My mom used to have us say, "I can do hard things," when we complained that something was "too hard." I think she started saying that when I was a teenager? I can't quite remember, but recently it is a phrase that I have come to recite in my head over and over.
I put on my summer live list that I want to train for a November half marathon. This past week I finished my 1st week of training. I've started going to the gym and using the tredmill, which I have mixed feelings about. Yes, the tredmill is nice because I can see my time & distance, but sometimes that isn't encouraging and makes the run seem way longer. But when it's 80 degrees in the morning, I have no other choice but to run inside otherwise I feel like I'm pushing my way through a wall of humidity. It is nice for my skin but I feel like I'm drowning in a pool of lotion. It's just gross.
Yesterday was a 4 mile run. After I had passed the mile 3 mark (my normal stopping point), I started thinking, "I can do hard things, I'm tired, I can do hard things, how much longer?!, GOSH DANG IT, I CAN DO HARD THINGS!" Eventually it was over. I survived. It wasn't really THAT hard. It just seemed hard while I was doing it.
For me, running is a mental challenge just as much as a physical challenge. It takes clearing my head, positive thoughts and a whole lot of self motivation to keep going. I think all of that is what makes running so satisfying. When you reach that point where you think you can't go any further, but you keep going, there's a feeling of self mastery--complete control over your body. I love that feeling.
I'm following Hal Higdon's half marathon training program. It's a 12 week program so I'll be doing each week twice. I think it will be a nice way to gradually warm up to 13 miles.
Have you made a live list? Have you completed anything on it?
6 comments:
My Mom always said "I can do hard things" to us too. I recently with a baby have also recited to myself A LOT! Dontcha love that? oh..and GO YOU!
Megan! you are such a stud!!!! you can do hard things!
Congrats Megan! I think you may have motivated me to start running again! (Its definitely a mental thing for me!) Oh, and I just signed up for spin again! On Tuesday and Thursday morning--if you wanted to give it a try... :)
You've totally inspired me! Cody and I are now talking about possibly doing a 5k or something soon! You rock, girl! My mom used to (and still does) say "I can do hard things." Moms are pretty inspiring too, eh? I think someone might have said it in a talk once. Love it!:)
this is awesome. i am amazed at the great feats we're capable of if we can get it through our own minds that we are tough enough. "we can do hard things" was the consoling council my husband and i gave each other over the phone when we were apart for six months last year.
go you!
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