Definition of Success

I've never been one that needs to "win" or be "top 10" or "the best" -- I simply enjoy the experience and process and being in the middle, being average -- there's no pressure there! Thus, my definition of success (mostly regarding competition) has generally been: Finish. Don't be last.

Since 2012, I've completed the Liberty by the Lake 10K. The 'early bird' discount registration emails for this event usually show up in my inbox in late April or early May. Every year, I dutifully register without a second thought and start training. However, this year has been different. For the last little while, I feel like I've hit a wall in my "running". I'm not quite as motivated to push through on my workouts -- I am happy to be outside every morning and get moving, I'm just really, really, really slow in my pace. 

So when it came time to register this year, I hesitated. I thought this might be the year to end my streak. I was not looking forward to a slower, longer time out in the hot, humid, unshaded, pebble-in-my-shoe event...and paying for it. Honestly, I just dreaded having yet again another slower race time. (NOTE: I think subconsciously my definition of success was on the line ... I might actually have slowed down enough to be last this year.) 

I saved the email, but took no action. And then...

A couple weeks later, I came across a "Complete Guide to Running" book at a library sale. I like books so I got it since the topic was in my area of interest and so I could donate to the library. I did some light reading and came across this:

Right there, it talks about the power of consistency and having a tradition to participate in every year - to start it and finish it! Doh. Ok, so I signed up for Liberty by the Lake. (Side note: notice the bookmark I just happened to use...one created to inspire Danielle's Girl Scout troop...) Hindsight: I wish my annual run would have been at a different time of year, rather than during one of the hottest months!

Due to my delay and hesitation, my intentional 10K training started pretty late, so my miles have been low, and again, pretty slow. One week ago, I had my final "long" run -- I had only trained for up to 5 miles. Trixie and I headed out that Saturday morning at 8a, and it was already super hot and sunny and muggy. I managed mostly slow jogging with a bit of walking mixed in. It was so hot, Trixie tapped out at 3.5 miles, but I continued for about 2 more miles. The distance was not the issue -- it was again my speed. I can finish, but would I end up last?

During that slow, heavy run, my brain pondered all the ways to get out of the upcoming event that I was mentally struggling with. I could just do the shorter 5k. I could just do my own 10k at an earlier, cooler time around my neighborhood. I could bail entirely. Again - I like being outside and moving and accomplishing a goal, it just bothers me that I'm soooo sloooowwww now - I'm hardly running -- and now with some walking. I think my ego was getting in the way...but then...

After that run, I looked at the quote of the day on my daily flip-calendar.

WHA?? How does that happen? Coincidence? Divine intervention? Luck? Fate? I won't ever know, but I sure needed to see those words.

I changed my attitude right then and decided to be happy about my annual run and not think about the possibility of being so slow that I was last.

Fast forward to the event: the heat I was dreading: didn't happen! It was cloudy (no sun beating down, hallelujah!) and the temperature was mid 80s with low humidity! How does that happen? The forecast had been predicting hot all week! 

During the run, I just kept reminding myself I was out there doing it and I was still moving forward.

The results? Sure, I was slow...but I got 2nd place in my age group, out of 4 other women! 

Success: I finished. I was not last. 

Finisher's Medal (I finished!) + 2nd Place Medal (I wasn't last!)

Love it when things work out better than expected! My running tradition will continue! (NOTE: If you hear me start to complain next year about the hot, long, slow Liberty by the Lake 10K, please remind me to come back and read this!)