The sun was shining this morning, it was about 80 degrees with relatively low humidity comparable to the sweltering temps we had earlier this week. Today called for an 8 miler on the Valley Forge loop which is about 5 miles - so we did an extra 1.5 on the loop and turned around to head back. I'd say approximately 70% of this loop are hills (both up and down). So not only was I about to embark on the longest run i've done since the marathon 8 months ago - it was going to be 8 miles of hills.
Jim, the guy I ran the 21 mile training run with last year, rejoined the group today. So we started out together. For about the first 20 minutes, we chatted, catching up and talking about our running goals this year. Then, we got into our silent groove - him pulling me along ever slow slightly. 4 miles in, I started telling him that I picked up the book about "The Secret". Several of my friends are reading it and have encouraged me to pick up a copy. So I did this week and have only read a chapter so far.
What i've read so far is what i've always heard and known - to think positively - throw positive thoughts out into the universe and let it come back to you. It makes sense and it doesn't hurt anyone to try it. And those who have been following this blog for the past year know that I battle several mental demons when it comes to running (as well as other things).
So today was the time to put this into practice. Hills are brutal - my shins hurt and my achilles flare up and my lungs burn. But I couldn't think about that, otherwise this was going to be a long 8 miles. So I shared my thoughts with Jim, telling him I needed to think positively about hills to get me to the top. It worked for a little while. Telling myself "I love hills" and "I'm feeling great" and the like. This lasted until we neared the end of the loop and I looked at the trail that disappeared off in the distance going up to the right. This hill just kept going and going - I estimate it was a good 3/4 mile climb or so. I couldn't ignore my shin flare up anymore, so I slowed to a walk - telling Jim to go ahead.
Once I got to the top of the hill, I started to run again and vowed not to stop - it was now just out and back and I knew the terrain i'd be going over now - only 2 more significant but shorter hills. I could handle that. Practicing the secret is going to take some time and i'm sure i'll understand more after completing more chapters. I'm still happy with how my run went this morning - i'm working my way back to being me again.
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