Weekly Wrap Up- Two Big Accomplishments!

Our last run this week was a 5-miler. Not bad, I have several of those under my belt now and I wasn't worried about it. I don't know what happened this week, but it was the hardest 5 mile run I have done, at least in the beginning. It was bad. We had decided to go on a route that has become one of our favorites and we are trying to take advantage of it before the snow starts to hit and it isn't available. It started out in a small town that is nestled in the rolling hills and has some tremendous scenery, the trail itself is therapeutic just to look around and enjoy the view and the fresh smell of the trees. Usually I can lose myself in the scenery and forget about the trail being a gentle incline for the first 2 miles. This time my legs would not let me forget the incline. Before we even hit the 1 mile mark I was ready to quit and I might add that I was even going slower than my normal snail pace. Quite honestly, had my running partner not been with me and telling me to stop whining I probably would have quit. I stopped jogging for a couple steps and she was riding my tail and told me, "You can walk for a minute when we get the the 2 1/2 mile mark, until then get going". Wow... I have created a monster!
I struggled, I hated it, I was irritated with the little punk pushing me along but I kept going. By the time we arrived at the point that I was "allowed" to walk for a minute I honestly didn't feel the need to walk but due to my rebellious nature I did it just to spite my running partner who just kept going on without me. I mean, who was she to tell ME, the parent, that I needed to buck up and keep going? I know... I need to grow up! I only walked for possibly- one minute to a minute and a half and then got over my rebellion and made myself jog again. The magic that seems to always happen had arrived. I just can't emphasize enough how hard that first mile is for me, every time! This run just was EXTRA hard, more than usual but as my experience has proven time and time again, it gets easier if I keep going.
Had Manda not pushed me I wouldn't have accomplished MY BIG MOMENTS of the week. A few weeks ago we were on a run and passed by a lady going the opposite direction on the trail who was jogging at a pretty good pace while talking on her cell phone. I was in awe that anyone could talk on the phone and jog at the same time. Heck, I am in awe if I can talk at all and jog at the same time. I know that some people say they sing to help them keep rhythm... that is way beyond my comprehension still. I can only breathe in and out and I am doing good to do that much! Then it happened, my phone rang, and I saw that it was my husband who has been out of town all week, so I picked it up. I ran for the next 10 minutes or so talking on the phone and it wasn't bad at all. Silly accomplishment for some people I realize, monumental for me. It was a great moment.
Second Accomplishment came shortly after hanging up with my husband. I took the lead (which I never have) and felt strong. I picked up my pace and could breathe through it quite easily. Then I heard those powerfully magic words that I never thought I would hear, "MOM, what is your deal, why are you going so FAST? Could you please slow down a little?" Can you believe it? The words "MOM" and "FAST" in the same sentence!!! Shocking, I know. I found a little pleasure in the fact that the little punk that was pushing me along when I wanted to quit (thank goodness.. I really am grateful for her) was now telling me to slow down. It was a good run.

P.S.

In all fairness, I must confess that Manda did finish the run in front of me (Way in front of me!). By the end I could feel a blister coming on in the outer part of my arch (weird place, huh?) and was upset with my "new shoes" again. I have decided that I am going to bite the bullet and hit the stores once more in search of a better fit. I wish I could blame the blister on her finishing in front of me but I can't. The little twerp found the energy to sprint at the end. Gosh, she is annoying. =)