No Excuses

Short post today.  I’m just writing about what it’s been like out here in Iowa-land for the past couple of days, and what it’s meant for me and my running.

I’d like you to take a look at the date of this post.  It’s May 3rd, 2013.  And then I’d like you to take a look at the photo I just took outside the front door of my house:

It’s slushy and wet and slippery outside.  If I were to run out there, my shoes and socks would be soaked.  I’d probably fall and hurt myself.  I’d be miserable while drips of water from tree limbs splatter my face and glasses, and clumps of snow would pummel me and cling to my shirt until it melts and soaks through.

The severe wet cold could cause my muscles to lock up in a cramp.  It’s happened to me before.

The cramp would knock me to the ground.  I’d be helpless.  I’d roll into the ditch that was slowly filling with water.  I’d drown.  Running in that weather out there will kill me, I know it.

That’s my excuse to not run out there.

BUT YOU KNOW WHAT?

I ran this morning anyway.  I don’t like treadmills that much, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to skip a running day, especially one that I feel pretty good on.  I ran two miles on a treadmill faster than I’ve run in at least ten years.  I’m getting better and faster and stronger.  I think it’s because I’ve decided not to give up this time.  I’m determined to make myself into a better person.  I’m going to push myself.  I’m going to ignore myself whenever I make dumb excuses.

I feel like I won a little victory today.  My old self wouldn’t have run.  I’ve changed for the better.