On June 1st I set a goal to run a 6 miler every week of this month.
On June 2nd I ran 2 miles and hung up my running shoes, I just wasn’t feeling it and it didn’t feel right to force it.
After 10 days of not running I was ready to go this morning, so with a heat index of 90 and 70% humidity away I went.
It was the longest run of my life. I stopped to pee, drink water, walk, chat with friends, chat with Tate, admire flowers, admire tomato plants…
In all seriousness, 5.5 miles totally counts as 6 in my book when lacing up your shoes causes you to break a sweat.
Heat index aside, I’m always surprised at how quickly my body gains and loses physical fitness. I’m not talking about shape or weight or muscle, I’m talking endurance and strength. So what that I trotted through a full marathon 2 years ago? 6 miles is still a long distance for these short little legs!
Our bodies are beautifully adaptable to changes and challenges and not-so-beautifully but equally adaptable to times of lethargy. I’ve been far from lethargic the last few weeks but my 5.5 mile running feat was a good reminder that fitness is a journey NOT a destination. And GRACEFULfitness is recognizing where you are on your personal journey, identifying where you want to be, and negotiating that path in ways that respect your body, your mind, and your unique abilities.
I’m off to the airport to pick up a VIP…my sister! She hopped on a redeye last night in Portland, Oregon to come join us Easterners in the heat.
Stay cool my friends.
My motto for years has been “we seek spiritual progress not perfection.” What a great example. It’s hot as hades here, too.
You are wrong.
4 is the new 6!
What was I thinking!? 4 is so the new 6!
And here I was thinking “pilates is the new running….”
That was last month ‘)
I’m with you–my fitness level changes drastically! Last October I ran 8 miles and now I’m tired after 2 miles. The heat is killing me!
“identifying where you want to be, and negotiating that path in ways that respect your body, your mind, and your unique abilities.”
I love this! Our bodies are adaptive & unique & constantly shifting. We should only compete with ourselves & get out of the comparison paradigm or think we have to be “perfect” at all times. We are perfect & complete now. We should push & challenge ourselves but in a way that is about love & appreciation for how amazing our bodies are.
It was still 92 degrees when I left the Trillium office at 5:30, so 2 1/2 hours on and in the river was very refreshing and provided opportunity for a good upper body workout with the kayak paddle. Low water made for a very technical journey.
GAH! It was about 100 when C and I walked home from the gym yesterday at 6pm!