1 Week Until Track

Today I went to work for about 2 hours, then ran 5 miles at around 12:30 just because I wanted an endorphin fix. A couple of relatives came over for the rest of the afternoon and I ended up going back out to run 7 more miles with Ash at 7 PM. It was a bit chilly, although the fierce breeze that caused me some problems earlier in the day wasn't too bad this evening. My leg felt pretty good too, but it started to ache somewhat after 45 minutes. Otherwise I would have run 8 miles. Andy had to stop once to adjust his leg brace (which looked hilariously awkward) and both of us nearly ate snow several times due to slippery ice.

An hour or two before heading out for run number 2 today I received a text message from Richard, saying that he was about to go out for a run. He said motivation was getting difficult and that training solo was proving to be a mental challenge. I told him to stick with it. I've been having motivation issues as well after just about a week and a half since the semester ended. I even have Ash to haul me out there every day, and yet I find myself looking for excuses to skip it. Sometimes the mind can be so...weak and pathetic. Once I get going though I'm usually good. It's just that first step, and even worse, getting out of bed. I often tell friends and family who ask me how I can run so much that the most difficult part is simply putting on my shoes. The actual run is usually much less difficult than I imagine it will be.

There's only one week until official track practice begins. I should be fine as long as Ash keeps running with me over the next few days, and once practice starts there'll be no difficulty in going to work out. It'll be much worse for those like Richard who won't be around until the end of January. I'll have to keep texting him with little encouraging messages to keep him training. If I can make one teammate better simply by motivating him/her to get out and run...then I've served my purpose.