Monday Motivation: Running on Empty

Inspiration, Monday Mood, Monday Morning for Busy Women

The half-glass-full optimist in me headed out to get in a 20-minute slow walk leaving behind my Big Sur Marathon training day order to run 4 miles. This past week Covid-19 found me ripping away at my built-up miles and energy. I hate succumbing to sickness. I’m too tenacious.

After six days of Paxlovid, a metal-tasting medicine to keep COVID-19 mild, and a full night of easy swallowing, I arose a bit spry. “Oh, today’s the day, I can finally get some training in,” my after-coffee-self said excited for this slight increase in energy. Within minutes, I was headed to my favorite lake running spot.

The slightly above-freezing temperatures and sun rays hit my face. The old familiar friend I missed the past week. Setting my watch for a 10-minute warmup, I started on my way. “I can do this. I’m better,” I heard myself say. It lasted only 3 minutes until the wind came up, and went into my lungs which stung again, making me turn around. “Why are you pushing yourself?”

I hate failing, giving up, and being wrong. At that moment, I realized with wisdom that a 20-minute walk to keep up with my training was only going to set me back. I didn’t quite sulk to the car, but I sneakily added 10 more minutes to my watch to try again. “Stop it,” I said. Get in that car and get out of here; tomorrow’s another day.”

If you aren’t a runner, you might not understand the insane drive to run especially if you are training for a race, but it’s real. The drive is as real as anything you want to do desperately. Especially after being sick, you only want to feel healthy again so trying sooner than you should makes sense.

Double-check your over-abundant sunny attitude and leave it at the door if you are someone who is constantly raring to go when they shouldn’t be.  Find solace in making the right decision for your body. Settle in and see today’s half cup of optimism means giving yourself the present of downtime, not everyone is so lucky to have it.