Buck Up and Move Forward!

So today I had planned on running a 20 miler (yes, 20 miles. That is a little requirement when training for a marathon...running 3 or 4 of those) with a good friend of mine.  Last night, she told me she was unable to join me.

I thought to myself, "You have got to be kidding me. I have to run 3 hours alone?" 

I decided to buck up and move forward (after sending out a plea to all of my friends...no one was available). I had done this before and it could be done.  And then realized I still hadn't found my Garmin watch (I lost it a few weeks ago and it is a MUST have when I am running long distances.  It keeps track of my miles, time, and pace).

I thought to myself, "You have got to be kidding me. I have to run in circles now?  In order to keep track of my distance, I will have to run only where I know the distance! Stink.

I decided to buck up and move forward.  That night I mentally figured out my route for the next day.  I tried to plan something that sounded "fun."  I was actually excited to give my plan a try.  But I had no one to talk to and my music playlist on my ipod was something I had heard over and over again and I absolutely didn't want to hear it. If I had to listen to "Forget You" again...

I thought to myself, "No music?! Why didn't I get a book on tape or something for a situation like this?" 

I decided to buck up and move forward. I asked my husband to put a playlist together for my run.  And when I went to listen to it today...man oh man was it good. I was boppin' and beepin' and my pace was feeling the grove too.  But after 2 hours of running (and 6 more miles to go), I wasn't feeling the grove.

I thought to myself, "No one would know if I headed home.  Why am I doing this again?  Man my legs hurt!  Six more miles is going to take forever!"

I decided to buck up and move forward.  I knocked out 3 more.  And with the final 3 miles passing along ever so slow, I began to think of why I was running this marathon.  Sweet little Brittany, at home, unable to walk, talk, eat...to live on her own...entered my mind.  I am able. I will finish what I started.

And I did.  20 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes of running.  Aches: Check, Pains: Check, Sweat: Check

Feelings of accomplishment: CHECK AND CHECK.

Thanks Brittany for pushing me...