Winners Don't Quit & Quitters Don't Win

When I heard this earlier it really struck me...it actually made me realize that that had been my way of living for the last couple of weeks of me fighting my allergies/sinus issues. Now I have words to put with my status. If you think about it, there is absolutely nothing to relegate to the fact that you must win "some thing" in order to consider yourself a winner. This is absolutely bogus! Winning in and of itself is not giving in or quitting! Look at the many people who are in wheelchairs, disabled or overweight that never quits. This actually holds a deeper meaning than what's on the surface. Yep, I'm saying...it's what's in the heart.

I am not a walker and when I have to walk some, it is the hardest thing in the world for me to do. I'm just not a "happy camper" doing this. But I'm also in a learning curve with my running. With that in mind, here are a few things I'm learning:

1. Walking is helping me become a better runner
2. I can break up a run if I am struggling
3. Break out of a "have to" mindset
4. Be creative in workouts and/or runs to ward off boredom
5. No one is watching nor probably cares
6. I don't HAVE to run hard every time
7. Find a balance with health and fitness
8. Stop being so hard on myself (this is a lifelong challenge!)
9. I don't have to PR on every run or race
10. When discouraging days hit, either watch a program that encourages me (Biggest Loser) or remove myself completely from the "pressure" of running by taking a rest day

I'm glad that I am a learner. I'm glad that though I may get discourage off and on that I know deep down that I will come out of it and overcome. I'm glad that I'm always subconsciously finding ways to break out of "the norm", improve or alter my running. In the past, I've always done the same thing. I'm learning that it's good to NOT go by my watch on every run. I'm still struggling with this one because I'm always wanting to see my pace and if I've improved. Pace may not be something that needs working on in every run. Strength and power, mentally AND physically, is the best way to run. It will help ward off and prevent injuries.

For the last couple of weeks, I've really been struggling with my allergies which have caused a LOT of headaches. This week, though they weren't as bad, they rose to the occasion every time I ran. The movement of my body when I ran caused them to re-surface. Though I had to do a little walking in my workouts, I didn't give up but did whatever it took to pull a run out of my hat. For once, I'm beginning to feel like I'm successful and not defeated just getting a run eked out. It's okay! It's better than nothing and I'm learning to accept that. Doing anything on days that I'm in a slump is better than doing nothing at all! This is why this post is titled as it is. Even if I am unable to accomplish something, I know it's just temporary and to start looking for bigger and better things around the corner.

I'm getting so stoked to start running distance again. I'm trying to watch my weight again and with those two things, success is beginning to woo me. Oh, how I love this! I've re-focused and am previewing different programs to get me on the ball to a better running season.

Afternoon shadows on the ground are beginning to look like fall and it won't be long before the temps begin to follow suit. Until next week, remember: "Winners don't quit and quitters don't win!"

Run 4 It

You Are Unique!

Yes, YOU are! I'm learning more and more how much we tend to classify each other in groups. I am the worst at this; it just comes natural to most everyone. Before you even realize it, you'll see someone all giddy to go shopping and immediately you think "she's a shopper". But I think because I don't fit in some people's idea of what I "should" be I tend to talk to myself telling me that I should "do this or that" or "be this or be that" in order to be accepted. Remember I said, I do this to me! For example: singers, runners, campers, social status, parents, students, etc., etc. And each one has a definition which places you in that group. Some people wear more "hats" than others. But this week the definition seems to carry with it a more personal venue. Even within each grouping there is more segmentation. As with running, you can be a recreational runner or one who takes it more seriously. You could care less about your time and not even wear a watch or you can monitor every second and distance you run. You could be 10 years old or may have just started at 60. There's no limits with running. You do what YOU can do. Even within the group that considers themselves serious, there are short distance runners, marathoners, triathletes, ironmen, trail runners, etc., etc. The list goes on and on; and the more people get into running, I believe, the more different kinds of running you'll begin to see.

Regardless of how much I run (miles per week/day), when I run (morning/afternoon) or where I run (streets/treadmill), I AM A RUNNER! I've found running is like an iceberg, most seeing the tip above the water line. On the surface, they see a person dressed in workout clothes, running shoes and with "special" watches sometimes with someone or maybe even alone. But when you look closely there's so much more to the iceberg lying quietly below the surface of the water. It's strong and powerful and something to be reckoned with or avoided at all costs. This "thing" demands respect. And that's what they don't see that makes up a runner.

This week was quite a tough one for me. I have been battling my allergies so much this year; more than the last many years put together. I'm constantly fighting severe headaches which have been putting me to bed for hours at a time. But mentally, I'm wanting so bad to get out and run. My body does not understand why I'm giving in to this. I'm NOT...it's the present issue that takes precedence and there's been no choice here. As a runner, I'm going to count this as a form of injury, take care of it, and get out as soon as I can do so comfortably.

Running last week was difficult at best because of this, as well as the high heat and humidity levels in our area. Most of the days temps got 105-106 on our porch "in the shade"...that's some tough nuggies. Lord knows what the heat index was! I'm not sure I actually ran a mile consistently the whole week; it was more of a run/walk no matter how hard I tried, struggling to breathe most of the time. I've said several times I was going to relegate my running to the treadmill but I want to be outside so bad. And, like the iceberg, there's more to it than what you "see". I'm HUNGRY for some distance running! Wanting to run another marathon, training has got to be around the corner soon. Thankfully, I have at least one half marathon on the books in November and hoping to get in another before the end of the year. I love running and can hardly wait to get out again.

Kent and I had planned on a 5k this past weekend even making the trip to do so. But it wasn't long before I was confined inside AGAIN...in a lot of pain and in the bed! Of course, drugged as much as possible. Folks, it has been years since I've experienced this and I'm not handling this well at all! I decided I would offer to help Leonard in any way I could at the race, Kent would racewalk and I'd take a bunch of pictures for a race report. When we got up, Kent went outside and not feeling up to par either, decided he would not attempt to do this one. We ARE here...and can't do this! Now, this is frustrating. As it turned out, it was the best decision not to go. My headache got worse and worse and I spent the entire day in bed sleeping getting up only to eat a sandwich for supper and back to bed again. This is NOT the ideal trip. All I can say is I can hardly wait for it to get cooler. Allergies are better and we feel so much better.

I am so proud of all of my friends that ran in the 5k!! Ya'll are amazing! Though times may not have been what you would have liked it to be, my hat's off to you for doing your best. I really wanted to write a race report but not being there cancelled that. Iceberg Note: Some people are made to run in any type of weather. I will cheer you on even if it's on the sidelines or online! You are never alone. You are heroes! Though I may not be seen in the summer (like the bottom of an iceberg), it's okay to be who I am. There's more to me than meets the eye.

First things first: I will focus on losing 10-15 pounds...again! Second, I'll focus on treadmill running with regular workouts of weights, strength and core. I have taken for granted how hard I worked to get my body in the shape it was intended to be in and now I'm having to deal with this issue instead of focusing on my running totally. This is necessary if I want to run well and feel good again.

Now I leave you with this: Be the best YOU can be...there's only ONE you. And, yes, I AM A RUNNER cause there's more to this iceberg than you can see!!