Presenting my very first running tank:
Hi, collarbone! It's so nice to see you. You were gone for years.
Next week marks three years - three! - of this lazy, desk-bound woman running. Three years ago it took me nearly an hour to shuffle/hobble through three miles. Saturday I knocked out 7.3 in 1 hour, 15 minutes and 33 seconds and it felt GOOD. Oh how far I've come!
Speaking of, those new shorts and top? They're a MEDIUM. A medium. In running shorts and a tank. That my friends, is more than a little unbelievable to me. While I'll have to still wear a bra for long runs, the built in in this tank is suprisingly snug and will work for 5 k, hills or track workouts on its own. Wow. When I started running I tipped the scales somewhere in the 180s. Today, the scale is in its happy place in the mid-140s. I wear a medium in most things, down from L and XL. I can fit most 8s and some 6s when once you had to put a one in front of both those numbers to squeeze me in.
But so much more has changed than the numbers. My head space is better because of running. My body is stronger, as is my focus and resolve. I feel more capable, better equipped to handle stress. I know I can do things, because it's just one foot in front of the other and all the negative self talk will only bring you down and defeat you. Sure, that sounds like bullshit but get out and tell yourself you CAN run and you will (I still fight this talk every single run). Finishing a half marathon isn't what I'm most proud of - it's doing the training that leads up to it and then finishing. It is a culmination of balancing schedules, finding energy and motivation and sticking with something. And it feels so good.
Sure, I have miles to go - figuratively and literally. My next race is a ways off and I've got a whole lotta endurance I need to build up to make Oct 3rd fun and not just hard. I'd like to shave off 10 more pounds and build more strength and flexibility. I'd also like to relay more of my running lessons into my everyday life: setting goals, achieving them, setting more, all with a positive attitude.
It's just one foot in front of the other, people. Say it with me now!
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All Caddywumpus comment generator: What personal accomplishment are you most proud of? What goal do you have for the next six months? September is just around the corner and to me, September is the New Year, not January. Let's make some resolutions (and no, I am not high...except on - wait for it - life)!
