As the week progressed and my endurance increased, I realized that this slooow tempo wasn't really doing it for me anymore. I was breathing through my nose (never panting. I love panting), looking around at the sights, taking 'er a little too easy, I must admit. I was no longer proud of my pace. So I sped up. I ran faster, took longer strides, and I found my new groove. As the days go by, I'm sure I will have to change my tempo to coincide with how I feel, the weather, and my lung condition and ability. I'll adjust, I'll change, I'll adapt until I feel the pride again.
I think The Run taught me a life lesson: I have to be proud of my pace. The speed at which I do things is my own decision, my own right, under my own control. It can't be governed, it can't be affected, it can't be changed by anyone other than me. Sure, I can let myself be influenced, but ultimately, the pace at which I run in my life is solely of my doing. Wow.
Whether it's longer strides you want to take, faster sprints, better mornings, or simply doing it on your own, the SPEED at which you do these things is YOUR choice. Some of us crawl through life, afraid to make changes, choices; frightened always that we'll fail. Others whip through the days, never stopping to cook a good meal or hug a friend until she lets go. Speed up, slow down...do what you need to do to feel proud of the pace at which you are taking life.
It's not a race. But if we're not moving, we're not living.
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