Motivational Mondays (Sept. 21)

On Sunday, I ran 10 miles. It was the first time since late spring that I'd done so, and probably the fifth or sixth time I've ever ran as much. It feels great to have the ability to run 10 miles and to know that I have the ability to run more than 10 miles.

But there was a time when I wasn't able to run that much at once. There was a time, not too long ago, that five miles was about all I had to give, and even that was a stretch.

And there was a time when one mile was daunting, heck, any distance was daunting.

It's part of my evolution as a runner, but it's also more than that. I've been able to take important steps along the way as I try to evolve and develop as a runner. I'm not a gifted athlete. Every time the seven-minute-per-mile pace group zooms by us, I am humbled and left wondering what it would be like to run that fast for such long distances.

That's not me, though, and that moment of wonder/envy passes. I focus on my steps, my distances, my goals. I've come a long way but I still have a long way to go.

Whatever goals you've set for yourself, whatever the pinnacle is that you are trying to reach, just know that it will take time.

Before you lost 50 pounds, you have to lose five.

Before you save up $1,000 to pay off a debt, you have to save $50.

Before you quit smoking for good, you have to go a day without it.

It might seem like you are not moving fast enough towards your goals, that it's not worth the time and energy you are investing, that your frustration and anxiety levels are too high.

It is worth it, though. You just have to take each step as it comes and know that if you follow along your path, eventually those steps will get you to where you want to be.