The first couple months of running for the yearly goal mileage are always the toughest...early in setting out to meet new goals is the most vulnerable time. It's easy to say "I'm not really too far into this, so I'm not wasting much if I quit now." Once you've hit, say, the 30% goal, you've just put too much into to stop. At least that's how it is for me. Those vulnerable days are when habits and routines help you puch through.
Today was a tough run. My hamstrings were tight (some old habits and routines - such as not stretching right after a long run like yesterday - are not the good ones to fall back on) and the air was cold and slightly windy. There was lots to be done and time is always short. I could have found a hundred reasons to put off running until I was religated to the treadmill. Instead I put my big girl panties on and took that first step out the door.
Not fast, not slow, but one foot in front of the other and after a half mile or so I was glad I didn't make an excuse to skip my daily one on one time. The streets of one of my most regular routes were quiet and comfortable, mucle memory kicked in and - though the hamstring never loosened up...must hit the icy hot tonight - I got it done.
Tomorrow (or the next day) will feel as awesome as January 1...they can't all feel great. Happy trails!
Stats -
Miles: 3.81
Time: 33:52 (average pace of 8:53 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling: one of these days I will get a hamstring transplant...in the meantime, muscle tightness feels just like old times
