I finally ran my first half marathon as part of improving my endurance and aerobic base for Ironman 70.3 next year. I am a passionate runner but long disatnce is out of my comfort zone. My body type leans more towards power and speed rather than endurance.
However where the mind goes the body will follow and I’m changing my thinking to an endurance mindset. The mind goes on a journey during a long run and much like the journey of life there will be low points to overcome.
2020 has proved that we don’t always see the hard parts coming. For 11 miles I’m feeling positive and strong then BAM the negative voice is there – it’s entry is unexpected.
“You could stop here”
“You’ve already ran so far”
“You’re tired”
“Just stop”
You need to overcome that voice to complete the journey but overcoming is also PART of the journey and the journey is just as important as the destination. I tend to break it down and try not to get overwhelmed with the big picture. Much like how I’ve approached this year – one step at a time, just a little further and a trust that this will pass and my body will do what it needs to do. My watch says 13.1 miles and I stop, double over, let the pain subside and my breathing steady while I contemplate this momentous run. It was hard but I overcame the 11 mile barrier and I’m better for it.
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