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Progress.

I'm 6 weeks into training for 2 half marathons and a rather large cycling adventure in 2018. It's been tough, as expected, these first few weeks. I've been getting into the groove of training my body to be fit again while also working on my self talk. I'm drinking less. And eating more! My nights are early. And my mornings are filled with gorgeous sunrises!

Overall, it's been good. I've been proud because I haven't be able to do this or anything that requires much of a commitment for YEARS. After 3+ years of uncertainty and change and turmoil, I wasn't sure if I'd ever find steady feet again...

6 weeks ago, I couldn't run a mile straight without stopping and the thought of having to get up when it was still dark out made me want to punch myself in the face. Last Saturday morning I ran 2 miles straight on a treadmill after getting up at 6am in 18 degree weather. In some peoples' worlds, that isn't anything and I get that. However, it was a milestone for me that was a big deal and I celebrated it. Progress is progress, y'all.

The awesome feelings aren't always there, either. There have been workouts that feel awful. Moments where everything hurts and I'm not performing as I feel I should be. Then that nasty self talk starts to creep in. The, "you suck at this", "you're so slow", "there is no way you will be able to do this shit next year", thoughts start to creep in. Turns out, I'm a really big bitch to myself. It's hard to turn those thoughts around sometimes, but I do my best to focus on the fact that I'm out there and that I'm moving forward. That, I have a feeling, will continue to be the worst part of this process, but I'm working on it. More progress!

When things get really hard and start to hurt and when I don't want to get out of my warm bed in the morning, this picture pops up in my thoughts and all of a sudden, things aren't all that bad.



This process isn't easy physically or mentally, but I've got this guy to answer to come next August and I will not let him down.

 Thank you for pushing me forward, Noah. 

https://www.crowdrise.com/helen-and-noahs-big-cycling-adventure/fundraiser/helengardner
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Comments

  1. WakegoddessDecember 27, 2017 at 5:52 PM

    You are doing amazing!! Your commitment inspires me to get my workouts done daily!! Love, Your Coach!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HelenDecember 28, 2017 at 9:17 AM

      Thank you, thank you for your support through all of this!!!

      Delete

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