Line In the Sand

I think we all have one. It is a point you reach when you cannot continue doing something any longer.

Lines in the sand dictate often many things in our lives. You may think of it as a breaking point, tipping point whatever but it's all the same.

(photo credit)

I think also another factor that plays in is being stubborn. I feel like people who are more stubborn have more solid lines that they do not be allowed to be broken. An easy going person may have a dotted line, a more rigid one may have a double line.

Do you know what your line looks like?

I have learned a lot about myself on this journey. One of the main things I have learned is that my line is solid. I am not stubborn but I am firm. I am confident that when I make a decision I have done so with much thought and care. I have considered all outcomes and settled upon the best possible decision for myself and my daughter.

The line I have drawn currently is the same.

I cannot break up my line. It is solid. I think I am ok with that.

The only problem is other people, will they be ok with it too?

The new me, has to stop worrying about what others think though. I have to worry about myself and what my heart tells me to do. The heart, it is such a fickle fickle being. Mine wavers between broken and happy sometimes.

But, a few months ago I did make a decision. I set a line in my head for the limit I would allow for things to go for myself. I have to stick to that line. Even if it hurts to let go.

My First Marathon Of The Fall

What a weekend!

So my training plan called for 5 miles on Saturday and 24 on Sunday. It was peak week! I had run 10 miles Tuesday, 5 on Wednesday and had some shin splints so only got in 2 on Thursday but also did another 3 on Friday. I snuck in an elliptical workout on Thursday to make up for it too. I strength trained for 3 days during the week as well. Needless to say, by the time the weekend came, I was well into a settled tired groove :)

But I headed out Sunday morning for my long run with an extra little pep in my step. It was the weather. For the first time all summer it really felt like summer was leaving and fall was coming. It was a parting of the summer for me, and I had to say goodbye in style.

So as I set out at my new favorite path to run on, the Lexington/Bedford bike path, I started to think about how good it felt. I was chilly in my tank top and moving comfort compression shorts. I have not felt that cool morning chill in so long! I really took a moment to breath in the cool air and welcome the relief from all the heat and humidity we have had the last week weekends.

The first few miles of my run were a little rough. I had a hard time really sinking into a good groove. This seems to be a reoccurring problem for me as of late, I often do not feel great on shorter runs. It really takes me 5-6 miles to feel good. Sunday was no different. But what happened, and what seems to usually happen, is I feel great by mile 6-7.

I was cruising by mile 7 and settled into a nice solid 8:30ish pace. I started to think about my upcoming 50 mile race and how I would have to learn how to run through many mental road blocks. The more the miles ticked away, the stronger I felt. By mile 10 I had decided that I would run 26.2 miles just because I was coming so close, I might as well turn 24 into a full out marathon.

What the hell makes someone who has to run 24 miles run a little extra?

I wondered that as I set out on my second loop and settled into a comfortable 8ish minute per mile pace. At that moment I realized something, I am an ultra runner at heart. Distance running just makes me happy. I was smiling during my whole run. I could not believe how good I felt.

26.2 miles.

31.2 miles for the weekend. If that does not say happy ultra runner I do not know what would hehe

53 days until my next big challenge: My first 50 mile ultra run. I must admit, I am nervous, but also excited to see how my body will handle it.

I live for the long run, it is my time to relax and be alone with my thoughts. As the miles tick away I really enjoy the peace and beauty of mother nature.