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This morning I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to go to the gym. The moment my alarm went off my entire body was in an uproar. "No!" screamed. "I want more sleep!" I dragged my tired self out of bed, pulled up my hair, tied my running shoes, and set off anyway.
Today's training run was four miles. For some reason, early runs over three miles are tougher on me mentally. However, I realized how necessary it is to continue training through these last few weeks, so I started up the treadmill. Yesterday I had decided it would be beneficial to push my body a little further by starting at a speed or two higher than my normal level. Nothing crazy, I had thought. No need to get hurt. But let's get to another fitness level.
Fast forward 15 minutes. I'm hot, sweaty, and bored. My body isn't in pain, but my mind is ready to quit. I don't want to keep pushing myself, even though that's what I had planned to do. I'm torn about continuing. What if it's too tough? What if I can't hold the pace? Then I find my mind.
"Well," I think, "it's not like it's going to kill you."
So I upped the speed. Five minutes later, I did it again. I repeated this pattern until the last three-tenths of a mile when I started to sprint. "Buck up," I said as I saw the end in sight, as my insides felt like they were moving out of my comfort zone. "You're fine. You're not going to puke or faint just because you're pushing your body."
I was right, of course, and I finished with a great time. In the car after the run, I started thinking why I had insisted on arguing with my decision. It would have been one thing if I had felt sick or like I was going to get hurt, but I didn't. So why argue?
Why is it that when it's time to push ourselves to new levels—even when we know we're capable—that we start second-guessing our potential? Why do we sometimes let our minds take over?
We all know the famous quote "Do something each day that scares you." While I don't think you need give yourself a tough challenge every day, I do sincerely wonder what it is about life we're scared to face. I mean, what scares you? Is it a physical challenge, like pushing your body to a new fitness level? Is it professional? Are you afraid to ask for a raise or inquire about a position? Are you nervous to take the next step in life, whether that's going to school, buying a home, or meeting someone new?
You know you're awesome. So don't not be afraid. Today, let's all take care of one thing that seems scary. I have no doubt that you're strong enough to handle it. And at the end of the day you'll be glad you did.
This morning I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to go to the gym. The moment my alarm went off my entire body was in an uproar. "No!" screamed. "I want more sleep!" I dragged my tired self out of bed, pulled up my hair, tied my running shoes, and set off anyway.
Today's training run was four miles. For some reason, early runs over three miles are tougher on me mentally. However, I realized how necessary it is to continue training through these last few weeks, so I started up the treadmill. Yesterday I had decided it would be beneficial to push my body a little further by starting at a speed or two higher than my normal level. Nothing crazy, I had thought. No need to get hurt. But let's get to another fitness level.
Fast forward 15 minutes. I'm hot, sweaty, and bored. My body isn't in pain, but my mind is ready to quit. I don't want to keep pushing myself, even though that's what I had planned to do. I'm torn about continuing. What if it's too tough? What if I can't hold the pace? Then I find my mind.
"Well," I think, "it's not like it's going to kill you."
So I upped the speed. Five minutes later, I did it again. I repeated this pattern until the last three-tenths of a mile when I started to sprint. "Buck up," I said as I saw the end in sight, as my insides felt like they were moving out of my comfort zone. "You're fine. You're not going to puke or faint just because you're pushing your body."
I was right, of course, and I finished with a great time. In the car after the run, I started thinking why I had insisted on arguing with my decision. It would have been one thing if I had felt sick or like I was going to get hurt, but I didn't. So why argue?
Why is it that when it's time to push ourselves to new levels—even when we know we're capable—that we start second-guessing our potential? Why do we sometimes let our minds take over?
We all know the famous quote "Do something each day that scares you." While I don't think you need give yourself a tough challenge every day, I do sincerely wonder what it is about life we're scared to face. I mean, what scares you? Is it a physical challenge, like pushing your body to a new fitness level? Is it professional? Are you afraid to ask for a raise or inquire about a position? Are you nervous to take the next step in life, whether that's going to school, buying a home, or meeting someone new?
You know you're awesome. So don't not be afraid. Today, let's all take care of one thing that seems scary. I have no doubt that you're strong enough to handle it. And at the end of the day you'll be glad you did.
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