It's crazy how music can send you to so many places and bring back memories either recent or from years past. I'm sure you've experienced it many times. A song can catch me off guard, regardless of where I am or what I'm doing and cause the biggest smile or tears to come across my face. I love it and hate it all at the same time. Today I was cleaning the kitchen and had Pandora on with my new favorite station created from the Broadway Musical 'Once'. I've only listened to that station a few times, and have really connected with some of the songs and artists that station plays. I highly recommend it! Well, the last time it was playing on my airwaves was on Saturday when I was driving home from Mendon Ponds Park. That was the first time I heard an artist, new to me, who was singing a cover of 'With or Without you' by U2. This song captivated me. The acoustic guitar and voices that are in this version hit me and immediately made me feel calm. At that moment when it was playing in the car, I was driving out of Mendon Ponds Park. The sun was high over the Sunflower field, creating such a beautiful picture. I wish I had my {good} camera! It was stunning. Well today, when I was in my kitchen and this song came on again, I was able to think about that perfect morning. It was such a great distraction from the dishwasher that needed to be emptied and plied dishes in the sink that needed to be rinsed and loaded. I was able to get lost in the song, continue the task at hand and reminisce about Saturday mornings' accomplishment.... where I ran the longest distance I ever had!
I remember feeling invincible. It truly was the proudest I have ever been about myself. 7.5 miles. Who knew I had it in me? Who knew that on that cold February morning when I walked into Fleet Feet to "learn how to run" that 6 months later I'd be enduring the hills of Mendon Ponds Park... oh and actually RUN seven and a half miles? All that and more was flooding my mind Saturday morning. I knew that when I pulled in the driveway that moment was going to be over. And I was perfectly content with that. I had things to do (SHOWER) and people to see (Family Reunion Party) and I knew I was going to feel great inside the entire day! The run itself had it's good parts and bad, but the group I was with was the BEST ever. I've become close to new runners who have an amazing energy! Pina was our fearless pacer and just kicked butt! Honestly, I see her get stronger after each run!
I don't know what it is, but after I can physically see 4 miles on my watch, everything a head of me seems easier. The first 3-4 miles, always seems boring and tough. It's all a mental thing, but as soon as my watch reads something more than 4.0, I feel like a switch in my brain turns on and sends a signal to my body that it's "GAME TIME". Call it adrenaline or call it the drive to make this a "significant" run that means something. As I explore longer distances and realize that I can do it, I become more excited to get it done. Sure, the jitters the night before are still there, but the confidence the morning of is getting stronger! What moves me today? September 21st. In less than a month I'll be running the Marathon relay with some pretty inspiring people! I'm in 'training mode' until then and am pretty excited to see the end result!!
24 hours ago I was a nervous wreck. I I had butterflies in my stomach and I was so worried about the 6 mile No Boundaries workout at Mendon Ponds Park. I questioned if I had hydrated enough and worried that I wasn't prepared mentally and physically for this morning's challenge.
I woke up at 6:30 a.m., like every Saturday these past 6 months, determined that a running workout was going to happen. The next 1.5 hours flew and before long I was in my pace group fiddling with my watch to get satellites when Ellen yelled "Lets go 13's"... and we were off.
Within 2 seconds, literally, we were faced with a pretty steep and incline. Within a minute, I was out of breath. I guess I felt okay since everyone else around me was in the same boat and felt the shock to the body too.
Long story short, there were highs and lows throughout the run, but bottom line...I felt stronger than last Saturday and am so proud about how far I have come. Next week I tackle 7.5 miles with a great group of runners. I'm excited for the challenge.... and will probably still have those same butterflies the night before. And I'm okay with that.
What an incredible morning, spent together with my No Boundaries group. We were unified, all with the realizations that milestones were on the horizon, but work had to happen in order to taste that sweet flavor of SUCCESS!
I have to say that I was extremely nervous. The fact that I ran 5 miles this past May, once before, didn't ease any emotions. I got up, dressed and made some breakfast as I waited for Pina to come greet me with her "It's game day attitude" hidden behind her smile. I couldn't find my watch, and I was letting that get to me. I also was going to try "magic jelly beans" during this run to help aid with energy and nutrition. Two new things to tackle, but I had to keep my head in the game.
We got there, and when I saw all the others from our pace group, a sense of calmness came over. If I was going to have to do this, they were going to have to do it as well.
3.2.1. GOOOOO. We left the beautiful scenery of Durand Park and headed for the streets and subdivisions. After that we continued towards the O'Rourke bridge that gets you from Irondequoit to Greece. I've crossed that COUNTLESS times via car over the past 30 years of my life and never once ever thought I'd run over it. The view of the Lake, and all the new renovations this area has made helped block the horrible incline. After that, we were at the 2.5 mile mark. Right about then I popped the full bag of Pomegranate Jelly Belly brand of Nutrition/Energy beans. They tasted really great actually, which was a nice surprise. Eating and Chewing them however, as I labored a bit with my breathing; was not something I appreciated.
So... did they work? I don't know. Ha!! I couldn't tell if it was more in my mind, or if they actually improved the last half of my run. I can tell that they did a number on my stomach... but can't be completely sure if my stomach just needed more water. (Note to self, upgrade the amount of water I carry when running more than 4 miles).
At one point we were told that we were at 3.75 miles and the Park was in the distance. It was the best news ever. "I got this" I said to myself. "And soon you'll be home to tell you husband how awesome it was!"
When we got to our starting point, we were only at 4.7 miles. Once getting over that mental block that we indeed had to run farther than we thought, it was smooth sailing. Disappointing at first, but the fight I still had left to give shined as best as it could. We did it. We ran passed others that had finished their goal and were now stretching.
We did it... and we were together, start to finish! These girls along with Pina, our fabulous pacer and friend gave this run our all.
THAT's what moved me today! And it felt great! Dare I say SIX MILES is next week? Holy cow... but it is. So here's to a great week of strength training and homework runs. I put faith in No Boundaries time and again, so I shouldn't have anything to worry about! Running CHANGES everything!
