"You've got to be dedicated"

I woke up this morning at 5:30AM and contemplated going back to sleep.  Instead I got up, got my running gear on and headed downstairs.  As I opened the door to go outside I realized it was raining out...that was my cue to go back upstairs and climb into my nice warm bed.  As I walked towards the stairs I heard faint voices and I looked out the window and saw two women go running by.  It was then that I realized I needed to man up and get in my run.  I can't believe that I almost blew off a training session because of a little rain, I mean I was already up and dressed, ready to go. 

Anyway, I was out running within minutes and of course feeling not so great.  It took me around 20 minutes before I actually felt like I was moving OK.  As I got closer to my house a cyclist passed by me and let out an enthusiastic "Good morning!"  I answered back with a slightly less enthusiastic, "Good morning."  As I made the turn that would put me 3/4 of a mile from home, another cyclist rode by, only this time all he said was, "You've got to be dedicated."  For the next six minutes that was all I could think about, that in order for anyone to be out exercising on such a less than pleasant morning you have to be dedicated (or stupid....I prefer dedicated).  In fact, for the rest of that day that was all I could think about, "You've got to be dedicated."

And with that I am going to hit the hay soon and rest up for my long weekend of training.  Tomorrow (Saturday) I have a 2.75 hour run on tap, probably at 6:00AM down along the Delaware River and then a 1.5 hour ride on my trainer later on in the afternoon just to work the legs out.  On Sunday I have a 5.5 hour ride followed by an hour run.  Since there is not soccer game to coach, I shouldn't have a problem getting it all in.  Wahoo!!!

Have a great weekend everyone and be DEDICATED!!!