Feeling Failure
Two weeks ago I ran my first race since my injury. I felt good and I had lofty goals. I was ready to conquer the race and the world. Welp! I finished the race. (Congratulations). Ran the entire thing! However, my time was horrible (to me). I felt like a failure. I ran very gingerly on the knee because I didn’t want to injure myself and I did NOT want to walk.
I always say, me versus me, but this time I felt like I lost to me. Self talk can be so sabotaging. After the race my daughters were congratulating me and told me how proud they were of me. It meant more than they could ever know. They reminded me where I had come from and the progress I have made over the last year. I then had to remind myself that I am improving and I did a “hard thing” that not too many people can do or choose to do.
Although I wanted to count this is a failure I really count this as a lesson learned. I feel like I need to work on my mental toughness when it comes to running. In the other parts of my life I think I have a strong personality and mental toughness about myself. However, this is truly a humbling area where I must diligently work to improve my mental side of running. I will not dwell on the negative but focus on the positive as I prepare for my next race, a half marathon in June.
As I train I feel like these races and workouts not only fuel my body but my mind. The challenges and obstacles I face make me stronger on the course but also more resilient in life. I am learning that I really can do anything. I am also learning that I can be my biggest competitor. It is truly not about anyone else or their opinions of me. It’s about my belief in me. I challenge you as we close this school year and start planning for the next to move your body and challenge yourself. One of my coaches says, “Challenge is Change”. I think when we challenge our bodies we challenge our minds. And when we do both we become stronger and more confident individuals.
Let’s finish this school year stronger than how we started. There is nothing we cannot accomplish!
#RunningSupt
#InspireExcellence