13.1

That number is starting to a feel a lot more weightier in my mind than it used to. But everytime I see that sticker on the back of someone's car, I have this welling of emotion, because I know I can do it. And it's a no-brainer that Cliff can, so I'm not even going there.

Needless to say, the weightiness comes from that fact that we're a little bit behind on training like any normal couple who works, goes to school, has one looking for a job, teaches FPU, gets the flu, enjoys sleep, (etc.) could. After having such a great run last Tuesday, Friday's run should have been a breeze. But it wasn't, and half of those four miles were spent walking. Which is okay, it's movement, right?

Anyways, we've got either a four-miler or five-miler on Friday (I don't have our training schedule in front of me) and either way, my biggest challenge is not making it out to be a big deal. Because I think, for me, the mental part is setting myself up to think it's such a big deal and then I quit, for whatever reason. Whereas, when I just go to go, without the distance or the challenge in mind, I take it a step at a time and push only so far and somehow my body just takes my mind where it needs to go instead of my mind keeping your body from guiding (and subsequently finishing) the run. That's not to say the mind isn't important, because it is especially useful in reminding you that pain is only temporary and that I am, in fact "stronger than I think I am."

I had this moment, last Tuesday, when the cold air was rushing past me and the warm afternoon rain fell all around that was pretty surreal. Running through a quiet neighborhood with I don't even remember who (Coldplay, maybe?) on my iPod, I just watched my feet glide over the dark glistening pavement. I watched so intently, it felt as though those were not my feet and I was watching someone else run so effortlessly. Kind of weird and "out-of-body"-like, I know, but it was such a rush. And I loved every second of that run.

I wish every run was that easy. Now, I pray every run is that enjoyable, because easy is not necessarily the goal and wishing only gets you so far. So, if you find it in your heart and think about it ever, I could use your prayer too!