Up until now the majority of my running races have been 8k and 10k races with 5k races sprinkled in between. These distances required minimal training, just consistent running. In October I will be running the Capitol 10 Miler followed by my first half marathon in November. These races will be my first of this length and will require dedicated training to work up to those distances at sustainable paces.

In the past the thrill of running for me was primarily completing a race and finishing with a better time than last year. I also enjoyed exploring my neighborhood and surrounding areas. With the start of my training plan, I found myself thinking of my runs as something I had to get over with to make it to the races. I found myself constantly checking my pace and my time to see how much longer was left. At the time I didn't realize how self defeating and demotivating this really was. I was beginning to lose the enjoyment I found in running while training for these races

While reading Christine Louise Hohlbaum's book The Power of Slow , I was reminded how important it is to enjoy the moment. I needed to re-acquaint myself with enjoying every exact moment during my runs - the breeze on my face, the sensation of my feet pounding out a rhythm on the pavement, the layers of instruments in my music, my breath bring oxygen and energy to my body. Now that I have found the moment in my runs, the miles are beginning to fly by and running is now enjoyable again.