Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Recite & Revive

I committed a blogger sin this week. I began training for my marathon, and failed to take even one picture. Shameful.

I'm not going to do a recap of the first two days; at week's end, I'll post a little update about how it's going. But I will say that I was tempted to walk on my run today (I ran outside and the humidity almost got to me) but I powered through. I know getting through obstacles like this will make me stronger.


Also, I'm loving my new LifeProof case and armband. I can finally run in the rain! (And splash through giant puddles...my socks were totally waterlogged by the end of today's run.)

A couple weeks ago I ordered a bracelet from OneEyedFox on Etsy. There are two mantras I've been using to get me through the hard parts of my runs. I'm a very visual person; sometimes just reciting the mantras isn't enough. Now I just have to look at my wrist, and there they are!

Archie-approved.
On the back it says, "transcend".
The bracelet is so lightweight I don't notice it at all, except when I want to. You may recognize the quote on the front of the bracelet from this post. The power of these words still hasn't diminished for me.

The single word on the back is maybe even more powerful than the front. It's amazing to me that simply telling myself to transcend whatever is giving me trouble in that moment is often enough to get me through the next mile. I rise above it; I prevail.

I'm learning all kinds of mental tricks! And to think, it only took me four years of running to figure it out.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a very special anniversary post!

What mantra helps you through the tough runs?
Do you ever shop on Etsy?
Do you have any lucky accessories?

ABK

10 comments:

  1. Yay, I just discovered mantras too after reading Galloway's book on mental training. My favorite mantras are:

    Light and free, is all you have to be
    I've done it before, and I'll do it again
    omgJustGetToThatNextTree :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lmao at the last one!!!! Sounds similar to my "just get through this mile, just get through this mile..."

      Delete
  2. I love the idea of having a bracelet to motivate you on a run!
    That is an awesome idea!
    I can't wait to hear about your training! Whoop!
    Also, thanks for the tips about TJ MAXX and Kohl's having hydration packs...I will totally have to check that out :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's crazy what a tiny bracelet can really do for motivation :o) Good luck finding a good hydration pack!

      Delete
  3. I never take pics until after the fact! Don't even get my started on Etsy. Just ordered G's 1st birthday outfit for $50... she will be wearing it for maybe 1 hour!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my gosh, Etsy has so many cute birthday things for themed parties etc. If you get even one adorable picture of G in her outfit, it will be worth the $50 lol

      Delete
  4. Love Etsy - I stay away so I don't buy stuff. I like your bracelet a lot though. My RoadID has "strong body happy heart" on it, but when I have a tough run mostly I count. Variations on 4.

    I don't have any lucky running accessories but several of the crosses I wear have very specific meanings to me, so I'll wear different ones depending on what "extra" I'm needing that day. I have one cross that I will sometimes wear while running.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the idea of counting to take your mind off the run when it gets tough. I may borrow that!

      Delete
  5. I forgot to mention that I also love the card: "The harder you work the luckier you get." Very true.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I'm going to hang it in my classroom. I love the idea that luck isn't luck at all.

      Delete