I had this great expectation with running. A couple actually.
First, I thought once I popped Hunter out I’d instantly feel light and running would be a breeze again.
Negative.
Second, I figured since I did well running with a jogging stroller, once I ran just by myself I’d feel light, fast and zoom on by.
Nope.
Here’s a look at my run with the jogging stroller. I knocked out 4 miles in 38:04 with an average mile pace of 9:31. I felt challenged during the run, but also really enjoyed it. My mile splits (almost) all kept getting faster as I went along. I ran in the morning and the temp was around 70 degrees if I remember correctly.
Here’s a look at my run yesterday. No jogging stroller, just myself. I covered 3.56 miles in 37:26 with an average pace of 10:31. I ran in the afternoon almost 2 hours after eating lunch. The temp was 77 degrees.
The opposite of what I expected happen. The run was harder and slower! Granted I ran when it was hotter, I didn’t have water with me (although I stopped at a water fountain) and I ran in the afternoon with more food in my stomach.
The whole run felt so much more challenging, but not fun challenging. Sometimes when a run is tough I’ll notice I’m running much faster than I thought. That’s a reason for it to feel tough! This time I was just having a bad run. All I wanted to do was stop. I ended up walked a block, then told myself I could make it the last half mile home without stopping. Hardest half mile ever. All I wanted was to be done. When I finally made it, I was just drained. It was crazy!
Pushing past expectations
One thing yesterday’s run did was not discourage me. It made me want to work harder! The run really did suck, but working through a hard run makes the next one better.
I shouldn’t have expected it to come so easily. I know if you want something, you’ve got to put the effort in and work for it. I want to be a stronger runner, so I’m going to keep working at it.
Not giving in and stopping when it gets tough.
Not thinking it will come easy.
Not making excuses.
Time to work for what I want! Feel great running, challenge myself and become a stronger runner again.
How do you push past your own expectations and challenges? Fitness relates or not.
Heather
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Why is it always harder than we expect? Runs always seem to fall in the “good” or “bad” categories. Never in the “normal”. Just chalk it up to a learning experience- maybe the next one will be fantastic!
I’m hoping so!
I think sometimes I run faster with the jogging stroller because I don’t want Kay to get annoyed with being in there 🙂 Great post- keep pushing gfriend
Haha good point!
Hang in there! I did a tough hill work out yesterday with the BOB, baby and 12 lb dog in tow. Had to call it quits at 3 instead of my planned 4. I was feeling light headed and probably didnt drink enough with the breast feeding and all. I was so bummed and disappointed in myself. Pre-baby I’d have pushed through but then I realized me I had to think about more than myself these days. I’m trying to cut myself some slack too. Good for you for consistently getting out there!
I totally hear ya on the considering someone else too! Nice work listening to your body 🙂
I know this is bad but sometimes I compare myself to somebody else and I think “if they can do it than I can” or even compare myself to myself “if I did it once I can do it again and I can do it better”
I totally compare myself to things I’ve done before too! Bad habit since every day is different.
Looks like you’re making some great fitness progress! Congrats!
Yep. I’ve been there. I’m glad it didn’t discourage you, though. That’s important!