I’m Proud of Myself

I came in 66 out of 67 in my age group for the 10 mile Run For The Water last Sunday. And can I tell you? I’m gosh-darn PROUD of myself! 🙂

Perhaps you wouldn’t be, and perhaps you think I shouldn’t be. But I am, oh yes, I most certainly am, and here’s why….

The day before, after being sick all week, I signed up for that race, and while I was there? I also signed up for the Austin Distance Challenge. I bought new shoes, too, which I know is a pre-race no-no.

I didn’t get enough sleep, and the next morning, I’ll be honest, I didn’t want to go. Not. One. bit.

But here’s where it went right…I did it anyways. I got up, I put those new shoes on, I ate a banana and some kale salad. And then? I showed up, and I finished.

Even walking, it wasn’t easy. 10 miles is a long way without training. It took me 2 hours and 32 minutes! I heard them announce a 74 year old crossing the finish line before me! But truly? I can’t imagine a better way to have spent that time.

And so, for doing this, I’m screaming proud of myself.

I have to start somewhere. We all do. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t have to be first, I don’t have to be perfect, I don’t have to be the best right away, and maybe never.

I know me well….all I need to do to get it back together is start showing up. And then? Show up again. And after that? Yep…show up one more time.

Eventually I’ll hit my stride, but it all begins for me by showing up and, when maybe no one else would be, being proud of myself for doing so.

And by the way? It wasn’t REALLY about the race! It was about the workout disguised as a race….and I RAWKED that! 1155 calories, thank you very much!

~ cj 2012.10.30