I completed week three of the program tonight. I intended to get up and run this morning (before work), but my body just did not want to get out of bed at 7 a.m. I didn't get up until shortly after 8, and I had to be at work at 9, so the run had to wait.
After my three-hour shift this morning, I went to Ames to visit my parents and brother in water-logged Ames. As some of you know, they had massive flooding there a few days ago. As a result, eight water mains broke in the city, so their water supply was shut off for Wednesday and Thursday. The water is back on, and as of this afternoon, they could resume using it for laundry and such. They are still under a boil order though until probably Tuesday. Needless to say, it was weird knowing I couldn't have a glass of water at their house. Or when I went out to eat with my friend, Amy (who I hadn't seen in nine years) and her husband Corey. But I had a pleasant afternoon and evening anyway. It really is all about the company.
I got home shortly after 8 tonight and the sun was nearly set. But I believed I had 30 minutes of light left, so I quickly changed and set out to finish week three. The first two days of this segment were brutal. The three-minute jogging intervals felt interminable, and I wasn't sure I'd make it. But, of course, I did. And I actually felt pretty good tonight. And I'm ready for week four. I think. It includes some five-minute jogging intervals, and less walking. Not sure I'm ready for that.
More and more, I'm learning this running thing is as much mental as it is physical. My body has not given out on me or really protested much during these workouts. My brain has been the real obstacle. I've been working to generate positve thoughts while I'm running, but it's more of a battle than striding uphill. Any advice??
I'm so proud of you - this is awesome! Since we've been having 10-12 hour days of 100+ temperatures, I haven't been running (for obvious reasons). Can't wait for it to cool off a little so I can get back to it!
ReplyDeleteAgreed on the mental vs physical. For me, it was easier to make that time a chance for my brain to take a vacation...positive thoughts were even too much work and slowing me down. As someone who thinks WAY too much and nonstop, this was indeed a challenge...but focusing on just being present outside, enjoying the scenery, rocking out to whatever playlist I am listening to, rather than on what I need to do when I finish and how much longer I have...it instantly got easier!