The Payoff

I know it's cliche, but running is such a great metaphor for life.  Hang in there with me...

While we were in Cincinnati, we ran a 5k with the Rooneys and their friends.  Never ever have I ever run 3.2 miles that were so incredibly hilly.  I was literally heaving after half a mile, and each turn met us with an even steeper hill.  Luckily, there was a big food festival afterwards, but the race was pretty brutal and everyone was feeling it the next day. When we got home on Monday, I hit the gym in hopes of getting in at least an hour of running. After thirty minutes, I was done. Really done- mentally and physically. Tuesday I tried to turn things around and I did a bit of speed work, but my legs were still screaming and it was by no means an enjoyable experience.  Today, however? Today
was a different story.

                                                
Fifteen miles of a pure runner's high.  I went into the run knowing fifteen was going to happen one way or another. As opposed to the ugly fourteen that I gutted out last week, these fifteen were awesome.....so awesome that despite the fact that my shorts were quite literally dripping sweat, I finished with a big 'ol grin on my face.

The take away (for me, at least) is persistence.  After three days of pitiful runs, I was pretty down on myself and doubting my abilities.  However, those pitiful runs were key and undoubtedly helped fuel today's run.  Not every day is going to be rainbows and sunshine. That doesn't mean, though, that it's okay to throw in the towel.  Gut it out. The payoff is there and waiting for you, IF you're willing to go after it.  And mannn, that payoff is worth it.