Showing-up...

Could it be that everyone who accomplishes something "jaw dropping" or "amazing," simply shows up to do a work which may not even seem possible. But they stick with it - tears and all - and eventually, all their seemingly unsuccessful efforts come together to create a beautiful piece of art?


Do you have a goal which sometimes seems impossible? I have a goal. It isn't exactly, "jaw dropping." Usually, it seems extremely possible. I know I can accomplish it. But now and then...

I am training for a half marathon, for the first time in my life. I've never been a runner (I could probably count on both hands, the # of times I have ran before last month). During the week, my workouts are small. But once each week, I go to a friend's house, and show up for a long run. Each time I run farther than ever before. One of my knees hurts. I hope I have not overdone it. I give it rest, doing much smaller workouts throughout the week, but do keep working out. A week later, I go to my friend's house for another long run - again running farther than I ever have before.

Yesterday was one of those long run days, at 8.1 miles. This time, BOTH of my knees hurt. this time, my leg muscles are sore; It hurts to walk. Behind one of my knees, is a constant and annoying tingling. I think I need a massage. I wonder if I can do more; can I keep doing this? I seriously wonder.

And yet, I know, I WILL keep on running. I am driven by a goal, and a desire to see if I can do it. I tell my husband, "next week, I don't think I'll do more. I think I may have overdone it... 6.33 miles to 8.1 may have been too much of a jump for my inexperienced knees. Perhaps I will simply run another 8.1 miles again next week."

And yet, I know I will want to do more; I might. I probably will. :o It is my goal to work up to 13 miles, so I can run a half marathon next month. I realize that this is cutting it close, but I think it is do-able.

Whether or not others may believe that I will win or lose, succeed, or fail to finish the race; I will keep running.

I only fail, if I fail to try.

No... there is no fail.

There are no failures - only people who quit before they succeed.

And I will not quit.

~

I do not know what heights I am capable of achieving.
Therefore, I do not know what heights I can not achieve;
And this acknowledgment, of lack of knowledge,
Propels me forward, to find out what I can achieve.

PS. I read a blog today over here today, which inspired this post. So, I leave a note of thanks to Emily (as well as a link - go check out her awesome blog!), for her beautiful writing, and fabulous way of encouraging inspiration!

 I don't know if you will ever see this, but thanks again Emily! :D

And thanks to all of you who read my blog, leave comments, and join me in finding joy in my journey!!!! :D

Yours truly,

Corine :D

PPS. The biggest lesson I have learned is that if we wait until we KNOW we can do something... to do it - we will never know. The knowing comes from doing it.   :)