On Pushing Yourself: The Running Attitude


I had an interesting thought today. I went out for a run, predetermined to push myself a bit more than I had in the past. I set a distance goal in my head and then went for it.

2 things happened: ONE: I made it in better fashion than expected. I went from point A to point B without stopping - something I didn't think I was ready for at least for a couple of weeks. And TWO, when I shared my accomplishment on Facebook, someone commented "I wish I could do that too"; which evoked a series of thoughts in my head, leading to this one in specific: there are no rules when you go running. Anyone can do it, but you have to want to. I didn't just wish I could do it, well, maybe once upon a time I did but that was never enough. I decided I would go as far one way or another. I didn't worry about the details i.e. my speed or how often I would stop.

I just started reading a book my friend, running partner and volunteer trainer Will lent me - Runner's World Complete Book of Running (you can find a link at the end of this entry). Funny enough, after my run, I opened the book out of order to a specific topic I wanted to learn about: the mental aspect. The book spoke about 2 things serendipitously enough: I am quoting "You should always act as if you can" and "find out the truth of your athletic potential by living out the experience". Aren't those just beautiful concepts? Nod your head, come on. The answer is: Yes! They are awesome!! They are also great for everyday living, don't you agree?

A real life example is my recent run. I decided I wanted go that far, regardless of what it took. I acted as if I could and went out to find out the truth about my potential, realizing to my welcomed surprise that there was more to me than I thought.

I have always said this "Your limits extend beyond where you imagine" but it takes us to find this out. We alone are capable of bringing this out.

Don't pre-decide what you can or can't do. Decide what you are going to strive for, then go for it and see what you can do. "Live out the experience" and push yourself enough to "find out the truth of your athletic potential". That may mean you starting your own running journey or working for your next milestone.

Here is the book. Excellent resource!!!


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