ride to the river tonight. All by myself. It was a beautiful summer night in Cache Valley, and with the hectic week I had, I could not pass up some quiet time and much needed wind in my hair.

I stopped at my favorite spot by the rivers edge and soaked my legs in its icy waters while listening to the current. Love the sound a river makes. And the smell... the smell in itself is enough to keep me returning. Besides, my legs still hurt from yesterday's 10.3 mile run and any excuse to work out their kinks on the bike and soak them to repair them from feeling less like bricks is always good.

The big half marathon is approaching in four weeks. Coincidentally just as my right foot is starting to hurt- BAD- the miles are getting LONG! Coach Mark (a friend and running pro at work) told me to "take it easy. Don't run as many miles on your long run, do more during the week". If I wasn't so determined to meet each weeks mile goals, I might listen to him. For now, I will soak in icy water every chance I get and set my sights on crossing the finish line August 29th. Unless I can no longer walk, maybe I'll listen to Coach Mark. Pain makes you tough. I like tough.

Yesterday's run was awesome! It felt good, in part from the lies I told myself. Sometimes you've got to get creative. I never imagined I'd be running long distances. NEVER! The best part of setting goals is the challenge it gives you and what it teaches you about yourself. I have learned well enough about my strengths and weaknesses through running. I know I would not have survived the last month and a half without my recent running obsession. I owe many a lesson to my new found friend.

Last week was a different story. After 9.3 I came home and cried my eyeballs out while the cold hose ran over my head and legs. I was frustrated in my time, my ability, my effort and my foot. That particular run was draining in every capacity and for a few minutes I wondered why I was putting myself through all this turmoil. But I know why. I am not a quitter. When I put my mind to something, I get it done. So in order to get through another added mile yesterday, I knew I had to step up my mental game and forge ahead. It's hard to pound the pavement for long distances knowing I'm all by myself. Running can be a solitary sport and although I think that's what I love about it, I loathe it as equally. The challenge lies in not thinking about what I'm doing and the drudgery it induces, but in forging ahead. Sounds like life.

Wish me luck on 11 miles this Saturday. I'm going to need it.