33 days remaining

It's Monday, August 10, 2009. As I look at the countdown feature on my cellphone, I see that I have 33 days remaining before the half marathon. 33 days. Hmmm... I ran a 5K last Saturday. I had to walk some of it. I walked some of it. It was a choice. Did I have to? Probably not. This morning I got up to go for a run. My intention was to do a 5 mile route. Once I started, I was sure that that was not going to be the case. I ran awhile and felt the need to stretch as the back of my left leg grew tighter and tighter. The more distance I covered, the more excuses came to mind as to why I should not run far. My legs were heavy. I could not get a rhythm going. I am going to kayak later anyway. I tried to convince myself that I could keep going. I tried focusing on the lyrics to the music I was listening to. I tried praying. I tried to have a good attitude. I decided walking wasn't bad. That's what I ended up doing. Every once in awhile I'd pick up a little bit of the pace, but not for long.

Now, sitting at the table - sweating - I see that there are 33 days left. 33 days to follow the training schedule. 33 days to pick up the pace, push a little farther, adjust the attitude. 33 days to accomplish something I've set out to do. 33 days until the half marathon. 33 days.