There is a scene in Castaway where Tom Hanks’ character tries desperately to leave the island he’s trapped on.  He makes attempt after attempt but is thrown back by the tidal waves off the island.  Those scenes stuck in my head this morning as I plotted away on a 2 mile run.  I was absolutely exhausted, sore from my return to running and fighting off a cold.  I wanted, more than anything, to give myself one day off…just once chance to relax.  I thought, if I just reward myself with one day…even though it’ll violate my 30 day trial, or if I just ran 1 mile and then ran another mile later today..that would count!  Then, it hit me, I’m hitting my first plateau.

The rule for the trial is 30 days of at least 2 miles per day.  I’m modifying that to include 2 miles in a single run.  It’s important to fight through the urge to “reward” yourself in this first plateau.  This is the stage where whatever motivation got you back running is starting to fade and you’re forced with the realization that you’re trying to build a lifestyle change.  It won’t be easy but, instead of looking at the big picture, I’m going to take this one day by day…. so I’ll run another 2 miles later today and try for 3 tomorrow…but WILL get at least 2.