One of the reasons I like running with others, is they often know routes! Sad, but true. They have taken the time to figure out a running route, and the distance of said route. I don't even have to think, just follow.
Today I ran on my own. I have several routes that I do regularly, and I know the distance (because I used my Garmin). These are routes I run regularly when I need anywhere from 4-8 miles. For longer runs, I try to just tack onto the tried and true routes by estimating.
Remember. I am distance/directionally challenged. This is not my best idea.
I really wanted to run 8 miles today, but didn't want to run my usual two loops (same loop, 2x - kind of boring). So, I figured I would run part of a normal route, and part of another route, and that the two together would be 8 miles. Perfect!
I set off after work by myself, and found a great groove for the first six miles. By mile 6, however, I realized that this new route was going to be more than 8 miles. . .how much more? Well, with my keen sense of distance and direction, I figured maybe 8.5-9 miles. This would be my longest run in over a month. I felt overwhelmed.
Yet, once out on the road, there are no "take-backs". I can't just stop at Mile 8 and say, "I'm all done." I have to get back to my car. I have to keep going.
This made me think, as I have often recently, about my wonderful step-sister. She is a few months older than I am, and she just had her first baby a little over a week ago. So I was thinking about labor and delivery. I remember, with my first son, when my water broke, thinking, "Oh crap. I have to do this. I can't stop this, and this kid is going to come out very soon." It was overwhelming, especially for someone who likes to be in control.
My stepsister used to be a midwife. I found myself wondering how her recent labor and delivery experience was in relation to how she thought it would be in her mind. I know, on my end, it was very long. My father had texted me early on a Tuesday morning to let me know that she was in labor, and that the baby would probably have arrived around noon that day.
Starting at noon, I began texting my Dad for updates - too often. At one point in the late afternoon, we finally spoke, and he said, "It's not rocket science. This kid is going to come out sooner than later." He was right. My sister was on the path. She was at Mile 8, and she had to finish. . .there was no "if", only when.
I'm thinking about all this, as I hit Mile 8 in my run, and keep going. I don't feel well, my stomach is upset, and I just want to stop, but I can't. I need to get back to my car. I've had these feelings before with running. More often than not, on a long, exhausting run, a few miles before I am supposed to be done - I want to be finished.
Yet, when I actually finish, whether 1 mile later or 5 miles later - I always feel amazing. Whether this happens in a regular run, or a race, I always feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. I did it.
This particular day, as I crawled to my car, finishing up at Mile 10, on what was supposed to be an 8 mile run, I was able to celebrate with a chocolate bar, given to me that day by a fellow running friend. What a great way to end my run.
My stepsister did it. Early the next morning, my little nephew was born, at home, as my stepsister wished. I wonder if she felt an amazing sense of accomplishment? Despite the exhaustion I am sure she felt, was the feeling of Wonder Woman flowing through her veins? It was a long labor and delivery. I am sure there were times she wanted to reevaluate her initial birth plan - change the route - but she had support, she finished strong. I think her end result is absolutely amazing. . .
Photo Credits: Lizzie Easton-Montes
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