What I've Learned

Well, the Runner's World summer run streak is coming to a close. It's crazy how daunting the streak seemed in the beginning, and now how short it seems in retrospect.

39 days of constant running (37 at the time I write this) has taught me more than a couple lessons. Lessons about running, lessons about stamina, lessons about perseverance, and lessons about myself.

I was uncertain how much pressure I could put on myself during this streak. I was afraid if I risked injury, I wouldn't be able to begin marathon training in July. (OMG that's this month, guys!) I was afraid if I pushed too hard or too far, I wouldn't be able to make it without a rest day.

Every. Single. Day. BOOM!

But after the first two weeks of keeping my mileage laughably low, I realized that a single mile can be a rest day. I wouldn't plan to never take a rest day during regular running/training, but on a streak like this, I found an easy mile or two after pushing myself was just what my legs needed.

I realized I'm stronger than I think. I learned that I can transcend discomfort and pain - like during the week I was dealing with shin splints before they miraculously went away - and go beyond my goal. I was ready to call it quits there, and I'm so glad I chose to keep going.

I learned I could set my goal for 3 miles and then tack on one or two more if I was careful about my pace early on.

Negative splits and an additional mile? I feel like a beast!

I learned that there is a place in this world for treadmills.

I learned that focusing on short distances for awhile can drastically improve your pace...I can now run a mile well under 9 minutes without even feeling like I'm working for it; before the streak, that was unheard of.

I learned (or relearned) that working out consistently makes me sweat like a bear. It's downright embarrassing.

Mm, nose sweat!

I learned that I have a huge group of friends - runners and non-runners alike - who are willing to cheer me on, put up with daily facebook posts, and generally pet my ego when I need it.

I learned that when I set a goal and don't want to miss it, I'll do anything, including running at nearly midnight or running through a torrential Florida downpour, lightning included.

After a full day in the airport/on planes, people!

Speaking of, I learned that a good spouse will run with you at 10pm in the pouring rain, even though he's not a runner, just because he loves you.

I learned that refrigerated towels are a luxury I don't want to live without.

This is so glorious, it needs a new word to describe it.

I learned the importance of cross-training, personal accountability, walking-the-walk, and keeping promises you make to yourself.

Mostly, I learned that the limits I've set on myself in the past were simply abstract creations that I put in my own way. If I want something, I can achieve it. Will this lesson stick with me? It's hard to say; some days you feel like Superman (or Superwoman) and can run a fast four miles without a thought, and others even two miles seems daunting.

But the more times you force yourself to face the daunting reality of...whatever...the more successful you'll become. There were days when I was too sore/too hot/too tired to do much more than a mile, but I went anyway and always felt better afterward. Eventually, you remember that, and your current discomfort makes you crave a run even more.

This may be my new mantra.

The challenging runs taught me more than anything else, because I conquered them. I finished them victoriously. The harder a run felt, the more likely I was to add some distance at the end of it, even if just to prove to myself that I am stronger than the whiny voice in my head.

We learn something from the hard runs. Life is a freaking classroom, people. I couldn't plan a lesson as flawless as this run streak.

And now, with the streak due to end in two days, I find the most valuable gift this streak has given to me was a renewed sense of belonging. I am a runner. I belong here. And I feel confident and ready to tackle marathon training. This challenge set me up perfectly to take on the next.

And when in doubt, I can now look back on countless difficult runs during these 39 days alone and think, "Hell, I can do it. I can do anything."

What have you accomplished that you never thought you could?
What has running taught you?
What is the craziest weather you've ever run in?

*If you didn't click the link for Remy's "So I Went for a Run", do it. It's so heart-wrenching and inspiring. Here it is again.

ABK