It's "Between the Ears"

I've been sidelined from running again and am back in physical therapy.  It's frustrating.  For several reasons.  Running felt good, and I was feeling really strong.  It felt easy & fun, I was running fast (for me anyway!); and I looked forward to that time each day, either alone or with friends.  It's also frustrating because I WANT to run this marathon.  It's frustrating, but here's the thing:  I know I will run it and I know I will run well.  Being a runner requires a certain mental toughness.  That doesn't mean run through ALL pain; it means be tough, be smart, and be strong.  Not just in running, but in all things you must do in order to make it to the starting line.

Many people say "oh you're injured (again), maybe you're not meant to run a marathon".  As a runner, I've never thought of it that way.  There is a reason for the injury and I need to work on it.  Most likely building strength in the little muscles non-runners never know that they use everyday.  But the injury also provides an OPPORTUNITY to build on that mental toughness.  This is a fork in the road:  one path is to let the injury get me down & then struggle to return from it; the other path is to increase cross training, work on muscle strength, and fight the inevitable mental battle.  I'm choosing the "other path" and it is not easy for me.  Riding a stationary bike for 90 minutes makes me want to cry.  I don't bike.  But for every single one of those 90 minutes last Saturday, I told myself "I can do this.  I need to do this.  This is where I want to be.  It will make me stronger."  I finished the 90 minutes, and even though I felt like I needed one of those donut things to sit on for the rest of the weekend, I got back on the bike last night for another 45 minutes.  I didn't even mind it so much this time.  The next test comes tonight when I put on my swimming suit (and I'm not talking about the cutesy little bikini for heading to the beach!) and buoyancy belt and head to the pool for water running.  Later this week, I'll tackle something equally as dreadful to me as riding a stationary bike - swimming laps.  Funny thing is, by the time I get to the starting line of the marathon, I will probably enjoy biking and swimming!  Or at least have a solid appreciation for it.

I run because it forces me to call on my mental toughness; it builds on that mental toughness and makes me stronger.  That is amazingly powerful.  It reminds me again and again of the power of the mind and all that I can accomplish IF I CHOOSE IT.  Everyday in life we are faced with challenges that require mental toughness over all else.  Running prepares me for those challenges.

One of the inspirational people in my running world sent me a message last week that reminded me that most of it is "between the ears".  She's right.  And when the time comes, I'm going to win that mental battle!