I did not want to run.
It was cold and I had been spoiled by the mild temps this fall.
I procrastinated.
I bargained.
But finally, I forced myself to lace up my shoes, strapped my Garmin 920xt to my wrist, and headed out to "git er done."
It was awful. By the end of mile 1, I was regretting my choice to leave my hat and gloves at home. By the end of mile 2, I was hating life and my feet and hands were completely numb. My muscles felt frozen as they seemed to protest every step. I fought to keep from shivering as I ran through the shade. As I turned into the park, I resolved to get this torture over as soon as possible and picked up the pace for my first set of planned sprints. I was happy to see the sun rising a little higher in the sky as I plugged forward. I was having trouble getting to the goal pace for the day, but I did my best and kept going.
At mile 2.5, I was glad to notice the feeling had returned to my hands. 5.5 miles left.
At mile 5.5, Mumford and Sons "Awake My Soul" started drifting into my ears... I ran up over the hill and noticed the cloudless, blue sky and was overcome with gratitude... For the beauty of that moment, my year, my life, this run, this day, this breath... And I couldn't help but smile.
At mile 6, I felt like I could keep running forever. I didn't want to stop. I got so caught in the moment, I lost myself for a time... And inadvertently added an extra mile. But I didn't care anymore. I was just happy to be out there. And it occurred to me where this run started that morning... And how quickly things can change. And once again, I was reminded how a little shift in attitude, in influences, in environment, the slightest recalibration... can make such a huge difference. And how the biggest limitations we face are all between our ears. And I realized...
This is why I run. This is why I Tri. And this is why I am an Ironman.
