I just got back from a really bad run. It happens. More often then I think I’ve shared here on the blog, and the last thing I want to put out there in the universe is that running is always peachy keen and rainbows and unicorns. I’m going to go through how I’m feeling, and then follow up with the facts.

I feel, right now, like I am a terrible runner.

Of course I know this isn’t true. After all, I just PR’d a half exactly one month ago today. I’m also coming off one week of doing a 5K every single day and it’s possible that’s partially responsible for my “lead legs”. I am a good runner.

I’m mad at my body for not doing what I need it to do.

Today’s run was slightly affected by lead legs but MOSTLY affected by my stomach. I’ve had some sort of a bug for about a week now and I won’t go into details (you’re welcome) but my stomach is just a mess. I have no doubt I’m weaker than usual because of all that. My body was doing it’s job by telling me that today was not a great day for a long run. Good job, Body. I’m going to try not to be mad.

I’m discouraged and worried that I won’t be ready for my race.

Again, this makes no sense. But the race is in Colorado, People! Land of the really fast runners! And although logic would dictate that since I’m only one month post half, I’ll be absolutely fine (also note I did 6 miles weekend before last and last weekend PR’d a 5K). I’m overall in really good shape. And I still have 5 weeks. I will be ready.

I’m REALLY ticked that I have to get up tomorrow and try again for the mileage that was supposed to happen today.

It’s supposed to be raining tomorrow, too. This one feels legit to me. I’m going to allow myself to stay ticked. Especially since it’s Mother’s Day and I was hoping to sleep in. Sigh.

I’m worried that my last great run has already happened.

This thought crosses my mind EVERY time I have a bad run. I think that maybe all these years my good runs have been like water in a bucket, spilling out some of my great running juice with every great run, and now the bucket has run dry and that’s it. Running will suck from now on. But this is, of course, ridiculous.

Today was bad, no doubt about it. But it was just one run. There will be others. And to quote Scarlet O’Hara, tomorrow is another day. And I’ll be up and try again. Because it is literally a marathon not a sprint, and I can handle the bumps in the road and will keep going. And keep moving forward.

Happy running.