If you're lucky enough to be in the mountains, you are lucky enough.

When something bad happens, you have three choices: let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you.

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Mortality

I was thinking about that pushing part yesterday. Hopefully, I wasn't understood wrong in a sense I don't live normal life or don't accept normal people. My "suffering request" comes only for myself, and even that is not like I'd hit my head on the wall if I didn't. I am quite mortal, happy when the food is cooked well and the kids are smiling and the husband is talkative. At the same time I believe there are undiscovered depths in every one of us and it may take a life to bring it out. We should live our regular routine, but once in awhile look outside the box and not miss the opportunity. There was a time I had 50 extra lbs. Or a smoking habit of some 20 years. That first 5k I ran in 27 minutes - heck, not that I improved much on a short distance! Well, some;-) Somehow, somewhere I found that I've got endurance and that I absolutely love to go into the zone. On top of it I can't say enough of the people I meet, and just to see them again and again is a treat! My point is - YOU have to be happy, not anyone else. If it's simply putting one foot in front of another for 20 min a day - fine! Or to get out and run idiotic distance, or crazy terrain, or faster than you thought possible - great! Look deep inside and see what is it you're longing for, and then go for it.

Speaking of mortality - here I am, at 2 am, my body shaking and aching, my chest tight, and my head spinning from fever. Pardon any nonsense I said here, I got a flu...how untimely...luckily it's my cross-training day, so may be by tomorrow I'll feel better.

7 comments:

Johnny Lyons said...

OK, I get it now! You were not saying you need to be hard on yourself all the time, but just when you're trying to accomplish something you want. I can understand what you mean if you used to smoke and be a bit heavier, it does take some "suffering" to get healthier. Congratulations on your healthier choice! And hope you feel well soon.

And congrats on your course record and win at the San Diego 100 Mile!!! I saw that in Ultrarunning magazine before I realized it was you. Do you have a lot of races like this, or are you just starting to get really good? Are you going to be the next Karl Meltzer or Ann Trason? ;)

Unknown said...

I know you will probably be training flu and all. I hope you feel better.

Ironayla said...

Hope you feel better soon!

Great thoughts! Thank for sharing them.

Olga said...

Nah...there is only one Ann Trason, and I am like 10 levels below. I just want to improve myself. Kinda curious:)

Hilda said...

That sounds like a terrible flu, but I already read your post and it defenitely seems that you are such a strong woman.

I think than you can enjoy things even while they are tough.

Ok, please share those distances that rob say...please??

psbowe said...

Oh no, now you got the damn flu! I swear just about everyone is getting it! I'm still getting over mine. :(
But what a great write up there!

Hope you get better fast too!

Sarah Elaine said...

Found you through Rob's blog.

So sorry to hear you're unwell. Here's hoping you're back to your usual self again soon.

I look forward to stopping by often.