Two Words

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One of the items on my to-do list yesterday was a 10 mile run.  For those keeping score, this is my last long run before the Princess Half Marathon.  Oh, and for the record, it’s my longest run since Tinker Bell as well.  Seriously, y’all, don’t move during race season. 

I had two words running through my head for most of the run.  They had different meanings for me though- at first it was a plea to myself to end the suffering, and the second time they became a command.  I’ll explain this in a moment.

First- a quick update since I keep getting asked about this:

My pants… still not found.

Where are my pants?

But I did find some of my Sparkle Closet- including my much needed CW-X compression shorts. 

As I was getting dressed to go out for the 10 miler, I discovered to my horror that many of my usual racecation weekend items were missing.  Most notably the CW-X compression shorts that help my ITB issues.  I have 2 pairs, and I swore I packed them back into my suitcase after Tinker Bell laundry palooza to make sure I had it all ready for Princess.  Nope.  I did not.

One thing I will readily admit about my running is that it’s a mental challenge for me.  I’m the person that can start a run feeling great- but if any tiny ache starts up… the whole race is shot.  I can’t get over the one small thing that’s wrong and I fixate.  This means any issue (small or large) becomes a mental hurdle for me to get over.  If you’ve run with me, you know what I’m talking about.  Friendly distraction goes a long way, but there often becomes a point where I’m just lost to my head.  It’s not pretty. 

I’m weak and I know it.

It’s my Number One focus this year.  If I can shut down my head, then I know I can push my body.   Living with a former Army Ranger has it’s advantages: I’ve seen exactly what the body is able to do once the mind decides it’s going to happen.  He’s proof that being mentally tough is a bigger asset than physical qualities you might possess.  I saw him outrun, out-lift, out-climb, and out-shoot guys physically bigger and supposedly stronger than him.  He’s pretty much a bad ass.

Mr. Shenanigans loves this skit.  Yesterday he sent me out the door with the following reminder:

 

 

S-t-o-p new word I-t.  Two words. 

I tried.  But about 2 miles into the run I had to quit running because I was already giving up on myself.  I was saying Stop It… over and over again.  As in, stop this stupid run.  Pleeeasseee Shenanigans, just stop it.  I started walking more and more, and walking slowly.  I just wanted to stop it.

Everything was a problem.  It was hot (I waited until too late to get moving).  It was sooo bright (the Arizona desert sun is no joke, y’all).  But the biggest problem was the fact that I wasn’t wearing my compression shorts and I could just feeeeeellllll my IT band tighten up.  Probably not really, but it was all I could think about at that time.  I had to figure something out because this really was my only shot at a long run this week. 

My solution?  I pulled out my trusty iPhone and placed an order.  I know I’ve said it before, but Al Gore, thank you for the internet.

Yes, I shopped mid-run.

 

BOOM.  Done.  I was still worried and sad about my lack of Sparkle Skirts, but that could be corrected (if I really really needed to) at the expo.  This, however, could not.  It just had to be done.

Once I placed the order, my head cleared.  I had STOPPED IT.  I finished with 10 miles yesterday under my belt.

This morning I was determined to tackle the storage shed and find my race clothes.  Huzahh!  Sparkle Closet found- along with both pairs of my CW-X shorts.   I’m a happy Shenanigans again.

 

Sometimes you just have to Stop It. 

Are you a running mental case like me?  Do you have a mantra that gets you through the miles?

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