The Things that Stick

Isn't it funny the things that stay with you, that motivate you? Last winter, when Kyle and I went dog-sledding up in Ely, MN, we had the awesome opportunity of meeting explorer Paul Schurke and to hear him talk about his experiences. (I also got to beat Paul, the other guides, and Kyle at bowling one night when I bowled an astoundingly good game, considering I usually don't bowl unless there's tequila involved.) Paul was co-leader along with Will Steger of the team that went to the North Pole, among other things. Anyway, ever since that trip, whenever I am cold or facing some arduous task, I think of Paul and say, "This is NOTHING compared to what Paul went through." I don't know why, but somehow it works for me. For instance, this winter I have been much more willing to face extremely cold temperatures than ever before, taking the dogs out for walks when it was 20 or 30 degrees below.

That quote from Lance Armstrong that Kyle read to me the other night, "Pain is temporary; quitting is forever," seems to be one of those things. Today I ran six times around my block - or "my track" as I call it. Our block is exactly 1/2 mile around. I think it was my best run ever, mainly because that quote kept me going. I knew that the tiredness I was feeling would pass quickly after being done, but if I stopped or walked, that was going to bother me at least all day. After running the 3 miles, I grabbed Henry and walked around the block once more as a cool down. The whole process took me 45 minutes, which isn't great, but feels pretty good to me!

My hope is to eventually be able to run with Henry, but the other day when I tried it, he went too fast for me and tired me out too quickly. I'd also love to be able to run with the best doggie ever Hannah, but her running days are past, I'm afraid.

I doubt I'll write about every single running experience I have (to your great relief, I'm sure), but it's still all so new to me - I'm filled with enthusiasm!