I am still high from running ten miles. I seriously, honestly do not care that I was slow. I'm sure that—baring injury—I'll get faster, eventually. (For those of you just tuning in: I was a hard-core run/walker for most of last year. Which worked just great! Now I'm trying to just run.)
I was afraid. I didn't think I could do it. I whined and moaned and came up with perfectly rational reasons why not to. I convinced my friends—and coach!—and most of you in blogland that I should NOT run this race (damn, I'm persuasive).
So what did I learn? I felt great during the run, high as a kite after, still feel good now, plus I feel so much more confident, it makes me think that I can (should) try other things that I also don't think I can do. Like run a half. Or a full marathon. Or break my 5K time. Or sprout wings and fly away ... Or grow up and be preside ...
But how about ... things like playing handbells with the Celtic Bell Ringers. I can't do that either! I don't read music, I suffer anxiety attacks, I'm terrified of making a mistake, and I could never, ever, ever perform in front of anyone.
But heh. I'm doing that too. And loving it.
Oh, I also can't, not in 100 years, do a 90-minute, 120 degree Bikram class. No way. Except ... yeah, I'm doing that, too. And liking it.
And a meditation group? Where you first share your most personal thoughts? Out Loud? Where you—dare I say it?—pray for each other? Out Loud? And then sit in silence for 30 minutes? Yep, I can do that, too.
So what did I learn on Sunday? To push myself. I can do more than I think I can. And I bet you can, too.
9 comments:
Wasn't it Eleanor Roosevelt that once advised everyone to do something each day that scares the hell out of you? Now you see why she was a wise woman. Keeping on ringin' and runnin'.
YES! And just for the record, you never convinced me you shouldn't run that 10 mile race. I knew you could do it and you did! Very inspirational.
Hello? YOU. ARE. NOT. SLOW. Please get that word out of your vocabulary!! Do you know how many YEARS I trained to get under 2 hours in a 10-miler!?!?
"...you can do it, put your back into it..."
:)
well done.
Yea, Jeanne!!
Sounds like a serious case of lingering runner's high. Hang on to that feeling as long as you can, and remember what its like to finish something like that when you're training for your next big race. A half marathon is obviously well within your reach. Just need to pic a good one. With good snacks of course. :)
Okay Miss Do-it-all. What lucky man is going to get that invitation to spend time with you?
Oh, and you can boast of your running prowess.
I have to agree that since I've started running regularly I have accepted and completed one challenge after the other in various areas of my life. "Can't do" is rarely heard from my corner anymore! Good luck with your journey!
A big THANK YOU to Lady Jeanne. Today when I got home I found the nice present. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
You should still be on a high! And you're right - you can do this!!10 is really close to 13 and 13 is not too far from 26! Just think how long that high will last!
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