Hill repeats (12.29.09)
I did these on my parent’s treadmill this morning; mainly because they don’t have much of a hill near them. This week I added an extra 2 min. repeat bringing the grand total to 9 2min. repeats sandwiched by 2omin. warm up and cool down. This was a much different workout than I’ve been used to because each repeat was completely uphill. All my hill repeats to this point have been on overpasses with 1min. uphill and 1min. downhill.
On an honest level, I’ve been struggling as of late with negative thoughts. The sheer challenge of this adventure is so beyond anything I’ve ever done, and this week it’s been hard to stay positive about it. My buddy even called me on it this last week when I started to say things like, “If I finish this race…” That’s no way to think about a race like this. But, those doubts have crept into my mind. I must stay focused on the training, and trust the training (along with God to keep me healthy). I’ve not had a problem with the training so far. I just need to make sure I keep getting the rest I need and continue eating the right type of foods (as I type someone is on their way to deliver Taco Bell to me, the last treat for myself in 2009).
The good news is that my mind doesn’t stay in the negative long. Soon it travels to all the kids and families that will benefit from these efforts, and suddenly the race fades into nothing. Who knew that someone could change the lives of so many through something so simple as running a race? What a powerful thought, to contemplate how eternity and the world could be changed through our efforts and through those of you who will join us on this epic quest!
So, I leave you with my new mantra: Run hard and run well!