The 2020 Virtual Durrell Challenge started Sept 26, 2020 and ends Monday Sept 28, 2020. I took the liberty of doing my run today, Sunday the 27th around Oak Grove Lake. The course is exactly 1.5 miles around it was the perfect day to run.
One catch though, I didn't train at all. I know, I know, I should've! It's not like I didn't know I was going to do it, just strength training got the best of me these past few weeks. Haven't you ever committed to something you didn't train or practice for and still pushed yourself?? I can't even begin to express how happy I was to finish.
There were so many looming thoughts like, 'Do I really want to finish this?' or 'Shit, my hips hurt!' or 'Why did I committ to this?' and even, 'I should just stop now, I'm SO tired.' Running is all about the mental trip. In all honesty, it wasn't even as bad as some of those thoughts I was having. I wasn't sure if I'd make it, 5.5 times around and by the 3rd round my hips were getting really tight and my strides weren't as long. Even my right arm kept getting tight and my middle and ring finger started to swell. But, I just kept one foot in front of the other and tried not to think about it too much.
Before I knew it, I'd hit the five mile mark.
That last three miles was LONG, to say the least. Upon the seven mile mark, I wanted to say, "Eff this last mile," LOL. I put my head down and watched my feet, focused on my stride and about the wonderful stretch I'd have after this was all over.
Finally, eight miles!! I knew 13k was a bit over the 8 mile marker, but I had about a fifth of a mile walk to the car.
DONE! I've never wanted water so bad in my life, but I couldn't stop smiling even though I wasn't sure if once I sat down, if I'd be able to get back up. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it. Know your body, of course, but push it to the max and accomplish impossible feats!
Things like this are bigger than you and you have to believe that nothing is as simple as doing, mentality is everything. I HATE RUNNING! And honestly, I'm shocked that particular three word sentence didn't once cross my mind while I was in the zone. Those other things did, without a doubt! And once it was over, it really wasn't so bad. I felt accomplished, it was a great way to start my day and I did it for Durrell!!
Durrell was the first running challenge I'd ever done in my life, I vow to do it at least every other year. It was also the first charity that I've ever raised money for and it always feels good to give back, both in time and financially. Plus, the first time I did ended with a pretty sweet reward that'll be able to carry for the rest of my life. Cheers to doing things we'd never thought we could!
Terrene Davenport with Henry Cavill, May 2018. He got a copy of The Great Balance too!