Saturday March 30th was a MAJOR day for me. My half marathon is in less than 2 weeks from today and I knew that I really needed to run this weekend. Especially because there had been so much talk about the beautiful weather that was to come on Saturday. I contemplated with myself as to how far I would run or at all for the matter since I had signed up for my routine and favorite soul cycle class. I didn't want to over do it but I knew that i had to push myself. I also had no idea where i stood in terms of training. I made the commitment to myself that I would go no matter what. It turned out to be the most blissful day in what I like to refer to as paradise in central park-the Jackie Onassis Reservoir. It feels like you're on another planet when you are there.
You felt something in the air that day. Everyone was there to better themselves and reflect. You could just feel it.
So...I went with the intention to go around the reservoir 4 times. Not only was that more than I have ever done there but it felt like a good amount. Last September, when i was training for my first 10K, my goal was to go around with out stopping. I had no concept of time what so ever. Turned out i went around in 22 minutes!! At the time I was so proud of my self because i had already come a long way and I had never been a runner. This past weekend when I started on my second lap, I got unexpectedly emotional! I had just run my fastest time ever 9 min. 27 seconds and felt more energized than ever. The thought of ever being able to go around more than once had never crossed my mind...EVER! SO here i was running around the reservoir for the 4th time. My Nike running app informs me along the way when i have hit certain mile marks and I had just passed 6 miles. There was a part of me that felt i should stop because I didn't want to over do it, but i was on a high like never before. I told myself wouldn't it be something if I hit 7 miles. SO i continued for a FIFTH time around!!!! I hit 7 soon after and finished the 5th lap at 8.25 MILES!!!! I was so proud of myself. Not only had i pushed my self past a point that I never thought was possible but i crossed over into a new realm of thinking. Anything is possible. I felt as if i could continue but i decided the responsible thing to do was stop since i had soul at 11:45.
Btw...I also got through the entire soul class!
If there is anything I can take away from this experience besides feeling proud, is that I have learned how to talk to my self in a positive constructive way. I can push myself further than I had ever believed and that principle is so important on this journey.
Of course, the first people I called were my parents because if anyone could understand it was them. My mom was crying too when I told her ;)
Always believe in your strength!
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