Congrats to Cassandra Smith on completing the 300 Mile Challenge! Here’s an inspiring post she shared in our FB group, reposted here with permission.
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SOME THINGS TAKE LONGER
Since completing Marathon Training Academy’s 100 mile challenge in September 2020 amid COVID-19 lockdowns and curfews, I was ready for their next challenge. Not sure, I anticipated that it would be all of 300 miles 😱
My Plan: Complete 100 miles each month from January to March which meant 4-5 runs per week at a minimum of 25 miles each week.
The Rationale: Distance running is so much more than physical activity. Many of the lessons transfer across all areas of life. It’s about setting a goal, being consistent and having the tenacity to complete the task. It’s about digging deeper when you’d rather go back under the sheets. “Practice makes perfect” comes to life as you realize that your body gets stronger, your breathing is less laboured, and your pace decreases steadily.
The Benefits of this Challenge:
- I get to set my own time-frame and I can make any adjustments as needed.
- I can choose the type and length of exercise depending on what my body is saying on that day.
- The opportunity to be part of the MTA online community is a bonus – great for encouragement and motivation; also allowing for sharing the week-to-week shuffle toward completion.
Preference for in-person or virtual? While I love travelling and all that goes with the excitement of race day and the victory dinner, I’ve enjoyed the virtual races. I have my upbeat music, so I’m okay with virtual…for now. The only drawback is having to wait for the “bling” (medal)…😏 Thankfully, this one arrive this week…it’s very niiiice 🥳
My Company: Shouts out to my running mates who endured the calls – “Are we running this Saturday?” or “How many miles on Tuesday?” High-fives 👋 to Gretal and David Hanna, Sue Simmons, Jodell Roberts and DaSh Smith. Company is almost just as important as the run – they will push you or help you keep your pace on days when you’re drudging through the miles 😫
The Life Lesson: Some things take longer. 5Ks, 10Ks, half and full marathons can be accomplished in minutes or hours respectively. Done and forgotten. 300 miles takes consistency and mental perseverance…day after day and week after week.
So, to the parent waiting for that child to get it together; or that husband hoping for that perfect job; or that student holding out for the opportunity to attend college…whatever you’re working on or waiting for, STAY THE COURSE! Continue to push and pray…you are not laboring in vain…your reward is on the way 😍
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