Two Words
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.
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| 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?
Patty Holliday has been running Disney since 2011. She knows just about every tip, trick, and hack there is to cover the runDisney Magical Miles at Disney World and Disneyland. She knows every mile isn’t *always* magical- but with training, tips, and a little bit of pixie dust, they can be a lot of fun! You can also find her at noguiltlife.com and noguiltfangirl.com
I always have to remind myself that the first mile is the hardest. It’s usually the mile where I just feel horrible, don’t wanna be out there, and is not my favorite. I did 10 miles today and have decided that it’ll be my last double digit run before the Princess Half! I’ll do 6 or 8 next week and then I’ll only run a total of 6 the week of the race. It’s hard to believe that it’s almost here!!!
I know! So close! And I usually make myself do 2 miles before I can consider calling it, but man, this shorts thing was plaguing me the whole way. It wasn’t a good thing. But I’m glad I finally got it all done.
YAY… Great news.
Thanks Julie!
I’m glad all is right again!
I’m at total mental case. Especially after coming back from or nursing an injury. I focus so hard on does it feel better, was that a twinge . . . I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve convinced myself something just wasn’t *right* even though I couldn’t figure out what it was.
It’s so hard especially with the injury issue!
YAY – so glad you found your sparkle skirt!! Also, you gave me a great laugh when you mentioned making a purchase mid-run. That is just plain awesome! :0)
As for my mantras, they change every so often – mostly for how I feel during a run. I had a 20-miler this past Saturday and my mantra was really just telling myself I am ‘x’ number of miles away from taper time! That alone kept me pretty motivated – plus, I can usually zone out pretty easily.
Great job on getting that 10-miler done this week!
Well done on your 20!!!
I don’t have a mantra. I really just try to lose myself in my music and take it one mile at a time. I tend to underestimate my abilities and have been shocked when I check my Garmin at how far I’ve really been able to go. Injury is a problem, but I’m as stubborn as they come. I WILL run through it and I WILL get my miles, my body be damned. Luckily, I haven’t done serious bodily harm to myself, but I’ve had to learn to listen to my body and know when enough is enough.
I’m jealous about the sun. We had cold and snow on Friday, it stuck around most of the day Saturday, then it finally cleared up yesterday and today, but the high is still only 36 with more snow on the way tonight.
Good luck getting unpacked in AZ and repacked for the trip to Florida! Have fun and take lots of pictures!!
Thanks Leslie! Sorry we are missing you!
Do the CW-X shorts really help with ITB issues? I’ve had issues for almost a year, and while I am seeing a therapist, I’m also looking at anything gear wise that could help.
Nothing proven that I know of. Just what it feels like for me. When I run long without them, my band flairs up much easier and tightens quickly. Running long in them, I have no issues anymore. They are tight- potty stops are not fun! But it seems to give some extra support for me.
I’m clearly feeling my singlehood at Valentine’s day because I’m finding the pantless lego guy kinda hot!
SNORT!!!!
PHM 2013 was my first and the only thing that got me through some of those moments was looking at my forearm where I had hastily scrawled “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. By the end it was barely legible and sweaty from the many humid miles we ran, but it was there. It’s the one verse that’ continues to inspire me and reminds me that each mile is in His control, not mine. Congrats on getting 10 in on Sunday, that was my last long run too, but I was stuck on the treadmill watching the snow instead!
Amen Erika
You and I must have a different definition of ‘weak.’ In my dictionary, ‘weak’ is not moving several states away, readjusting your life and those of your four young children, while camping with your parents and living out of boxes. You are one tough princess, Patty! Congratulations on those ten miles and I’ll bet all of the other trials and tribulations of this big transition will prove to be great training ground. Thanks for all of your hard work on this blog. Oh yeah, and you’re still keeping up with this blog – how DO you do it all???
Oh Debbie! Thank you! I needed to hear that tonight. You really touched my heart with this comment. <3