Day 121 (4/10): 4 miles / 34:24

All in all, another successful workout.  I'll admit to not wanting to run at all, but I'm guessing that had something to do with today's weather.  The winter is usually my lazy time and, with the weather being so summer-like and out of the ordinary lately, I've felt like I've had this extra little bit of energy.  Today, unfortunately, we got back to our usual Cleveland weather... cold and snow... so very strange after the weather we've had these last few weeks.  I can't say it was unexpected... just a little disappointing.  So, I just didn't feel like doing much besides lounging around in my pjs all day.  It took everything I had to put on my running gear, lace up the shoes and head to the basement for a 4 mile treadmill run.  Lucky for me, my workout actually took far less effort.

Of course, that's not to suggest that I didn't work hard for today's run... it was just easier to handle once I was moving.

My first mile took about 9:10, my second 8:55 and my third around 8:40.  And while I'd love to say that I pushed myself particularly hard for my last mile just to see how fast I could go, the truth is that I really wanted to get the workout over with so that I could finish watching a tv show I'd recorded weeks ago and hadn't yet finished before my son woke up from his nap.  Regardless of the motivation, I'm proud of the fact that I ended my workout with a 7:39 mile.

And I don't know that I can give full credit to my music for my strong finish, but I will say that it certainly didn't hurt.  With just under a mile to go Rascal Flatts' song Stand came up on my playlist.  This song is actually far slower than anything else I have on my playlist because I usually prefer a faster beat during my runs, but it just seems to get to me every time I hear it and, even with the slower tempo, I never seem to slow down when it plays.  For those who know country music, I'm sure you're familiar with the song.  If not, you should definitely give it a listen: Rascal Flatts - Stand

And while I have to admit that my life hasn't exactly been a struggle... there is very little for which I've truly had to fight... I do think that anyone can relate to its lyrics...

When push comes to shove, you taste what you're made of

You might bend 'til you break 'cause it's all you can take

On your knees you look up, decide you've had enough

You get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off

Then you stand

Every time you get up and get back in the race

One more small piece you of you starts to form into place

I guess it's the idea of becoming a stronger person... regardless of what you might be fighting, internal or external, real or imagined, everyone has something to overcome.  This song makes me feel like anyone can find that inner strength and can be more than they are today.  I love the idea of that, so I'm particularly moved every time I hear it.  In fact, when the song ended, I played it again.  I might have to make sure it makes it into my marathon day playlist... maybe right around mile 20 when I'm pretty sure I'll need all the motivation I can get :)