Barriers to success

Today is the first day in a 30 run challenge that I have taken up. Run a minimum of 20 minutes a day for 30 days. The theory is that at the end of the month your running will have improved significantly. However in this part of my fitness cycle, coming back from having peaked 4 months ago, it will be hard work. This morning I was out in the wind and fine rain covering 6.2 miles around a hilly course. My heart rate is too high but I don't want to slow down as it's only a short run so you just feel awful as you climb the hills. At this point you could easily walk or just give up as nobody knows you are out there - but I do. Despite feeling sick I push on because I know every step is a step closer to my goal and every run is "miles in the bank". I know that on the Marathon des Sables I will probably overdraw that bank account but the more I have in it at the start, the less the debt if you get my drift. So my current lack of fitness is a potential barrier to success but only if I allow my mind to believe that and that is not going to happen. As I said to my daughter this morning "it's the things you work hard for that you appreciate the most".