I used to hate running. Why? I didn’t think I was good at it.
I can still remember how I felt in middle school when the mile run came around. I dreaded it and looked for strategic ways to get out of running it (and often succeeded). I hated feeling like I wasn’t good or competitive at something that I wanted to be good at.
Tonight, I had the best run of my life. I felt strong, resilient, captivated by the moment, and eager to go further and further with every step. I felt confident in my ability to run, certain in my breaths, and eager to push myself as far as it felt right. I ran non-stop (minus a few photo moments – see left) for over an hour, loving and smiling through every moment. I didn’t once feel tired or as if I couldn’t keep going… In fact, I couldn’t wait to go further. Why? I stopped thinking about not being good at running. I just ran, freely, without thought about what I should be doing or what other people think about my form and speed… I simply listened to my body and did exactly what I felt was right. Wow! What a difference attitude and confidence brings…
If you know me well, you know that I bring exuberance and optimism to all that I do. I’m typically unafraid to take risks and try new things, and I’m always in high spirits. Running, however, affected me differently. It wasn’t until tonight that I truly understood the importance of attitude, confidence and state of mind…
In life, you can only do as well as you think you can. If you think you’ll fail, you will. If you know you’ll win, you’ll find a way. You’ll think less, do more, and learn along the way. How you’ll win might change, but you’ll adapt and modify accordingly. When something feels right, you’ll go for it. And most importantly, you’ll listen to yourself. Only you know if you’re heading in the right direction, seeking all of which you’re capable of, or if where you’re going is the wrong path.
Tonight, I passed at least 15 pairs of women power-walking. I couldn’t help but think to myself, as great as it is that they’re doing something, is this all that they think they’re capable of?
Tags: attitude, confidence, failure, fear, happiness, life, running
As you know I love reading your words …. I love the way it appears that you greet each day with a smile and enthusiasm. I was just wondering if you forgot to finish the last sentence?
Something like “is that all they are capable of, or are they in the same place that I am? The euphoric state of mind where their bodies just feel right.”
Please read this post: http://personalmba.com/world-class-performance-secret/
Two reasons:
-It has a lot to do with what you jsut wrote.
-It took me a LOT of time to find it again!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Joseph Cook, Cassie. Cassie said: Yes
RT @amber_rae: Running as a metaphor for life http://retwt.me/1dKFf [...]
walking is not a half-ass version of running…they are two different types of workouts. some people can’t walk because their bodies (especially in women: knees) can’t handle it. walking a mile and running a mile burn the same amount of calories, but they work different muscles, so many people choose power walking b/c it suits their physical fitness wants better.
i just think this is a naive way to look at working out. you also seem to be picking on women who choose to walk — maybe they are older, are prone to osteoporosis, or just wanted to clear their minds on a nice brisk walk. who are you to say what is better or worse?
and you were likely not running that fast, or you would not have brought your smartphone along to snap photos along the way.
I love runs like the one you describe above. Runs like that more than makes up for those leaden-leg days. And isn’t autumn just the best running season of all?
I’ve been kicking around ideas about marathon running as a metaphor for living well. Or perhaps a marathon runner’s guide to social media. Thanks for the inspiration. -Andy