Real talk + new favorite graphic + track time

This. So much truth. This graphic really stuck with me – I read a blog everyday (Hungry Runner Girl) and Janae, the blogger, posted this yesterday. This applies to so many different aspects of my life.

​As a runner, I have never liked being in the pain cave. When my runs would start to hurt, I would stop. Sometimes I never even got the “hurting” part of a run because I just never pushed myself that hard. Did I love running back then? Of course. I loved running just because I was running. I loved having the ability to stay in shape, eat and drink pretty much what I wanted, and get some time outside. I loved participating in races, but I never did well in them or thought about PRs. I just paid money to get a shirt and say I did a race. I’m not saying those are bad things, but it just wasn’t enough for me. Once I embraced the pain cave and learned that pain/being uncomfortable comes and goes, I think my life as a runner changed. While I still don’t love being uncomfortable during a run, it never lasts very long. The progress I have seen from being a little uncomfortable is definitely worth it. And I have found the more that I run through some uncomfortableness, the more I can handle. There are obviously some pains that we shouldn’t run through, but I’m talking about NON-INJURY pains. This graphic also applies to me as a student. The past two semesters have been the hardest and most challenging of my academic career, as they should be. I am in the final leg of my PhD and it’s tough. There have been MANY times when I ask myself why I’m even doing this – I’m already getting to teach some college courses, why does it matter if I finish? It matters because I started. I started with a goal in mind, and even though it REALLY sucks right now, I’m not going to quit. Even though I’m a MONTH behind where I need to be, I’m not going to quit. Even though some days, I really WANT to give up, I won’t.

I spent the entire day yesterday doing work on my computer. I’m not complaining, i’m not complaining…

Lunch was BBQ chicken in a pita pocket and some sweet potatoes. It was delicious!

This was my view while I was eating. Little chubster wanted my lunch, ha! I took a break from work while I ate and watched some Parks and Rec – one of my favorite shows from way back.

I had a two hour phone meeting, then went to let my precious angel nephew, Ralph, out to go potty and take him on a little walk. My sister drove my mom (who has the respiratory flu) on an 8 hour round trip drive yesterday to pick up my Grandma. I was bummed to miss out on some girl time, but I just had too much to get done.

Jake helped his Dad with some yard work right after he got off work, so I ate dinner at 5 pm, my favorite time to eat! I had sausage and veggie soup plus some cornbread. I think I could eat cornbread everyday for the rest of my life…

I got the application for my study submitted, so I poured a celebratory glass of wine! Then I spent about an hour responding to emails and grading, while listening to Parks and Rec. This was my sweet set-up. Jake was cracking up about it when he got home. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! I’m in survival mode at this point.

This cute cuddle bug stole my blanket. Again.

Aspen lounged in her chair, like she does pretty much all day.

The girls destroyed another toy…

Then it was up at 4:20 to meet these gals for a track workout! Kayla and I live about half a mile from each other, so she drove to my house, and we ran (Jake joined us) to the track to meet Jyssica. The track we run at is 2 miles from my house, which is the perfect warm-up. Jake did his own run while we did track stuff. We each did our own speed work, but it was nice to have a group to run with! I did 4x800s with a 400 recovery lap in-between each. Jake met us again at the track when we finished, and we ran 2 miles back home. Jyssica lives really close to us, too, so she ran back to her own house. It’s PERFECT living so close to my running buddies. It definitely helps with motivation, especially as it gets colder. I ended up with 7 miles total. I’m having some hamstring/lower back pain (UUUUGH) so I’m going to try and get lots of stretching in today.

Oatmeal, eggs, peanut butter, and honey. Heck yes! Perfect fuel after a cold morning run.

Lu sat here an stared at me while I ate. She was really wanting her own breakfast.

I promise that Jake liked my oatmeal/egg concoction! You just can’t tell…

Lu moved by her food bowl waiting for me to feed her…she does this almost every morning. Eye-roll. Just like her mother, I guess! Always thinking about food…

Sometimes you just need to eat your post-run oatmeal and eggs on the kitchen counter.

It’s another computer day for me. Working on finishing up the article I’m helping present at a literacy conference in Florida next month. Fingers crossed we get the article totally finished this week. Jake and I might go to a running event later this evening – it just depends on how my work stuff goes!