The Voices in My Head

I am too tired to go running...

You might be tired, but since when has that stopped you?

I have too much to do today.  I can't fit everything in.

Stay Healthy.  Prioritize.

It's too hot.

Wah.  Hydrate or die.  Wait a little longer.  You like running at sunset better anyway.

Spending so much time training/running is selfish.  I need to clean my house, cook some dinner and pay attention to my family.

That's quite a judgement.  Let's ignore the fact that you think selfish=BAD and remember that you have taught your family to be capable and somewhat self-reliant.  They can practice that a little bit. And in the long run (pun probably intended), they will remember watching you crossing the finish line, and not how many frozen burritos they had to microwave. 

I just want to sleep a little bit longer.  It's still dark outside and that scares me.  I don't want to do this long training run alone.

You are never alone.  Listen.  Pray. Practice letting go of fear...
Fear paralyzes.  Faith mobilizes.
Now...GET UP!

Running up this hill/mountain will be really hard and it will hurt.

Just FLOAT.  Smooth, light and easy.  Keep your shoulders in line with your hips.  Tight torso. If it feels like hard work, you are working too hard.  Do it, and it will make you stronger.  Look at the beautiful view from up here on the mountain.  Smell the pine trees.  Breathe!  You are the only person here right now.  That says something about you.

I can't run any more.  My hips, calves, feet, toes and hamstring hurt.  I think I am going to throw up.

Suck it up, Buttercup.  This ain't nothin'.  Look how far you've come.  Look at what you can do!  

And remember....

Run deep.
Run long.
Run silent.
Run strong.

Just...

RUN.