Summer running progress and becoming a counselor...

The month of June has been going well. In the last three weeks, I have been able to do tempo and interval work twice a week and a long run on the weekends. For the first two weeks, I went off feel and kept the repeats low (4 x 400, 4 x 800). My tempos ranged from 2-3 miles. Today I did 8 x 400, which was quite the increase for me. I started off repeating 96s for the first three but struggled after that (1:40s). In doing so, I learned that I have some speed but still lack in endurance. This was encouraging, however, because I know I am making progress with every workout attempt. It may take longer than I expected to get to the next level, but I am so grateful to be healthy enough to run consistently again. I'm averaging roughly 27 miles a week.

In related news, I began my counseling career last month and saw some parallels with my career and running. When I started my practicum experience, I thought that three years worth of classes would prepare me to be the best counselor. I expected myself to know it all and what to do in any situation. Little did I know that I knew squat when it came to being a counselor. In fact, it is expected for me to be clueless, frustrated, and nervous. Such feelings are part of the process and growth to becoming a professional counselor someday. Like running, I'm not going to know everything there is to know over night. Nor am I going to be the fastest I can be overnight. Both activities are a process. Realizing this a month in to my career, I feel more at ease. And similarly, a new sense of confidence in that I trust in the process of growth. As a counselor, my growth is just beginning. And as a runner, I'm slowly approaching a new level. Together, I must realize they both take time to master. And that there's nothing wrong with that.