Challenges

Today I got back on the treadmill and ran another 5 kilometers. (I would rather be running outside, of course, but in my current life, the gym and the treadmill fit more nicely. ) So, there I was on the treadmill HURTING through mile 1. I so wanted to quit, but I kept thinking that I had told all you I was going to do it again, so I knew I had to. Instead of quitting, I dropped my pace a bit and turned my iPod up louder. I had to repeat a few songs to stay motivated, but I managed to trudge on for another mile and a half.

At the 2.5 mile mark, I increased the speed in an attempt to match my time on Tuesday. It sucked. Really really REALLY sucked. I wanted to stop. I wanted to walk. I wanted to slide right off the back of the treadmill and sink into a puddle against the back wall. My favorite Counting Crows song just wasn't helping me anymore. And really? Who cares about some stupid goal? I could always try again tomorrow, right? I was totally done.

And then I saw her. My friend. Over on the lat pulldown machine that I had showed her how to use the other day. Slowly adjusting everything to fit her petite frame. Choosing an appropriate weight amount that was going to challenge, yet not exceed her capabilities. She didn't want to be on that machine, working her muscles, forcing her brain to focus on anything other than what has been tormenting her for 2 weeks. Yet there she was. Just doing it.

Kinda put it into perspective for me.

30 minutes and 55 seconds today. Not too bad. Not too bad at all.