Blogging keeps me honest

So I debated over and over again on if I would get out and do my long run today. Part of what made it hard was the weather. I don't like running in cold weather and I suppose no one really does. The thing is that it wasn't that cold but cold enough to make me want to stay in my warm bed.

But seeing as I posted that I would (though it was probably not even read by anyone) I felt I needed to keep to my word. That's a new thing I am really working on by the way; if I tell myself I am going to do something I do it or I try not to say I am going to do it all. I am trying to get out of the habit of lying to myself.

So I got out with my new Nike+IPod and it was great! Nice to hear the distance called out and told when I reached my goal. Today I set my goal for five miles. I ran the five but I was in a bit of dilemma. When the voice came on and told me I was at the half way point I should have turned around and headed back home. Instead I kept running out, further and further away from home. When I reached the five mile goal I was now five miles from home and figured what the heck, I might as well run back. So with each mile over my five mile goal the voice on the IPod said "mile six you are one mile over your goal of five miles." Hearing that did something to me and I didn't stop until I hit ten miles.

This was quite a milestone for me and one that came with a price because I could hardly walk after the run. My left knee was in so much pain it hurt just thinking about it. It's much better now. I had to do it though. I had to push. These runs especially the hard ones are eliminating any tendency I have to give up. Quiting has long since stopped being an option with me which is quite an accomplishment because I generally give up on things pretty easy. I also think that for me running is such a powerful tool to build the virtue of perseverance because I have always had issues with it. I have never enjoyed running so to push through and reach these milestones is nothing short of transforming.

I hope I can get back out by Tuesday, but that depends on how the knee is doing. If not I'll get to the spin class at the gym. Hey, keep my lady friend in your thoughts. She fell in a restaurant and sprained her knee a couple of weeks ago. She wants to get back out and run and can't so she gets down sometimes.

Thanks for reading.

Oh, I'll put up a link on the blog where you can track my training online via Nike+IPod.