C25K Redo: Dealing With It

"You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days that you feel good." -- Anonymous

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When you've had 3.5 hours of sleep, been up since before the crack of dawn (from taking your sis to the airport), tired, physically not 100% (oh womanness!), feeling "blah" from the low hanging gray clouds, chilled from the Fall air and dampness from earlier passing rain, and all you can think about is the warmth and comfort of your bed.... 

Running was pretty much the last thing on the list in this case. This was not something I desired to do on this Fall day. Not only that but I knew I had a tough workout ahead (Week 6, Day 2):

- 10 minutes of jogging/running

- 3 minutes walking

- 10 minutes of jogging/running

Truly, it isn't that horrible of a workout but on a day like this, it seemed a bit much. 

Somehow I managed to get myself out of my snuggly bed and peeled away from the TV (I have taken to watching the "Today" show sometimes in the mornings). I changed from my already bodily-heated PJs to cool feeling exercise clothes. I put on three layers on the top and my long pants. Wrestled my hair into a ponytail, brushed my gunky feeling teeth, and pushed my feet into my shoes. Set the timer for 5 minutes of a brisk warm up walk and away I went on my route (after visiting with Cheese of course).

I huffed and puffed as I forced my legs to produce movement. Soaking in the freshness of Autumn air (today's scent had nice light touch of classic Fall smoke- the farmer burning kind), I started to feel more lively and hoped my timer would beep so I could switch to running. Ah...

I decided to run on the high school track since it provides a nice landing for my flat feet, and that way I am distanced from the cars (dislike the smell of pollution, yuck). Truthfully, I have a love-hate relationship with that big circle. Some days it feels like a oversized hamster wheel! 

Today wasn't too bad though my legs felt like they were being dragged and pushed through layers of molasses. They felt stiff and sluggish. There wasn't much I could do but move my arms in hopes they would carry me along (I recalled my high school Cross Country coaches saying, "Keep those arms moving! They will pace your body!"). 

The idea of giving up was a bit tempting, I will admit, but only for a fleeting moment. This little hole of mental weakness was quickly covered up when I realized that I can't just wait around to feel inspired or motivated. Some days I will just have to take care of business. My running won't always be what I want and it may just suck. Today was pretty much one of those- not stellar but still worthy enough of a Dr. Suess sticker on the chart.

You learn to just deal with it. Tis true, running teaches you a lot about life ;-)