BEL1EVE…

When I read THIS ART1CLE, it touched a nerve deep inside.  Not necessarily the ‘runn1ng for we1ghtloss’ part, rather the commitment that is sometimes difficult to explain to others.

I think it’s easier for people to SEE the physical transformation and think that’s the entire motivation for my runn1ng.

Nope.

What really TOUCHED me in the art1cle was this:

5. Remind Yourself Why: Write down your favorite affirmation or word on your body. If you are choosing to lose weight in order to be a better example to your child, write their name down where you can see it as you run. Think up a great phrase that inspires you and write it across your knuckles.

I was reminded so often three months ago at the beginning of this runn1ng journey when I was posting on the C*2*5k page – encouraging and being encouraged by others.

This R.Kelly s0ng lyr1c always came to mind:

If I can see it, then I can be it – If I just believe it, there's nothing to it*

Then I read this qu0te:

I have always been taught that ACT1NG BEGINS WITH BEL1EVING.  Basic, BASIC premise: an act0r must believe to make his audience believe.

S1nging was the same – I was told by a number of teachers/educators that I shouldn’t s1ng.  For a while, I gave up the hope – but something inside nagged at me, so privately, I kept at it.  I kept working, practicing and then someone heard me, BEL1EVED in me and helped ME to find the belief I needed to continue...

Recurring theme in life – perhaps it’s there for a reason?

Then I was reminded of a st0ry about my Paternal Grandfather.  Legend has it that he possessed great strength… apparently one of the kids in the neighborhood got run over by a car and that my Grandfather was able to summon the strength to grab the bumper of the vehicle and lift it to free the child.**

Do I think he had super-human strength?

No.

Did he BEL1EVE that he did at the time??

YES!

Because without that belief in ourselves, we never would be able to achieve what we aren’t able to BEL1EVE.

So yeah – can you guess what my P0WER word is?

* I am not overly fond of the s0ng tune – just entranced by the lyr1cs.

**As far as I know, the child was fine.

I Hit the Tra1l…

… literally and figuratively. 

While I was away these past two weeks, I enjoyed taking A FEW RUNS IN THE C0UNTRY.

I made the decision after I got home to prepare for the GR3AT RAC3 1OK at the end of September.  Since I’m not really running for ‘time’ – I want to be sure that I can do the 1Ok distance [6.2 miles] – I thought it would be fun to change the scene where I run.

Yes, it’s good to do the track at the local H*S.  Or my usual r0ute around the neighborhood.

I discovered while I was away that I really like running outdoors NEW places.  It not only breaks up the boredom and monotony, I’ve found that I really look forward to the run more – the expectation of the unknown AND the challenge.

Not far from our house is the M0NTOUR TRA1L which is an old railway route that has been updated with pavement or limestone. GREAT for running/walking/biking.

I figured it was the perfect way to gradually increase my distance for the 1Ok as well as get a long run in for my JULY F0URTH RAC3.  I know I have the 3.1 miles for next week – but I thought I’d add a bit more for training.  so, I planned to run 4 miles.

I set my G*P*S and after a warm up, ran 15 steps further than 2 miles, then turned around and ran back.  THANKFULLY MOST OF THE RETURN RUN WAS DOWNHILL!

I won’t kid – it was tough because the first two miles were a very S-L-O-W grade ALL UP HILL. I just kept reminding myself, when I get to turn around, it’s ALL DOWN HILL!!

I only had to talk to myself the last .5 miles or so – the balls of my feet were a little on the ‘burn-y’ side and they hurt.  I started to sing and say 'Good Morning’ to every one I passed on the trail, which distracted me just enough to finish.

And. I. Was. Glad.

4.08 miles in 55 minutes?  Furthest I’ve ever run continuously in my life.

2.12 more miles and I’ll have the 1Ok in the bag!!

I got this, y’all…