Health Update, and puppies too

[sarahfae]

Summer is here, the weather has noticeably been getting warmer (hopefully it will last - but you never know in Humboldt County).
I've been thinking more and more about my bikinis, and actually wearing them in public.
The trip to Tahoe is right around the corner, and of course the bathing suit and short dresses will inevitably have to be dusted off...
I have been busting my ass to get in the best possible shape, for my mind, body, and day-to-day healthy living.
I've switched my running "route" so that it's mostly an uphill run --- through a really pretty and safe neighborhood. However, in spite of all my efforts I still haven't been able to break the 3 mile mark. I could make excuses for this, but that's not my style.
I hate excuses.

So today, when I got home from work I made up my mind: I was going to run 4 miles. I was going to do it, keep up a steady pace, and just fucking DO it.
At the top of the 3rd mile I hit a really big hill, and man did I start to doubt myself. The voices in my head were not encouraging: "I don't know if I can do this. Man this sucks ass."
Once I made it to the top of the hill I noticed a woman getting out of her car, she looked at me and shouted: "Have a good run!"
My energy level suddenly exploded from hearing her encouraging words and I shouted back - "Thanks!! I'm trying to break four miles!"
"Wow!" she said - "You can do it!"

And I did!
Actually I ran 4.3 miles, just to be on the sure side.
On the last quarter mile I kept repeating to myself: "Four mother-fucking miles, mother fucker! Four mother-fucking miles!" And when I got home I almost started to cry. I could feel my body accepting the distance, and I wasn't tired or winded. I know I could've kept going too. This is just such an amazing personal accomplishment for me - so I have to bask in it for a little while. The doubts that I had about running a marathon are all out the window now. I know I can do it. Did I mention that my asthma is pretty much non-existent at this point?
Damn, I love running!


Okay enough of that. How about some cute puppy pictures?
















 

Comments

[evil-olive.livejournal.com]

awesome job on the four miles! i remember the first time i hit four - it was an amazing feeling. and it'll get easier and easier the more you do it. before you know it, you'll be running 10 like it's nothing!

[sarahfae.livejournal.com]

seriously - i believe it! after the last leg i just wanted to keep going...i wasn't even tired at all! it was a very magical experience!

[evil-olive.livejournal.com]

when you hit a new milestone for the first time, it's good to stop while you're still feeling strong. it gives you a chance to enjoy your accomplishment and builds confidence, which you will need for the next milestone. (this is my personal philosophy, of course. it's worked for me thus far!)