I choose not to feel the pain

Just got back from today's 6 mile run on the Army base. It felt great to get out there and do some longer distance again. I am up to 6-7 miles for my "long" runs and lately it seems like every day I plan to do my long run something comes up and I can't do it. It's been pretty frustrating. Today I went out there determined to run my whole 6 miles and not let anything stop me

That weird abdominal cramp that I had during last week's attempted long run? Yeah, it came back today. Same deal, happened about a mile in. I took a small break for 1-2 minutes to walk/limp it off. Again I was clutching my sides, limping, and even involuntarily groaning from the pain. But I was still determined to keep running. I was like OH NO. I am NOT letting this crap stop me this time! I am going to run this whole f'ing 6 miles no matter what happens! I started to jog lightly again. It still hurt like a mother but I knew I had to keep moving to get past it. Slowly I began to increase my speed. I took slow, deep breaths, in through my nose and out through my mouth, using my belly to breathe. After a few minutes the pain receded, and eventually went away all together. I was back on track. Aside from stopping at my car for a quick water break and to throw my jacket in there, I did not stop running the entire time. No walk breaks. I pushed past my mind's tricky little voice - "We need to take a break!" No! I know your tricks, brain! My body can go on! I really wanted to make up for the time lost dealing with that cramp so I wasted no time. Ended up finishing the 6 miles in 55:36. That was a great run. A little sunny, but I had my sunglasses and there was a breeze to keep me cool. My playlist picked some great songs for me to keep me going. I prefer Death Metal, but I listen to some other stuff too. Running + death metal is pretty awesome.

Tomorrow will be some much needed yoga time. I'm still sore from thursday's workout too, guess I did something right!

In exactly one week I'll be in Douglasville at the Warrior Dash! Can't wait to get my Viking on  :)

Today we have to go to Augusta to run some errands. We have to take the Jeep in because it needs a few things done to it. The Jeep dealership is on the busiest road in town. And it's Masters week. In Augusta. Not looking forward to this traffic at all. I'm so oblivious when it comes to sports, I wouldn't even know it was Masters week if I didn't work for a golf car company!

Toodles!