I was up that early for one reason. To go for a run. For some reason, my intrepid runbuddy and I decided that this was a good idea. A final long slow distance 2 weeks out from our half marathon. But right in the moment, setting out at 7am for a run just didn't seem like the greatest plan.
Actually I am putting a positive light on things. It seemed like an AWFUL idea - like, what were we thinking? My lack of enthusiasm for the task ahead was compounded when I came downstairs to observe my kids, bundled up in pj's and blankies, curled up on the couch and enjoying ICarly. Surely this was a better use of my time - quality family cuddle time?
I am known for being energetic, but you'll be glad to know that I am human and sometimes lack motivation as much as the next person. It took everything I had to step out that door to meet my runbuddy, plaster a smile on my face and convince my leaden legs that running for several hours was a good plan.
We set out on our run, a crisp, dark, wet morning. It was hard enough to get our legs (and brains) wrapped around the task ahead, but to top it off the route I had chosen was ALL. UPHILL.
We plodded onward, often in silence brought on by the effort of cresting hill after hill.It was hard. And painful. In our chosen state of rungrumps, we didn't notice too much of our surroundings. Then - the icing on the cake. Rain. Cold, dark, pouring rain. About 5 minutes from our turnaround halfway point. Rain.
When we got to the turnaround we stopped for a stretch and strip. Imagine it - two ladies, in the middle of the country, at a crossroads, stretching and stripping off layers of clothing. EPIC (re;crazy!)
So we started back towards home, an unspoken agreement lay between us to make the best of this. I saw that we had two choices: to continue to feel the shackles of a tough run that we had put on ourselves OR to look at the greatness of what we are doing and enjoy it with a heart and mind open to the joy and beauty of being on a quiet country road, first thing in the morning before the human (sane) world wakes up.
We chose wisely.
With rain pouring down on us we lifted up our head and our hearts and plowed on. And we started to notice things:
(a) that the way back - slightly (and sometimes steeply) mostly downhill. Awesome.
(b) the rain stopped, and in it's absence, revealed that its drops were actually cleansing and welcomed
(c) the birds started chirping
(d) as we ran along, we heard a rustle in the bush beside us. Without warning, a huge bird of prey took off about 50ft in front of us. Its huge wings flapped to takeoff, soaring through the sky. We were so close to this magnificence that we could feel the air rustle, and see the beautiful, unique details of the bird's feathers.
Awesome. We were also blessed later in the run, to see another smaller bird of prey, sitting regally in a tree.
(e) foals were frolicking and playing in their field, nipping and rearing and bucking with the joy of life in their steps. Plus the wise old pony that eyed every step of our progress with a look that clearly said , "stupid humans" :)
(f) that we were enjoying ourselves
So there are two great reminders to be found in the tale of two reluctant morning runners:
First: that the hardest steps you take in your fitness journey are ALWAYS the ones you take to get out the door (thanks LH)
Second: that once you make the commitment and go for it - WONDERFUL things do happen.
Find Your CORE!
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown
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