Miriam and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Run

As I've mentioned before, it has been working pretty well for me to run whenever the Lord tells me too.  I know...weird...if you don't live that way.  I'm ok with being weird.

But...

I have to share this in the interest of "keeping it real", something I believe I frequently mention here.

Saturday I had an amazing run.  I went 4.25 miles, set some personal records and I felt like I could have probably kept running.  I did take a walk break at the 3 mile mark, but I was OK with that.  I actually did mostly to ensure I had a strong last mile.  (I did feel like I could have kept going slowly without the walk break...which has its merits!)

I beamed all weekend long about that run.  It was just that good.  

Monday rolled around and I went for yet another run.  This particular day, I was pretty amazed how things worked out.  I woke up late, pumped, did some laundry, made Rebekah's lunch (I had forgotten the night before)...and still got out in time to run.  Amazing really and a testament that the Lord is the keeper of our time...when we let Him.

Wed rolled around and I didn't particularly feel like running.  The Lord didn't tell me to go...or not go...so my defacto choice is normally to go.  But because I didn't feel like going, I was fighting that choice.  I knew deep in my heart it was the right thing to do.  So I went.  I got out there even a little earlier than normal.

And I ran.

It was a horrible run.  My legs felt like led, it was dark the ENTIRE time (which I don't mind for the first 1/3-1/2 but after that I'm ready for at least the light to be peaking out!) and I simply wasn't "feeling" it.  I pushed and pushed hard.  I wanted to walk every step of the way.  (Honestly - I may have if I felt like I had the time...but knowing I needed to get home and get ready for work pushed me along.)  I hated this run fiercely.  It has been awhile since I've had THAT bad (and hated) of a run.

I have been pondering this ever since.  What makes a good run?  And how fascinating that you can run in the same conditions, but emerge feeling great about one run and horrible about the other!  Aren't feelings a funny thing? 



And in case you haven't read it, you should check out Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad day...awesome book!