iRun |
#iwillwhatiwant
This running journey has taken me up and down, slowly and fast. A few months ago, I was on my way up. I was running consistently and although not really feeling that I was getting that much stronger plus experiencing some joint pain, I was still running regularly and feeling that I was on my way to being able to set a new goal. So in very 'me' fashion, I did. I set an (even then) unlikely goal of running another half marathon for my 36th birthday. In 2hrs or less. The Penang Bridge Half Marathon seemed like the ideal opportunity. I signed up, booked my hotel and continued my training.
I came back to a new school year 5kg heavier, you know, when your clothes don’t fit quite right and none of it is healthy weight or muscle mass? Wobbly legs, pudding-like core. I had done nothing I had set out to do to strengthen my body and it showed. The dive had become a plummet. It took no time at all for the self-punishment to start. The little voice in my head had returned. In my journey, I’ve done many things to silence that voice. A lot of that I’ve shared on this blog. But when all it’s said and done, the most successful has been the simplest: be kind to myself. Not just that, take kindness from others as well. Be kind to yourself. Running is as mental as it is physical. Sometimes even more so. And sometimes, when it’s the constant you count on to center and empower yourself, it’s emotional. Be kind to yourself when that rollercoaster goes up and down, slowly and fast. Take kindness from others. The running experts that will take the time to build you a plan for success and to power through. The new friends who sign up to run with you, not necessarily in pace but in heart. The old friends who know you and your journey, who remind you of the strength you possess to see this through. Yesterday, I cancelled my trip to run The Penang Bridge Half Marathon. It was a tough decision that was made easier with the kindness bestowed upon me. As I was canceling one race, I was signing up to two other 10kms with my friend Jamie. As I was canceling my hotel in Malaysia, I was booking another one in Hong Kong as well as organizing a birthday celebration. All the while gearing up mentally (and emotionally) to go for a run. And I did. I was kind to myself, set a goal of 3km at any pace. And I ran 6km at a steady pace, and felt amazing at that very moment. The voice has been killed with the kindness I’ve allowed to surround myself with. I'm coming up from the deep dive, I can feel it. I'm climbing, one step at a time, one run at a time and kindness at every step. Race Deets:
Captivating International Midnight Race, 10km, October 21; Shenzhen Lifeline Express CCB(Asia) Charity Run, 10km, November 25; Hong Kong
2 Comments
Liz
9/5/2017 03:00:07 pm
Love this ❤️ And I'm so thankful I got to chat with you at the perfect moment in the midst of a nutty day! Our hearts know. 👯
Reply
Carlos
9/5/2017 08:54:00 pm
As always, very proud of your ability to never give up my love.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Ceci Gomez-GalvezOriginally from Guatemala, I've been living overseas for 11 years (Italy, China). I'm a runner who learns at every step. |