What glorious gorgeous weekend weather we had here in Baltimore! I hope Spring is making its way to your neck of the woods as well. The sun, the blooming trees and the first smells of cut grass were all welcome sights and scents this weekend.
I got in my last double-digit run yesterday. I was actually supposed to get to it Saturday but I was feeling kind of run down, so I moved it to Sunday. Even so, it was still a bit of a struggle.
It was a beautiful sunny day, but it was the warmest weather I had run in so far this year, and I got pretty dehydrated. I am not the best at keeping up with my water consumption, especially in the winter. I have to remind myself to drink more now that the weather is getting warmer. I felt thirsty and a bit nauseous throughout this run and ended up with salt all over my body by the time I was done. I was going to take a picture but I figured that would gross you out! Ha I gulped down a bunch of Gatorade when I got home and started to feel a little better. And then I ran to Target in my salty, sweaty state. So attractive. Just some more fuel for the #whyI'mstillsingle argument.
The course I run around my place in Baltimore is fairly hilly, and I wanted to share with you how I approach hills.
When I'm running, the hills always seem easier to tackle if I focus on the steps right in front of me, instead of looking up ahead to the top of the hill. It's often too intimidating to look ahead and see how far and high I have to go. I almost feel defeated before I even begin. But if I just focus on putting one foot in front of the other, before you know it I've reached the summit!
I think this mindset can be really helpful and applicable to many of life's challenges. Whether pursuing an educational goal, climbing the corporate ladder, trying to lose weight, or raising a family, the big goal can often feel out of reach. But if you just focus on taking small steps, little by little, you'll get there. As much as we want to sometimes, there is no fast forward in life. We can't skip steps, take one giant leap, and be where we want to be. We have to trust that the hard work and the little steps we're putting in will get us there. And they always do.
Keep on truckin' everyone! I believe in you :)
Do you look ahead when you're climbing hills or focus on what's right in front of you?
How was your weekend running?
Congratulations on your training! I focus on one foot in front of the other. But then I keep glancing backward to remind myself of how far I have come. :-) Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly! Aww, that is actually such a good perspective! I never turn around to see how far I've come. Time to start giving myself some credit!
DeleteWe were in DC this weekend, and the weather was AMAZING. I left somewhat sunburned, but it was worth it to feel the sun :)
ReplyDeleteAnd what a sunset!
I got a little sunburned on my run outside last weekend too. But it did feel glorious!!
DeleteI definitely try to focus on the right in front of me with hills. With marathons, with everything. Otherwise, you get overwhelmed, you get sloppy, and you end up getting in over your head--either getting behind or going out too quickly. Perspective, I've learned, is just about everything.
ReplyDeleteSo true Susie! If only I could focus on the present in every situation in life, not just running hills!
DeleteI literally have to look down on hills. Just look at my feet and the next few steps. I can't focus on the rest of the hill ahead or I'll mentally give up.
ReplyDeleteIt was gorgeous this weekend! Pulled out the sandals and love it.
Same here Larissa! I feel discouraged when I look up.
DeleteAnd I think Spring is finally here to stay! This delights me to no end.
Oh, you're inspiring me here! I used to run, but haven't in so long, but want to get back into it. Great post- looking forward to reading of your progress.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Stephie! The good weather will make getting back into a running routine so enticing!
DeleteGood tip! I think that definitely helped me get up the last hill during Cherry Blossom. I also tried to distract myself from the pain by thinking of the nice downhill to the finish following the climb..
ReplyDeleteAh yes! I agree Jenny. Thinking about coasting on the way down is also such a good incentive!
DeleteThere's a bitch of a hill on my path and I hate it! But, I do the same as you, one step at a time, no looking up!
ReplyDeleteJen@jpabstfitness
Yes! Just keep going and before you know it, you're there!
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