Preparation Leads to Results
I think I love running! Never in a million years would I have thought to say those words…ever! However, let me be very clear, I don’t always like running but I love how strong I feel when I’m running, and I definitely love the feeling after completing a run!
As I reflect on this journey a few thoughts came to mind to share. Some of you know I am training for my first marathon coming up in November. I came upon a race called Every Woman’s Marathon, for women by women. When I signed up in March I was so extremely excited. You couldn’t tell me anything! I felt mentally prepared for the training process that stood between me and that race. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind. Well, as I have embarked upon this new journey I have indeed doubted myself, injured myself, challenged myself and even surprised myself. I have learned so much about me. I have learned that I am more resilient than I knew. I have also learned that the work I complete on the pavement transfers over to the work I lead in schools.
Approximately six days of the week I am training, whether running, biking or lifting weights. This has become my new norm. Each week my mileage increases and the work becomes harder. Again, this is something I did not think I could do. However, I have had the opportunity to witness my growth through the internal and external transformation of my life. My health is improving, I see food as fuel and not stress relief and now I drink water like I used to drink Dr. Pepper. All of these changes are not only improving my health but they are also assisting me in my role as a superintendent. What I have noticed is people see the success but they do not know the struggles we go through behind closed doors. In full transparency, when I wake up some mornings I struggle to get out of bed. At times I’m running and I feel so defeated I walk instead of run. Some days, I negotiate with myself and say ‘why don’t you sleep in and do it after work, you have no night events tonight’. Every day, it is a constant battle between me, myself and I. I truly have to work hard to make sure I get up and get it done!
Recently I had to run 10, 12 and 14 miles in preparation for my marathon. I had never run 14 miles before but I had previously ran 10 miles and the 12 miles without walking. I knew I was capable, but all is easier said than done. A couple of weeks ago, I was in for a 12 mile run, something I had done in the past. I knew I was capable of doing it, but for whatever reason, at mile 6 I started to doubt myself and began to walk. I was disappointed in me and felt as if I gave up on myself. Looking back now I know to give myself some grace because I finished the miles and I never quit on myself. The following week was another long run - 14 miles. Before I started I fixated on my lack of success with 12 miles and I had to audibly tell myself that I was going to run without stopping. Did I do it? Yes. Was it hard? Absolutely! I pushed through and my daughter jogged the last few miles with me (so thankful). Again, I had to persevere through self doubt and I succeeded! In the back of my mind, I’m still wondering why in the world I signed up for a marathon?!
This past weekend I had the opportunity to run a half marathon as part of my training. I had run one in January and I was extremely proud of my pace. The approach to this race was much different though. My coach told me to run at a slower pace than I prepped for my full marathon. I have been struggling with the proposed pace I want to run for the marathon and deep down, my pride wanted me to run that faster pace. Doubt and fear tried to creep up but I had to keep things in perspective and know what is best for me. For one, this is the first time I have done all of this mileage in my life. Two, I am recovering from an injury and three, I am still learning how to fuel my body so I can be successful as I increase my mileage. The race this past week was one of the best I have run since I started training. It forced me to trust my training and my support system that I have in place to allow me to make it this far.
Reflecting on my running journey at this moment, I know I am learning how to fuel my body with the right carbs as well as hydrate properly. I am also improving my breathing and my mental fortitude. I still have a long way to go but I’m learning to celebrate the small wins on this running journey. Yes I’m still very competitive but this competition looks different because the only competitor I have is myself. As you think through the physical and mental results you want to see in yourself, ask yourself what preparation you have made. If you have not started it is never too late. One of my coaches says you can’t outwork a bad diet. I have been fighting that my whole life and will continue to do so. Now as I have reframed how I see food, water and the amazing capabilities of my body, I know what it takes to reach the goals I dare to take on.
Continue to #InspireExcellence in you
#RunningSupt
