You Can’t Always Get What You Want…by Liimu

Just a couple months ago, I was complaining of an Achilles injury that had me barely able to run a half mile. A couple weekends ago, I was persuaded by my running group to come out and try to run 4 miles. I ran slowly – slow enough for my a million weeks pregnant friend to run right along side me. The point is, I RAN IT. Last weekend, I decided to try for 6 miles. The day before, I said a few extra prayers for strength and willingness and sent an SOS text to my friend who was supposed to be running it with me. 

Me: Trying to run now on the treadmill. Not going so well.

Her: Stay focused. You have come so far. You got this, girl!

Me: i will try. Tomorrow might be a walk/run. :( I still have 45 pounds to go. Not sure why but scale has not been responding. It is just harder to run at this weight. That’s all there is to it.

Her: Then that’s what we will do….together. :)

Me: :)

Her: Hard does not meal that it won’t be possible soon

Me: True!!

Unfortunately, the next morning about 5 minutes before we were set to run, I received this: 

Her: Alarm was set wrong. Just getting up. Won’t be able to make it.

It was too late to change my mind, I was already at the trail and had already psyched myself up to try to run the entire thing. Besides, her pep talk had really helped build my confidence, even if she wouldn’t be there to run right beside me. God would be there and he would strengthen me to run the mileage I was setting out to run. I did see a group of women getting ready to run and thought about asking if I could join them, but I knew I would need to keep my pace steady and reasonable for myself, at least for the first half.  I set out at an easy pace of about 4.5 mph and turned off the music so I could settle into the run. By the time I reached the halfway point, I realized I was actually going to be able to do it! I was going to be able to accomplish my goal!

At the four-mile mark I saw one of the women I had seen at the start slowing from a run to a walk. 

“Come on! You can do it,” I cheered. She took her earbuds out and introduced herself.

“I’m Teresa. How far are you going? To the end?” When I nodded, she continued. “Mind if I join you?”

She was faster than I was used to, but I was feeling strong and super amped at having run as far as I had. I refused to complain, and refused to slow.  Before I knew it, we were at the end. My average pace was 12.5 minutes per mile, and I’m pretty happy with that.

My experience taught me that the Universe will give you what you need, even if it’s not exactly what you ask for and not necessarily what you expect. I plan to keep asking. And this weekend, I will be running 7 miles regardless of who I have running by my side.

Tags: disappointment, friendship, running, weight loss