Some days, you have to force the run. Your legs don’t want to move. Your brain tries to talk you out of all movement. You just want to sleep in and go to bed early. It’s those days that I have to force myself out the door and just run.
Today was that day for me. The past week has been full of them, as well, but today was the day I make a decision. I forced myself to change into my running clothes. I pulled my shoes on slowly, still contemplating my options. Driving home, getting dinner watching the MNF beatdown, and going to bed early were all tempting. Instead, I fought past my reluctance. Just run.
Today was easily the hottest day I’ve experienced out here on the west coast. The temperature at the Fleet Feet running store where I work hit 100+. It was still in the 90s when I left to go to the Run North County Monday night meetup in Solana Beach. I knew we would probably be running the Lagoon route, a pretty trail that runs away from the water along the lagoon and into the canyon trail system before looping back around.
As soon as I started running, I knew I made the right decision. I hit a familiar cadence and found a running rhythm I’ve been missing for a few weeks. As I wound through the tight single track and sandy trails, the sky turned many shades of pink and orange. The sun set behind me, giving me a beautiful canopy overhead as soon as I turned around to head back to town.
I could have easily called tonight’s run off. I was tired and hungry and didn’t want to run after work. But, for today, I won the battle. I lost that fight several days last week, failing to ward off the avalanche of negativity. I’m going to enjoy tonight’s success, but I’m also going to use it to gain momentum tomorrow. And Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and on.
I have a long way to go to get back in racing shape, but 10 hot, happy miles tonight showed me I have the will to get there again.
Remember. Your body and brain will try to convince you to take it easy for the day. Instead, get out the door and just run.
Sweet, precious son. I’m proud of you. Continue to rest and heal as well. Trust knowing when to do each.