Seventh Heaven

Today I completed day seven of my 100 Day Challenge. Today included 45 minutes on the treadmill (with which I have a love-hate relationship) and 94 squats as part of my 200 Squat Challenge. The treadmill was only okay, as I still wasn't feeling up to par...but I told myself that there is always tomorrow. Sometimes you have to give a little to avoid discouragement or injury, something I have learned in the past. The squats, however, were awesome. When I did my squat test on Saturday, I was able to do 31 squats right off the bat. This landed me in the "good" zone, and I was pleased with that. However, the gleam of 31 squats was nothing compared to the smile on my face when I did 94! Holy squat-a-mole! I'm actually looking forward to the 107 I need to do on Wednesday! Go get squatting!

Today I also received a special package in the mail (pictures to come). One of my running inspirations encouraged me to read Running for Mortals and Marathoning for Mortals when I first started out. John Bingham and his wife (Coach Jenny) are co-authors of these two great reads. And while Coach Jenny's training advice is wonderful, I really enjoyed the stories of John "The Penguin" and his journey to become a runner. (In case you were wondering, it is his 100 Day Challenge that I am working on.) His most recent book, An Accidental Athlete, is what I received in the mail today...but the best part about it is the fact that it is personalized and autographed! I can't wait to dive into it! I'm sure it will be good for some laughs, inspiration, and motivation. 

I've always struggled with the idea of considering myself an athlete, even when I was playing sports. I've never felt that I fit into the mold of an athlete or the "athletic crowd." Reading these books, however, has really opened my eyes, and has helped me to identify as a runner. I may not be the fastest, the fittest, or the most accomplished, but what counts is that I still get out there and do it. So on Motivational Monday, I leave you with this, one of my most favorite John Bingham quotes...happy running!

I've decided that Mondays should be motivational days, hence, Motivational Monday. What inspires you? What quote or mantra do you relate to? Please share your thoughts! Knowing that I have readers out there is motivating me! Cheers!