Some days when my alarm goes off at 5:25 AM, I just don’t feel like doing it. Some days, I feel like it’s a struggle and I haven’t made any progress. Some days I still feel like my clothes don’t fit like they should. Some days I still eat like crap because I love sweets. Some days I let those evil thoughts come in…
I know to some of you who follow me, it may seem like when I post my workouts or my accomplishments I am bragging or putting it in your face. But God’s honest truth is some days I need the reminder. I need to be reminded of how far I’ve come. And I need to be reminded of how proud I should be of what I have achieved in fitness.
This last weekend, I had one of those reminders: a full circle moment. I ran a race this weekend that two years ago marked my very first 5k. When I ran that race two years ago, I ran it in 35 minutes, running 11 1/2 minute miles. This year when I ran that very same race, I ran it in 30 minutes, running just under 10 minute miles. This year I placed 12th overall, 10th in my gender, and FIRST in my age group. I was stunned when I saw the numbers. This weekend, I walked away from that race PROUD.
I ran that first 5k two years ago and then I fell off the wagon. I let the NOs in my head win and I gave up for a year. Finding a group of people who inspire me and push me and finding Crossfit re-ignited that every day fight. And brought me back to running. I spent some time this weekend reflecting on my year of running and here’s what I found…
In seven months, I shaved a minute off my mile times and I shaved three-four minutes off my total time all at the same distance. I ran four 5k’s and one 10k race with one more race on the books. This my friends may not seem like much, but it is called progress. It may be a small step, but in my book, it’s a big one.
For the girl who has never in her life been coordinated, been a runner, or been athletic. Here I am: jumping on boxes, lifting weights, and most noteably running.
I wish I could lie to you all and say that I love running so much, but I don’t. It’s still a love/hate relationship for me. I still struggle through those miles, breathing so heavy sometimes it feels like I can’t suck anymore oxygen in. I still play the mental game where my mind wants to give up. But when I am done, that’s where the love comes in… The pride I feel when I achieve a time or distance I never have before, how clear my mind is after a run, that exhausted feeling that somehow ends up giving you energy.
On the days when I am feeling down, feeling like the effort I put forth isn’t enough, I will reflect on this post. These numbers. These small steps that are really big steps..
I stand here today and tell you with full confidence… that if I can do this. You can too. It just takes one step at a time. Don’t let the many, many excuses keep you from even crossing over the starting line.It takes dedication and hard work. It takes fighting beyond the mental games your mind wants to play with you. It takes fueling your body and learning all sorts of new things. It takes trial and error and don’t worry there will be days where you will fail. Do not let comparison in, comparison KILLS courage. Run your own race, there will always be people better, stronger, and faster. Go your own pace!
There will be days like I had this weekend, days where you look back and all of a sudden you ran a mile without stopping for the first time. Enjoy those days and take time to reflect on those days.
Those are the days that will push you to achieve things you never thought possible.
Congratulations girl!! That is so much progress! I am the same as you in that some runs are better than others. Even though I’ve worked up to longer distances over the years, I can still have a 2-3 mile run where I’m exhausted and feel like I can’t breathe. But, then I’ll have a run where I find my breathing and body in a beautiful rythum and am rewarded for all the work and miles.
I often look at running as a gift God helped me discover because I get so much out of the goal, setting, progress, and relationship building it’s brought me. I’m glad you’ve discovered it, and you can see how strong you are and continue to become!
Great accomplishments! It is amazing to see your progress. I’m honestly glad when others share their highlights AND lowlights. We all struggle and are human but it’s motivating to see how you keep improving. I nodded my head in agreement several times at your thoughts. Nice work!
Jenny, That is sooo good, wish I could do just a portion of that but am “too old to cut that kind of Mustard anymore”; I can barely walk but I am proud of every day I can get out of bed or chair and attend to my daily needs. I wish I had pushed myself more in the past to run, walk or do whatever it took to stay in better shape, but as the old saying goes! “If the Dog had not stopped to ‘POOP’ he would have caught the Rabbit.” lol!.. We all can look back and say to ourselves; “Gosh, What If?”… Jenny, press on and– “Finish The Drill”….
Great job Jenny! You are inspiring me to make a point to get out of bed in the morning! Whenever I do that and go for my 2-3 mile run and I do it early in the morning, I am so much more energized and yes it does give you lots of energy. You would think that a lot of exercise would ware one out but it releases endorphins and strengthens your heart and your lungs and your legs and your ankles and feet, etc. and therefore gives you energy!! Great job and keep up the good work and thank you for being here as my inspiration. Love you, girl!!