Sometimes we have those races or runs where our bodies feel great, and mentally we are in it. We feel like we are on cloud nine or like we could run forever.
The hard work paid off: those hours poured into training, doing hill repeats, pumping iron, sculpting our core, eating our veggies and ditching the sugar, running mile repeat after mile repeat in the pouring rain, wind or bitter cold.
The hard winter training now ushers us into Spring and we are faced with our first race since we could last see the ground (no longer covered in ice or snow). Or if you are the more fortunate among us, your hard winter training was a bit easier, as far as weather goes, because you live in sunny Cali or Florida. I envy you!! Nonetheless you had some tough workouts this winter.
Hard work brings great rewards!! There have been times in my training where I have cursed running. I will be the first to admit this. I wanted to sleep in and enjoy the warmth of my bed, or skimp out on a couple repeats, because my lungs and thighs and calves were burning. It’s these workouts and hard days of training that pay off. These are the times we have to push through.
Those endless hours sweating, aching, and hurting turn into a perfect race or a run that feels effortless. I have had some races where I felt great. Sure it was tough, but I could feel I was stronger, and I knew it was because of my hard work. A race I could actually say went well. I PR’d or didn’t feel mentally, physically, or emotional defeated. My recent marathon PR last summer is one such example of a race that just went well (besides the minor GI issues).
This race made my hard work worth it. It made running through an injury not so bad. It helped me rekindle my love for running, and understand that injuries and bad runs don’t define my running. Bad races don’t define our running relationship either. Our hard work (strength) and commitment are what helps define our running.
Strength comes from being pushed beyond our limits and finding that second wind. Strength comes from hard workouts and bad workouts. This strength then leads to new PR’s, new distances, and new goals.
So with it being March, and spring has come, let your hard work from winter carry you into a great spring and summer. I guarantee you’ll see how worth it it was to train hard through the winter. When a race or run just feels good, it’s because of YOUR hard work (and maybe a little luck, but I am putting my bets on the hard work). When a race or run just feels good, it’s because YOU put in the time.
Okay, I can step down off my soap box now….
It’s almost the end of March, so I hope you had the chance the enjoy the spring weather and squeeze in some extra miles. My last long run for Boston training is tomorrow, 20 miles. Boy it feels good to know the hard work is almost over. Now hopefully I reap the benefits. 😉
Happy Friday friends and Happy Running!!
Until Next time Be Whole and Be Fit!!