Training Wheels

I've been training a lot lately.  I'm logging 50 plus miles per week, meeting with a personal trainer for strength sessions, and balancing this with work and life stresses.

Training comes with some ups and downs, ebbs and flows; just as practicing any skill does.  This time, training for the Ultramarathon Caballo Blanco (formerly the Copper Canyon Ultramarathon), has honestly felt like an emotional roller coaster.  

Some days, I'm on top of the world; I'm running strong, there is love in my heart, I am pain free, eating right and resting well.

yum!  Here is a recovery meal after a hard run.  Big salad and toasted vegan "pizza's" with hummus, tomato and pesto.

Other days, I'm cranky and starving; my legs feel like bricks, my shoulders ache and I can hardly run 3 miles, and in my head, I scream, "why am doing this?"

Most days; I know why.  Because I love to run, to explore and see what's just around the corner.  Because I am following my heart to this run in Mexico.  I feel passionate about the causes I am running for and feel at home in my body.  I have faith in my abilities and my training.

Other days, however, doubt creeps in; fear creeps in, and suddenly everyone and their mom is stronger than me, faster than me, and is soon going to discover that I am an imposter!

One of my favorite quotes, read by Nelson Mandela that I want to offer as a reminder is;
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate   Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us."

Yes!  Training for a goal and working with our strengths and weaknesses gives us a chance to really work with success and failure.  Is it chance or luck that will bring me through my 50 mile race?  I don't think so.  It's dedication, hard work, and my faith in the training and myself.