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Progress is Patience

One week down...

17 more to go.

My first week of training was good. It was cold, but good. Even though it was early, I was excited to get up for my short runs during the week and was actually looked forward to my long run on Saturday.

But then, as I ran the last stretch of my 6 mile run Saturday, this pesky thought popped into my head. "This should be more; more miles. This should be easier."

I have been watching YouTube videos lately of runners talking about their experience running a marathon and over and over they say that the first 8 miles are the easiest (they say this about the actual marathon, that they have already trained for).

And then, just like that, I'm dissatisfied with that I've done. I quickly ignored my progress that first week and jump to disappointment that it wasn't more.

But I will get there. Not only will I get to 8 miles, but I will pass it and eventually be running 20.

It just takes time and dare I say, patience.

Turns out I suck at patience. I hate waiting and cannot seem to relax until the thing I have been waiting for happens. It's not my best quality. I often obsess over it and day dream about the end result.

But progress is patience. I will get better but it will take time, and if I want to see this improvement then I have to keep at it. I have to be disciplined in my training.

And disciplined is something I have a hard time being. I think this is why I never seem to stick with an exercise plan.

I will really be needing that discipline and patience this week; week 2. I am extremely tired, partly because I am waking up early to run, and I now have a cold. My energy levels are LOW.

Of course, I am also partially to blame for this. I could be going to bed earlier instead of laying in bed watching YouTube videos. I could also stop drinking alcohol all together, which always leaves me feeling worse when I drink it.

I have a feeling this week will be tougher than last, but I suppose that's how it is supposed to work, to see if I am really committed to my goal.

And while that goal is to complete a marathon, it is also to stay present and committed in the progress and the journey, especially since this marathon will only be one day of my life and this training is almost 4 months.





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