Finding Strength in Each Struggle

I love running.

I don't always FEEL like running.

Just like you enjoy biking or kickboxing or walking, but don't always feel like it.

This past week was a struggle. I woke up feeling lazy or stuffy from allergies. It was the first time in a while I didn't WANT to go to the gym or head outside for a run, but it was also the first time I was in a "funk" and pushed through every single workout.

And you know what? I felt BETTER after each one!

What's funny to me is that I KNOW this. I read about it. I hear about it. I experience it. ALL. THE. TIME.

"Exercising gives you energy."

So why is it so hard to remember that until you do it each and every time?

What matters is you try to.

Anytime you're feeling weak, remember your typical strength and let that push you to at least try.

Yesterday, it was time for a long run for my half marathon training. I woke up with a pounding headache, stuffed up nose and even some dizzy spells. I was also exhausted, even after a good night's sleep, but I knew I wanted to run this half marathon in a few months more than I wanted to give in to how I felt in that moment.

Obviously, there are times you physically CAN'T or SHOULDN'T workout -- according to doctor's orders or that deep ache in your knee -- but I knew this probably wasn't one of them.

So I went.

I had a 6-mile goal. I didn't even feel like running one mile. I knew it wouldn't be my best speed or distance, but even three miles would be better than none.

Head still fuzzy, I ran down the road. Half a mile and out of breath. I wanted to stop and walk two miles -- if that -- and turn around.

Then I remembered what my trainer told me during a plank once, "Mind over body."

I pushed through a solid run for more than a mile.

I stopped to catch a breath and walk for a few.

I kept doing the running/walking thing, until finally... guess what? I walked up to my front door after completing SEVEN miles.

My head was clear. I felt energized and calm all at once.

So, I'm sharing this as a reminder (because I don't believe we can ever have too many!) that even when you don't FEEL like exercising, you should. You'll feel better. Know it might not be your best, but you can still give it your all in that moment and be proud of it -- proud of yourself for finding strength in each struggle.