June 1st--WHAT??

Can't believe it's June 1st.  At least it was one of the greatest days I've had ever.  It was one of those days where everything went my way.  RARE!!!  I woke up to happy pleasant children.  No whining.  No fighting.  No problems.  (NO WAY!!)  Hit every green light on the way to preschool.  Got to the gym on time with time to spare.

Cycled hard with Carrie.  Got my inspiration.  Carrie always brings me higher!  Loved that I pushed and didn't give up when I was tired (from her encouragement).  And I wasn't worried about babying my injury.  I simply pretended I didn't have one and that worked out well for me.  Carrie had a lot to say today about mental strength.  She explained that the way you will train yourself to win a race isn't through just being better or fitter or faster than everybody else, it's about working harder.  It's about pushing through when you are tired and when you feel like you have nothing left.  It's about getting to that point, and mentally deciding in your mind to not give up and to keep going.  That is where the mental toughness comes in.  I tapped into it today.  I wanted to stop about 40 minutes into class.  I kept listening to her teaching us and it was as if she was speaking directly to me.  I totally got what she was saying about getting tired and then pushing again and then again and then again...physically you can.  Your mind is the only thing holding you back and saying "I can't".  You have to tell your body, "Come on!"  This clicked in my mind so clearly that if you want to improve and get to a higher level, you must tell your body to do it.  Your mind has the power.  You can do it, and it will be very hard.  It's supposed to be.  It's not easy for anyone.  If you look at other athletes and think, it's easier for them--they are built that way or they are younger or they are faster...it's not true.  It's hard for all.  The winners are those that are willing to work the hardest...harder than others.  So, inside my head I told myself, if I want to get faster and stronger, I have to work harder than I have before and know that I can push through my fatigue, pain and doubt.  I also have to control my breathing and relax in the moment of pushing.  It also won't hurt to become intimately acquainted with the most awesome pastime ever: THE ICE BATH.  There's no turning back now.  I've have got to be part of that "less than none" statistic that my husband spoke of so pragmatically (I look forward to him eating his words as he often does).  

My daughters could not have been better angels today.  Especially my oldest Riley.  She was obedient, respectful, kind, loving, helpful and just downright adorable!  I'm officially over my week long blues that darkened my mood for days.  Love the good days...they are a blessing and a miracle...