ONE OF "THOSE DAYS"

I woke up yesterday feeling really tired, even though I had slept for 10+ hours (yeah, I know, I need a lot of sleep).  I hadn't run since my epic fartlek workout on Monday, so I knew I needed to lace up my shoes and head outside.  I knew I would feel better once I was actually in the run, chugging along, and doing something good for my body.

The first mile went along pretty smoothly, but my energy levels quickly depleted.  By the time I hit two miles, at an average pace of 12+ minutes per mile, I knew I wasn't going to make it to 3.  At 2.5 miles, my legs were begging me to stop and I was wheezing like a lifelong smoker.  Ahhh!

The key is realizing that everyone has "off" days.  As tempted as I was to be disappointed with my performance, I thought back on the awesome workouts I've had in the past two weeks and cut myself a break.  After all -- there was a time when I thought running a mile all the way through was impossible.  And here I am, beating myself up over a 2.5 mile run, because I don't think it's enough.  Really?!  Look at that progress!  I realized that I had nothing to be upset about.

I got back to the house and cooled off, drank my water, etc. -- and it hit me.  The lack of energy and the sandbags-in-my-shoes feeling; could there be an explanation?  I took out my pack of birth control pills -- lo and behold, I was halfway through my "pre-period" week.  There it was, right in front of my face -- the explanation of my energy woes.  I rolled my eyes at my own inability to put the pieces together, and sat down to enjoy my lunch before heading to work.  I was not a slacker; I was just an athlete having an icky day.  So embrace those days -- they will only make your good days seem that much better!