My year started off with an adventure already! What started off as a 20-mile easy bike ride with some of the cyclepaths through Sharyland Plantation down to Granjeno and back up to Mission Trails ended up with a man hunt and big hugs.
I’m still not sure of what I can really do on a bike. I just got a Garmin and was curious to see how far I’ve come with the spin classes. We had a couple of experienced century riders, another beginner like me and another experienced rider but on a MTB. We took things really slow in the beginning until we hit military. That’s when they told me I should test my legs and give it all I’ve got.
I took a deep breath, pushed into the toughest gear and began my climb… hot dang! I was going fast! It felt great!!! And then I got spooked because I knew I had to stop soon for the light. The series of little sprints felt good… But I needed to make sure I can handle the distance.
I do wish I could listen to music when I ride. I’ve always relied on music, rhythm and lyrics to keep my mind off of any pain that I have in me. Cycling forces me to focus on it. I must listen for traffic, look for pot holes, feel for balance… Where’s the escape I’ve been used to with running? There’s no room to zone out. You must focus and you must address the pain.
For a moment during today’s ride – the first of 2013 – I wanted to call it in and go escape running into the trails nearby. I had my running shoes on… It would be easy. But thats what it would be.. An easy escape.
Momma didn’t take the easy way. She did things the right way even when it was hard, when it was painful. She didn’t ask for pain medication if she knew she could bear through it.
What gives me the right – the excuse – to think I can get away with the easy way out? Ya, that’s right.
So on that last attempt… I dropped them all in my familiar overcast cloud that my weather angels always seem to provide when I know they’re watching over me.
Barely breathing…my angels made sure my next adventure that day ended in hugs and kisses.
Happy New Year!
Last year, I had just begun to run… EVER. No, seriously! I was never in track in high school or college, never even jogged… shoot, in fact I even went so far as to WORK for the University just so I could get a teacher’s parking permit and park closer to school so I didn’t have to walk so far!!!
I was one of the last to come in at last year’s Resolution Run at Bill Schupp Park. I knew almost no one there. But that was a promise that I made to myself. It was, after all, a RESOLUTION. I don’t think I’ve ever kept a resolution promise before in my life. They usually get “forgotten” around April of that same year. But this year, I stuck it out. And I returned…
I ran with a person who also is making that same promise to herself. I ran with her this morning to pace her and I admit, I did push her a bit more than I pushed the other beginners that I’ve run with only because I truly believe that she can handle more than others can. She reminds me a lot of myself.
Yes, that’s a good thing.
She finished in 37 minutes.
Not bad for her first 5k! It was her PR. So all this week I’ve witnessed 5 PRs for others. I’m thinking it’s time to make one of my own. What’s stopping me? Why are my legs so heavy now? I don’t understand.
I need to snap out of it. QUICK!
And just when I began to catch myself going into that downward spiral of “oh poor Myssie”, I took a look around the park at all the smiling faces that I got to know over this last year. Many are the same people that were there last year. Everyone has come so very far in their own journeys. And that’s when I remembered… So have I.
So even if I never “snap out of it”, I must remember today and the distance one year makes in my heart. That’s my PR.
Hours before the sum comes up, my shoes lace up and I begin my zombie jog along the 2nd street trail with a new troop of beginner runners. I thought back to where I was a year ago and halfway through my run a new girl asks what my interval was and if she can join me. I explain that I run to the beat of the music and reduce pace at alternating light poles (since I tend to swell up when I stop). I saw the look in her face as she realized that if she didn’t run with me, she was on her own. Reluctantly she joined up. Her face was flushed as she tried to keep up so I quietly reduced my speed and tried to keep things positive and told her not to worry about holding me back. I could tell she felt guilty about that. When she told me that this run would be her PR, I think I jumped for joy and told her I wouldn’t leave her. The joy I get from being a part of someone else’s “impossibles” is sublime. I didn’t have to say anything or do anything… She pushed herself to keep up with me and she did it!!!
Nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and you’re with people who believe in you.
I was told today that I was a “beast” in spin class because of all the resistance I put on myself when I cycle. I guess I feel like I have to do so much more to catch up to everyone else that I have no choice but to to challenge myself more and more everyday. The only way I can improve in time to compete this next year is to train with the local elites. And to train with them must mean that I need to quickly advance to their level – a level that took them years to acquire. But I don’t have that time.
My running is hurting now. My speed has declined and my legs feel heavy. A sharp pain hits right when I reach the half mile point along the inside of both ankles up to the inner calves. The pain either subsides or I become numb to it by mile 4. I’m off track and can’t seem to find my mojo again. I’m certain it must be an emotional issue as stress levels have sky rocketed at work and in my marriage. Oh stop! I talked about a taboo subject?? At least I’m honest and you have to admit… running is a very mental sport. Any little mental distraction will impact my time, my body,
Today’s run focused on hill elevation and not speed. Developing strength in my IT band so that it doesn’t snap again is important to me. I think I’m training well but still very impatient with myself.
And not being patient waiting for my bike.
*sigh*
Last night was my first “Steak Night” with the CyclePATHS. This is a crazy group of adrenaline enthused women who have taken me under their wings to lead me to my goal of a triple crown. We planned, laughed, reviewed plans, laughed some more, rode a pony and laughed even harder. Not much training last night but it gave my abs a laughter workout.
I am genuinely stoked about being surrounded by these women who seem to take on whatever challenge they set their minds to.
I do best when I’m around people like this. Can’t wait!!!
These are my All-Stars! These two are a couple of reasons why I cannot quit. If you surround yourself with positive people like this… nothing is impossible!!!
So I was chosen as December’s Neighborhood All-Star for inspiring others and running for a cure for cancer and bringing about much needed awareness. As odd as it may seem to you at the moment, I have a hard time accepting this. A cure hasn’t been found yet and I haven’t yet completed what I set out to do. In the pageant world, I’m well know to never say who I think will win because I believe in “Jinxies”. Please God, please, don’t jinx me for this.
RunMyssieRun 