Failure is not an option!
Wednesday Quote:
Pain is temporary, it may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."
Lance Armstrong
I read this quote over the weekend on my way to my Saturday ride. Sam was driving and a few friends were with us in the car. When I read it, the quote hit a spot in me. I have always been a stubborn mule and when I fall, I dust myself off and just get up and keep going. It is said that it is hard to defeat a person who never gives up, I would like to be a person like that.
The quote by Lance hit a more special spot yesterday as I went out for my last long run before my very first half marathon, May 17th. The first 10 miles were a piece of cake, I was listening to a book on my Ipod and I felt great, I was pumped and was going at a very leisurely pace. By mile 11 though, I was feeling tired and hot. The temperature was about 70 degrees with a nice sunny day which is perfect for cycling but a little too hot for running. My dark skin attracts the sun and I was literally baking, I have blisters on my arms to prove it (I wear 80spf all the time but even with that on). By mile 12, I was able to see home (it is a long road) and I just felt sooo tired, I was ready to give up...the heat was way too much for me. I drank a little bit of water and then I dumped the last of the water on my head, the cooling was heaven sent and my heart was a little revived but my legs just wanted to stop. Then, I remember the quote that I had read over the weekend, I pondered it and it just hit my heart. I can't give up on the last mile home, I just can't. I kept going and going then when I finally turned into the cul de sac, I saw my kids and hubby and I just sprang to life. I was home, I had done it! I didn't give up. I had gone 13.4 miles...a full half marathon and a little more.
Congratulations! That's really something to be proud of!!
Posted by: sprite | May 07, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Wow, a half-marathon!
I'm happy if I can mow the half-mile path around our property!
Posted by: alwen | May 07, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Fabulous! You did great. : )
If I am still breathing, and can walk out on my own after a training session at the gym, I call it a good day. I am a big ol' whimp though, and I need my butt kicked a bit to finish the workout.
Huggz!
Posted by: Jeannie | May 07, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Very cool! What an incredible milestone...something to be VERY proud of. :)
Posted by: Bethany | May 07, 2008 at 07:08 PM
That's awesome!!
Posted by: Anna | May 08, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Good for you, you could had ran the Mini-Marathon here in Indianapolis, Indiana last Saturday. I only the other hand, am an observer, OA has my knees in its grip
Posted by: Andrea | May 08, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Goodness! You are a real life true inspriation!
I just love reading your blog, between the yarn and your drive to be fit and healthy!
I'm still new to fiber arts and I just can't get enough. Exercise is also a love of mine, Over the last year I've lost 45 pounds and totally changed my life, I'm now with in 20 pounds of my goal and I love reading your uplifting stories about your life.
Thank you!
Kelly (ravelry id: fairieknits)
Posted by: Kelly (fairieknits) | May 13, 2008 at 05:26 PM