Making Good Decisions

From all accounts, today’s long run should’ve been an epic fail.  I skipped every run this week.  Yes, that means my long run today was going to be my first run of the entire week.  I didn’t move much at all.  I was lazy.  Additionally, insomnia and I had a hot date last night, watching back-to-back reruns of “The Nanny”.  

Then something miraculous happened.

It wasn’t an epic fail.

At some point last night while I was wide awake, I decided I wouldn’t stress over the long run I had on my training calendar.  I decided I wouldn't waste my energy on creating excuses to lessen the mileage.  I decided I wouldn’t awaken with a feeling of dread.  I decided I would run the right pace for the distance for the right reasons.  I decided I would run happy.

So I did.

And it was beautiful.

The scenery was beautiful too.  In fact, I couldn’t stop taking pictures!  The gorgeous blue sky, the comfortable temperature, the bright shining sun, the expressive clouds, and the shimmering lake created a colorful pallet of beauty.

To add to my great experience this morning, every runner or walker I came upon was super smiley and friendly.  Two runners acknowledged my Boston Marathon jacket with a thumbs up and one other encouraged me, “You're doing great!”.  I wonder if they decided that they would be the reason someone smiles today, that they would run happy, and that they would be sure to look around and marvel at what a gorgeous day it was.

My decisions each day this past week may not have been my best, but this morning’s decisions more than made up for the past.  Fortunately, I’m not all that interested in what’s reflected in my rear view mirror, since running requires me to move in a forward direction. 

Good decisions….keep’em coming!

My SuperBowl Half Marathon

Today’s running schedule called for 12 miles.  Today’s weather called for anything outside, because… 70+ degrees in February!  Don’t be too jealous, because there is snow in the forecast.  WHATTT?

Even though I had all the time in the world (no deadlines of any kind today), I had the most perfect weather possible, and I’ve strung a few nights of good, normal sleep, I procrastinated.  And I did it in a big way:

• I watched TV
• I puzzled
• I scrolled mindlessly on social media
• I took Bella for a walk
• I made the bed
• I (eventually) got dressed to run
• I changed twice (finally landed on shorts and a light long sleeved shirt)
• I whined to Scott about my run
• I whined some more to Scott about my run

So the moral of this story?

 

I spent more time procrastinating, complaining, and whining about my long run this morning, than the time it took me to actually run the long run!

So many years and miles behind me, I still struggle with getting out the door at times.  But once I do, I feel so much better and can’t even remember the reasons I procrastinated in the first place.  The sun, the saltiness, the tired legs, the feeling of having worked hard, and the post-run smile that tells the story of a good run all keep me heading back out for the next run.

Now, about that snow forecast….