This morning I went out for an 8 mile run. I had done it before but this morning was a bit different. I felt a little tired since we had a late night and 4 a.m. came rather quickly. By the time I was going into mile 2 I was ready to stop and turn back. My pace had slowed down while at the same time my mind was fighting the urge to stop. I even tried to convince myself that even if I just ran 4-5 miles it would be okay.
I felt pretty hungry and I did not think that the 2 little Gu Bloks I had brought with me would get me through, but I decided to try it and eat one. Getting to mile 3 I was still considering turning back; again considering a 6 mile run was good enough. Deep down I knew I could not quit, I had gone through this before and I knew I just had to push through it.
My 4 mile turn around was coming up and I convinced myself to get to it that way I would be forced to complete the 8 mile run even if I had to walk. At about mile 4.5 my pace began to pick up and I was feeling better. I ate my last Gu Blok and it got me through to the finish.
In life as in this simple 8 mile run, we can justify quitting. I had not had a lot of sleep, it was cold, I did not bring enough supplements and I would rather have stayed in my cozy bed; all valid reasons. My reason for running these 8 miles was part of a bigger goal. Had I quit, I would have set myself back in my training. In order to compete and complete a full Ironman Triathlon I know I have to be able to hit a certain mark by a certain date. If I allow myself to quit then the next time I’m faced with a small adversity or even a greater one, I’ll retreat and never hit my goal.
In life we are hit almost daily with challenges that can get us off track and quit. It’s a big mind game that you must win if you want to achieve your goals. When things are tough I have to dig deep into myself and overcome the challenge. The best way for me is to recognize that whatever I may be struggling with is part of the training and quitting will only set me back. When I overcome the challenge I will usually learn something of great value and grow, ready for the next challenge. They’re going to come so I might as well get through it.
What are you going through that is challenging you or what have you gone through that has challenged you?
