I am not a fan of running. I find it to be the most challenging workout mentally. Growing up I spent years and years playing soccer, which requires a LOT of running, but somehow it's much more fun when you're chasing a ball and yelling to team mates. I get bored. Regardless of how many entertaining songs I play or how many interesting people there are to look at... I. Find. Running. Boring.
That being said, the benefits of a good run are undeniable. I always feel amazing after pushing my body beyond what my mind says my limits are.
So, when my good friend challenged me to run UP A MOUNTAIN... I thought... Why Not? Our local mountain has steps for most of the way up and gravel for the rest. She challenged me to run up ALL the steps and said I could "rest" and walk on the gravel bits. The word "rest" is used loosely as you are still hiking up a MOUNTAIN!!
Earlier this week we ran up the mountain together. I was enthralled and absolutely captivated by the fact that I did it! When we got to the top of the mountain, after many groans, grunts and squeals, I was blissful! I could not stop smiling and saying "thank you for making me do this". I was definitely feeling it the next day! Which was a pleasant reminder of what I had accomplished the day before.
That being said, the benefits of a good run are undeniable. I always feel amazing after pushing my body beyond what my mind says my limits are.
So, when my good friend challenged me to run UP A MOUNTAIN... I thought... Why Not? Our local mountain has steps for most of the way up and gravel for the rest. She challenged me to run up ALL the steps and said I could "rest" and walk on the gravel bits. The word "rest" is used loosely as you are still hiking up a MOUNTAIN!!
Earlier this week we ran up the mountain together. I was enthralled and absolutely captivated by the fact that I did it! When we got to the top of the mountain, after many groans, grunts and squeals, I was blissful! I could not stop smiling and saying "thank you for making me do this". I was definitely feeling it the next day! Which was a pleasant reminder of what I had accomplished the day before.
Since my challenge was met with such success, I figured it was time to try it again, except this time on my own. Don't you find that pushing yourself is just that little bit harder when you're buy yourself? I sure do! And so I did. Wow... was it ever hard! I had attended my awesome BoxFit Bootcamp the night before and was already feeling sore from that (we did so many wall squats that I was sure my thighs would fall off ) I'm sure that added to the pain I was experiencing. But I just kept saying to myself, "prove to yourself that you can do it alone!" And I did!! |
I'm sure it helped that as I got to the top of one massive set of stairs, two good-looking guys were sitting there resting and said "You sure make that look easy"
Moral of the Story:
don't allow your mind to underestimate what your body is capable of!
that goes for all of life, not just fitness!
don't allow your mind to underestimate what your body is capable of!
that goes for all of life, not just fitness!