It's about time!!!

I can't believe I finally had a great run!!  Today's long(ish) run was the best one I've had in weeks, and it's about time!  The plan was to run 10 miles (on a hilly course) and included 2 x 10 min at threshold pace (about a 10k pace) after the first two mile warm up, then an easy pace to finish out the run.  I'm not very good at running for time vs running for mileage, it has thrown me for a loop but I'm starting to enjoy it.  

When I started the first 10 min challenge, I wondered how I'd push myself to run 7:35-7:52 paces up and down these hills, what would drive me?  Just minutes into it, my Garmin kept showing 7:30's (shockingly!) so I kept pushing.  The trail is unforgiving with its curves, hills, thick leaf covered patches, muddy spots that attempt to slow your pace, but yesterday I took over.  I was surprised by how strong my legs felt, how upright my positioning was, and how quickly I became lost in the music blaring in my ears.  Oh was it ever fabulous, it's really about time!

The second 10 min stretch wasn't quite as fast, but still hovered between 7:55-8 and also hit bigger hills at this point.  Once finished, I had about 5 miles left of the run to be done at "easy pace," allowing me to catch my breath and enjoy the morning scenery.  The time flew by, the run continued to feel positive (not easy, but good) and my legs still felt strong up and down the hills, WOW!  

It's been so long since I've had this type of run, I nearly forgot what it felt like!  That being said, you might be wondering why I run if it doesn't feel good?  Yes, that thought has crossed my mind a time or two as well.  You can't expect every run or workout to go as planned, to feel great, to be easy, or to give you that euphoric feeling.  It may take weeks to build up quad/hamstring strength through lots of painful squats/lunges, stair climbing, hill workouts, etc.  Those weeks may be intense, the pain may stick around for days after the workouts, you may hate doing the exercises, but then one day when you put your body to the test............well, that's when you get that incredibly euphoric rush and it keeps you coming back for more.  Stick with the plan, sweat a little, work hard because the time will come when you surprise yourself by conquering something you never thought you'd be able to do.

Today's mantra came from a post on Another Mother Runner...
I am stronger than I thought I was.