The Same Reason

These past two weeks of running have been tough.  This week was really my first week back into the world of training, and I logged 24.5 miles.  Most of the miles didn't feel very good.  In fact, they felt really hard.  And that's when I realized something very important... I don't love to run because it's easy.

I love running for the same reason I used to hate it: It's hard.

But by doing something hard I feel strong.  I know that I can overcome the difficulties and push myself through the pain.  Push myself to keep going when I want to stop.  Push myself to find a mental and a physical strength within myself.  I strive to be better each and every run.  I have watched myself accomplish the goal of running a 5K, an 8K, a half-marathon, and even a marathon.  It wasn't easy, but I never did it because it was easy.  I love it because it's hard.  It makes me a better person in so many ways.  Through the hard runs I learn that I am capable of more than I ever thought. 

And so this morning when I didn't really want to get out and do my long run, I did it anyway. I put on the clothes I had set out last night, grabbed my Garmin off the charger, and filled my Nathan belt with water.  Afterwards I didn't have a single regret.  Yes, it was hard.  BUT I DID IT.  And after doing it I felt stronger.

Miles: 9
Time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

Miles this Week: 24.5
Miles this Month: 48.5