W3R1

[LauraLiz]

Ran through to drizzle to finish week 3 run 1. So pleased I did this! Nearly cried with joy when Michael Johnson said I'd finished.

On to the next one on Monday!

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Is that the week where he cries Yessss! When you finish?

[LauraLiz in reply to Whatsapp]

That's the one. It was unexpectedly encouraging and made me smile!

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to LauraLiz]

Me too. It made it feel like a real achievement. He hasn't been as excited since, and I'm on W7 now.

[MrNiceGuy]

Little beats a sense of personal achievement. Furthermore, as you progress through the program (and beyond), I'm sure you'll enjoy further moments that draw feelings of elation (and actual tears of joy).

Since running is very much a solitary existence, despite words of encouragement in your ear, you can't rely upon anyone else to carry you, making the sense of achievement feel all the more rewarding.

Consider the sense of joy and elation experienced by half and full-marathoners.

While they may have no hope of ever winning the race, upon crossing the finish line in 5500th place, for example, the months spent training for the distance provides ultimate closure, allowing the runner to appreciate that what they've achieved extends well beyond finishing in 1st place.

Even if they ever only complete one half or full marathon in their lifetime, that sense of accomplishment stays with them.

Although you may not have quite completed a marathon earlier today (even if it felt like it), simply embrace the feeling of satisfaction experienced afterwards, using it as motivation to progress through the program.