10-Mile Triumph: A Journey of Discipline and Perseverance
I don’t think a 10-mile run is easy for anyone. It may be easier to run 10 miles if you are a runner who has been training to run long distances, but I don’t think people who don’t run wake up and say they will run 10 miles that day. I’ve been running since the summer before college, but I stopped signing up for races when the pandemic started. My first half-marathon since 2019 is in a few weeks, and I’m excited.
If you’ve read my blog post “Embracing Balance: The Vital Role of Rest Days in Your Fitness Journey,” you know I have this love-hate relationship with any exercise, including running. I love the idea of working out and the feelings I experience mid-workout and post-workout, but I struggle with having positive emotions about getting up to go to the gym or getting started on a run; I don’t want to do it. Discipline gets me out of the door and to the starting line. My faith and grit bring me to the finish line.
I’m proud of myself for hitting the pavement today. Ten miles is no easy feat, and I’m glad I did it. The day before my run, I decided to stop working out the day before; it doesn’t make sense for me to expect great results if I’m pushing myself to my limit hours before my long run. I spent that time getting ready for my run instead. I filled all my water carriers, packed my salt tablets, and created my gummy salt lime concoction. I made sure that I drank enough water and got all of the rest that I needed.
The following day, I slept in because I knew that it would rain until the afternoon. I spent that time eating a solid meal, drinking water, and completing some easy household chores. Before you know it, I was laced up and out the door, headed to my running route.
The first five miles were easy. I opted to slow down every mile and then pick the pace back up when the timer got to .08. I did this for every mile except mile 9 because, by then, I was almost done. Because I didn’t slow down at mile 9, I increased my pace for the last mile. Another thing I noticed during the run was my heart rate lowered when I got to six miles, which I needed because I seemed to have gotten a second wind simultaneously.
I saw another porcupine just as I did last week, and avoided it because I don’t do wild animals. Some of my friends would say oh, it’s just a little animal, and I’m like hell to the no. I even give squirrels a side-eye. I’m not about to risk getting quills in my behind to prove a point. So, I kept my distance and let Mr. Porcupine do his business while I did mine. Besides, I prefer my animal encounters to be more tame.
Running 10 miles is not just a physical feat; it’s a testament to discipline, perseverance, and the power of pushing past my limits. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting your journey, the sense of accomplishment of conquering miles is unparalleled. So, lace up your shoes with me, hit the pavement, and let each stride bring you closer to your goals. Remember, every step forward is a victory worth celebrating.
Here is what I packed in my Osprey Hydration Vest for my 10-mile run:
1.5 L of water with BCAAs
Two 360ml Osprey soft flask bottles of frozen water with electrolytes
1 8oz SPIbelt bottle of water
One protein bar
Eight salt tablets
One pack of gummy bears covered in salt and true lime
Cell phone
Extra earbud headphones
Birdie alarm
Identification
Credit card
Packable jacket
