Positive Mental Attitude

Yesterday I ran around 4 miles and today I did just over 6. When I first started running, just over two years ago, I could jog for around 7 minutes before passers-by started dialling 999 and hovering their thumbs over the 'call' button. To build up, I simply kept at it and when 7 minutes, which conveniently took me around the block, felt comfortable I added a little extra distance and ran to the petrol station which was at the end of the street, and when that felt comfortable, pushed myself a little further again. Now I'm training for my second marathon, and while I'm not all that fast, I can (fairly) comfortably run for miles on a good day.


"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it." -Oprah Winfrey


While I don't watch Oprah or even know a lot about her, she's got a bloody good point! I think that's what I find so addictive about running, that I mostly have control over it, if I put the effort in, I get stronger, fitter and faster.

On Sunday I was feeling a little down about running after a disappointing long run in which I *only* managed 11.5 miles. If somebody had told me two years ago that I'd be able to run 11.5 miles I would have laughed at them! Sometimes it's worth looking back in order to move forward.

I hope I read this post, along with my 'Inspiration Issue' of Runner's World next time I'm in a funk.