Sometimes Plans Change

I  am a planner!  I like to make plans, have a good plan, check off my list of "to-do's" while implementing my plan, but sometimes I have to alter my plans.  This weekend was a nice example of moving from Plan A to Plan C....rather quickly. 

Plan A included me running in the Spokane Half Marathon 10K this morning, fully rested and ready to go.  Plan B also included the 10K run with a busy weekend of events prior.  Plan C was full of Cougar sporting events, spending time with my kids, hanging with amazing friends, and grocery shopping, but no 10K run.

When I made the decision (for multiple reasons) to not go to Spokane, to not run the 10K, I promised myself that I would at least get in a good run around Pullman at some point today.  This promise got me thinking about self-motivation.  Since I wasn't going to be running in a race, what was my motivation for the day?

Around 4:30 pm today, my husband and I were relaxing, but I had this voice in my head saying "go run before it's too late".  I should have had 6.2 miles down already today and that was part of my "plan" for the week.  So I needed to get my butt up, get my running gear on, and get going....Keep moving my feet!! 

I did get up, changed my clothes, and went out for a run.  I had thoughts of running at least 6.2 miles.  I was supposed to do that today anyway, so why not?  My body is ready for it, right?  But then I started running.  I was a little sluggish.  I didn't feel like I had much motivation.  So my plan was again altered with every step I took.  I thought I would run to a certain point or for a certain amount of time before I turned around, but not so much.  My run today was 2.3 miles in 27 minutes....close enough.  I guess.

As I was running, I started counting.  I've been running for about 7 months now.  In that time, I have done the following runs plus numerous miles of training:

• Campus on the Run 5K - 0:41:38
• 100K Relay Team, leg #2, 5.6 miles - 1:07:00
• Seaport River Run 10K - 1:14:00
• St. Joe River Half Marathon - 2:46:55
• Lentil Festival 5K - 0:37:28
• Care To Share 10K - 1:16:45

Looking at that list...it's not too shabby!  So what motivates me the most?  Support from friends, my running buddies, having races in my future, and self-determination.

Next up is the Run for Your Life Halloween 5K.  I can't wait!!