I love running! Yet, running (to me) is more of a mental mind game than a physical endurance sport. On many of my runs, I find myself tackling the mental roadblock of the, “I can’t” or “I am tired” or “There is absolutely no way I can tackle that hill or run another step or hit that pace!”. Running is a mental game… and I am currently tackling the mental roadblock of my running.
I love running because it challenges me to do things that I don’t think is possible… like running a 5K while pushing a double jogger, running and training for a distance race with three small children (one who still nurses), or even running at a certain pace per mile!
Once I tackled the mental I can’t and realize that I can … I am stronger because of it!
There have been times when I have succumbed to the I can’t while running, and afterwards I kick myself for not pushing harder – trying more – because I know I had it in me to do it (can).
I remember doing track repeats during track practice in high school and crying… YES CRYING… because I didn’t think I could physically do another timed mile repeat. Yet my coach knew I could. I begrudgingly did it… and DID IT!
Sometimes we just need to suck it up and challenge ourselves… even when we don’t think we can. When we challenge ourselves to do something that we once thought impossible, we might be surprised to what we find out!
Whether it is increasing your walking pace, running in spurts during your walks… or running longer, harder, or faster. Heck, even incorporating a fitness workout that you once deemed too difficult.
You are capable of more than you know!! You are stronger than you think! You are only competing against yourself… tackle the mental roadblock and succeed!
You can do it
Misty @ Life Off the D List! says
So true! I often talk about treating both sides of the coin …it’s not all physical you have to work on the mental or emotional side as well. Sometimes the only thing stopping us is those two little words “I can’t”! Thank you for a great post
feener says
so so so true. when i started running and tris i finally realized how mental all of it is. that negative thought that pops in your head. and even after all the workouts i do – i still have that negative thought. i believe you need to train your body and your mind. and the mind has proven a bunch harder
Heather @ Not a DIY Life says
You are stronger than you think. I love it!
Kendra says
Great Post Rachel! The power of realizing that you CAN is so invaluable. Overcoming the roadblock makes the triumph that much sweeter!
“You are capable of more than you know!! You are stronger than you think!” – just reading those words makes me feel strong. -Thanks