Resolve to Succeed - Shannon

Pain can do a lot to a person's pysche! With my back hurting and feeling extremely fatigued on Monday, my post seemed a bit like I was wanting to quit.

QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION!

I, by no means, am a quitter. I never have been. I don't know how. I will keep pushing and trying! Always have! I think I actually annoy certain people with my persistence :}. HHHMMM......

Having said that though, the thoughts of quitting, when things get too hard, do cross my mind, I won't lie. But thoughts are just that, thoughts! It requires action for a thought to become reality. When I'm in pain or extremely fatigued I have to remind myself that God gave us a body that can withstand just about anything; it's the mind you have to convince.

Convincing the mind is the hardest part when dealing with pain. So here's what I'm going to do to keep my mind convinced that this is meant to be:

1. Reprogram my brain! The brain is like a computer and processes whatever messages you feed it. That is why I will be posting various positive affirmations around the house. One being "Pain is only temporary; Self-respect is forever".

2. Why do I run? In the beginning it was another level in my attempt to lose weight, but then I met awesome people, found trail running, and I have absolutely fallen in love with it! There's so much beauty out on the trails, how can you not love it.

3. I'm not alone. I have such an awesome support system. First and foremost, Pam! The one who convinced me we could do this, who encourages me when I'm out on the trails, who inpires me. Diane, who is helping us with our training. And, my husband Mark, who is very patient and doesn't question why I'm gone on Saturdays or when I come home so wiped out I can barely move.

4. What can I control? When life gets crazy it's hard to focus, but I have to learn that I can't control what's happening around me. I can only control myself. I need to stay focused and take all the steps that I can possibly take to make this happen as pain free (and injury free) as possible.

5. Motivation. I have to focus on my motivation, not the lack thereof. I have to stay motivated to get up at 3:45a each morning to get to the gym to get my runs in. I have to stay motivated to go out and do the LONG runs.

6. Surrender. To the knowledge that you will hurt, however, just remember, pain is only temporary.

7. Think positive. "Keep your face to the sunshine and you will not see the shadows." "You will succeed!!" "I will survive!"

8. Take care of myself. Take time to take bubble baths. Save my pennies so I can get a massage at least once a month. Learn to say No.

No it's time to go listen to The Eye of the Tiger :)

Stay dirty.