Just before my alarm went off darling daughter told me she was cold. I bundled her up in the blankets and pulled her to my side. I delayed my alarm going off for another 20 minutes and held my precious gem. She quickly dozed back off to sleep and I kinda did the same. The next thing I knew my alarm went off. I silenced it and didn't move one iota. I just pondered that I had 10 miles to run and I felt crampy and tired. After a moment I told myself "Get up, get up, get up". It really took three get up's to get me up and on my way....after getting gym bags gathered, lunch bag packed, coffee started, and homemade waffle toasted. With 10 miles, I needed to eat.I ate on the way to the gym and enjoyed the dark quiet roads and thanked God there was no sugar cane burning today. That always adds an element of anxiety to my morning drive just due to the one sugar cane fire that got out of control, hopped the road, and sent me, and other drivers, into complete smokey darkness. I am still so grateful no one got hurt and amazed that we didn't bump into each other. Seconds of no visibility seemed like hours and that memory makes me shaky every time I see a burn now.
I didn't get to the gym as early as I dreamed because of that 20 minute delay but all was okay. I had some flexibility today with when I needed to get to work and told myself "No excuses".
I got on the treadmill and did my one warm up mile before tossing in the speed work that was on the plan as well. Four repeats of 0.5 miles at an 8'00" pace with a 0.5 mile recovery. I figured get them out of the way ASAP to get them off my mind. I had them done by mile 5 and realized, I still had 5 more miles to run and this was mentally challenging. I told myself running on tired legs is good training. I took an easier mile before running a mile at 8'57". I eased up for a mile and did another mile at 8'57". By the time I got to 9 miles I felt beat. So ironic isn't it? I just ran 16 miles Sunday and this 10 miler has me beat at 9 miles. Yes, I do realize some inherent differences. On Sunday I took gels. Today, nope. Just my sports drink. I get that. I do.
But I also love serendipity. You know, like thinking "Oh my gosh, one more mile, how?" and the song Over the Rainbow/It's a Wonderful World comes on by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. This man's voice is above amazing and as much as I love him, I can't for the life of me say his last name. I really need to sit down, digest it, and do it. But thankfully he is often referred to as Bruddah IZ.
I LOVE this song! It touches my soul in a magical way and as soon as it came on I said "thank you". Out loud. I am not sure if anyone heard me but it just came out. And within seconds I felt light as if I was being carried. I felt the presence of my Dad and my guardian angel. I thought of my future buddy, of moms who have lost their lives, of a precious 14 month old girl who recently lost her life, and I thanked God for being able to run. The chains of my mind broke free and my spirit was able to fly. I ran purely for my spirit and for my joy of running. That final mile flew by with the voice of an angel. I am so thankful for serendipity.
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is truly an angel and was blessed with the gift of an amazing voice and huge heart. I feel all of his songs are a personal reflection of his soul. I would like to think he is smiling in Heaven, looking down, and feeling loved and honored by how well his songs are still being received.
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for serendipity.
Daily Affirmation: I am strong.
