4

This is my 4 mile week. I have done it before, but not without stopping.  So here goes!

Running is such a personalized activity.  What works for one will not work for another.  Heck, to have a "good run", I feel like the stars must align in a perfect balance of hydration, rest and nutrition.  But the key component for me sits on top of my shoulders and mocks me...my MIND.  And so when planning out these longer runs, the blockade in my mind has been that it seems like such a long way and terrifies me.  Being such a mind game, I came up with this new outlook (that I remind myself of when I want to stop) to get me farther:

Do not focus on the finish line, focus on the run itself and the fact that you have breath in your lungs, are alive and well enough to do it! Enjoy the moment!

And on that note, I was recently bowled over by the strength of a young Tampa family, the Matthews, at the loss of their second son this year.  Yes, I said SECOND.  The first was lost to complications due to pre-term labor and the second lost his battle with cancer just last week at the age of 3.  Man, I tell you.  How do you find strength to go on?  They are leaning on their Faith and asked for all of us to do the same and to live our lives fully, appreciate and be thankful for our health and our families health.  To love each other, not just our close relationships but on a larger scale (you know, all I want for Christmas is World Peace!)

And so I have have added to my inspiration for finishing this 1/2 marathon:  little Ezra Matthews.  BECAUSE I CAN and he can not.

So I thought about Ezra, thought about my goals for this week and busted out 3.71 in about 37 minutes.  Less about the pace and more about the finish!!  4 miles by weeks end!