Today was my 12 mile run. I knew it was going to be a rough one because I was running it in my mother in laws neighborhood. Her neighborhood is pretty much one big hill. Actually it is a million hills. There isn’t really one flat road. I knew it was going to be a challenge…but I am pretty much always up for a challenge. So, I took it on. I never realized how big of a mental challenge this run would be. The first 5 miles weren’t too bad. It was breezy and overcast so it felt great. But, once I hit my 6 mile mark my mind was ready to shut down and be done with the run. My legs felt like they were ready to give out from right under me. I was half way done and completely ready to call it a day. Those hills were kicking my booty left and right. I thought to myself I really couldn’t give in and let the stupid hills get the best of me. I tried my hardest to not focus on how much I had left. I tried to just relax and let my legs carry me through. At mile 7.50 it started to rain. It rained and rained and rained some more. It wasn’t a heavy rain but more of a sprinkling. I didn’t mind it because it cooled me off. At mile 10.50ish it started to POUR down rain! I couldn’t see anything because the rain was so heavy. It helped me to push through those last few miles a little faster. My legs were so exhausted after my 12 miles today…and my mind is just(if not more) exhausted. I had to constantly tell myself I was almost done. I also told myself I had a lot of energy. It worked for a little while until my legs would start getting extremely tired up a dang hill. I feel so great now that I conquered all those hills. It’s a great feeling knowing you got through it even though there were challenges and struggles. Getting through the struggles makes it so worth it. I guess that’s what most call “the runners high”. So, great run and great accomplishment defeated those hills as well as my own mind!!! My mind told me to give it up…I told my mind to kiss my butt!!!! I’m so glad I finished.
Thanks for reading,
Lex