Impromptu 10K

My favorite quote of the moment:

“The most powerful time to persist is when you don’t feel like it. Keep going, and the persistence itself will make you feel better.” – Ralph Marston.

So I had been feeling guilty about not running Tuesday or Wednesday am but it was 93 degrees when I left work on Wednesday.

I put on my running clothes and went to the Corning Bike Trail. I wanted to run 3 miles at least. I decided to run 3 miles out because the farther you run, the shadier it gets and then walk back.

I ran 3.1 miles slowly in 35 minutes and then turned around and headed back. Then I saw a very old lady running VERY VERY slowly but running (without walking). I felt guilty walking so I started to run and passed her. Then I walked and she passed me. We played leap-frog for a while until I tired and walked more (and she turned and headed back to where she started her run – the opposite direction as me). I was impressed with how slow she was running. I can’t run that slow and how she kept that consistent pace (even in the heat).

I ended up finishing my 2nd 5k in 41 minutes. Total time for the 10K was 1 hour 16 min.

Last year, I would have been discouraged in finishing in over ONE hour. Last week, I would only have attempted 3 miles.

But now, I realize that I can push myself through the pain. And yes, I did feel better afterwards.

Will I run the 10K on Saturday?