Challenge Yourself

Before I get into the main point of this post, I just want to say that today I return to my alma mater for homecoming festivities. This is my 2nd year out of school and my first time going back. Now that my friends and I have dispersed throughout the state, country, and even world, I cannot WAIT to see these peeps!

That is all.

And now a bit about my self-inflicted personal challenge…

My plan: Increase my long run by one mile each week, also increasing my weekly mileage by one mile.

**Edited to add: My plan was updated here.

Why? I am capable and feel like I might as well challenge myself. Plus, I want to run a marathon someday. This is like a slow training for it!

My progress: It’s week 4 in my little plan. This week I have reached 12 miles on my long run and will be at 24 miles at the end of the week.

What I’ve learned so far: I am so much stronger than I think…

This baby step of 1 mile each week has turned into amazing progress that has been strengthening me mentally. The runs are always extremely difficult, and at several points I think about how wonderful it would be to stop. Then I remember to put mind over matter and carry on, despite how tired I am, because I know deep down I can do it.

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It’s basically just that. I don’t let myself stop just because I’m tired. I stop because I have reached my goal and am done. At the end of my 12 miles this week, my body was a bit pained from all the soreness and lactic acid filling my legs, but I felt proud that I powered through. I always use various ways to overcome the mental struggles of running because that’s the hardest part in my opinion. Each week is a new challenge, and after the runs I feel that much stronger for making myself finish.

Overall, I want this challenge to keep me mentally strong and disciplined. The capability of running a potential future marathon is just a major perk that keeps the challenge interesting. Looking back at where I used to be compared to where I am at the present quite wonderful, I must say.

Be proud of yourself for what you accomplish. Push yourself to learn what you are capable of. There’s a good chance you’ll surprise yourself and be the amazing person you once wished to be.

How have you been challenging yourself?

What’s a major goal of yours?

Marathon!