Changing Perspectives...

Okay, so I know that the picture above is specific to marathon training, but I really find that it is funny how our perspectives change along the way about what is hard, challenging, easy, etc.

My Daughter-in-Law, Auxi, is training for her first half marathon that will take place THIS WEEKEND!! So throughout her training she's been sending me little texts when she's done her long runs and it sure has given me some great reminders of when I was doing the training for my first half back in 2010.

Like when she did her 5 mile run, which was her longest distance to date, and she told me that she was so tired she was toast the rest of the day. I then realized that I remember feeling the same way - when running for 5 miles seemed ridiculously far and I would get home and sit on my arse the rest of the day because that was all I could do.

I remember when I first did the North Hills Trail Hike back in 2009 on my birthday and I was so freaking sore for DAYS I could barely even move!!

I remember when I started C25K and running for a minute seemed close to impossible. And then in Week 5 when I ran for 20 minutes straight, I cried tears of joy because it seemed like something that would never be possible!

There I was just a few short years ago thinking 5 miles was crazy, that a hike would wipe me out for days, that running 20 minutes non-stop took superhuman effort. And now? Now a lot of those things are what I consider "easy". I run five miles ON A TUESDAY without barely even a blink. I don't just hike that North Hills trail, I freaking RUN parts of it. And soreness afterwards? Barely even noticeable. I don't just run 20 minutes, I can run for hours.

It just shows to go ya that we can achieve a lot when we put our minds to it! It might not always be easy - heck, it shouldn't be easy! - but it is so worth it!!

And I would be remiss if I didn't spend a moment reminding myself and others to have a Happy Memorial Day this weekend! Although I personally love to celebrate this un-official kickoff to the summer season with BBQ's and water play, we also need to remember the reason for the day and spend some time reflecting and remembering those that have served, and those that continue to do so! From a granddaughter, a daughter and a mother of servicemen that has been blessed enough to see all come home in one piece, I can definitely say to our servicemen and women that I THANK YOU for your service!!! You are not forgotten...