A good hurt.

I had a spectacular run this morning.  These types of things must be noted, because really fantastic runs aren’t terribly common for me.  To clarify, I love running – AFTER it’s done.  That high just can’t be beat.  Thing is, running is work.  Every second and every step is an achievement.  Every time my body throws out a, “Hey, I’d like to quit, please,” and my brain answers, “But I’d like to finish, sorry,” or a, “BODY!  You are a crybaby!  We can do this!”  I am proud of myself.  Sometimes my body wins.  But my brain wins the most often, and I’m proud of that, too. 

There was the most perfect breeze around nine a.m. today. It was a little too sunny for my liking, but that breeze cooled me down in a hurry.  My ipod knew just what to play as my feet pounded rhythmically on the pavement. 

Running is an absolute mind game.  My legs will keep running if my brain tells them to.  They ran 13 miles once, simply because they were asked.  I know that physically I can do it.  But mentally?  That is the trick.

The last mile and a half, I began to get tired.  Just then, a song came on which matched my cadence perfectly.  I played it three times in a row until I finally finished the mileage.  I practically sprinted that final mile.  It felt amazing to push my body to its limits.  I felt strong. 

My weight hasn’t really changed much (my body loves the specific three digit number I currently populate, which is endlessly vexing), but my muscles are stronger, a little more defined.  But just the act, just the knowing that I’m trying, has improved my body image significantly.

I am telling you now (barring legitimate physical handicaps), if I can do it?  You can, too.