The Week in Review - Rising to the Challenge

Last Sunday i said to myself "i cannot run more than a mile and a quarter without stopping.  i can't breathe.  i have always been a failure at running, and i will never be able to finish a road race."

After meditating on that thought, along with the additional truth that the mind is a vicious captor, i went to the track with my husband and daughter. 

i cannot run more than a mile and a quarter.
i cannot breathe. 
i am a failure.
i will never run a road race without shame.

i started to run. It was grueling.  i slowed my pace to turtle speed.  It seemed impossible.  At a mile and quarter, i said you are running two miles.  i said no, i can't, i won't, it's not possible.  The mind will never allow the body to excel if given half the chance.  i started looking at the track markings.  Would you run 100 meters to reach your goal?  Yes.  100 more?  Yes.  At a mile and a half, my stride automatically lengthened, and i started to fly.  As i closed in on the second mile, i realized i wasn't tired.  i wanted to keep going, but my family was waiting for me. 

New thing for the day: Ran 2 miles without stopping. Also finished building a raised garden and securing it from the invading possums. 

Monday: Today you are running 3 miles.  Goal reached.  Again - not tired.
New thing for today: Ran 3 miles without stopping.

Tuesday: cross training.  Did Body Pump in the morning, and Tae Kwon Do in the evening. 

New thing for the day: Learned Muhan Kick #6.  Felt confident doing Taeguk Yuk Jon.  First time going to Body Pump. 

Wednesday: My arms are in total pain.  Moved slowly.  Took a couple of walks.  Went bowling with my husband and daughter. 

New thing for the day: Started blogging on my reflections on the Vedanta.  Watched Ainye and J sit on the floor of the alley and watch her ball roll towards the pins at 1.6 miles per hour. 

Thursday:  Right arm stuck in place from Body Pump.  Took the day off entirely with the exception of a few walks.  Have decided to run a half marathon by September, if training allows.

New thing for the day: Made fresh falafel from scratch.  Played Monkeys in the Bed with Ainye and Julius.  Taught Julius how to play Yahtzee.  Went with Ainye for our first swim in the Pleasant Street Pool.  Ainye took her first few arms strokes and learned how to float on her back.  Then barfed from swallowing water :(