Attitude is Everything

It's been a while since I've posted, so here's an update.  Life is busy, as always.  I've been running, but have backed off on my intensity.  My knee is doing well and I have been working hard to strengthen it, but I think that my injury was due to overuse and pushing myself too far, too fast.  I still have plenty of time to be ready for my marathon next spring.  I also realized that even if I'm not ready by next spring, I can pick a different marathon if I need to.  I know things happen and who knows what life will throw at me.  The important thing is that I'm not going to give up or stop running.  I'm going to go at my own pace and see what happens.  I've been too focused on comparing myself to others.  I keep thinking that I'm too slow or I'm not running far enough, but I am finally realizing that it doesn't matter.  The most important part is that I'm DOING something to change my life.  I'm tired of starting over, so I'm not going to get frustrated and quit.  That has happened too many times before and I'm not going to let it happen again.  I have also added other types of exercise now that I am on vacation.  Nick and I hiked the dunes a few days ago and last night we went swimming.  I enjoy the variation, but I still totally love running.  I have good days and not so good days, just like everyone else, but I'm learning that it is all about attitude.  If I tell myself that I don't want to run and it's going to suck, guess what...it's going to suck.  However, if I tell myself I love running (even if I'm feeling lazy and really don't want to go), then that attitude convinces me to run hard and to enjoy it.  It is amazing what positive thinking can do!

I am facing a new challenge.  We are going on vacation to Utah and Colorado, which means HOT weather and altitude. For those of you who don't know me, I don't really enjoy hot weather.  I love Oregon coast weather.  It rarely hits 70 and there is always a nice breeze (or heavy wind).  I don't want to skip all of my runs while we're on vacation, but I'm anxious about the heat and altitude.  I fear that even early morning runs will be hotter than I prefer.  I guess that it won't kill me, but will only make me stronger.  I'll bring my running belt with water bottles and keep reminding myself that running will be more difficult due to the altitude.  If I need to walk, I'll do that instead.  There is no need to make myself sick.  We will be hanging out with active people, so I'll still get exercise.  It will be quite the adventure, wish me luck!

Cheers,
Ashley