Running Colfax!

So just last night I was running with the club and talking about various things. One of blogging. So they are saying they blog about running etc. I started thinking, all I blog about are my kids and some inner thoughts I have while driving or showering. Why aren't I blogging about running too? I mean I have my issues right? So here goes.

On Sunday I ran the Colfax 1/2 marathon in the cold and the rain which was actually very fitting as the whole training session has been about the cold and the wind and the snow and the ice. I'm pretty sure that the only training we had in nice weather was Mother's day, five miles. I'm not complaining, just setting the stage. I finished the half marathon in 2 hours 11 min (officially) which works out to 10.02 min miles. I had severe foot pain that I ran through that finally went numb (I think my 4th toe is still swollen from it) and the beginnings of knee pain. I had moments that I thought I could run faster, moments that I thought my foot would just be better if it would fall off, moments of clarity that I belonged there at that time and place running; but never did I have a moment that asked why I was doing this, or why would I endure such torture on purpose. Which is a great moment. And when I finally reached the finish line (which was a great moment that I will explain) I did feel like I could go farther, which maybe means I didn't run fast enough or maybe it was just an emotional rush. But there were not any thoughts of 'OMG I finally finished, or that was the longest race ever." All of which are thoughts I have had before in other races. In fact just last October I told myself, during the 8 mile leg of the relay that I'm never doing this again!

And through all of this I've learned there is a mind game, a journey that begins every time you start running, no matter the distance. Whether the game is I only have 5 more miles then 4, then 3 etc, or you only have to run in the wind for a 5 more min...there is a game every time. Usually during this game you have the "I just started, this and I feel great," then you usually have many random thoughts you don't remember, and then you start the "when am I gonna be done with this deal." When you learn to go through the game then you have made running that much easier. Some other things that have made running easier...confidence, knowing you have traveled that distance before, support whether it is family that don't truly understand or fellow runners that have worked with you for months in the crappy weather. Someone waiting for you at the end because then you think "I can't stop now because they will have to wait longer". And one more thing that makes these runs easier...the pure pride and acceleration of emotions when you finish makes it all worth it. The pure joy that muddles all the pain and make the negative thoughts disappear, that feeling all on its own make all the months or torture and training and mind games worth it.

So those are my running thoughts as of recently. I'm still struggling with not making my 2 hour time goal, but I am proud to say that I took 36 min off my last time. And that is whey I sign up for more. Maybe next time I can get a few extra runs in or whatever to make that 'journey' that much easier!