Building Endurance

Would it surprise you that my easy weekday runs usually test my limits more than my weekend long run? Strange, huh?  Well, I tend to push myself on my easy runs.  It's only three miles so I can run faster, right? 

Today was one of those days.  My first mile felt good.  I was keeping a faster pace.  Second mile was 30 seconds faster than the first.  Then by mid-third mile, I was tired.  My faster pace had exhausted my tank.  That's when you feel it.  Your body says it's done.  You've exceeded it's limits.  Your legs are ready to quit.  Did I stop, give in?  Nope!  Moments like this I think of the husband.  All the tests he endured after diagnosis.  Many times he said he couldn't take another test.  I reassured him that he could.  Radiation took a toll too.  I know there were days he didn't want to go.  His body said it had enough.  Yet he persevered and reached the finish line.  I use that to keep my legs moving.  My "tiredness" has nothing on what the husband's body dealt with so there's no way I will stop.  At the finish line you realize the body could endure more despite what it was saying.  You just have to find the strength to push it past it's so-called limits.  And having pushed through those limits, I know my next run will be even better.