When you think about quitting ...

I had a decent run outside today.  Although, I started out SO MAD! Our cat decided to chew on my headphones while I was out dropping the kindergartener off.  She chewed clean through them ... my favorite, semi-expensive, hook-over-my-ears-cause-the-other-kind-never-stay-in-when-I-run headphones!  DARN IT!!!!  We've also had so much amazing sunshine lately that I was less than crazy about the dreery, gray skies that awaited me!  Nevertheless, I made do with an old pair of headphones (and ignored the irritating buzz in my left ear the whole time) and was pleased to discover the melancholy cloud-cover did make it much warmer.  My goal was to do over 7 miles today ... I was thrilled when I staggered home and discovered I had done 7.36 to be exact. 

Truth is ... I barely made it home. 

My knees get very soft on me when I don't run regularly and they really started to rebel the last two miles.  I had to push through it though!  As much as I wanted to quit, I knew if I stopped to walk they would immediately stiffen up and I'd be stuck walking the rest of the way home. 

I am very happy I was able to run 7 miles.  Afterall, a couple of weeks ago I would have been so proud of that run.  I am trying to focus on that positive and not spend too much time dwelling on
     1) my disappointing knees and
     2) the fact that I still have to be able to *easily* run
         twice that far uphill! 

Sometimes training get's overwhelming ... I see how many steps backward I've made ... or how many leaps I still have yet to take.  *Trying* NOT to get discouraged. :)