Just Because You Can - Does That Mean You Should?

I found myself asking that question on Sunday.

Ugh, as usual I've been fighting a cold but I decided to meet the gang Sunday morning. We have had a great turnout lately. I've gone the last 2 weeks with the intention of running just a few miles and ended up doing almost 6 each time, so this week I vowed to only run 2, a mile out and a mile back and then walk the steps until my friends returned.

Well, we got started and I was checking the Garmin about every other minute. I reached my mile mark just about mid way up the first twisting climbing miserable hill. SO, did I stop? Nope. I can't stop on a hill. I kept going. I thought, well, Barbara said she wanted to run 3 miles. I would run another 1/2 mile and turn around with her.

I'm still checking my Garmin. But now I'm talking to Ken. We have a nice conversation. I stop checking the Garmin. Before I know it we're at 104th avenue. Pat is cracking me up and I realize I have gone well over what I said I was going to do. I'm thinking that's ok, I'm keeping pace with these guys there's no reason I can't do 5.75 this morning and then my voice of reason starts screaming at me -

"HEY, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? YOU HAVEN'T EAT'N BREAKFAST, YOU HAVE NO WATER WITH YOU AND YOU'RE GETTING OVER YET ANOTHER COLD!!! GET OFF THIS TRAIL AND STICK TO YOUR PLAN!!! NOW!!!"

So, I decided to listen. I took a huge short cut and went just about 4 miles. I walked the last 1/2 mile and then did 3 turns on the steps. And I felt great afterwards. Last night I wasn't stiff at all and this morning same thing. No stiffness, no stuffy head just a little cough.

I wanted to beat myself up when I broke away from the group and shortened my route. I felt like an idiot walking up those steps but I kept telling myself this is what I need to do. And this morning I'm really glad I did. :)