Don’t look back on happiness, or dream of it in the future. You are only sure of today; do not let yourself be cheated out of it.–Henry Ward Beecher
This past weekend was the Madison Half Marathon. I ran the inaugural last year and was poised for a PR (or so I thought). Turns out I had a great race enjoyment wise, even though I fell short of my time goals. Looking back at my race report brings back the disappointment I felt that day.
Fast forward a year. I’m working through a royal running slump and I’d give my first-born (almost) to run that time I was so disappointed with last year. My how things have changed.
The Madison example made me realize I’ve been spending too much time dwelling on the past rather than appreciating the gifts that are mine TODAY. While I think it’s natural to compare performances year to year and strive to improve, my goal is to stop being a slave to the clock of years past, focus on what I can do TODAY and move forward.
TODAY I got out there and did my track work: 6x1200m of not quite on pace, but still gut-bustingly hard, intervals: a stepping stone on the path that will take me out of this slump.
I am grateful my ornery hammy and piriformis cooperated.
I am grateful I felt like I couldn’t possibly do one more repeat, then found the strength within for more.
I am grateful for the sense of accomplishment and hope afterward.
All I can do is the best I can TODAY.
