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Time to Dig in – 10K Training

So I'm signed up to do the 12th Annual ALS Lou Gehrig's Disease 10K on Saturday, May 11, 2013 in Coconut Grove, Florida. I'm going to walk it. Running is just not in my wheelhouse right now.

Since the 10K is less than two weeks away, I stepped up my training last weekend and lengthened the duration of my endurance walk. I walked 4.5 miles on Sunday. Since I was too lazy to leave the house and take my walk in the cooler early morning hours, I did it in 85 degree weather. Needless to say, I had to stop for water at one point and I was pretty tired and overheated when I got back to my place. At some point during the journey, I didn't think I'd make it. I had visions of being found laid out by the side of the road, wearing my new searing day glo acid pink tank top, matching sneakers and black Bermuda shorts. I normally am a very conservative dresser. Reknown for wearing black and navy Jones New York suits, I like to fade into the background and not make too many waves. Apparently, I've gravitated to the opposite end of the spectrum with respect to my workout clothes, shoes and equipment, opting for gear that fairly screams “Look at me!”

My lack of stamina is a slight problem since I struggled to walk 4.5 miles and a 10K is 6.2 miles. Strangely enough though, once I got over the initial feeling of wanting to die, walking started to become easier. Maybe I fell into a good rhythm or found my second wind. Maybe the music got better on my I-Pod or the scenery more interesting. Whatever the reason, I started rocking right along until I became unbearably thirsty and had to stop at a Walgreen's for a bottle of water. I bought some makeup removal cloths too since I was there. But I digress.

The closer I got to home, the more I struggled to keep going. I wondered whether I'd be able to do the full 6.2 miles in 12 days and, more importantly, within the race time parameters.

They say that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. When I was so tired I just wanted to lay down, I grit my teeth, reached into my reserves and concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. Next thing you know, I was home.

Right now, I'm having a hard time envisioning walking for 13.1 miles in September. Hell, I'm having a hard time envisioning completing the 10K on May 11th. But I know two things: (1) I've never let fear or a few obstacles stop me from trying to achieve whatever goal I've set for myself and I'll be damned if I'll start now, and (2) I'll find the strength to tough it out and finish the race. I always do.

It's time to dig in and find out what you're made of. Is there a dream you've been putting off for a long time? Does the road get so tough or have so many obstacles you just want to give up? These challenges are just opportunities for us to dig in, reach into those reserves and find out what we're made of. Take advantage of them. You'll be glad you did.

Peace.