Ups and downs

It has been a challenging past couple of weeks. I have not been feeling very well and the last thing I want to do is go run. Yesterday I was a little light headed after my run and I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that I had unbelievable nasal congestion. It was not fun. Despite the breathing troubles and feeling icky, I have grown to love running. I've never been much of a runner. I've always had to be involved in other things like chasing after a ball or stealing bases. I find myself counting down the minutes until work is over so I can go run. It's freeing and I just feel so much better afterwards. My miles are slowly increasing and I am now at 6 miles. I never in a million years thought I would be running six miles unless a bear was chasing me or something. I am though and I enjoy it. Here is to another day of running and another day of helping to fight blood cancers.

Hot Hot Mess

I would like to start this blog by thanking everyone for the words of encouragement and donations. You are greatly appreciated and making a tremendous difference in so many individuals lives so thank you.

Today was a scorcher. I am a hot hot mess right now sitting at the computer typing this to you all. However, it was a great run.

Last night, my husband and I were watching a broadcast of 20/20 regarding "Super humans". It was a broadcast about humans that have accomplished unbelievable things. Things we grew up thinking that the comic book heroes were the only ones that could accomplish. It ranged from a man that can withstand subzero temperatures for long periods of time to "Marathon Man" who can run for hundreds of miles without stopping. It was pretty fascinating. Particularly, Marathon Man intrigued me the most. I imagine it's because of the training I'm going through but he said something that I decided to implement today. He said that you're body is only as tired as your mind tells it and that's how he gets through his hundred mile runs.If you think you're tired or can not do anymore then most likely you can't and won't. I've always known the mind to be an extraordinary tool when pushing your body to the limits but I was still uncertain to what extent. I decided to give it a shot and see if there was any truth to his madness. As I mentioned earlier in the blog, it was a hot day and I found myself becoming hotter and more exhausted by the minute. I remembered what he had said and kept thinking over and over in my head, " Tamara, your body is only as hot and tired as your mind tells it". Believe it or not, it actually worked. My pace picked up, my legs stopped cramping and it seemed like my body was cooling off. I realize that my body probably was still straining and literally wasn't cooling off but it made my run more enjoyable. I was able to get through 2 miles today in 90 degree weather and not feel as if I was about to die. It was phenomenal. The mind truly is a powerful thing. Today the saying " You can do whatever you put your mind to" was brought to light in an entirely different way. Thank you Marathon Man for helping to make today an enjoyable run.