Day 2 - Thyself is thy own worst enemy

Yesterday was a great success for me, and I managed to run a mile my first day without even realizing how far I went.  However, today has been a much more difficult battle.  Again, I woke up at around 5:00 am. and quickly realized that yesterday's run had really taken it's toll on my body.  My body felt stiff and as I moved to get out of bed, I could feel aching pain in my rectus femoris (quads).  I'm not going to lie, the pain is pretty bad just getting out of bed.  For a second or two, I didn't think I would be able to walk down the stairs to get a drink of water.

The pain isn't always the worst part,  but it is a trigger that sparks an inner dialogue about all the reasons why not to continue.  I came up with at least 3 - 5 solid arguments as to why I shouldn't exercise today.   I began to convince myself that I needed to rest, and that my muscles can't take a second day of running.  After all, I don't want to hurt myself right?  If I get injured then I won't be able to run and there would be no way to make my goal.   Right?   I try to sell myself on the idea of resting and I could justify that with a solid workout of my upper body.  I could do my arms, triceps and biceps.  I also thought; hey, I could just take a rest day and hit it hard tomorrow.

Clearly, I am not thinking straight at this point.  As these thoughts are going through my head, I find myself moving through my every day motions.  I think what got me through this moment is commitment.  Some times I have to just ignore those thoughts,  they are going to be there, but as I was thinking them I am still getting dressed to run.   I brushed my teeth and I put on my hoodie.  I am committed to running each day.  I think it was my gym coach John Besio,  that said that our bodies can handle a lot more than we think.  So I muster up the will to get the job done.

Today's Goal.

Goals are so important for success.  Every day,  I feel I must set a goal for myself.  Today's goal was not to think about making it to the Mobil - AM/PM.   Today's goal was just to repeat what I did yesterday and get another mile under my belt.   As I was running, I was thinking about all those other exercises that I could have done instead of running.  Then it dawned on me,  I can do those still when I get home.   I added those to my goal and thus today's goal was to run a mile and work out my arms and chest.  


Today's Progress. 

So after mentally beating myself up and just working through my aches and pains,  I ran my mile and did my additional arm workout and some push-ups to work the chest.  As I was running the way back from the end of my street,  I crossed paths with another runner and as we approached each other we both lift our hands and acknowledge each others effort.  It was then that I felt a sense of pride in what I was doing.  I'm going to stick with it, no matter what.  I'm going to keep ignoring that little voice in my head that attempts to reason me away from my goal.  Thyself will not be thy own worst enemy today!