It's 90% mental and 10% physical

Three years ago, I started training for my very first half-marathon.  I asked EVERYONE who claimed to be a runner for advice, and most everyone said the same thing.  

"It is 90% mental and 10% physical."  

"You're body will keep going until it can't go anymore, it's your brain you have to convince."

I pretty much thought they were crazy.  There was NO WAY, my body was going to be able to go 13.1 miles!!  I just knew it would give out half-way down the strip!  (First half was the Rock n Roll in Vegas!)  But I started training, and you know what?  They were right.  There were many runs my brain told me I couldn't do it anymore, but my legs kept going.  

As I am beginning this journey to the full 26.2 miles, I am having to remind myself of this.  Sunday I ran 4 miles and it was HOT!!  I live in Houston and it's August!  Have you ever tried running in a sauna?  That's basically the same thing.  I could have given up at mile 2, or mile 3, but I kept telling myself that I could do this.  My body will completely collapse when I can't go anymore, not that I want that to happen, but with a little pep talk to myself I can keep going.  

So, for all of you runners out there, whether you are training for your first mile, 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or full, remember, your body can do anything, it's your brain you have to convince!