As I took off for my long run last weekend, I passed a duo of ladies finishing up their run and overheard this:
Lady runner #1, “Wow! I never thought I would be able to run 8 miles!”
Lady runner #2, “I knew you could! Great job today!”
I smiled to myself, because thoughts and conversations like this are so common among runners, beginner or experienced.
There is a time when you start something new, whether it’s running, or a fitness regimen, or a change in eating, or even a new job, when you think, “I’m never going to be able to do this, or to get better at it!” That’s a pretty standard thought at the beginning of anything new and different. And then, as the days go by, you suddenly realize that not only are you doing what you never thought you could, but you’re doing it well! Crazy, huh?
I see it especially in running—that negative mentality and self-talk. I can’t run, I can’t run fast, I can’t race, I can’t go far. There are lots of mental blocks to keep someone from realizing their potential. And frankly, that’s all they are—mental blocks! The reality is that you are completely capable of doing whatever you are telling yourself you’re not. You just have to try. And then you just have to keep doing it! It’s amazing what can happen when you stop telling yourself, “there’s no way!” and start telling yourself, “let’s do this!” You become better, faster, stronger, and soon you start adding even bigger goals!
As I started my run after overhearing those ladies, I couldn’t help but think of myself. I never thought I would be able to run like I can now. I couldn’t even run a whole mile in high school! I gave the old, “I can’t run,” line to everyone up until 5 years ago. And then, I just said, “well, let’s give it a try and see what happens.” Now, a few years later, I’m a marathoner, and running is my passion! It makes me so happy when others go through the same moments of joy and accomplishment, and it’s my hope to guide many more to that joy!
I know you can do it! So what will you take on today? No matter where you are in your training or on your journey, or what you’re doing, great job in doing it! Feed on those positive accomplishments, and there will be no limits!
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