Delaney was running beside me grumbling, “My leg hurts.”
“I’m tired.”
“I don’t think I like running.”
We were just starting our second 10 minute run. She was pacing herself great and we now had a light breeze on our backs.
The first 10 minutes she announced, “This is easy. I feel good Mom.” “I love to run!” She was humming to herself, relaxed. We were smiling on the trail.
Now, her shoulders were up to her ears, she was floppy around, and her breathing was shallow. She was not smiling.
I tried not to laugh.
It’s wild how fast we can shift from relaxed, everything’s fine to tighten up, everything’s horrible.
I resonated.
Running is uncomfortable, you’ll get tired, and sometimes your mind will have you question why you’re even out there.
Why are you doing this, again?
I have these moments, even with all the training, racing, and mantras to back me up. I’m human. Yet I love to run and I suppose that keeps me getting out the door.
As for Delaney, she’s still figuring this out and if running is for her.
“Let’s see if we can run 10 minutes straight without stopping.”
She accepts the challenge every time. I accept the grumbling. She’s learning more about herself each time she laces up her sneakers. I think it’s good for her to be uncomfortable. She’s growing and pushing herself.
As I look at the calendar, the JFK 50 miler is in 9 weeks. I will embrace the discomfort, fatigue, and aches. I will accept the challenge in pursuit of learning, growing, and being an example for my children.
Cheers to being uncomfortable!
Can you describe a time when you stepped outside your comfort zone?
Go make a ruckus!
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I remember and
smile at lessons taught by kid;
Dreams come with their thorns.
Thanks for today's post Julie. I watch my son do all kinds of uncomfortable things (like sleep in his truck) in pursuit of his tournament fishing dreams. In that regard, he has been an excellent teacher for me!
:)
10k record heat
Ran a sub 40 minute
Almost passed out at finish
I had trained to run my first Marathon and got the flu two weeks prior but felt well enough to run the 10k. But even with all my marathon training, the 10k combined with 80+ degree temperatures almost knocked me out. I saw my whole life pass in my minds eye as I crossed the finish line. Fortunately the first responders prevented me from fainting and losing consciousness. Despite being way out of my comfort zone, I was so proud of my 39 minute time knowing I gave it all I had.