Beginning to Break Through the Barriers

Something incredible happened in my run yesterday. I broke through a mental barrier. Actually, I think it broke the day before when I did my "disappointing timed run", of which I am now NO longer disappointed! Because I went for a 5 mile run yesterday in 13 mph winds and I could tell I was working harder than I normally do, but I was loving it! Normally, I would have slowed down and made it easy; instead I embraced the work and my attitude for the whole run was positive. I don't think I've ever had a run like that before. Now, I'm really excited about speed work. (did I say excited? that may be an exaggeration) I know it's going to be hard and painful, but yesterday gave me hope for come pretty cool paybacks.

Have you ever had a mental block in your workout? Something you just couldn't seem to get past? Finally, you pressed into it and something amazing happened? I'd love to hear about it so we can all learn how to get the most out of our workouts and ways to overcome the mental barrier.

Mine came when I submitted myself to someone else, my amazing running coach Aaron, and I was forced to do something I had previously been unwilling to do no matter how much Mark tried to tell me to work on my speed. Let's be honest, our spouses aren't usually the best place to get accountability. Mark deserves his props though, I wouldn't be where I am today without him pushing me beyond my comfort zone. The difference is we used to have huge arguments during our runs, ending with me stopping and I think I would pick fights so I could quit running. I don't know how Mark stood me. I was a whiny baby for sure! Fortunately, with Aaron there's no whining and crying, just mental angst when he gives me a timed run or fear over what my next timed run is going to be. And when he starts mentioning intervals and tempo runs my insides get tied up into little knots. I know it's going to suck and I'm going to have to push through pain and discomfort. But I don't whine. Not out loud anyway!