Proud

Last night at work, I had an incredible craving for tacos and chips and salsa. On my walk home, I passed restaurant after restaurant, wishing I could just go in and eat my cravings. Instead of caving, I told myself this: Just get through tonight. Tomorrow after your long run, you can have your tacos and chips and salsa.

My weigh-in was in the morning, too, and I didn't want to blow it. After the weigh-in, well, that would be OK. I have decided Sundays would be my days to eat outside the diet box.

Weigh-in was good. I met my 2-pound goal and actually got 0.2 below, officially bringing me back below 210. Seeing 209 made me feel good. Funny, huh?

I spent most of the morning procrastinating, not wanting to go outside for my run. It had been raining all morning, steady.

My calf is still super tight (so bad I limped after getting out of bed) so I took my friend's advice and massaged away. I massaged for so long (the knots would not go away) that my hands hurt.

Then I went running.

While stretching, with the rain pouring down and the wind blowing, I almost turned around and went home. But I kept going. Half a mile in, already soaked to the bone, I almost turned around and went home. But I kept going. I was pretty certain I was going to cut the scheduled mileage (10) down to maybe 6 or 7. But, well, I got to 10. It took me 2:26 hours. I was beyond soaked and cold. But I was pretty proud of myself.

By the time I got home and showered I decided I wasn't really in the mood for tacos and chips and salsa.

There's a chance I'll have that brownie that's in my freezer tonight, but only if I need to meet my minimum calorie goal. See, that's one problem with procrastinating with the long run. I waited so long, by the time I got home and showered it was 3 p.m. and I had only consumed 200 calories. No wonder I was so tired.

Believe me, I know that wasn't smart.

But I'm proud I was able to get past the craving and proud I didn't let the rain stop me from completing my 10-miler.

(P.S. One reason I was out there in the rain: You're never guaranteed a clear, sunny day for your race. My old coach used to say you want to train in all kinds of weather because THAT kind of weather could be the backdrop of your next race. And believe me, I've had many races in downpours.)