Running on spirit

Today, for my long run I ran 5.12 miles.

Last week I ran 5.50 miles.

I had been doing a steady, slow and incremental increase in my long runs each week, but alas, today was not one of those days. The goal for today was not to beat the 5.50, it was to simply survive my mind and body - neither of which, wanted me to hit my 5 mile long run mark AT ALL.

But I ran on spirit. I ran on the sheer will that I was not a quitter. As long as I didn't feel like I was in harm's way body wise...the goal was to keep going.

And I did.

I have been ill the past week with a digestive system that is out of whack. Basically it felt like I was running with a 5 pound sack of potatoes in my belly. Next up, the wind. Oh my God the wind! It was like running under water. It was brutal. Add on top of that my sleeping like crap and not able to eat normally and you've got a toxic combination for a committed but newbie runner like myself.

But no matter, I thought, KEEP GOING.

And I did. I am most proud of today's 5.12 miles, even more than the 5.50 from last week because today I wanted to quit. I wanted to stop and seriously thought about it, but I didn't. And for that, I am beyond proud.

Happily, the tummy is seemingly finally getting back in balance (I think all that jostling on the run helped!) and I am already looking forward to getting back out on the road with a lighter belly and less wind.

Of course, they are predicting snow this week, but so what...if I could make it through today, what's a little snow crunching under my feet?

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday...I've got work in the morning! No rest for the weary!