Chasing the Dragon
Running five miles is just not that big of deal for most runners. What makes it challenging is the pace at which the five miles is run. For those of us who feel that we always have to put up a faster time than our last time for a given distance, something I like to call chasing the dragon, it turns what should be a fun endeavor into a downright sufferfest.
For me, it's never the physical part that is challenging as much as it is the mental part. The whole time I'm on course I have a running mental dialogue with myself. Typically, the first couple miles are positive with me just getting into my stride but shortly after, and especially depending on pace, things greatly deteriorate to internal thoughts mostly centered around "Why am I doing this?" and "You know you can slow down if you like".
So for the duration I spend my time holding a continuous debate with myself, countering each negative thought with why I need to keep going at my current pace. Ultimately, it comes down to one simple argument. The suffering I'm going through is only temporary and compared to the shame I'd feel knowing that I packed it in, it's just not worth it.
Next year I'll be back at the Shamrock Shuffle. Will anything be different? Hopefully I'll put in a faster time. But I also know Mr. Negative Internal Dialogue won't be far behind. However, to tell the truth, I don't think I'd have it any other way.
~namaste~
Chicago 2009 Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Official Time: 40' 20" - Personal Record by 57"