Always learning something new

After my long run Sunday, my feet were still killing me by Tuesday so I decided that I would try something different. I have always heard that the elliptical machine is good cross training for runners so I thought I would see how that went. Wanted to try it before the race to see if there was a difference in running performance.

So Tuesday morning after I dropped my oldest off at school, I dropped my baby girl off in the nursery and went upstairs. I got started and there were times that I struggled but I wasn't about to let myself stop for one of two reasons. Reason #1 I ran 13.1 miles pretty much nonstop except for through the water stations for 2 hours and 43 minutes last year. Surely I can do an hour on this stupid machine. Reason #2 I am not going to quit and let everyone see that I couldn't finish what I started. There was no way I was going to let that happen.

So I kept trucking on for what seemed like the most boring hour I have ever done but it did make a big difference when running Wednesday. I wanted to get in a few miles before heading to church to cook. I was able to get in 3 quick miles but I learned a lot in those 3 quick miles.  Besides learning that I needed a new pair shoes, I was able to push myself further than what I normally do. When I got tired, I just kept making myself think that I was on the elliptical machine and that I knew I could push through this. Which is what I did. Once I got back to the rec center, I was tired but not quite as tired as I would have been. I was proud that I had finally learned a way to push through the fatigue that my legs felt and make myself keep going. I always know that I have it in me to run further and a little faster than what I think I can. That is why when I can't do that, I am always so hard on myself for not doing better.

I honestly can't say that I have ever been so happy of a simple 3 mile run than I was on Wednesday. learned so much just from a few miles. So if you run and struggle with pushing yourself past your comfort zone when your feeling tired, try doing the elliptical machine for a little bit and see if you see a difference. I know I did and if you do, I would love to hear about your experience. I would definitely let you know how my last long run goes and keep you updated on how the half goes. So until next time.