This weekend I have been feeling a little blah. After a 7 mile run in the morning and watching Kat's game, we were in for the afternoon. It seemed like a great time for a hot coffee and the last package of coffee cakes. I turned on the coffee maker, announced my intentions and heard "step away from the coffee cake." What?!?
My daughter had jumped off her chair and was standing between me and the cabinet containing my desired goodie. I tried to persuade her by explaining that my long run had allowed for some extra calories, that I was within my calorie goal for the day, and one package wouldn't hurt. She was having none of it. She boldly reminded me that I said to her only the day before that I needed help to stay focused on eating well and that she had my permission to question my questionable choices. Darn!! I was stuck. Sure, I could have exercised authority and eaten it anyway. Sure, I could have taken it later when she wasn't looking, but I asked, she responded, and I chose a bag of carrot sticks instead. In the end, it was more important to affirm her offer to help than it was to eat a silly coffee cake. I thanked her later on for her help.
My friend Karen had a similar experience on Friday with some pizza and I'm proud of her and her husband for doing the hard two-week cleanse together. Today is day 14 for them and tomorrow is the day to exhale, enjoy a treat and to rejoice in their will power and joint efforts to good health. I'm proud of both of them and can't wait to read about their results. I may copy her two-week cleanse after the race next weekend.
Speaking of racing and training, I was out for my long run this morning, and had a bit of a breakthrough. I was struggling through the first three miles where my body is screaming "what are you doing to me?" I couldn't get any speed, I felt fatigued, and sore after each transition. I tried to concentrate on the music, but even that wasn't doing it. Then, two of our town's elite runners came up behind me. After the obligatory good morning greeting, I noticed their stride. It was slow (albeit much quicker than mine) and effective. I'll admit it that I copied them, step for step, and it was not that bad. I also read an article today about slow long runs, where your stride and your breathing are in sync and it becomes as easy as walking. I want that. In my effort to improve my speed over these past several weeks, I have been running faster, tiring quicker, walking longer and suffering more. This pace seemed easy, manageable and dare I say it enjoyable. Oh, this is how these ladies do 20 miles on a random Sunday. I found that pace a few months ago when I was able to run my first mile without stopping and have not been able to match it since. Therefore, I'm praying that during race day next week I can find another runner in front of me and keep pace.
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
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