I just got in from what was supposed to be my weekly long run. But it ended up being a 2.5 mile run/walk. It’s warm out there for an autumn day. And I’m sure I was not properly hydrated after enjoying a decent number of beers with my family yesterday.
That’s going to be the hardest part of training again – putting my workouts in front of everything else. And remembering that what I do today – or don’t do today – impacts tomorrow’s workout.
During my last half-marathon training, it become obvious that I don’t always properly fuel myself. I like beer, pizza and burgers. And while I don’t mind vegetables, I don’t eat nearly enough. And fruit? Oh gosh, does one serving per week count?
I am doing this second half marathon in part to remind myself how good it feels to be disciplined, dedicated and determined. Several years ago, I went to the tattoo parlor with my writing mentor, Susan. She got a moon and star, as sort of an astrological guide. At the last minute, I also decided to get a tattoo. And now I have the Chinese symbol for “determination” on my left leg. A few years later, I met a Japanese couple who told me the symbol, in their language, translated roughly to tenacity. Either way, it’s my reminder of what my grade school teacher called sticktoitiveness. (It’s a real word, I promise.)
At the time that I got the tattoo, as a young, hot-headed 20-something year old, I had no idea how much I’d need that permanent reminder as I got older.
“Don’t give up on copywriting, Michelle, you’re good at it.” “Stick with advertising, it will pay off.” And now, “Keep on running, Sieg.” Even when you don’t want to. Or especially when you don’t want to. And remember to keep the promises you make to yourself – after all, they are very, very permanent.
Unscripted 