Lay Down Your Pride; You May Surprise Yourself

So today was my long run. After driving Kevin into work I headed straight to the gym. I pulled in to the parking lot and it was relatively empty...yes! 8am...gym is quiet...I am happy! There is this rule, 30 minutes only please :-) on each machine. Well, I usually go over this BUT today I knew I'd be 1hr. 15min....it's quiet right?? I usually run over the noon hour and it is quiet....

There were a few people who arrived around the same time as I did...I hopped on and tuned them out...It wasn't until there was a switch (people getting off at the 30min. mark) that I looked at the clock and took note of the people in the gym...I wanted to make sure that people were not waiting for treadmills....I was good to go.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I hate breaking rules. (I'm always trying to be aware and considerate to others working out).

I was now hitting 1hr. and 4 guys show up at the same time! Two hop on the treadmills beside me on the right, the other two hop on the treadmills on my left :-)

So mentally I'm trying not to get bored (I am trying to stay at a certain pace), one guy is wearing cologne, cough, and I'm thinking ugh!

Then I'm aware of my breathing, trying to breathe so they can't hear me...ha, ha.

Suddenly, instead of losing myself in the run, I'm now thinking I should have done my long run outside, I wish I had the treadmill at home still, etc., etc.

Then it occurred to me, they were all walking....had been for the past 10-12 min....I'm running have been for the past 1+ hr....why did I care if I was breathing like I'd just run a 10k.....I had!

I was now thinking, good for you Leanne....so the last 10 min. or so I lost myself again in my run, proud of myself for doing it!!

BRING IT!!! 2011

I am so thankful for all that 2010 brought to me personally in my life. I experienced some amazing highs and a few lows BUT overall the year was one of personal growth.

2011 is going to be a year of FOCUS. I am starting off this year with a determination to either begin or fulfill some of the dreams that are in my heart.

I ended 2010 with a personal best 10K run of 56min. AND that was starting literally at the back of the pack (approx. 1200 runners??). Those who run know that when you start you need to weed through a ton of people which takes time, so I am very, very pleased with our time.

Today, I spend some time writing down my goals/dreams to begin to plot out just how those things will be checked off my list.

I know that I will share many of my triumphs with my family and friends. The journey I am on is one that I am priviledged to share with loved ones.

So Happy New Year my dear friends, here's to a successful and healthy New Year!

xo

Leanne