May 8th, 2011. May 8th, 2011, May 8th, 2011. This is my mantra when I hit that hard spot on a long run or that time in during a sprint workout where the last thing I want to do is crank up the speed again. With graduation from my master's program looming, I have plenty on my mind besides this marathon. However, once I lace up those shoes, it's all about that race. I picture the finish line. I picture crying. I picture stopping to stretch as other runners pass me by. And somehow, in the sick head of an addicted runner, it motivates me more.
I've read (portions of) books on the topic, I've subscribed to Runner's World, I've told every friend who will listen that each time I run over 13 miles, it's the furthest I've ever gone in my life (thanks guys and gals for listening, you've been mighty generous with your praise). In the end, no matter how much you read and how much you talk, it's the action that counts. Not surprisingly, like many things you learn through pushing yourself to the limits, actions are what matter in most aspects of life. And this is why I appreciate running as an activity as much as I do. The lessons are often more two-fold, if not more, in applicability.
It's a fine balance between awareness of how you're doing, and telling yourself that no matter how you're doing, there's always a way to be doing better. In this way, the motivations wax and wane. The desire to achieve waxes and wanes. The desire to say "screw it" and get on the CTA (Chicago's bus and rail system) and ride home (yup - I run my long runs with my bus&train pass just in case) waxes and wanes. But it's usually the wane that I have to quell. When the wax dominates, I picture myself coming up to that finish line, finding that last bit of energy, and sprinting across.
So as I reach these next transitions in life and more questions marks than any other punctuation seem to end most of my sentences, I find that balance between focusing on the run and focusing on the finish.
Thank you to anyone and everyone whose already donated to the YWCA in honor of the women and men who face challenges above and beyond my training. For those of you who still wish to donate, your generosity would mean the world.
Thanks again and happy trails!
**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS! https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF
