Remember that feeling as a kid when you climbed that big tree and came to that realization you didn’t know how to get down? You got up there, so there had to be a way down, you just couldn’t figure it out. You probably ended up taking a deep breath and figured you just needed to trust your feet and go. Knowing now that I lived to tell that tale and others where I found myself in knee deep in whatever situation I had put myself into, I came to realize the benefit of being knee deep. Being knee deep doesn’t always mean you’re stuck, it also gives you a chance to stop, reflect and be in that moment.
Simarily, ever start a run knowing it’s going to be a tough one and vowing to not give in…especially when it’s a solo long run? I know you have! This week’s long run was a mere 22K. I say mere in the context that I will need to run 42.2 of these kilometres in just under 4 months and 22K already feels long. It shouldn’t feel long as I’ve done 10 of these before, but it’s been a while and I know what I’m in for. For these kinds of special runs, I am a music gal. I do not want to hear the debate with myself; I do not want to speculate on what’s feeling off or on; and I certainly do not want to hear my breathing or my feet! I am just not that kind of “one with my running” and huge props to those who are ❤️.
So off I went, picking a route that was relatively shady, necessary for an early hot and steamy bluenose morning. First 11+K were OK, I was grooving to the music and was pleased that I hadn’t melted yet. I geared up for the 6K at Marathon Pace as prescribed by Coach Erin, with the understanding that if I didn’t quite hit the pace, I’d be OK with that. The interval went really well except for one overwhelming thought that distracted me from my singing and it brought me to a screeching halt. This feeling came from nowhere and caught me off guard but the interval wasn’t done. My first thought was that I was knee deep into this so shake it off and go!
Back on track within 15 seconds and pleasantly surprised that I managed the right pace ….a bit too quick…but not way too quick.✅
Interval finished in the wide open industrial part of Marginal Road and then came that moment I realized I was knee deep into this run and there were 4+ measly kilometres left and I was going to struggle the rest of the way home. It was uphill and very little shade and the heat was radiating from all directions. It was going to be a run/walk home. Not what I wanted, but it was what I was going to get. Then a tune came into my head, I have no idea what was playing at that moment but the words of this song were shouting at me:
🎶Gonna put the world away for a minute, Pretend I don’t live in it, Sunshine gonna wash my blues away….🎶
And then….. 🎶Never been so happy, Never felt so high, And I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise🎶
Bless you Zac & Jimmy for the rescue and help to set the tone for the rest of the run 😉 In that flash of a thought I was able to stop and think about that very moment. I was out for a long run on a challenging day and accomplishing it. There is much to be thankful for in this training run and much to celebrate. There would be no pity party for me that day….not for one second! What songs or thoughts take you away to your own kind of paradise?
🎶…Otherwise you’ll never know until you try, When you lose yourself, You find a key to paradise!🎶
