I realized today that running with my group in the morning (Erin Russell, Brittney Probst, and Chelsie Campbell) has significantly improved my life, in fact it has changed my life. I love the social outlet I get as well as the motivation to get up in the morning, even though EVERY SINGLE morning it is hard! I always want to stay in bed and text that I'm too tired that day, but I know that I will always be glad I did it.
This morning I wanted to do 5 miles because I'm still on the fence as to whether or not I will run a half marathon. It was perfect because I had to drop Lily off to school early for a field trip so I met Erin at 6:30 (which is 30 minutes after our usual time). Brittney had gone on the field trip and Chelsie was recovering from a busy week. Erin is always up for running long runs though so she was game. I truly did not think I could do it. I had attempted 5 miles last week, but was tired and kept walking off and on and only got a little past 4. But Erin pushes me even though I don't realize it, and she is able to talk so well and coherently while I am huffing and puffing, so she is a great running partner! We run faster and I can listen to her talk to take my mind off running. The wind was blowing against us and we had some big hills that I wanted so badly to walk on, but we did it! And we ran my fastest pace of 8:50 for 5.13 miles today. I was so proud of us and me and I kept telling Erin I for sure could not have done it without her. It was great and I pushed myself more than I thought I was capable of. I think that's why I have enjoyed the principle of running so much and why I keep at it. I haven't run consistently for years, but for two months I have been extremely diligent. I am now in the habit and I have my group and I also know I need to get in at least 10 miles a week to hit our 2018 goal as a group. It is so empowering to be doing something I have been wanting to do for years (and that in the past I have been able to do as I trained for two marathons) and to now be pushing past limits I thought I had. I understand why so many people choose physical goals to focus on whether it be a race or just personal records, because it translates into other areas of your life. And it feels good to be able to do something you worked hard for and you kept at.
