I had posted to my FB just last night that I was excited that tomorrow (today) marked week 2 of 52. I have found that counting down by DAYS is far too mentally challenging in regards to my husband’s homecoming. I mean, really, seeing 300+ days on my countdown app is quite disheartening to say the least. A friend of mine, and fellow blogger Hanna over at The Millennial next door pointed out that 52/2 is 26. And we all know that 26 (.2) miles is the marathon distance. And suddenly the light bulb went on. Light bulb!!!
I have always prided myself in regards to distance running. I am by far NOT a fast runner. BUT…I can sure run far. My mental strength has always gotten me through, in all aspects of life, really… Last year’s full marathon was a mental feat of strength in and of itself, and I will forever boast about how proud I am of my sister for not quitting. We were out on that road, in the cold, in the rain, in the drizzly fog that felt like little ice pellets poking us in the eyes by the 6th hour. But. We finished. We are some pretty tough chickadees.
So what does all this have to do with my husband’s deployment? Well, I am going to break up the time into chunks, just like I do the distances of my long runs/races. I count back as well as celebrate the time already completed. For example, if I have to run 12 miles, I break it down to running 6 miles, twice….but once I get to the half way point of 6 miles, I then count down…5 miles to go, 7 miles in the books, and so on and so forth. It sounds like a lot of math and we all know runners brain isn’t the sharpest, but it keeps me focused and it keeps me feeling strong. It has worked for me, nearly every single race. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to a bad training run or race. We’re only human right!
So my friends, every Tuesday we will have our deployment marathon countdown, filled with at least ONE first that occurred during that week. I encourage you to post a “first” each week to the comments as well! Challenge yourself to try new things, listen to new music, read a new book, cook a new recipe! The options are limitless!
This week, we mailed our first care package to my husband (yesterday) and today I mailed him his first 5 lb. back of Atomic fireball candy, LOL. I also challenged myself by taking the first steps in obtaining my professional license in Florida. One can never be too prepared, right?
We have survived 2 weeks of him being gone, 24 weeks until our halfway mark with 48 weeks to go. I will admit, that nearly every single day so far has been a roller coaster. I sometimes start off rough, and even out as the day goes along. My routine is fairly set, but sometimes little things that normally wouldn’t push my buttons nearly send me through the roof. So tonight when I was contacted by Cascia from Healthy Mom’s magazine that I was listed in the top 100 running blogs, it was just the boost I needed to get out the door running tonight. You can find the list HERE, please go check out these amazing blogs for more inspiration!!!
SO who’s with me in regards to a new “First” every week? How do you tackle long distance challenges-both in life and in running?
Thanks everyone, you’ve all been amazing through this difficult time!!!
❤
Michelle
Movin' it with Michelle 