Today’s run was hard. I am so slow now and the gradual increase in weekly mileage is exciting, maybe rewarding but some of the runs, like today’s, was hard. I was happy to finish. My running buddy and coach lets me be where I am physically. Her acceptance of my current fitness level is so motivating for me when I experience the hard runs like today’s. Mindfulness for the runner comes with self-compassion and chosen vulnerability. These both help the runner experience mental toughness and psychological resilience.