When you are doing something that is tough and challenging...what helps you keep at it??
Today I plan to register for the Long Island half marathon in May. Here is my story:
I ran in junior high and high school and was pretty good at it. Along came college...I studied like crazy, did well in my classes, gained 25 pounds (yikes) and stopped running.
6 years ago I had MissyMiss and when she turned one knew I had to get back into shape. I started running again and slowly got there. I was running 3 times a week, 3 miles each time.
Then came another pregnancy, miscarriage and surgery....gained back the weight I lost. Then came another pregnancy and I had Bubby. When he was a few months old I got back to running...again.
When Bubby was 6 months old I was carrying laundry down the stairs and fell and broke my ankle. I had to take care of a baby and 3 year old with an ankle fracture...if I can do that I can anything!
Once cleared to get back to running I really got into it. I was getting faster and running for longer. I started to have this crazy idea that maybe I could run a half marathon. I stepped up my training and started to think that it was a real possibility. Then I re-injured the ankle I had broken not even a year earlier.
(Here comes the part that I think of every time it gets tough. I thought about it a LOT yesterday when an icy path made me run 6 miles in the snow.)
I went back to the ortho office where I had gone for my original fracture because the ankle injury was still bothering me. The PA looked and it and gave me some treatment ideas. I told him that I needed to get back to running ASAP because I wanted to train for a half marathon. He looked at me and said "I don't know if that will ever happen." Oh no you didn't! I should have told him then and there that he was messing with the wrong girl. After I let the injury heal I resumed my training.
Since then I have had to take time off from running for a cardiac issue (have since been cleared by the cardiologist) and some "girl" issues this summer. My long run was up to 10 miles this summer.
Well...my long run is back to 6 miles and I WILL run a half marathon in May! Every time the going gets tough I think of that PA and his snide comment. I don't think his comment was directed at my ankle issue as much as it was directed at the fact that I was overweight. I intend to run that half marathon and let him know I did.
I want to be an example to my kids of working hard for what you want, even when it gets tough.
So...what keeps you going when the going gets tough??
8 comments:
I have a hard time starting new things, but for some reason I am unable to quit once I start. I think my motivation is just that - I cant quit :) I dont have some sort of spiritual, moral, or internal drive. I just feel obligated to complete whatever I start!
Sorry you've had such a tought time. But you are a tough person and I have no doubt you can make it.
What motivates me when things get really difficult is people...there are so many people out there who have accomplished astonishing things. Just reading about some of the great things people have done is enough to motivate me!
I am glad that running motivates you but just be careful out there with that now weak ankle. I have no doubt you can do that marathon and more but even though I am not your mom, as a mom, be careful.
What motivates me... absolutely nothing. In my younger days I would hardly get an idea out of my head and I was doing it and now....
My dad ran the half marathon one year. Think of him while you are getting ready for the race. I know you can do it!
What gets me motivated? Not quite sure how to answer that. I guess for me it's the knowledge that I've gone through alot of stuff at different times and have made it though a stronger and better person for having gone through it. If I can get through those things I can get through anything. Like you are believing that you can run the half marathon, believing in yourself is key. If you don't think you can do it, who will??
I just self - talk ie: feeling: this is tough: thought: 'then I'll do it for you'!
Once you finish the half, you should send that PA a picture of you with your race medal! Thanks for sharing your story, loved reading it.
Wow - you are motivated! Keep up the good work, you can do it!
Wow - you are motivated! Keep up the good work, you can do it!
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