In every marathon I’ve run there has been a point where I’m completely on my own. Sure, there might be other runners on the route there near me, but there is always a mile where I’ve got to dig into my own strength. I’m out there alone with no one to depend on but myself. Sometimes digging deep means reciting a mantra to get me up over the next rise. Other times is thinking about what awaits me at the finish, my family, that chocolate milk and probably an IPA. And finally its just positive mental thoughts.
Heading into week four of this strange new normal, I’ve been feeling like I’m at the loneliest mile. Its been hard adapting now that the initial crisis is past. By the end of this week it got overwhelming and I could feel myself falling off course. So, this is the time that I’ve got to dig into my marathon training for ways to get through it. I can’t see the finish line yet but finding little wins throughout this long time frame have helped. A now-weekly book club call, a special meal, game night with the family are little wins along this long mile. And, you know what, this lonely mile isn’t really so lonely after all.
