I did not want to run.Okay, that isn't entirely true. I wanted to run but not in that corner. Not in one place. Not on that treadmill. No way, no how. Forget about it.
But the thing is, I couldn't forget about it. I am a runner. I am training for the Honolulu Marathon. I needed to run long but not for the reasons you might think. Sure, you can say I needed to for the training plan and all that but that isn't why I needed to. Yes, it is important but I needed to run long to help me overcome this treadmill dread that is weighing me down. I needed to run and just get it done.
My plan called for 16 miles. I told myself I had to do it and just got my butt in gear. I decided to blast some music and darling daughter agreed. I think she likes the blast the music times of our life and it only happens on dreaded treadmill runs. Once the music was set to go, I hit start and just started running.
At 3.85 miles I decided we should play the washcloth game and darling daughter eagerly retrieved four washcloths and set one aside nicely laid out after 4 miles. The game was on! Every four miles, she moved a washcloth. Every two miles, I hit an aid station and got some awesome SOS Rehydrate. Every mile, I changed my pace as I ran my long run in two pyramids.
Pyramid 1: 10 miles. Increase speed up from the starting pace of 6.0 and ended with a pace of 6.1.
Quick pit stop to take care of business, give the treadmill motor a breather, and refill my SOS Rehydrate bottle. I also grabbed three graham crackers and got back running ASAP.
Pyramid 2: 7 miles. Increase speed up from the starting pace of 6.0 and ended with a pace of 6.0 for the bonus 17th mile.
The run was a bit tough mentally to start with but eased up. Between the washcloth game, aid stations, changing the pace, dancing, and my pit stop there was plenty to distract me PLUS at about mile 12 work texted that the humpback whales were back on Maui!!! Yippee!!! So I ran along happily gathering the information and doing the official social media post for work. Talk about working on the run!
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for the 17 miles I put in.
Daily Bible Verse: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ~ Hebrews 4:1
