Setting the Baseline

Today I took on my greatest adversary (my own mind) using my least favorite tool (the dreaded treadmill - or dreadmill, as I like to call it). I decided to run a 10K on the treadmill. This requires strong mental stamina and focus more than anything else for me. I know I can run 6.2 miles, not that I have recently. I just know I can do it.

Today I decided to find out how quickly I could do it.

I put the kiddos down for their naps, posted my intention on Facebook (my favorite way to be held accountable), and procrastinated a little (okay, 30 minutes worth, all under the guise of making sure the kids were really sleeping), finally changed my clothes and headed out to the garage.

Mile 1 - piece of cake.
Mile 2 - piece of cake.
Mile 2.5 - ugh. I'm so bored, I want to stop.
Mile 3 - almost halfway there, ohhh, I like this song.
Mile 4-5 - slowed down a little bit to make sure I would be able to finish strong.
Mile 6 - picked up the pace.
Mile 6.23 - That's right.

Not the most fantastic time ever, but that wasn't the point. Today's exercise was about pushing through in the worst case scenario - the treadmill. The streets aren't always an option for me with two little ones. So I need to figure out how to make the treadmill my friend if I want to reach my goals. My mind plays some really dirty tricks on me when I'm on the treadmill. I find all sorts of reasons to stop. So I need to find a way to beat my mind at it's own game.

And today, I overcame a little hurdle. I finished. Time: 1:03:34, or 10:12/mi.

I posted that pic on Facebook too. I'm going to start a photo album called Accountability, or something like that. I know what I do is inspiring others because they tell me so, and when I hear about one of their workouts, it inspires me too.

I need to write some little notes to post on the treadmill though. Like "You are STRONG!" "Never give up!" Maybe something hilarious... I'm taking suggestions...

So just over 1 hour... Wonder if a 45 minute goal is too ambitious?